Summary: Taxpayers who have missed the prescribed income tax return filing deadline for financial year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27) can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, subject to the applicable statutory conditions. The ordinary last date for filing a belated return is 31 December 2026 or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. However, filing after the applicable due date may attract late filing fees under Section 234F, interest under Section 234A and restrictions on carrying forward certain business and capital losses. The late filing fee is generally ₹5,000 where total income exceeds ₹5 lakh and ₹1,000 where total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh, provided the taxpayer is required to furnish a return. Taxpayers who have already filed their returns but subsequently discover omissions or incorrect particulars may file revised returns under Section 139(5) up to 31 March 2027, subject to completion of assessment. The Finance Act, 2026 also introduced a separate fee under Section 234-I for specified revised returns furnished after 31 December 2026. Taxpayers who miss the belated return deadline may explore the updated return facility under Section 139(8A), subject to restrictions and additional tax. Although the Income-tax Act, 2025 came into force on 1 April 2026, returns relating to FY 2025-26 continue to be governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961. This article explains the applicable deadlines, late filing consequences, revised return provisions, updated return facility and practical steps for taxpayers.
- Income Tax Return Filing Due Dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
- Belated Income Tax Return Under Section 139(4)
- Who Can File a Belated Return?
- Late Filing Fees Under Section 234F for AY 2026-27
- Example of Late Filing Fee
- Interest on Late Filing Under Section 234A
- Example of Interest Calculation
- Disadvantages of Filing Income Tax Return After the Due Date
- 1. Restrictions on Carrying Forward Certain Losses
- 2. Possible Reduction in Interest on Refunds
- 3. Additional Interest Liability
- 4. Delay in Receiving Income Tax Refunds
- 5. Reduced Time to Correct Errors
- Revised Income Tax Return Under Section 139(5)
- Fee for Revised Returns Filed After 31 December 2026
- Defective Income Tax Return Under Section 139(9)
- Updated Income Tax Return Under Section 139(8A)
- Additional Tax on Updated Returns
- How to File a Belated Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27
- Frequently Asked Questions on Late ITR Filing for AY 2026-27
- 1. What is the last date for filing a belated ITR for FY 2025-26?
- 2. What is the late filing fee for AY 2026-27?
- 3. Can I file an income tax return after 31 December 2026?
- 4. Can I revise a belated income tax return?
- 5. Is there a fee for revising an ITR after 31 December 2026?
- 6. Will interest apply if I file my ITR late?
- 7. Can I carry forward capital losses if I file a belated return?
- 8. Can I claim a refund through a belated return?
- 9. Does the Income-tax Act, 2025 apply to FY 2025-26?
- 10. Is the late filing fee applicable when there is no tax payable?
- 11. What happens if I fail to e-verify my return?
- 12. Can I use ITR-U to increase my income tax refund?
- Key Takeaways
Income Tax Return Filing Due Dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
The income tax return filing deadlines for AY 2026-27 depend on the category of taxpayer and applicable audit requirements.
| Taxpayer category | Statutory due date |
|---|---|
| Individuals and HUFs not requiring audit, other than specified non-audit business or profession cases | 31 July 2026 |
| Specified non-audit business or profession taxpayers | 31 August 2026 |
| Companies and other taxpayers requiring audit, excluding specified transfer pricing cases | 31 October 2026 |
| Taxpayers required to furnish a report under Section 92E | 30 November 2026 |
Important update: CBDT Circular No. 07/2026 dated 28 September 2026 extended the due date for furnishing specified audit reports to 21 October 2026 and the corresponding income tax return filing deadline to 21 November 2026. Taxpayers must apply the due date relevant to their category, including any applicable extension.
Belated Income Tax Return Under Section 139(4)
Taxpayers who fail to furnish their income tax returns within the applicable due date under Section 139(1) may generally file a belated income tax return under Section 139(4).
For AY 2026-27, the ordinary last date for filing a belated return is 31 December 2026 or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
Who Can File a Belated Return?
Eligible taxpayers may include salaried individuals, pensioners, professionals, business owners, companies and other persons who have missed their applicable filing deadline.
However, filing a belated return does not automatically remove late filing fees, interest liability or restrictions on carrying forward specified losses.
Late Filing Fees Under Section 234F for AY 2026-27
Under Section 234F of the Income-tax Act, 1961, a taxpayer required to furnish a return under Section 139 who fails to do so within the applicable due date may be liable to pay a late filing fee.
| Total income | Late filing fee |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Exceeding ₹5 lakh | ₹5,000 |
The fee applies subject to the statutory conditions. It is not automatically payable merely because a person voluntarily files a return after the due date where no return-filing obligation existed.
Example of Late Filing Fee
Suppose a salaried individual having total income of ₹8 lakh for FY 2025-26 files a return after the applicable due date. The late filing fee would generally be ₹5,000.
Where total income is ₹4 lakh and the taxpayer is required to furnish a return under Section 139, the fee would generally be ₹1,000.
Note: Late filing fees are separate from income tax, interest and other applicable liabilities.
Interest on Late Filing Under Section 234A
Where tax remains payable, interest under Section 234A may arise for delay in filing an income tax return.
Interest is generally charged at 1% per month or part of a month on the amount determined under the statutory provisions.
Example of Interest Calculation
Assume the following:
- Tax liability relevant for Section 234A: ₹50,000.
- Applicable filing due date: 31 July 2026.
- Actual filing date: 15 October 2026.
- Delay for interest calculation: Three months or parts thereof.
Interest = ₹50,000 × 1% × 3 = ₹1,500.
This calculation is illustrative. Actual interest depends on the applicable due date, advance tax, TDS, TCS, eligible credits, payments and other statutory adjustments.
Interest under Sections 234B and 234C may also apply independently where the relevant conditions concerning advance tax are satisfied.
Disadvantages of Filing Income Tax Return After the Due Date
1. Restrictions on Carrying Forward Certain Losses
Under Section 80 read with Section 139(3), certain losses generally cannot be carried forward unless the return is furnished within the prescribed time.
The rules relating to filing loss returns and carrying forward losses are particularly important for taxpayers having business or investment losses.
These restrictions generally cover:
- Business losses, including speculation business losses.
- Capital losses.
- Losses from owning and maintaining racehorses.
However, eligible house property losses and unabsorbed depreciation are governed by different provisions and are not automatically forfeited merely because the return is filed late.
2. Possible Reduction in Interest on Refunds
Delay in furnishing an income tax return may affect the period for which interest on a refund is payable under Section 244A.
The financial impact may be material where a substantial refund is due.
3. Additional Interest Liability
Interest under Sections 234A, 234B and 234C may increase the total amount payable, depending on the taxpayer’s circumstances.
4. Delay in Receiving Income Tax Refunds
Late filing may delay processing of the return and issuance of an eligible refund.
5. Reduced Time to Correct Errors
Filing close to the final deadline leaves less time to identify incorrect particulars, omitted income, mismatched tax credits or other errors.
Revised Income Tax Return Under Section 139(5)
A taxpayer who discovers an omission or incorrect statement in an original or belated return may generally file a revised return under Section 139(5).
For AY 2026-27, the ordinary deadline for filing a revised return is 31 March 2027 or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
Accordingly, the revised return deadline differs from the belated return deadline.
Fee for Revised Returns Filed After 31 December 2026
The Finance Act, 2026 introduced Section 234-I, prescribing a fee for specified revised returns filed after 31 December 2026.
| Total income | Fee under Section 234-I |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Exceeding ₹5 lakh | ₹5,000 |
This is separate from the late filing fee under Section 234F. Its application must be determined under the statutory conditions applicable to the revised return.
Defective Income Tax Return Under Section 139(9)
Where the Income Tax Department identifies defects in a return, it may issue an intimation under Section 139(9).
The taxpayer is ordinarily allowed 15 days from the date of intimation, or an extended period permitted by the Assessing Officer, to rectify the defects.
Failure to rectify defects within the permitted period may result in the return being treated as invalid, subject to the statutory provisions governing delayed rectification.
Updated Income Tax Return Under Section 139(8A)
Taxpayers who miss the ordinary filing deadlines may consider an updated income tax return under Section 139(8A), commonly referred to as ITR-U.
Subject to the statutory conditions, an updated return can generally be furnished within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year.
For AY 2026-27, the outer statutory limit is ordinarily 31 March 2031.
Additional Tax on Updated Returns
Under Section 140B, additional income tax is generally payable at the following rates:
| Filing period from end of relevant AY | Additional tax |
|---|---|
| Within 12 months | 25% |
| After 12 months but within 24 months | 50% |
| After 24 months but within 36 months | 60% |
| After 36 months but within 48 months | 70% |
The percentages apply to the aggregate of tax and interest determined under the applicable provisions, not directly to total income.
The updated return rules and Form ITR-U requirements must be examined before filing.
ITR-U is not a general substitute for a revised return. Restrictions apply to returns reducing tax liability, increasing refunds, reporting losses and specified proceedings. Certain loss-related provisions were also amended by the Finance Act, 2026.
How to File a Belated Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
- Log in using PAN and the applicable credentials.
- Select the income tax return filing service.
- Choose Assessment Year 2026-27.
- Select the appropriate ITR form and filing category.
- Reconcile income, Form 26AS, AIS, TIS and relevant financial records.
- Calculate tax, interest and late filing fees, where applicable.
- Pay the outstanding amount through the prescribed payment facility.
- Submit the return under the applicable provision.
- Complete e-verification within the prescribed time.
Important: Although the Income-tax Act, 2025 came into force on 1 April 2026, the return for FY 2025-26 continues to be governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Frequently Asked Questions on Late ITR Filing for AY 2026-27
1. What is the last date for filing a belated ITR for FY 2025-26?
The ordinary last date is 31 December 2026 or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier, unless further relief is notified.
2. What is the late filing fee for AY 2026-27?
Under Section 234F, the fee is generally ₹1,000 where total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh and ₹5,000 where total income exceeds ₹5 lakh, subject to the statutory conditions.
3. Can I file an income tax return after 31 December 2026?
An eligible taxpayer may consider filing an updated return under Section 139(8A), subject to restrictions and additional tax.
4. Can I revise a belated income tax return?
Yes. A belated return can generally be revised under Section 139(5) before 31 March 2027 or completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
5. Is there a fee for revising an ITR after 31 December 2026?
Section 234-I prescribes a fee for specified revised returns furnished after 31 December 2026, subject to its statutory conditions.
6. Will interest apply if I file my ITR late?
Interest under Section 234A may apply where tax remains payable and the statutory conditions are satisfied. Interest under Sections 234B and 234C may also apply independently.
7. Can I carry forward capital losses if I file a belated return?
Generally, capital losses cannot be carried forward where the return is not furnished within the time prescribed under Section 139(3), read with Section 80.
8. Can I claim a refund through a belated return?
Yes, an eligible refund may generally be claimed through a belated return filed within the permitted time, subject to the applicable provisions.
9. Does the Income-tax Act, 2025 apply to FY 2025-26?
No. Income earned during FY 2025-26 and assessed in AY 2026-27 continues to be governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961.
10. Is the late filing fee applicable when there is no tax payable?
It may still apply where the taxpayer was required to furnish a return under Section 139. The absence of tax payable does not automatically eliminate the fee.
11. What happens if I fail to e-verify my return?
A return not verified within the prescribed period may be treated as invalid, subject to applicable rules and condonation provisions.
12. Can I use ITR-U to increase my income tax refund?
Generally, an updated return cannot be used to increase a refund or reduce the tax liability determined on the basis of an earlier return.
Key Takeaways
- FY 2025-26 corresponds to AY 2026-27 and remains governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961.
- The ordinary belated return deadline is 31 December 2026.
- The revised return deadline is 31 March 2027, subject to completion of assessment.
- Late filing fees under Section 234F are generally ₹1,000 or ₹5,000, depending on total income and statutory conditions.
- Section 234-I may apply to specified revised returns filed after 31 December 2026.
- Interest under Sections 234A, 234B and 234C may apply where relevant.
- Delayed filing may prevent carry-forward of specified business and capital losses.
- Eligible taxpayers may use ITR-U within the prescribed period, subject to restrictions and additional tax.
- Taxpayers should verify applicable CBDT extensions before treating their return as belated.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and explains the provisions applicable to FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) based on the statutory framework and official guidance available as of 12 October 2026. Due dates, procedural requirements and statutory relief may change through notifications, circulars or subsequent amendments. Taxpayers should verify the applicable provisions and seek professional advice where necessary. TaxGuru accepts no responsibility for actions taken solely on the basis of this article.
Dear Sir,
I need your help as my father did not filed his ITR of FY 2011-12 but he has to return an amount of aprx 2lac. so kindly suggest me how he can get that money return .My father was working with sail and he got retirement in Jan 2012 and the tax was deducted from his gratuity money by SAIL.
Dear All,
People facing difficulty in furnishing their Return of Income for the current past Financial Year -2013-14 or even Previous financial Years can get in touch with me via email – [email protected].
Contact – +91-9870082308
Hi
Can you suggest some C.A in Thane ( Mumbai),through whom i can file my returns.
I have salary Income, and my wife has been tarding on NSE online on my Demat A/c as weel as Hers..So we both need to file Returns…
Actually We need to file returns for FY 2011-12 onwards…
Many Thanks
Dear Sir,
Can i filled my return For F.Y.2011-12 in which i have refund of Rs.48000. Is there any penalty for late filling….
pls reply me
Dear Sandeep your Income Rs.4,50,000/- is above the basic exemption limit i.e Rs.2,00,000/- hence u have to file income tax return.
for further information u could contact me at +91 9538852134
Hi to every one, if u gays not filed income tax return on due date don’t worry file it now.
For filing income tax return and related quires contact me at +91 9538852134 and Email. [email protected]
I’m Situated in Bangalore.
I am late in filing my return. Pl help
dear sir,
I am getting a salary of 450000peryear so should i file the it return.
re
dear sir,
I am getting a salary of 450000peryear so should i file the it return.
My mother did not file the return for A.Y 2010-2011 but she had refund of 30k for A.Y 2010-11,now how can she get that amount.If possible then reply me through my mail [email protected]
Dear Sir,
I changed company in July last year and the previous employer deducted only 3500/- agaisnt tax and the new employer did not deduct any tax since i submitted the same home loan docs to them.
I have now received form 16 from both the employers and have to pay tax . Can yhou please guide me how to pay tax with interest now.
Regards
Priya
I am salaried & haven’t filed my return for FY 2012-13. since i worked for 2 different organization in this period my tax liability for FY 2012-13 stands at Rs.20k including 5k penalty.
My question is since 31st July is the last date for filing return for FY 2013-14 can i file my tax return for FY 2013 -14 first without filing return for FY 2012-13.
Due to inadvertent reasons my ay 2011 returns were not accepted.though i have a refund against same.what would be procedure to file the same.kindly guide.
DUE DATE OF INCOME TAX RETURN FILLING IS 31.07.2014
As everyone knows about filling of income tax return, here time has come again to file your return for FY 2013-14. Every individual is required to file their return if their income is above Rs. 2,00,000 and for senior citizens if their income is above 2,50,000. From this financial year onwards every assessee will get rebate of Rs.2000 if their gross total income is below 5,00,000. And it is not mandatory that only one can file his/her return if income is above 2,00,000/ 2,50,000 as the case may be rather person can file his/her return if income is below taxable limit.
So here we are to help you in filling your returns for FY 2013-14. In case any person has failed to file their return for FY 2012-13 then remember time has not passed away they can file their return now also.
So contact us for filling your returns for FY 2012-13 as well as for FY 2013-14.
Need Help?
Tax Accounting Services
Call : 7838533488
Email : [email protected]
Dear Sir,
I have filed the IT returns of AY 2008-09, in that returns some error are there like refund is not reflected in that returns, so now(2014) can I file the revise returns of AY 2008-09 to get the refund. Please give me information regarding this.
Hi,
I need some help regarding I.T. I was working in a company from 2009-2012. And my salary was not taxable it was bellow the tax slab. So i never filled any ITR, And right now i am not working anywhere. But few days ago i clicked a tab in my SBI Netbaking portal ( View your income tax statement) And it redirected me to some site called TRACES. There was a page 26AS and it was showing that i have paid TDS for the financial year 2010-11 and Assessment Year 2011-2012. Now my question is there any way so that i can fill the ITR and get the money.
Thanks & Regards
Dear Sir,
My mother inherited a share of residential property from her mother i.e. my grand-mother in year 1991 for Rs. 60,000 (60 thousand) as her share, which she sold off year June’2013 for Rs. sixteen-lakhs as her share. Amount received is completely reinvested in our first residential house as joint property with me i.e. her son.
I am confused, is she Liable to file any ITR for AY 2014-2015 for any such LTCG.
It will be kind of you, if you can let me know that Is it absolutely necessary to file NIL ITR for this LTCG.
Thanks
Avishkar
Dear All,
If you’ve missed the ITR deadlines for FY 2012-13, we can help you to still file your return.
Reach us at 9324242233
It would be advisable to file returns only for FY 13-14 (corresponding to AY 14-15. This would enable an assessee to save on penalty for not filing u/s 271F. This is based on the resumption that there is nil tax liability.
I have been working on and off since Dec 2009. I want to file my returns for all previous assessment years. Can I do that or should I start afresh? Please let me know what needs to be done….
Dear Sir,
Can i file nil return for the f.y. 2011-12 to 2013-14, my net income is in exemption limit so is there any penality to pay for this and what is the deadline date for efilling of that returns
thanks
Hi,
I have to get a refund of around 40k for the year 2011-12, is there no way i can file now.
Can i file a nil tax return now for the a.y. 2013-14. What penalty will araise.
Hi,
I had definitely filed manual ITR through consultant for 2011-12. But i have lost the acknowledgement receipt. Co-incidently i have received the notice from IT dept that i havent filed the ITR for 2011-12. I am damn sure tht i have filed ITR for hat year. Even on ITR sire its showing that i havent filed it.
What can i do in that case?
Thanks,
Mandar
can i it e-return for ay-09-10 to 12-13 without penalty
dear sir,
i want to know if new compnay start a busniess for f.year 2012-13 his turnover is Rs.15 Lakh …it is non professional firm
it is mandotary tax audit or not
PLs contact 9987661182
sorry for typing mistake in above , I typed ward instead of word.
Dear experts
As per Act “tuition fees (excluding any payment towards any development fees or donation or payment of similar nature), whether at the time of admission or thereafter” & Circular 08/2013 says “It is clarified that the amount allowable as tuition fees shall include any payment of fee to any
university, college, school or other educational institution in India except the amount
representing payment in the nature of development fees or donation or capitation fees or payment of similar nature.”
As per above sentence ward given “ any fee at the time of admission or thereafter” not says only tuition fee, so tuition fee covers other fees also which are paid for education.
Only disallowed expenses which are not paid for education & paid for nature of donation (development fees or donation) or capitation fee- eg for uniform , conveyance , Library etc.
Admission fee, Annual fee, Annual charges, Exam fee, Tuition Fee are not the nature of donation or capitation & pa
My father, an ex Central Govt officer, expired on 31st May 2013 at the age of 98 years. He had been regularly filing his IT return by due date. After his death, I complied all the details for filing his return for AY 2013-14. Since his annual income from pension and interest from deposits was around Rs 8 lakhs, as per the new rules his return is to be mandatorily filed by e-filing. Also, I learnt from the Income tax website that I have to get a legal heir certificate for filing his return. But a Chartered account has advised me that only in case where the accounts are mandatorily auditable is a legal heir certificaterequired for filing the return, and, since this is not the case, I need to file it as his representative by putting my name and PAN number in the VERIFICATION section of the return.
Please let me know what is the correct position in this instance as I am keen to file the return before 31st Mar 2014.
Dear Sir.
I am salaried employee joined on 1st march 2011, I didnt file the return since 2011 to till now since im not come under taxable liability. Could you please suggest me should i file the nil return or belated return from 2011 though im not come under tax liability? shall i liable to pay any penalty for not filing nil return?
Please suggest me.
Thanks
Srinivas.S
Dear Sir,
I have just realized, My IT return has not been filed for AY 10-11 by my CA, whereas other returns are update. I have to claim an refund of 50k on AY 10-11. Please guide me how to file it now. FYI, Already filed AY 13-14 returns.
Thx in advance
My Income for the FY 2010-11 was under 5 lakh, not submitted return. Now found Rs. 500 tax due, how can I manage it now. Can I pay the balance tax now, I could not file return now.
Can I still file income tax return for the FY 2010-11, after self assesment it is found around Rs. 500 tax is due for the FY 2010-11. Please help.
CAN I SUBMIT THE INCOME TAX RETURN FOR A.Y.2011-12. I HAVE MIS THE DATE 31.03.2013
Good information.. this acts as a knowledge portal.
I have not filed my income tax return for A.Y 2010-11 and i have a refund of Rs. 40000 in the same,Is there any way to get the amount refunded.
I had purchased a house property in 2008-09. I found out now that there was a mistake in a few transactions in the IT return that i filed that your. Can those mistakes be rectified and can I file a revised return now? TY
Hi,
Is there any provision for a salaried individual to file for losses due to legal issues, or any other forms of expenditure that arise out of legal and personal situations barring health criteria?
Might be a silly or a stupid question, but its better to ask than keep quiet.Thanks for your patience
Can nil return be filled after completion of the period of belated return e.g. 31-03-2012 for a.y.2010-11? If filled can penalty be impoed?
What if it is a salary return(A.Y.2011-12) and TDS has been deducted up to date and there is a refund and in such case if I fie the return after 31/03/2012, will I be imposed witha penalty of Rs.5,000/-.
An individual can file income tax return for last 3 year on or before 31st March,12 if he has no tax due or he was not under income tax slab but as per requirement of loan he need to flie income tax retun. please let me can I file the returns without any penalty
I have filied retrun in Dt. 16.03.2011 in F.Y 2009-2010 & A.y 2010-11
i want some change in my retaun, how can i change my retaun, what was charges of rewised return in F.Y. 200-2010
In the third para last portion it is shown as 31st March 2012 instead of 31st March 2011.Will that be corrected by you now in order to give correct information to the readers.
n case if you hv no filed your returns before 04.08.2010 you cannot C/f your Capital Loss
Pleases explain me that, i have a salaried person and with this i have a short term capital loss- which is carried forward to next year. but ihave not filled my tax return upto 4th august,2010. is i filled in between one month, i can claim capital loss in next year.
Can u elaborate on loss of interest on refund?
Thanks for guidance for people who are self filing returns. How ever this article will remain incomlete with out including guidance on section 234A, B, and C.Many times this section comes in play while calculating ones tax liability. Hence request for detailed article on this section.
Thanks for explaining the causes of belated filing return.
Dear Friend,
Thanks for elaborating the issue of TAX RETURN FILING together with merits and demerits of timely/late filing of returns.
Please keep updating the general one with such articles which are not only useful as also serve as a guiding measure.
AK Bhargava