Quick answers
- Individuals (non-audit) — 31 July 2026 for AY 2026-27.
- Audit cases — 31 October 2026.
- Transfer-pricing cases — 30 November 2026.
- Belated return — until 31 December 2026 under Section 139(4).
- Late fee — Rs 1,000 if income up to Rs 5 lakh; Rs 5,000 otherwise, under Section 234F.
Filing calendar for AY 2026-27
| Taxpayer | Due date | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Individual, HUF (non-audit) | 31 July 2026 | 139(1) |
| Company, audit case | 31 October 2026 | 139(1) |
| Transfer-pricing report case | 30 November 2026 | 139(1) & 92E |
| Belated/revised return | 31 December 2026 | 139(4)/139(5) |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | 31 March 2031 | 139(8A) |
Late filing fee under Section 234F
If a return is filed after the due date but within the belated window, a late fee under Section 234F of the Income-tax Act, 1961 applies. The fee is Rs 1,000 if total income is up to Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 5,000 otherwise.
There is no late fee if total income is below the basic exemption limit and the return is filed within the belated window.
234A interest on late tax
Section 234A levies simple interest at 1% per month or part-month on unpaid self-assessment tax from the day after the due date till the date of filing.
Interest is calculated on the net tax payable after TDS and advance tax credits, so taxpayers with no balance tax escape 234A even if they file late.
Other consequences of missing the deadline
- Business and capital losses cannot be carried forward (except house property loss).
- Refund is delayed — late returns are processed later in the cycle.
- Risk of an Income Tax notice (under Section 142(1) or 148) increases.
- Updated returns under Section 139(8A) cost 25%-70% additional tax.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a Section 119 extension — they are not guaranteed.
- Filing without paying self-assessment tax — the portal still levies 234A interest.
- Picking ITR-1 when capital gains are present — return becomes defective.
- Skipping e-verification within 30 days — the return is treated as unfiled.
Key takeaways
- 31 July 2026 is the headline date for most individual filers (AY 2026-27).
- Belated returns are allowed up to 31 December 2026 under Section 139(4).
- Late fee under Section 234F: Rs 1,000 or Rs 5,000 depending on income.
- 234A interest at 1% per month accrues on unpaid tax from 1 August 2026.
- Updated returns under Section 139(8A) remain available till 31 March 2031.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the ITR due date for AY 2026-27? 31 July 2026 for individuals and HUFs not subject to audit.
- ITR file karne ki last date kya hai? 31 July 2026 (AY 2026-27) for most individuals.
- What is the penalty for late ITR? Rs 1,000 if income is up to Rs 5 lakh; Rs 5,000 otherwise — plus 234A interest on unpaid tax.
- Can I still file after 31 July? Yes — belated returns are allowed up to 31 December 2026 with the Section 234F fee.
- Does 234A interest apply if I'm getting a refund? No — interest applies only on net tax payable after TDS and advance tax.
- Is the audit-case due date different? Yes — 31 October 2026 for audit cases under Section 44AB.
- Can I revise a return after the due date? Yes, until 31 December 2026 under Section 139(5).
- Will losses be carried forward if I file late? Only house property losses; business and capital losses lapse.
ITR due dateSection 234FLate feeAY 2026-27
About the author
Deepak
Senior Advisor at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
