Quick answers
- Can I still file after the due date? Yes — a belated return under Section 139(4) until 31 December 2026 for AY 2026-27.
- What does a belated return cost? A Section 234F late fee plus 234A interest, and loss of loss carry-forward.
- What if I miss 31 December too? You can file an updated return (ITR-U) up to 31 March 2031, with extra tax.
- What is a revised return? A correction to an already-filed return, allowed before the deadline.
- Can I get a refund in an updated return? No — ITR-U cannot be used to claim or increase a refund.
What are belated, revised and updated returns?
A belated return under Section 139(4) is filed after the due date but within the extended window. A revised return under Section 139(5) corrects an already-filed return. An updated return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) lets you file or update after even the belated window, on payment of additional tax.
All three apply under the Income-tax Act, 1961, which still governs AY 2026-27 returns.
Comparison at a glance (AY 2026-27)
| Return type | Section | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Belated return | 139(4) | 31 December 2026 |
| Revised return | 139(5) | 31 December 2026 |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | 139(8A) | 31 March 2031 |
What to do after missing the deadline
- File a belated return under Section 139(4) by 31 December 2026.
- Pay Section 234F fee and Section 234A interest as self-assessment tax before submitting.
- E-verify within 30 days via Aadhaar OTP or send signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
- Use a revised return (Section 139(5)) if you already filed but made errors.
- Use ITR-U as a last resort by 31 March 2031, paying additional tax.
The cost of filing late
A belated return attracts a Section 234F fee of up to Rs 5,000 (Rs 1,000 if total income is up to Rs 5 lakh) and 1% monthly interest under Section 234A on unpaid tax.
An updated return under Section 139(8A) carries additional tax of 25% of tax and interest if filed within 12 months of the assessment year's end, rising in tiers up to 70% as the delay grows.
Late filing forfeits the carry-forward of business and most capital losses to future years.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the belated date — you pay 234F fee, 234A interest and lose loss carry-forward.
- Trying to claim a refund via ITR-U — not allowed under Section 139(8A).
- Not verifying the return — late returns become invalid if not e-verified in 30 days.
- Ignoring the right window — once 139(4) closes, only 139(8A) (ITR-U) remains.
Key takeaways
- A belated return can be filed until 31 December 2026 for AY 2026-27.
- After that, an updated return (ITR-U) is allowed up to 31 March 2031.
- ITR-U carries additional tax of 25% to 70% and cannot claim a refund.
- Late filing forfeits loss carry-forward and adds 234A interest.
- Filing on time is always the cheapest option.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I file ITR after the due date? Yes — under Section 139(4) up to 31 December 2026, with a late fee and interest.
- What is a belated return? A return filed after the original due date but within the extended window under Section 139(4).
- What is an updated return or ITR-U? A return filed under Section 139(8A) within 48 months of the assessment year's end, on payment of additional tax.
- ITR ki last date miss ho gayi, ab kya karu? File a belated return by 31 December 2026 or an updated return (ITR-U) by 31 March 2031.
- How much extra tax does ITR-U cost? 25% additional tax if filed within 12 months, rising in tiers up to 70% the longer you wait.
- Can I claim a refund in an updated return? No — ITR-U cannot be used to claim or increase a refund.
- What is the difference between belated and revised returns? A belated return is filed when you missed the due date; a revised return corrects a return you already filed.
- What do I lose by filing late? The Section 234F fee, Section 234A interest, and carry-forward of business and most capital losses.
About the author
Gaurav
Senior Advisor at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
