If you miss the due date for filing your Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27, you can still file a belated return. However, late filing may result in a late filing fee under Section 234F and interest on unpaid tax, wherever applicable. The late filing fee can be up to ₹5,000, depending on your total income.

What Are the Consequences of Filing ITR Late?

Apart from the late filing fee and interest, filing your return after the due date may affect your ability to carry forward certain losses to future years. It may also delay the processing of your return and any income-tax refund due to you.

Therefore, taxpayers should avoid delaying their return merely because there is no tax payable or because sufficient TDS has already been deducted.

What Is the Last Date for Filing a Belated Return?

For AY 2026-27, a belated Income Tax Return can generally be filed up to 31 December 2026, or before completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

Taxpayers who have missed their original filing deadline should therefore complete their AIS, Form 26AS, TDS and tax-payment reconciliation and file the belated return as early as possible rather than waiting until December.

Mardia Global | Tax & Accounting Insights for Businesses & Individuals in India