Belated Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27: How to file it and what are the charges?

If you miss the July 31 deadline for filing your income tax return (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2026, under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The process of filing a belated return is similar to filing a regular ITR. Taxpayers need to log in to the income tax e-filing portal, select the relevant assessment year, choose the appropriate ITR form, select the option for a belated return under Section 139(4), enter the required details, pay any pending tax and applicable late fee, submit the return, and complete e-verification.

However, filing after the due date can have certain financial and tax-related implications.

• A late filing fee of ₹5,000 if total income exceeds ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh, under Section 234F.

• Interest on any unpaid tax under applicable provisions.

• Delay in receiving tax refunds.

• Loss of the benefit of carrying forward certain losses, including business and capital losses.

Can you claim a refund through a belated return?

Yes, taxpayers can claim a refund by filing a belated return. However, missing the original deadline may limit some options available to taxpayers. For instance, certain taxpayers may not be able to change their tax regime after the due date, which could affect their overall tax liability and refund amount.

A belated return also does not allow taxpayers to carry forward certain losses that could have been adjusted against future income.

CA Siddharth Maurya, Managing Director of Vibhavangal Anukulkara Pvt Ltd, said, "Taxpayers should avoid waiting until the last date of the belated filing window. Filing early helps prevent issues caused by technical glitches, missing documents, or last-minute errors."

Can a belated return be revised?

What if you miss the belated return deadline?

However, ITR-U cannot be used to claim additional deductions, reduce tax liability, or increase a refund. Additional tax may also apply while filing an updated return.

What is the last date to file a belated return for AY 2026-27?

Under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, a belated return for AY 2026-27 can be filed on or before December 31, 2026, or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

Under Section 234F, the late filing fee is ₹1,000 where total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh, and ₹5,000 in all other cases.