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Valid for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) — Section 234F & 234A rules as per current law. Last updated: July 2026
Late ITR Penalty · Section 234F

Late Filing Penalty
Calculator (234F)

Filing your ITR after the due date? Instantly calculate your late filing fee under Section 234F (₹1,000 or ₹5,000) plus Section 234A interest on any unpaid tax for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27).

✓ Section 234F Fee✓ Section 234A Interest ✓ Belated Return Deadline✓ Small-Taxpayer Relief ✓ AY 2026-27✓ No Login Needed
⏰ Enter Your Details
Total Annual Income ₹7,00,000
Your gross total income for the year (before deductions). Decides whether the fee is ₹1,000 or ₹5,000.
Tax Regime / Age Category
If your income is below this basic exemption limit, no 234F late fee applies.
ITR Due Date
The original due date for your category under Section 139(1).
Actual / Planned Filing Date
Belated returns can be filed only up to 31 Dec 2026. After that you must file ITR-U.
Unpaid Self-Assessment Tax ₹0
Tax still payable after TDS/advance tax. Section 234A interest of 1% per month applies on this amount.

Enter your details and click Calculate to see your total late filing penalty.

The Rules

How is the 234F Late Fee Calculated?

Section 234F — Late Filing Fee Slabs

A flat fee is charged the moment you file your ITR after the due date. The amount depends only on your total income — not on how late you are.

Total IncomeLate Fee (234F)
Below basic exemption limit₹0
Up to ₹5,00,000₹1,000
Above ₹5,00,000₹5,000

Section 234A — Interest on Unpaid Tax

Interest Formula
Interest = Unpaid Tax × 1% × Number of months late

Interest under Section 234A runs at 1% per month (or part of a month) on any self-assessment tax still unpaid, from the day after the due date until you actually file and pay.

Late Filing Guide

Deadlines & What Happens If You Miss Them

💡 Note: For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), a belated return can be filed up to 31 December 2026. Miss that too, and your only option is an Updated Return (ITR-U) with a much heavier penalty.

1. What is Section 234F?

Section 234F imposes a mandatory late filing fee when you submit your Income Tax Return after the due date under Section 139(1). It is a fixed fee — ₹1,000 for small taxpayers (total income up to ₹5 lakh) and ₹5,000 for everyone else.

2. Who is exempt from the 234F fee?

If your gross total income is below the basic exemption limit (₹4,00,000 under the new regime for FY 2025-26, or ₹2,50,000 / ₹3,00,000 / ₹5,00,000 under the old regime by age), you are generally not required to file — so no 234F fee applies. Note: you may still be required to file in special cases (foreign assets, high-value deposits, etc.).

3. Section 234A interest — the hidden cost

Beyond the flat 234F fee, if you have unpaid self-assessment tax, Section 234A adds simple interest at 1% for every month (or part month) of delay. Interest under Sections 234B and 234C may also apply for advance-tax shortfalls.

4. Other consequences of late filing

  • Loss of carry-forward: Business and capital losses cannot be carried forward if you file late.
  • Delayed refunds: Any refund due to you is processed later and may earn less interest.
  • Reduced regime flexibility: Certain elections must be made by the original due date.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the penalty for filing ITR late in 2026?+
Under Section 234F, the late filing fee is ₹5,000 if your total income exceeds ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if your total income is ₹5 lakh or below. If your income is below the basic exemption limit, no fee is charged. On top of this, Section 234A charges 1% interest per month on any unpaid tax.
What is the last date to file a belated return for FY 2025-26?+
For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), a belated return under Section 139(4) can be filed up to 31 December 2026. After this date you cannot file a normal or belated return — you would need to file an Updated Return (ITR-U), which carries an additional tax penalty of 25% to 70%.
Do I have to pay 234F fee if my income is below the taxable limit?+
No. If your gross total income is below the basic exemption limit, you are generally not required to file a return, so no Section 234F fee applies. However, filing is still mandatory in some cases (e.g. you hold foreign assets, deposited over ₹1 crore in bank accounts, or spent over ₹2 lakh on foreign travel) — in those cases the fee can apply.
Is Section 234A interest the same as the 234F fee?+
No. Section 234F is a flat late filing fee (₹1,000 or ₹5,000). Section 234A is interest at 1% per month charged specifically on the amount of tax you still owe. You may have to pay both if you file late with unpaid tax.
Can the late filing fee be waived?+
The Section 234F fee is mandatory and cannot generally be waived, even if you had a genuine reason for the delay. The only way to avoid it is to file your return on or before the due date.
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