Missed the ITR Deadline? How to File a Belated or Revised Return for AY 2026-27
Missing the ITR due date for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) is not the end of the road. You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026. It costs you a late fee and some flexibility, so the sooner you file, the less you lose.
Belated or revised: which one do you need?
| Belated return | Revised return | |
|---|---|---|
| When to use | You did not file by the due date | You filed, but found a mistake or missed income |
| Last date for AY 2026-27 | 31 December 2026 | 31 March 2027 |
| Late fee (Section 234F) | ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income is ₹5 lakh or less) | Not under 234F, since you already filed on time |
What a belated return costs
- Late fee, Section 234F: ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if your total income is ₹5 lakh or less.
- Interest, Section 234A: 1% per month on unpaid tax from the due date until you file.
- Losses: business and capital losses cannot be carried forward. If you had F&O or share-market losses, this can cost far more than the fee.
- Refund: processed, but later.
How to file a belated return, step by step
- Collect Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS/TIS, bank interest certificates and any capital gains statement.
- Work out your tax and pay any balance first, with interest under 234A.
- Log in to the income-tax portal, start the return for AY 2026-27, and choose filing under Section 139(4), which is the belated option.
- Pay the Section 234F fee when the portal asks.
- E-verify within 30 days. A return that is not verified is treated as not filed.
If you already filed and found a mistake
File a revised return, which is possible until 31 March 2027. Common reasons: missed bank interest, a wrong deduction, capital gains reported incorrectly, or a mismatch with AIS. A mismatch with AIS is the most common cause of notices. If you got an intimation with a demand you did not expect, see our revised ITR service before you pay it.
New to the deadlines? Read our AY 2026-27 ITR deadline calendar. Audit case? See the extended tax audit dates. To compare old and new regime tax before you file, use our free Income Tax Calculator.
Missed the date? File it now. From ₹999.
Send Form 16, AIS and your bank interest details on WhatsApp. We will file your belated or revised return and tell you the exact late fee first.
WhatsApp us → +91 96315 26999Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for a belated return for AY 2026-27?
31 December 2026.
How much is the late fee for a belated return?
Under Section 234F it is ₹5,000. If your total income is ₹5 lakh or less, it is capped at ₹1,000. Interest under Section 234A also applies on any unpaid tax.
Can I carry forward losses if I file a belated return?
Business losses and capital losses cannot be carried forward when the return is filed after the due date. House property loss can still be carried forward.
Until when can I revise a return I already filed?
Until 31 March 2027 for AY 2026-27. Revise as soon as you find the mistake. Check the portal for any fee that applies later in the window.
Will I still get my refund if I file late?
Yes, a valid belated return is processed for a refund. It usually takes longer, and interest on the refund starts from the date you file, not the due date.
This article is general information, not professional tax advice for your situation. Dates and fees are as reported for AY 2026-27 as of 4 October 2026; confirm on incometax.gov.in before you file. Related services: ITR Filing · Revised ITR · Individual ITR.