How Much Is the Penalty for Late ITR Filing in India?
How Much Is the Penalty for Late ITR Filing in India?
Updated Guide for FY 2024–25 & AY 2025–26
Missed the deadline to file your Income Tax Return (ITR)?
You’re not alone, but it’s important to understand that late filing comes with penalties and interest. Even if your income is below the taxable limit, not filing on time could cost you in the long run.
In this blog, we explain how much penalty you have to pay if you file your ITR after the due date, specifically for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26).
📅 What Is the Last Date to File ITR for FY 2024–25?
For most individuals (non-audit cases):
• Due date: 31st July 2025
• Belated return deadline: 31st December 2025
❌ What Happens If You File After 31st July?
If you miss the 31st July deadline, you can still file a belated return until 31st December 2025. However, this comes with:
1. Late filing fee under Section 234F
2. Interest on tax payable under Section 234A
3. Other consequences like loss of carry-forward benefits
Let’s break these down.
💰 1. Late Filing Fee – Section 234F
| Total Income | Penalty Amount |
| Up to ₹2.5 lakh | ₹0 (No penalty applicable) |
| ₹2.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Above ₹5 lakh | ₹5,000 |
💡 Even if your tax is already paid via TDS, this late fee still applies.
⏳ 2. Interest on Tax Due – Section 234A
If you have any unpaid tax (e.g., you forgot to pay self-assessment tax), then interest will be charged at:
• 1% per month or part of a month
• From the original due date (31st July) till the date of actual filing/payment
👉 Example:
If you file on 30th October, that’s 3 months late → You pay 3% interest on outstanding tax.
🔁 3. Other Consequences of Late Filing
• ❌ You can’t carry forward losses from business or capital gains
• ⚠️ Refunds may be delayed or forfeited
• 🧾 Trouble in getting loans, visas, tenders (no ITR = weak financial profile)
• 📩 Risk of receiving notices from the IT Department
✅ What If You File Before 31st December?
You’ll still be considered a late filer, but as long as you:
• File before 31st December 2025, and
• Pay all taxes due along with late fee + interest,
✅ You’ll avoid further legal issues or default penalties.
📘 Is There Any Way to File After 31st December?
Only through the Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A).
However:
• You must pay 25%–50% extra tax and interest
• You can’t claim refunds
• You can’t reduce tax liability
Final Words
Late filing of ITR may seem like a minor delay, but the financial and legal consequences can add up fast. For FY 2024–25, avoid paying:
• ₹5,000 late fee
• 1% interest per month
• Loss of deductions and refunds
