Belated Return Filing

Overview

Late doesn't mean locked out — but the window isn't unlimited

If you missed the original due date, Section 139(4) lets you file a belated return any time up to 31 December of the relevant assessment year (or as extended by the CBDT). A late fee under Section 234F applies, and certain losses can no longer be carried forward — but filing late is almost always better than not filing at all.

Late fee calculated upfront

We tell you exactly what you'll pay under Section 234F before you commit — no surprises at the end.

Filed before the final window closes

We make sure your return is in before 31 December of the assessment year, after which filing isn't possible at all.

Clarity on what you lose by filing late

Certain losses can't be carried forward on a belated return — we tell you plainly what applies to your case and what doesn't.

Try it now

See your estimated tax in seconds

A quick estimate to get you started — for a precise number tailored to your situation, book a consultation

Tax regime

Annual income (₹)

₹

₹0₹25L₹50L+

Estimated tax payable

₹ 97,500

Effective rate 6.5% · new regime on ₹15,00,000

Taxable income₹ 14,25,000

Tax as per slabs₹ 93,750

Health & education cess (4%)+₹ 3,750

The New Regime saves you ₹ 1,59,900 compared to the Old Regime.

Illustrative estimate for FY 2025-26 — assumes salaried income eligible for the standard deduction, and includes the Section 87A rebate and 4% cess. Surcharge is applied at a flat rate without its own marginal relief. Does not account for other deductions or individual circumstances. Book a consultation for an exact figure.

Simple, from start to finish

How it works

Book a consultation

Tell us when your income year ended and why the original deadline was missed.

Share your documents

Securely upload what's needed, guided step by step.

We prepare & review

Your return is drafted, the late fee under Section 234F is calculated, and everything is reviewed by a CA.

File & confirm

We file on your behalf and send you the acknowledgement.

Typically 3–5 days once documents are received

Questions

Frequently asked

01What is a belated return?

A return filed after the original due date but before the deadline permitted under Section 139(4) — typically 31 December of the relevant assessment year, unless extended by the CBDT.

02How much is the late fee?

Under Section 234F, the fee is ₹5,000 if your total income is above ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if it's ₹5 lakh or below. Interest under Section 234A may also apply on any unpaid tax.

03What do I lose by filing a belated return?

Certain losses — like business loss or capital loss — can't be carried forward to future years if the return is belated, though a loss from house property still can be.

04Can a belated return be revised later if I spot an error?

Yes — belated returns can now be revised under Section 139(5), the same as an original return, as long as it's within the permitted window.

05Why book a consultation instead of filing a belated return myself?

You can file it yourself on the portal — the process itself isn't complicated. Where we help is making sure the late fee and carry-forward restrictions are applied correctly, and that you're not missing a deadline that's closer than it looks.

You might also need