| After 31 December 2026 (if extended)<\/td> | Rs. 5,000<\/td> | Rs. 1,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Key Point: Even if your tax liability is zero or you are eligible for a full refund, the late filing fee under Section 234F still applies unless your total income is below the basic exemption limit (i.e., below Rs. 3 lakh under the new regime for FY 2025-26).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Who Is Exempt from Section 234F Late Filing Fee?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Individuals whose total income is below the basic exemption limit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Individuals not required to file ITR under the law (though voluntary filing is advisable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Returns filed within the prescribed due date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/span>Section 234A : Interest on Late Filing When Tax Is Due<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSection 234F is a fee. But if you also have unpaid tax liability at the time of filing, you will additionally be charged interest under Section 234A of the Income Tax Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>How Is Section 234A Interest Calculated?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Rate: 1% simple interest per month or part of a month<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Calculated on the outstanding tax payable (i.e., tax due minus TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax paid)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Period: From the day after the due date till the date of actual filing or payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example: If you file your ITR on 30 September 2026 (due date 31 July 2026) with Rs. 50,000 outstanding tax, you will pay 2 months of 234A interest = Rs. 1,000. Plus Rs. 5,000 under Section 234F. Total additional outgo: Rs. 6,000.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n |
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/itradvisor.in\/wpblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-10.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n