Late filing fee calculator: what missing 31 July costs
Enter your filing date, income and any tax still unpaid. See the late fee, the interest and the total, before the 31 December deadline.
- Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Fee and interest
- Free, no sign-up
Late is better than never
Our experts file late returns every day. We check your Form 16 and AIS, work out the tax, fee and interest, and file before 31 December.
Questions people often ask
I missed 31 July. Can I still choose the old regime?
No. A late return is taxed under the new regime, so check whether that costs you more before you file.
My employer deducted all my tax. Do I still pay a fee?
Yes, if your income is over ₹4 lakh. But you won't pay interest, and you'll get any refund due.
What filing late costs
For salaried people, the due date is 31 July. After that, two charges apply.
| Charge | How much |
|---|---|
| Late filing fee | ₹5,000 |
| Late filing fee, income up to ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Interest on unpaid tax | 1% a month |
Key dates for FY 2025-26
- 31 July 2026: due date. Not extended for salaried people.
- 31 December 2026: last date for a late return.
- After that: an updated return (ITR-U), if you're eligible, with extra tax.
Example: ₹45,000 unpaid, filed on 20 November. That's 4 months × 1% × 45,000 = ₹1,800 interest, plus the ₹5,000 fee.
Last reviewed 8 October 2026. Due dates come from the Income Tax Department's news and circulars, checked on the date above.
- News and circulars on due dates for AY 2026-27 Income Tax Department
- Tax rules for salaried individuals, AY 2026-27 Income Tax Department
Common questions
What is the last date to file a late return for FY 2025-26?
31 December 2026, or earlier if the tax department completes your assessment first. After that, you may be able to file an updated return (ITR-U), which adds 25% to 70% extra tax depending on how late you file.
How much is the late filing fee?
₹5,000. It's ₹1,000 if your total income is ₹5 lakh or less. There's no fee if your income is within the basic exemption limit and you weren't required to file for another reason.
How is interest for late filing calculated?
1% a month on the tax you still owe, from 1 August until the day you file. Part of a month counts as a full month, so filing on 1 September costs 2 months of interest.
Do I pay interest if my employer deducted all my tax?
No. Interest is only charged on tax still unpaid. You'll still pay the late fee if your income is over ₹4 lakh.
Can I choose the old regime in a late return?
No. You can't choose the old regime in a late return, because the choice has to be made by the due date. Your tax is worked out under the new regime.
Will I still get my refund if I file late?
Yes. You can claim a refund in a late return. Interest on the refund is only paid from the date you file, so filing late costs you some of it.
What else do I lose by filing late?
You can't carry forward most losses, such as capital losses, to later years. A loss from a house property can still be carried forward.
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