The fine for late filing of Income Tax Return (ITR) in India for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) is as follows:
- If the total income is up to Rs 5 lakh, the penalty is Rs 1,000.
- If the total income exceeds Rs 5 lakh, the penalty is Rs 5,000.
This penalty is charged under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act and applies if the ITR is filed after the due date of September 15, 2025. In addition to the late filing fee, interest at 1% per month (or part of a month) on the outstanding tax amount is also applicable under Section 234A, starting from the original due date until the return is filed. Furthermore, late filing may lead to other consequences such as inability to carry forward certain losses, loss of eligibility for some exemptions and deductions, delayed tax refund processing, and increased scrutiny by the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers can still file belated returns up to December 31, 2025, but the above penalties and consequences will apply. Summary:
Income Level| Late Filing Penalty (Section 234F)| Interest on Tax Due (Section
234A)| Other Consequences
---|---|---|---
Up to Rs 5 lakh| Rs 1,000| 1% per month on unpaid tax| Loss of carry forward
losses, delayed refund, etc.
More than Rs 5 lakh| Rs 5,000| 1% per month on unpaid tax| Loss of carry
forward losses, delayed refund, etc.
The ITR due date for FY 2024-25 is September 15, 2025. Late filing penalty and interest apply if filed after this date.
