Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, 1961 imposes a late filing fee if an assessee fails to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) by the due date. This provision applies to all taxpayers (individuals, companies, firms, etc.) and is in addition to any interest or penalties under other sections.
1. Key Provisions of Section 234F
- Late Filing Fee Structure
| CATEGORY | FEE (IF FILED AFTER DUE DATE BUT BEFORE DEC 31) | FEE (IF FILED AFTER DEC 31) |
| General Taxpayers | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Taxpayers with Total Income ≤ ₹5 Lakh | ₹1,000 (max) | ₹1,000 (max) |
- Due Dates for ITR Filing (FY 2024-25 – AY 2025-26)
-
- Individuals/HUFs (No Audit Required):31st July 2025
- Businesses Requiring Audit:31st October 2025
- When Does the Fee Apply?
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- If the ITR is filed after the due date(even if no tax is payable).
- The fee is mandatoryunless the taxpayer qualifies for the ₹1,000 concession.
2. Examples of Late Fee Calculation
Case 1: General Taxpayer (Income > ₹5 Lakh)
- Due Date:31st July 2025
- Filed on:15th December 2025
- Fee:₹5,000 (since filed before Dec 31)
Case 2: Taxpayer with Income ≤ ₹5 Lakh
- Due Date:31st July 2025
- Filed on:10th January 2026
- Fee:₹1,000 (concession applies)
Case 3: Business Requiring Audit (Filed Late)
- Due Date:31st October 2025
- Filed on:15th February 2026
- Fee:₹10,000 (since filed after Dec 31)
3. Exceptions & Waivers
- No Fee if:
-
- No tax is payable(but filing is still mandatory).
- Belated return is filed within the extended deadline(if any).
- Senior Citizens (Age ≥ 80):
-
- No late fee if filing under Section 139(1)(original due date).
4. Additional Consequences of Late Filing
✔ Interest Under Section 234A – 1% per month on unpaid tax (if applicable).
✔ Loss Carry Forward Restricted – Only allowed if filed before the due date.
✔ Delayed Refunds – Late filing delays processing of refunds.
5. How to Avoid Section 234F Fee?
✔ File before the due date (July 31/Oct 31).
✔ Use the ₹1,000 concession if income ≤ ₹5 Lakh.
✔ E-file early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
6. Key Points
- ₹5,000 feefor late filing (₹10,000 if after Dec 31).
- ₹1,000 concessionfor taxpayers with income ≤ ₹5 Lakh.
- No fee if no tax is due, but filing is still required.
- Late filing affects loss claims & refunds.
