The deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for most individual taxpayers ended on July 31, and the government did not announce any further extension. While over 5.9 crore taxpayers filed their returns before the deadline, many people could not do so for different reasons.

However, missing the July 31 deadline does not mean you can no longer file your return. Taxpayers can still submit a belated ITR, although they may have to pay a late filing fee and interest on any unpaid tax.

It is also important to note that the July 31 deadline did not apply to everyone. Businesses and professionals have separate due dates for filing their returns.

Can you still file your ITR after July 31?

Yes. Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who missed the original deadline can file a belated income tax return until December 31, 2026

However, filing after the due date may result in a late filing fee and interest if there is any outstanding tax.

Late filing fee for belated ITR

The late filing fee depends on your total income.

Taxpayers with an annual income of more than ₹5 lakh may have to pay a late fee of up to ₹5,000.
Those with an income of ₹5 lakh or less may have to pay a maximum late fee of ₹1,000.
Interest on Pending Tax

If you have not paid your full tax, you will also have to pay interest under Section 234A of the Income-tax Act.

A simple interest of 1% per month or part of a month is charged on the unpaid tax amount from the original due date until the return is filed.

What if you miss the belated return deadline?

Taxpayers who also miss the December 31, 2026 deadline can still file an updated return, subject to the rules under the Income-tax Act.

An updated return can be filed within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year in eligible cases.

ITR deadlines for businesses and professionals

The July 31 deadline does not apply to taxpayers with business or professional income.

For Assessment Year 2026-27, the due dates are:

• Non-audit cases: August 31, 2026
• Tax audit cases: October 31, 2026

If these taxpayers miss their respective deadlines, they can also file a belated return by December 31, 2026.

What are the disadvantages of filing late?

Filing an ITR after the original due date has some drawbacks.

Taxpayers who file a belated return generally cannot carry forward certain losses to future years. These include business losses and capital losses from assets such as property, shares and mutual funds. As a result, they may lose the tax benefit of adjusting these losses against future income.

Those expecting an income tax refund can still receive it after filing a belated return. However, filing the return on time usually helps the refund get processed faster.