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TaxCare

Return type

File a belated return

Missed 31-Jul-2026? You can still file for Tax Year 2025-26 until 31-Dec-2026. TaxCare prepares it with the same fetch and checks, and works out the fee and interest for you.

Start filingHow TaxCare handles it

In short

Missed the due date? File until 31-Dec-2026, with a late fee.

Due date (no business income, no audit)
31-Jul-2026
Last date for a belated return
31-Dec-2026

Is this you?

  • You didn't file by the due date
  • You have tax to pay, or a refund to claim
  • Tax was deducted and you want it back
  • It is still before 31-Dec-2026

Key figures for Tax Year 2025-26

Taken from the same rule tables the TaxCare app files with.

Due date (no business income, no audit)
31-Jul-2026
Last date for a belated return
31-Dec-2026
Late filing fee
₹5,000
Late fee if total income is up to ₹5,00,000
₹1,000
Interest per month on tax unpaid after the due date
1%

How TaxCare handles it

Only what the app does today — nothing promised for later.

  1. Late, but filed properlyAfter the due date TaxCare files a belated return with the same fetch and checks, and adds the late fee and interest to what you pay.
  2. Your records, fetchedOnce your PAN is connected, TaxCare pulls your AIS, TIS and Form 26AS or Form 168 straight from the Income Tax portal.
  3. Regime rules applied for youA belated return is filed under the new regime — the old regime can only be chosen in a return filed by the due date.
  4. Pay what's due, then fileAny tax, interest or fee still due is worked out for you and paid before the return is filed.
  5. Approve, upload, e-verifyNothing is released until you approve it. You upload the return on the Income Tax portal, then e-verify with an Aadhaar OTP, and reminders follow until it's done.

What you need

Most of your figures are fetched for you. Keep these ready.

  • Your PAN, linked with your Aadhaar

  • Your Aadhaar-linked or portal-registered mobile, for the OTP

  • Challans for any advance or self-assessment tax you paid

  • A bank account in your name, validated on the Income Tax portal, for the refund

Guides on this topic

  • ITR filing basics

    Who must file an income tax return in India

    You must file an income tax return if your income before deductions is above the basic exemption limit, or if certain conditions apply, such as large TDS. Here is how to check, and why filing can help even when it is optional.

    4 min readUpdated 26-Oct-2026

  • ITR filing basics

    What is a tax year? A simple explanation

    A tax year is the 12 months from 1 April in which you earned your income, such as 2025-26. You file the return after that year ends. Learn how it works, which year you are filing for, and why the Income-tax Act, 2025 uses one single term.

    4 min readUpdated 26-Oct-2026

  • ITR filing basics

    What happens if you miss the ITR due date?

    Missing the ITR due date does not close the door. You can still file a belated return, but you may pay a late fee and interest, and you lose the old regime and most loss carry-forwards. Here is exactly what changes and what to do.

    5 min readUpdated 26-Oct-2026

See all guides on this topic

Questions, answered

What is the late fee?

₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if your total income is up to ₹5,00,000. Interest of 1% a month is also charged on any tax still unpaid after the due date.

Can I choose the old regime in a belated return?

No. The old regime can only be chosen in a return filed by the due date, so a belated return is filed under the new regime.

Can I carry forward losses?

Most losses can only be carried forward in a return filed by the due date. A belated return loses that, except for a loss on house property.

What if I miss 31-Dec-2026 too?

You can then file an updated return (ITR-U) if you have income to add, with additional tax. It can't claim a refund.

Late is better than never. File it today.

Your first return with TaxCare gets 25% off. The fee follows your income: free up to ₹1,00,000, then from ₹49 — never more than ₹1,499.

Start filingSee the full price list
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