Updated ITR as missed the dead line

You cannot file an ITR-U to claim a refund or file a "Nil" return. Your best bet to get the acknowledgment your office wants (and get your money back) is to file a Condonation of Delay request on the portal. If approved, you can file the return normally. Otherwise, you may have to explain the legal restriction on ITR-U to your accounts team using your AIS/Form 26AS as supporting proof.

If you missed the July 31, 2026 deadline for AY 2026-27, you have two paths:

Option 1 - Belated return (Section 139(4)): File before December 31, 2026. Late fee of Rs 5,000 if income exceeds Rs 5 lakh, Rs 1,000 for others. Main limitation: you cannot carry forward business losses or capital losses in a belated return. But you can still claim refunds.

Option 2 - Updated return or ITR-U (Section 139(8A)): Available up to 24 months from end of the assessment year (so until March 31, 2028 for AY 2026-27). Additional tax of 25% on tax and interest if filed within 12 months, or 50% if filed between 12-24 months. Useful if you have unreported income and want to come forward before a notice.

For most people who simply forgot to file, Option 1 (belated return by Dec 31, 2026) is simpler and cheaper. File now before further interest under Section 234A accrues.

This [guide on filing ITR after the deadline](https://taxgarden.in/blog/itr-filing-after-deadline-belated-revised-updated-return-ay-2026-27) has the penalty calculation table and step-by-step filing instructions for both options.