New Delhi, July 31 -- The countdown to the 31 July 2026 income tax return (ITR) filing deadline has entered its final phase, with the government yet to announce any extension, unlike last year. So far, more than 5.4 crore returns have been filed as taxpayers across the country rush to complete the process and verify their returns.

Although taxpayers who miss the deadline can still file a belated return by 31 December 2026, doing so incurs a penalty. Apart from a late filing fee, those with outstanding tax dues may also have to pay interest under the Income-tax Act. These charges apply even if the return is filed just one day after the due date.

Here's how much extra you may have to pay if you miss the 31 July deadline.

If you fail to f...