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Understanding the difference between advance tax and self-assessment tax is crucial for every Indian taxpayer. Both terms may sound similar, but they apply at different stages of the tax cycle. Advance tax is paid during the financial year based on estimated income, while self-assessment tax is the balance paid before filing the return once actual income is known. Knowing when and how to pay each helps prevent interest charges under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C, ensuring s

Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, 1961, sets out the penalty framework for filing Income Tax Returns after the due date. The late filing fee can range from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on total income and delay period. For FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26), taxpayers must meet filing deadlines—July 31 for individuals and October 31 for audit cases—to avoid penalties. Understanding this section is crucial as it not only determines the fine but also affects eligibility for certain dedu

Belated ITR filing allows taxpayers who missed the original deadline to still file their returns within a specified extended period. For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the belated filing deadline is 31st December 2025. Filing after this date is only possible through an updated return (ITR-U) , with restrictions and penalties. While filing late is possible, it attracts additional costs and may delay refunds. TaxBuddy , with its AI-driven filing and expert support, provides an effic

Missing the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date can lead to significant financial and procedural consequences under Indian tax laws. Late filing attracts penalties, interest on unpaid taxes, loss of certain benefits, and even restrictions on tax regime choice. While the Income Tax Department allows belated returns, the overall process becomes more expensive and restrictive if deadlines are missed. Choosing a reliable e-filing platform such as TaxBuddy helps taxpayers av

Calculating taxes under the old and new income tax regimes in India involves understanding slab rates, available deductions, and rebates to see which option reduces liability for FY 2025-26. The old regime allows multiple deductions and exemptions, while the new regime offers simplified slabs with limited reliefs but higher thresholds. For accuracy, both must be compared before making a choice. TaxBuddy simplifies this process through automated comparisons and expert-assisted

Section 234F of the Income Tax Act imposes a penalty on taxpayers who miss the due date for filing Income Tax Returns . This fee depends on the taxpayer’s total income and the timing of filing. For Assessment Year 2025-26, the penalty can be as high as Rs. 5,000 for incomes exceeding Rs. 5 lakh, while smaller incomes face reduced or no penalty. The provision is designed to ensure timely compliance, discourage delays, and streamline the return filing process. Table of Content

Missing the due date for filing an Income Tax Return often raises a critical question: can a refund still be claimed? For Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25), the answer is yes, but only under specific timelines and conditions laid out in the Income Tax Act, 1961. Refunds can be claimed if the return is filed as a belated return before the extended due date of December 31, 2025. However, once this date passes, taxpayers lose the right to claim any refund if the

The future of the old tax regime has been the subject of ongoing speculation, especially with the implementation of the new Income Tax Act, 2025. From April 1, 2026, the new regime becomes the default option, but the old regime remains available. Current reforms focus on modernising the law and simplifying compliance, not on removing the older system. Taxpayers can continue choosing the old regime if they prefer deductions and exemptions, making it clear that the government h

Choosing between the old and new tax regimes is often the first major decision for a new taxpayer in India. The new tax regime, now the default option from FY 2023-24 onwards, offers concessional rates and simplicity but fewer deductions, while the old regime provides multiple exemptions at higher slab rates. For FY 2025-26, the government has revised slabs, raised the basic exemption limit, and enhanced rebates under the new regime, making the choice more significant than e

The last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 and Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 has been extended beyond its original deadline due to significant updates in tax forms and portal readiness. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) finalized September 16, 2025, as the cut-off date for individuals, HUFs, and non-audit taxpayers. For audit cases, businesses with transfer pricing requirements, and those needing additional compliance, the deadlines