GST
| Situation | What applies |
|---|
| GSTR-1 or GSTR-3B filed late | Late fee of ₹50 per day (₹20 for nil returns), subject to a cap |
|---|
| Tax paid late | Interest at 18% per year on the tax paid late |
|---|
| Annual return (GSTR-9) filed late | Late fee based on turnover, calculated automatically |
|---|
| Returns not filed for a long period | Possible cancellation of registration and blocked e-way bills |
|---|
Income tax
| Situation | What applies |
|---|
| ITR filed after the due date | Late fee of ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh) |
|---|
| Tax not paid by the due date | Interest, generally 1% per month on unpaid tax |
|---|
| Advance tax not paid or short-paid | Interest on the shortfall and on missed instalments |
|---|
| Income under-reported | Penalty as a percentage of the tax on the under-reported income |
|---|
Filing late can also mean losing the ability to carry forward certain losses.
TDS
| Situation | What applies |
|---|
| Tax not deducted or deducted late | Interest from the date it should have been deducted |
|---|
| Tax deducted but deposited late | Interest from the date of deduction until deposit |
|---|
| TDS return filed late | ₹200 per day, up to the TDS amount |
|---|
| TDS not deducted on an expense | Part of the expense may be disallowed in your business income |
|---|
How to avoid them
- Keep a single calendar of every GST, TDS and income tax date. Ours is here.
- Close your books monthly so returns can be prepared early.
- Pay advance tax in instalments rather than all at year-end.
- File nil GST returns on time, even in quiet months.
- Respond to notices within the deadline given.
Last updated 29 September 2026. This page is general information based on the rules in force on that date, not professional advice. Tax rules, rates and due dates can change through budgets and government notifications. Contact us to confirm what applies to your situation.
