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Penalty Calculator

Know your exposure before you file late. Calculate exact penalties for GST, TDS, MCA, and Income Tax returns.

Penalty calculator

See what a missed deadline actually costs

Late fee₹4,500
Total exposure₹4,500

Interest on tax due calculated separately

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How Indian compliance penalties work

Late Fees

Fixed daily charges for missing a filing deadline. GST late fees range from ₹20/day (nil returns) to ₹200/day (annual returns). MCA late fees for AOC-4 and MGT-7 are ₹100/day with no cap. These accrue from the due date until the actual filing date.

Interest

Charged on unpaid tax amounts. GST interest is 18% p.a. on late payment, 24% on undue input credit. TDS interest is 1% per month for late deduction, 1.5% per month for late deposit. Income Tax interest under Sections 234A/B/C ranges from 1-1.5% per month.

Prosecution

Criminal proceedings for serious or habitual non-compliance. TDS non-deposit above ₹25 lakh can lead to 3-7 years imprisonment. GST evasion above ₹5 crore is non-bailable. Companies Act violations can result in disqualification of directors.

Frequently asked questions

How are GST late filing penalties calculated?
GSTR-3B attracts a late fee of ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for regular returns, and ₹20/day for nil returns. Additionally, interest at 18% p.a. is charged on the outstanding tax liability from the due date until payment.
What's the difference between late fees, interest, and prosecution?
Late fees are fixed daily charges for not filing on time. Interest is charged on unpaid tax amounts at prescribed rates (18% for GST, 1% per month for TDS). Prosecution is criminal proceedings for habitual non-compliance or large amounts — this can result in imprisonment.
Do penalties compound or are they capped?
It depends on the form. GST late fees are capped at ₹5,000 per return for GSTR-3B and GSTR-1. TDS late filing fees under Section 234E are capped at the TDS amount. MCA penalties for AOC-4 and MGT-7 have no explicit cap and continue accruing.
Can I avoid penalties by filing a belated return?
For Income Tax, you can file a belated return (Section 139(4)) up to the end of the assessment year, but you'll pay ₹5,000 in late fees under Section 234F (₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh). Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C still applies.

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