Covid-19 has created a disrupt in our lifestyle and quite disturbingly we have acclimatized ourselves with the "New Normal". Likewise, leaving a massive impact Income Tax Return which was first extended up to November 30, 2020, then to December 31, 2020, and finally to January 10, 2021.

To make certain that the assesses file their Income Tax Return(ITR)on time, the provision of late fee up to Rs 10,000 was introduced in the Union Budget 2017.As per the provisions laid down by in the Income Tax Act,1961 u/s 23F, furnishing of a return of income after the due date but on or before December 31 of the assessment year would attract a late of Rs 5,000 and a fee of Rs 10,000 in any other case.

But in cases where the total income does not exceed Rs 5 lakh, the fee amount won’t exceed Rs 1,000. Under this section, there is a two-tier structure of levying late filing fee on belated ITR filing."A late filing fee under section 234F is usually levied as follows:

a) Rs 5,000 if the ITR is filed after the expiry of the deadline but on or before the December 31

b) Rs 10,000 if the ITR is filed between January 1 and March 31.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the virus has resulted in the extension of the deadline for various tax compliance including the due date of filing ITR for the Assessment Year (AY) 2020-21.

So, not Rs 5,000, but the double late fee would be charged straightway, if you miss the due date of January 10, 2021 (unless extended further) if you fail to file your ITR for AY 2020-21 by that time.