Income Tax Act, 2025  ·  Chapter XX — Penalties  ·  Section 479

Section 479
Failure to furnish returns of income

IT Act 2025 Chapter XX Effective 1 April 2026 Old: 276CC
New Provision
Section 479, IT Act 2025
Replaces (IT Act 1961)
276CC
Chapter
Chapter XX — Penalties
Effective From
1 April 2026
Statutory Text — Section 479

f a person wilfully fails to furnish in due time the return of income, which is required to be furnished under section 263(1), or by notice given under sections 268(1) or 280, he shall be punishable,— (a) in a case, where the amount of tax, which would have been evaded if the failure had not been discovered, exceeds twenty-five lakh rupees, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years, and with fine; (b) in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to two years and with fine. (2) A person shall not be proceeded against under sub-section (1) for failure

to furnish in due time the return of income under section 263(1) for any tax year, if–– (a) a return is furnished by him under section 263(4) or 263(6); or (b) the tax payable by such person, not being a company, on the total income determined on regular assessment, as reduced by the advance tax or self-assessment tax, if any, paid before the expiry of period specified under section 263(4), and any tax deducted or collected at source, does not exceed ₹10000.

Shahi & Co. — Our Understanding
This section falls under Chapter XX which prescribes penalties for various non-compliances under the Act.
Practical Note: Penalties under the Income Tax Act can be significant — often ranging from 50% to 200% of the tax amount involved. Voluntary disclosure and prompt correction of errors significantly reduces penalty exposure.
Shahi & Co., Chartered Accountants
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Disclaimer: This is a reproduction of Section 479 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 (No. 30 of 2025) as published in the Official Gazette of India (CG-DL-E-22082025-265620) for informational and reference purposes only. Shahi & Co., Chartered Accountants makes no warranty as to completeness or accuracy. For the official authenticated text refer to egazette.gov.in or incometaxindia.gov.in. This does not constitute legal or tax advice.