What is the last date to file a belated return for AY 2026-27?

A belated return under Section 139(4) can generally be filed up to 31 December 2026, unless extended. It attracts a late fee under Section 234F and interest under Section 234A on unpaid tax.

Is there a penalty for filing a revised return?

No. Revising under Section 139(5) to correct a genuine mistake carries no penalty, provided your original return was filed on time. You can revise multiple times within the window.

Can I carry forward losses if I file late?

Generally no. Most losses — business and capital — cannot be carried forward if you file after the due date. This is one of the most expensive consequences of a belated return.

How many times can I revise my return?

As many times as needed within the revision window. The last validly filed and e-verified return stands. Always quote the original acknowledgement details when revising.

What if both the belated and revised windows have closed?

You may be able to file an updated return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) on payment of additional tax. It cannot be used to claim a refund or increase a loss, and the extra tax rises the later you file.

Home/Blog/GST

GST· Updated Aug 2026· 8 min read· By CA Sumit Chandwani· LUT / RFD-11

GST for Freelancers and Service Exporters: The ₹20 Lakh Line and the LUT

Foreign-client income is zero-rated, not invisible: file the LUT, keep the forex trail, remember RCM on the tools you buy — and the returns stay due even when the tax is nil.

Missed 31 July? Belated & Revised Returns Under Section 139(4) & 139(5) AY 2026-27

TL;DR

Register: services > ₹20L turnover.

Exports: zero-rated; LUT (RFD-11) = invoice without IGST.

Watch: RCM on foreign SaaS; returns due even at nil.

Pair with: 44ADA + advance tax on the income-tax side.

When a freelancer needs GST at all

Service providers register once aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special-category states). Below that, registration is optional — but clients on ₹crore budgets often insist on a GST invoice, and voluntary registration unlocks input credit on your laptop, software and co-working space.

Exporting services: zero-rated, not exempt

Work for foreign clients, paid in foreign exchange, is an export of services — zero-rated under GST.
File a LUT (Form RFD-11) at the start of each financial year to invoice exports without charging IGST. Without a LUT you pay IGST and claim refunds — slower cash flow for the same net result.
Zero-rated still means filing: exports go in GSTR-1 and 3B, and your ITC on inputs remains claimable (refundable if unutilised).

The traps that generate notices

Treating exports as “no GST, no filing” — the returns are still due every period, nil or not.
Payment received in INR through an aggregator without FIRC-equivalent proof of forex — keep the remittance advice.
Forgetting RCM on imported services you buy (foreign SaaS, overseas contractors) — you owe IGST on those under reverse charge.
Letting the LUT lapse in April and invoicing without IGST anyway.

Income tax runs in parallel

GST and income tax are separate meters — most freelancers pair GST with presumptive taxation under 44ADA and quarterly advance tax. Getting the trio wired once — LUT, QRMP or monthly returns, advance-tax calendar — is what makes freelancing boring in the good way.