Section 140A → Section 266

Self-assessment tax: paying the balance tax, interest and fee before filing the return

Section 140A of the old Income-tax Act, 1961 · new section 266 under the Income-tax Act, 2025

New reference Section 266

Income-tax Act, 1961Section 140A

Tax, interest (234A/234B/234C) and fee (234F) to be paid before filing the return
Payment adjusted first towards fee, then interest, then tax
Non-payment makes the assessee 'in default'

Applies to FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) and earlier years.

Income-tax Act, 2025Section 266

Same rule, now section 266
Credits for TDS/TCS, advance tax, relief (157, 159, 160) and certain tax credits
Order of adjustment kept: fee → interest → tax (266(3))
Interest under 423/424 computed as set out in 266(4)–(6)

Applies from tax year 2026-27 (from 1 April 2026).

What changed

Renumbered with the same mechanics. Cross-references now point to sections 423–428 for interest and fee.

Practice notes

Challan type and minor head for self-assessment tax on the e-pay portal follow the new section for tax year 2026-27.
Self-assessment tax for AY 2026-27 returns is still under section 140A.

These are summaries, not the statutory text. Read the bare Act for both sections on the Income Tax Department's official site, which also has a side-by-side comparison utility.

Frequently asked

What is section 140A called in the new Income Tax Act 2025?

Self-assessment tax is section 266 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

What is section 140A called in the new Income-tax Act, 2025?

Section 140A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 corresponds to Section 266 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, which applies from 1 April 2026 (tax year 2026-27).

What changed in section 140A under the new Income Tax Act?

Renumbered with the same mechanics. Cross-references now point to sections 423–428 for interest and fee.

Is section 140A still applicable for FY 2025-26?

Yes. Income of FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) and earlier years is governed by section 140A of the 1961 Act. Section 266 of the 2025 Act applies from tax year 2026-27.

Related sections

139→263Return of income: original, belated, revised, updated and defective returns 234A→423Interest for default in furnishing the return of income 234B→424Interest for default in payment of advance tax