Fee for default in furnishing return of income introduced; increased fee after December and cap for low-income taxpayers. A new provision imposes a fee for default in furnishing return of income where a person required to file under section 139(1) fails to do so within the prescribed time, applicable for assessment years beginning on or after 1 April 2018. It establishes a two-tier fee for delayed filing-a lower fee if filed on or before 31 December of the assessment year and a higher fee in other cases-and caps the fee where the taxpayer's total income does not exceed the statutory threshold.