How to Revise Your Income Tax Return After Filing in India

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important annual responsibility for every taxpayer in India. However, it’s not uncommon to make mistakes while filing — whether it’s missing out on reporting income, claiming incorrect deductions, or entering wrong bank details. Thankfully, the Income Tax Department of India allows taxpayers to revise their ITR under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

In this article, we explain how to revise your income tax return after filing, the eligibility, process, and important deadlines to be aware of.

1. What is a  Revised Income Tax Return?

A revised return is a correction of an originally filed ITR. If you realize that you have made an error in your original return — whether in declaring income, claiming deductions, or any other detail — you can file a revised return to correct the mistake.

2. Who Can File a Revised Return?

Anyone who has filed the original return on or before the due date (usually July 31st of the assessment year for individuals) can file a revised return. This includes those who:

• Missed declaring income

• Claimed incorrect deductions or exemptions

• Made mistakes in bank account details or personal information

• Selected the wrong ITR form

Note: If the original return was a belated return (filed after the due date), it can still be revised, as per the latest provisions.

3. Deadline for Filing a Revised Return

As per current tax rules, a revised return must be filed before the end of the assessment year or before completion of the assessment by the Income Tax Department — whichever is earlier.

For example:

For the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), the deadline to file a revised return is March 31, 2026 (unless the return is assessed earlier).

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Revise Your Income Tax Return

     Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal and log in using your PAN and password.

     Step 2: Go to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘File Income Tax Return’

     Step 3: Select the Relevant Assessment Year

Choose the assessment year for which you wish to revise your return (e.g., 2025-26 for FY 2024-25).

     Step 4: Choose the Mode of Filing

You can select either online or offline mode based on your preference and the applicable ITR form.

     Step 5: Select the Filing Type

Choose ‘Revised Return’ under the ‘Return Filing Section’. You will also be required to provide:

• Acknowledgement number of the original return

• Date of filing of the original return

     Step 6: Make the Necessary Corrections

Update the incorrect details — for example, add missing income, correct deductions, or amend personal information.

     Step 7: Submit the Revised Return

Verify the return using Aadhaar OTP, Digital Signature, or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).

8. Things to Keep in Mind

• Multiple revisions allowed: You can revise your return multiple times within the allowed timeline, as long as each revised return is based on a previously filed return.

• No penalty for genuine mistakes: There is no penalty for revising your ITR unless the revision reveals underreported income.

• Refund processing: If your revised return results in a higher refund, it will be processed after verification by the department.

• Track status: After submission, you can check the status of your revised return under “View Filed Returns”.

9. Consequences of Not Revising a Wrong ITR

Filing an incorrect return and not correcting it may result in:

• Penalties for underreporting income

• Delayed or rejected refunds

• Scrutiny or notices from the tax department

Hence, revising your return on time can help avoid legal complications and financial loss.

 Key Takeaways

Mistakes while filing your income tax return can happen, but the good news is that the Income Tax Department allows you to correct them through a revised return. With a clear understanding of the process and deadlines, taxpayers can rectify their errors and ensure compliance without incurring penalties. Always review your ITR carefully before and after filing to ensure accuracy and revise it promptly if any mistake comes to light.