Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a critical financial task, but mistakes sometimes slip through — wrong deduction amounts, missed income, or a forgotten form 16 entry. The good news: you can revise your ITR even after it has been processed by the Income Tax Department, provided you meet the legal timelines. This article explains when and how to file a revised return, the deadline, and important things to watch for.
What is a Revised Income Tax Return?
A revised return is a corrected version of your original ITR filed to fix errors or omissions. When you file a revised return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, the revised return replaces the earlier one for that assessment year.
Can You Revise After the Return Is Processed?
Yes. Processing (for example, at the CPC) simply means the department has verified tax computations, TDS credits and issued intimation under Section 143(1). Processing does not prevent you from filing a revised return later — it only matters whether the statutory deadline for revision has passed.
Deadline to File a Revised Return
Under current law, a revised return can be filed up to December 31 of the assessment year. For example, for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26), the last date to file a revised return would be December 31, 2025 unless the Government extends the deadline. Always confirm the exact date for the year you’re filing.
Important: A revised return completely replaces the earlier return — the department treats only the latest filed return as valid for that assessment year.
Key Points to Remember
- You can file multiple revised returns — but only up to the statutory deadline.
- If you claimed a refund in the original ITR, the revised return will recalculate the refund; you may owe tax instead, or the refund amount may change.
- Keep documentation for the corrections you made: proofs for deductions, revised TDS certificates, or bank statements.
- Filing a revised return after receiving a notice from the tax department may require professional help to handle assessments or notices under other sections.
When Not to File a Revised Return
If the original return was intentionally false, or you are trying to hide income, a revised return won’t protect you from penalties or prosecution. If a tax officer has already initiated assessment proceedings under Section 143(3) or other sections, consult a tax professional before filing a revision.
Common Scenarios for Filing a Revised ITR
- Forgot to report interest income from bank FD or savings account.
- Missed claiming tax-saving investments under Section 80C.
- TDS mismatch due to incorrect PAN or delayed TDS credit.
- Reported income incorrectly due to clerical errors.
Sample — What Changes in Records
When you file a revised return, the department will:
- Replace the earlier return with the revised one in their systems.
- Recompute tax and refunds based on the revised data.
- Issue a fresh intimation under
Section 143(1) or send notices if there’s tax due.
Conclusion
If you discover genuine errors after your ITR is processed, don’t panic: filing a revised return is the intended remedy. Make sure you act within the deadline (usually December 31 of the assessment year), document your changes, and e-verify the revised return. For complex corrections, or if you’ve already received assessment notices, seek help from a tax professional.