How to Rectify Errors in Your Income Tax Return

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a critical financial obligation. However, even the most diligent taxpayers can occasionally make mistakes while filing. Whether it’s an incorrect bank detail, a wrongly declared income, or a missed deduction, such errors can be rectified—thankfully, the Income Tax Department of India allows you to revise income tax return filings within a stipulated time frame. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying errors and how to effectively revise them.

What Is a Revised Income Tax Return?

A revised return is simply a second chance given by the Income Tax Department to correct the original return filed under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act. If you’ve filed your return and later discover any errors or omissions, you can revise income tax return under Section 139(5).

This provision ensures that taxpayers can voluntarily fix mistakes before any notice or scrutiny is issued by the department. Filing a revised return reflects positively on your compliance behavior and may save you from penalties or legal issues down the line.

Common Mistakes That Require a Revised Return

Here are some frequent errors that might prompt you to revise income tax return:

• Incorrect personal details (like PAN, Aadhaar, or address)

• Omitted or misreported income (salary, interest, rental, capital gains, etc.)

• Missed tax-saving deductions (under sections 80C, 80D, etc.)

• Errors in bank account details for refunds

• Incorrect TDS/TCS claims

• Choosing the wrong ITR form

These errors can affect your tax liability, refund eligibility, or lead to notices from the tax department.

Who Can Revise an Income Tax Return?

Any individual who has filed the original return within the due date is eligible to revise income tax return. You cannot file a revised return if you missed the deadline to file the original return. However, if you have filed a belated return under Section 139(4), you can still revise it.

Timeline to Revise Income Tax Return

As per the current rules (updated post Budget 2021), a revised return can be filed before three months prior to the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

For example, if you filed your original return for FY 2023–24 (AY 2024–25), you can revise income tax return by December 31, 2025, unless the Income Tax Department completes your assessment before that.

How to Revise Income Tax Return Online

Revising your ITR has become much easier thanks to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to revise income tax return online:

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax E-filing Portal

Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and password.

Step 2: Choose “File Income Tax Return”

Click on the ‘e-File’ tab and select “Income Tax Return.” Choose the assessment year and click on “Online” filing.

Step 3: Select “Revised Return”

When prompted, select “Revised Return” under the section “Return Filing Type.” You will be required to provide the acknowledgment number and date of the original return filed.

Step 4: Make Corrections

Now fill in the corrected details—be it updated income figures, deductions, or TDS claims. Double-check your changes before submitting.

Step 5: Submit and E-verify

After you revise income tax return, make sure to e-verify it using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other available methods. An unverified revised return is considered invalid.

Things to Keep in Mind When Revising Returns

While it is perfectly legal to revise income tax return, doing so multiple times without due diligence can raise red flags. Here are some tips:

• Verify your Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement) before making changes.

• Avoid frivolous or inconsistent revisions; every revised return should be genuine and justifiable.

• Ensure that your revised return supersedes the original; the department will consider only the latest valid return.

Impact of Revised Return on Refunds and Tax Liability

If the original return had understated income or overstated deductions, the revised return may increase your tax liability. In such cases, you will need to pay the differential amount along with applicable interest.

Conversely, if you had missed claiming deductions or underreported TDS, revising can lead to a higher refund. Once you revise income tax return, the refund will be processed based on the latest version of your return.

Can You Revise More Than Once?

Yes, the Income Tax Department allows you to revise income tax return multiple times within the prescribed time limit. However, each time you revise, you must refer to the acknowledgment number of the latest return filed—not the original.

Difference Between Revised and Updated Returns

It’s important not to confuse a revised return with an updated return (Section 139(8A)), which was introduced in Budget 2022. An updated return allows you to file an ITR even if you missed the original due date or want to voluntarily disclose additional income.

However, updated returns come with a penalty fee and are allowed only if you’re paying additional taxes. In contrast, when you revise income tax return, no additional fee is charged unless tax liability increases.

Consequences of Not Revising an Erroneous Return

Failing to revise income tax return despite knowing there are errors can have serious consequences:

• You may receive a notice under Section 139(9) (defective return) or 143(1) (adjustments).

• You might lose your right to claim legitimate deductions or refunds.

• Intentional concealment can attract penalty under Section 270A or even prosecution.

Conclusion

Mistakes in ITR filings are not uncommon, but timely action can help you avoid penalties, notices, and refund delays. The Income Tax Department provides ample opportunity to revise income tax return, ensuring that taxpayers can correct genuine mistakes. Whether it’s a missed deduction, wrong income figure, or incorrect TDS claim, revising your return is a responsible step that reflects your intention to stay compliant.

So, if you’ve identified an error in your filed return, don’t wait. Log in, make the necessary corrections, and revise income tax return before the deadline. It’s always better to rectify errors proactively than to deal with the consequences later.