How to Revise your Income Tax Return- Section 139(5)

Have you made any mistakes in filing your ITR? If so, you can correct them by filing a Revised Return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This allows you to address errors such as misreported income, missed deductions, or incorrect tax calculations. This article provides a comprehensive guide on understanding and filing revised returns.

Budget 2025 Update

• Under section 139, it was proposed to increase the time limit for filing of Updated Return from the existing 24 months to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year.
• The rate of additional tax payable on updated return filed after expiry of 24 months and upto 36 months from the end of relevant assessment year will be 60% of aggregate tax and interest payable.
• The rate of additional tax payable on updated return filed after expiry of 36 months and upto 48 months from the end of relevant assessment year will be 70% of aggregate tax and interest payable. 
• Further, it was proposed that no updated return can be filed by a person for whom a notice to show-cause under section 148A was issued after the expiry of 36 months from the end of the relevant assessment year.

What is a Revised Return?

Revised return is a return filed under Section 139(5) to correct mistakes or omissions made in the original return. 
Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, allows you to file a revised return if you discover mistakes in your initial filing. You can even revise a belated return. You can file a revised return by 31st December of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. 

December 31, 2024, is the deadline to file the belated and revised income tax returns (ITRs) for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25). However, the CBDT has extended this deadline for resident individuals to 15th January 2025.

Here are instances in which filing a Revised Return is necessary:

1. Correction of Errors: 
   If you discover any errors or omissions in your original ITR, such as misreporting income, deductions, or other details, you have the option to submit a Revised Return. This enables you to rectify any mistakes and provide precise, updated information to tax authorities.
2. Missed Reporting: 
   In cases where you unintentionally overlook specific income sources or neglect to include certain deductions or exemptions in your original ITR, filing a Revised Return allows you to incorporate these overlooked details. This ensures that your tax assessment reflects comprehensive and accurate information.
3. Changes in Tax Calculation: 
   Should alterations occur in tax laws, rules, or rates that impact your tax liability subsequent to the submission of your original ITR, you can file a Revised Return to reflect these changes into your tax calculation.

What is the last date to file a Revised Return?

The last date to file a revised return is 31st December of the assessment year or before the completion of the assessment by income tax authorities, whichever is earlier.

For instance, the last date to revise your return for FY 2023-2024(AY 2024-2025) would be on or before 31st December 2024, if the original return has not been assessed. However, the CBDT has extended this deadline for resident individuals to 15th January 2025.

How to file a revised return?

Did you e-file your income tax return using Cleartax? If you have and are looking for the process to revise a return this guide will help you.

There are chances of taxpayers making mistakes while e-filing their Income Tax Returns. You can always revise your return on Cleartax for a small fee. Earlier, an income tax return could be revised only if the original return is filed within due date of filing return. The good news is that from FY  2016-17, even a belated return can be revised. If you have not filed original return using Cleartax i.e filed your return through income tax department’s portal or any other website, you can use Cleartax to file a revised return.

Budget 2022 update  
The government has proposed ‘Updated return’ that the taxpayers can file for any mistake or omission made in filing an income tax return on payment of additional tax.

Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you file a revised return.

If you have filed ITR through Cleartax

Step 1:

Log in to you your Cleartax account. Once you’ve logged in, go to the profile icon and click ‘My Tax Returns’ from the drop down.

Step 2:

Click on the ‘View Details’ button for the entity for which you want to revise returns. Remember, you can only revise the returns that have already been filed.  

Step 3:

On the Tax Summary screen click on ‘Mark your ITR as revised’. 

Step 4:

Click on the link ‘click here’ provided under ‘Your Tax Return is marked as “Revised”’.

Step 5:

Make the necessary changes in the respective sections.

Step 6:

Once you are done with the changes, click on the ‘Proceed to e-file’ button in tax summary screen and complete your filing process of revised ITR.

If you have not filed ITR through Cleartax

Follow the below steps to revise your return in a hassle-free manner on Cleartax.

Step 1:

Go to the Cleartax website and log in to your account.

Step 2:

The first option you will see is – ‘Directly Revise The Tax Return.’ Click on it.

Step 3:

Enter the date on which the return was originally filed and the acknowledgement number to begin revising your tax return.

These details can be obtained from the original income tax return filed.

Step 4:

Then follow the steps from step 3 mentioned in the above section (If you have filed ITR through Cleartax) and file your revised tax return.

To know how to fill in details in your income tax return click here.

Cleartax, true to its mission of making taxes simpler for individuals and businesses, has always strived to simplify the process of e-filing returns as well as revised returns. We hope the above steps help you e-file revised returns on our portal.  

Once the revised return is filed you need to e-verify your income tax return. Would you prefer Expert Assistance on Revising your Tax Return?      

Then go in for the Expert Assisted plan!  

Important points to note while filing a revised return

Here are some important points to remember when filing a revised income tax return:

1. Replacement of Original Return: 
   When you file a revised income tax return, it completely replaces the original one. Once the revised return is submitted, it is considered your final income tax return.
2. Revised Return after receiving ITR Refund: 
   If your income tax return has been processed, and you've received a refund, you can still file a revised return within the specified due date.
3. ITR Form Change: 
   If there is a need to change the ITR form, a revised return can be filed.
4. Multiple Revisions Allowed: 
   There is no limit to the number of times you can file a revised tax return. You can make corrections or updates as many times as needed.
5. Revised Return after Assessment Completion: 
   Once the assessing officer completes the assessment under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, a revised return cannot be filed.
6. No Penalties for Revision: 
   The income tax department imposes no penalty or charge for filing a revised income tax return. If mistakes are made in the original filing, a revised return allows you to correct them without fear.
7. Addressing Mistakes: 
   Filing a revised return is crucial if errors are identified, as the income tax department may issue a notice for mistakes in the original return. Additionally, any eligible tax refund won't be processed until a revised return is filed.

Is there a Penalty for Filing Revised Income Tax Return (ITR) After July 31?

Your tax return will be treated as revised only if the original return was filed by the due date, that is, 31 July 2024, and was e-verified within 30 days of e-filing. If it wasn’t filed by the due date, the return will be treated as a belated tax return, and the taxpayer will be levied late fees under Section 234F. Belated returns can be filed by December 31, 2024, too, by paying a penalty of up to Rs. 5,000.

Important points to Note While Filing a Revised Return

Here are some important points to remember when filing a revised income tax return:

• Replacement of Original Return: 
  When you file a revised income tax return, it completely replaces the original one. Once the revised return is submitted, it is considered your final income tax return.
• Revised Return after receiving ITR Refund: 
  If your income tax return has been processed, and you've received a refund, you can still file a revised return within the specified due date.
• ITR Form Change: 
  If there is a need to change the ITR form, a revised return can be filed.
• Multiple Revisions Allowed: 
  There is no limit to the number of times you can file a revised tax return. You can make corrections or updates as many times as needed.
• Revised Return after Assessment Completion: 
  Once the assessing officer completes the assessment under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, a revised return cannot be filed.
• No Penalties for Revision: 
  The income tax department imposes no penalty or charge for filing a revised income tax return. If mistakes are made in the original filing, a revised return allows you to correct them without fear.

Addressing Mistakes: 
Filing a revised return is crucial if errors are identified, as the income tax department may issue a notice for mistakes in the original return. Additionally, any eligible tax refund won't be processed until a revised return is filed. 

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