How to File Revised ITR

Filing a revised Income Tax Return (ITR) is a critical procedure for taxpayers in India who discover errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in their originally submitted tax returns. Whether it’s a missed income source, incorrect deduction claim, wrong tax calculation, or failure to report capital gains, the Income Tax Department permits taxpayers to correct these mistakes by filing a revised return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Unlike an updated return filed after a notice under Section 148 or 148A, a revised return is initiated voluntarily by the taxpayer to rectify their own error.

The importance of filing a revised ITR cannot be overstated. An inaccurate return may lead to notices from the tax department, penalties, interest on underpaid tax, or even prolonged scrutiny assessments. More importantly, it can affect your financial credibility—impacting loan approvals, visa applications, or future tax compliance. Filing a revised return proactively demonstrates responsibility and transparency, reducing the risk of legal consequences and ensuring accurate tax records.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of filing a revised ITR—from eligibility criteria and timelines to the step-by-step process, best practices, essential tools, real-world examples, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a complete, actionable understanding of how to file a revised ITR correctly and confidently.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Eligibility and Conditions

Before initiating the process, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for filing a revised ITR. You may file a revised return if:

• You have already filed your original ITR for the relevant assessment year.
• You have discovered an error or omission in the original return—such as unreported income, incorrect deductions, wrong TDS credit, or miscalculated tax liability.
• The original return was filed within the due date (or extended due date) and has not been processed under Section 143(1) or assessed under Section 143(3) or Section 147.

Important: You cannot file a revised return if the original return was filed after the due date and you are claiming a refund. In such cases, only the original return is eligible for processing.

Also, note that you can file multiple revised returns, but each subsequent return must supersede the previous one. The last revised return filed before the end of the assessment year (or before the completion of the assessment) will be considered valid.

Identify the Error in Your Original Return

Before proceeding, clearly identify the nature of the mistake. Common errors include:

• Forgetting to include salary income from a previous employer.
• Incorrect reporting of capital gains from equity or mutual fund sales.
• Claiming deductions under Section 80C, 80D, or 80TTA that exceed the allowable limit.
• Incorrect TDS credit due to mismatched Form 26AS or wrong PAN details.
• Failure to report income from foreign assets or foreign bank accounts.
• Wrongly selecting the ITR form (e.g., filing ITR-1 instead of ITR-2 when you have capital gains).

Compare your original return with your Form 26AS, bank statements, Form 16, and investment proofs. Use the ‘View Return Status’ feature on the Income Tax e-Filing portal to check if your return has been processed. If it’s still pending, you can still revise it.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all supporting documents for the corrections you intend to make. These may include:

• Updated Form 16 from employer(s)
• Bank statements showing additional income
• Capital gains statements from brokers or mutual fund houses
• Proof of investments under Sections 80C, 80D, etc.
• Form 16A or TDS certificates for additional TDS deducted
• Previous ITR acknowledgment number (e.g., ITR-V or e-filing receipt)
• Details of any tax paid through advance tax or self-assessment tax

Ensure all documents are accurate and match the data you plan to enter in the revised return. Discrepancies may trigger scrutiny.

Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Visit the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.

Log in using your PAN and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option and reset it using your registered mobile number or email.

Once logged in, navigate to the ‘e-File’ tab and select ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘File Income Tax Return’.

Select the Correct Assessment Year and ITR Form

Choose the assessment year (AY) corresponding to the financial year (FY) for which you are filing the revised return. For example, for FY 2023-24, the assessment year is 2024-25.

Select the appropriate ITR form. The form must match the nature of your income. Common forms include:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with income from salary, one house property, other sources (interest), and total income up to ₹50 lakh.
• ITR-2: For individuals/HUFs with income from salary, multiple house properties, capital gains, foreign assets, or other sources (excluding business/profession).
• ITR-3: For individuals/HUFs with income from business or profession.
• ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals/HUFs under the presumptive income scheme (Section 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE).

Ensure you select the same form as your original return. Switching forms may be considered a new return, not a revision.

Choose “Revised Return” Option

After selecting the ITR form, you will be prompted to answer whether you are filing a “Original Return” or a “Revised Return.”

Select “Revised Return.”

You will then be asked to enter the “Acknowledgement Number” of your original return. This is the 15-digit alphanumeric number received after filing your original ITR (e.g., ITR/2024-25/123456789012345). Enter it carefully—any mismatch will prevent submission.

Once entered, the portal will auto-populate the data from your original return. You can now edit the fields that need correction.

Make Corrections and Re-Enter Data

Review each section of the ITR form carefully:

• Personal Details: Verify name, PAN, address, and contact information. Do not change these unless they were incorrect in the original return.
• Income from Salary: Update salary details if Form 16 was revised or if you forgot income from a previous employer.
• Income from House Property: Correct rental income, municipal taxes, or interest on home loan.
• Capital Gains: Re-calculate short-term or long-term capital gains using correct cost of acquisition and indexation (if applicable).
• Other Sources: Include interest income, dividends, lottery winnings, etc., if omitted.
• Deductions: Update claims under Sections 80C, 80D, 80TTA, 80G, etc., based on actual investments.
• Tax Paid: Include any additional advance tax or self-assessment tax paid after filing the original return.

Use the ‘Auto-fill’ feature where available to pull data from Form 26AS or TCS. Cross-check all auto-filled values with your records.

Validate and Preview the Return

After making corrections, click on ‘Validate’ to check for errors. The system will highlight any missing fields or inconsistencies.

Once validated, click ‘Preview’ to review the entire return. Pay close attention to:

• Total income
• Tax liability
• Tax paid
• Refund or balance tax payable

Ensure the revised figures are accurate. If you owe additional tax, calculate the interest under Section 234A, 234B, or 234C if applicable.

Calculate and Pay Outstanding Tax (if any)

If your revised return shows a higher tax liability than originally paid, you must pay the balance tax before e-filing.

Go to the ‘e-Pay Tax’ section on the e-filing portal. Select the appropriate challan (ITNS 280) and fill in:

• PAN
• Assessment Year
• Tax Type: “Self Assessment Tax”
• Amount to be paid

Choose your preferred payment method (net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card). After successful payment, note down the Challan Identification Number (CIN).

Return to the ITR form and enter the CIN under the ‘Tax Paid’ section. The system will auto-populate the payment details from the bank’s records.

Upload the XML File and Submit

If you are using offline software (like the ITR utility), download the filled form as an XML file. Then, log in to the e-filing portal, go to ‘Upload Return’, and select the XML file.

Click ‘Submit’ to file the revised return. You will receive a confirmation message and a new acknowledgement number.

E-Verify the Revised Return

After submission, you must e-verify your return within 30 days. Failure to do so renders the return invalid.

Choose one of the following e-verification methods:

• Aadhaar OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
• EVC through Bank Account: Use net banking to generate an EVC (Electronic Verification Code).
• EVC through Demat Account: If you have a demat account with NSDL or CDSL, use the EVC option.
• Physical Verification: Print the ITR-V form, sign it, and send it to CPC Bengaluru via post within 120 days (not recommended due to delays).

Once e-verified, you will receive a confirmation SMS and email. Keep a copy of the revised ITR acknowledgment for your records.

Best Practices

File Revised Returns Promptly

Delaying the filing of a revised return increases the risk of interest accumulation and potential notices. The sooner you correct the error, the lower your liability for interest under Section 234A (delay in filing), 234B (failure to pay advance tax), or 234C (deficiency in advance tax installments).

While there is no strict deadline for filing a revised return, it must be submitted before the end of the relevant assessment year or before the assessment is completed under Section 143(3) or 147—whichever comes first. For most taxpayers, this means filing before March 31 of the assessment year.

Always Use the Same ITR Form

Changing the ITR form while revising may lead to rejection or classification as a new return. For example, if you originally filed ITR-1 but later discover you have capital gains, you must file a revised return using ITR-2, not ITR-1. However, if the original return was filed using the wrong form, you must still use the correct form for the revision. The key is consistency with the nature of income, not the form used originally.

Double-Check Form 26AS and TDS Details

Many revision requests arise due to mismatched TDS credits. Always download Form 26AS from the TRACES portal before filing your original or revised return. Compare it with your Form 16 and TDS certificates. If there’s a discrepancy, contact the deductor to correct it. If they fail to act, you can still claim the TDS in your return by providing supporting documents.

Retain Supporting Documents for 6 Years

The Income Tax Department can reopen an assessment up to 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year if it suspects concealment of income. Maintain organized digital and physical copies of:

• Original and revised ITR acknowledgments
• Form 16, Form 16A, and TDS certificates
• Bank statements and investment proofs
• Capital gains statements
• Payment receipts for advance tax or self-assessment tax

Store these in a secure, accessible location. Cloud storage with encryption is recommended.

Use ITR Utility Software for Accuracy

The Income Tax Department provides free offline ITR utility software for each form. Download the latest version from the official portal. These tools auto-calculate tax, validate entries, and reduce manual errors. Always use the latest version to ensure compatibility with current tax rules.

Do Not File Multiple Revisions Without Cause

While multiple revisions are permitted, frequent revisions may raise red flags. Only revise when there is a genuine error. Avoid revising for minor rounding differences or trivial omissions unless they impact tax liability or refund eligibility.

Consult a Tax Professional for Complex Cases

If your revision involves complex scenarios—such as foreign income, business losses, carry-forward of losses, or international tax treaties—consult a Chartered Accountant (CA). A professional can help ensure compliance, minimize risk, and optimize your tax position.

Tools and Resources

Official Income Tax e-Filing Portal

https://www.incometax.gov.in

The primary platform for filing all ITRs, including revised returns. It provides access to:

• ITR forms and utilities
• View Return Status
• Download Form 26AS
• e-Pay Tax
• E-verification options

TRACES Portal (TDS Reconciliation)

https://www.tdscpc.gov.in

Use this portal to download Form 26AS, view TDS details, and raise discrepancies with deductors. It is indispensable for verifying tax credits before filing.

Income Tax ITR Utility Software

Available for download on the e-filing portal. Each ITR form (ITR-1 to ITR-7) has a dedicated utility. These Excel-based tools auto-calculate tax, validate entries, and generate XML files for upload. Always download the latest version for the relevant assessment year.

NSDL and CDSL Demat Accounts

If you hold a demat account with NSDL or CDSL, you can use your demat credentials to e-verify your ITR. This is a fast and secure method, especially for investors.

Bank Net Banking Services

Most major banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, etc.) offer e-verification via net banking. Log in to your bank’s portal, navigate to the ‘e-Filing’ section, and generate an EVC to verify your return instantly.

GSTN Portal (for Business Owners)

If you are a business owner and your ITR includes business income, cross-check your GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) with your profit and loss statement. Discrepancies between GST and ITR filings can trigger scrutiny.

Tax Calculators and Apps

While not official, trusted third-party tools like ClearTax, Tax2Win, H&R Block, and Quicko offer ITR preparation and revision assistance. These platforms guide users through corrections, auto-fill data, and provide alerts for common mistakes. Always cross-check their calculations with official documents.

Income Tax Act, 1961 and CBDT Notifications

For legal clarity, refer to:

• Section 139(5): Revised Return
• Section 143(1): Intimation under Summary Assessment
• Section 147: Reassessment
• Section 234A/B/C: Interest on Delayed Filing or Payment

Visit the official website of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) at https://www.incometax.gov.in for notifications, circulars, and FAQs.

Real Examples

Example 1: Missed Salary Income

Rahul worked at Company A from January to June 2023 and then switched to Company B for the rest of the year. He filed ITR-1 for AY 2024-25, including only the salary from Company B. He forgot to include the ₹6.8 lakh salary from Company A.

Upon reviewing his Form 26AS, he noticed TDS of ₹1.2 lakh was deducted by Company A but not reflected in his return. He filed a revised ITR-1, added the salary income, updated his total income to ₹14.5 lakh, and paid additional tax of ₹28,000 along with interest under Section 234A. He e-verified the return using Aadhaar OTP. The revised return was processed successfully, and his TDS credit was matched.

Example 2: Incorrect Capital Gains Reporting

Meena sold equity mutual fund units in December 2023, realizing a long-term capital gain of ₹4.2 lakh. She filed ITR-1, treating the entire amount as “other income” and paying tax at slab rates. Later, she realized that long-term capital gains on equity funds are taxed at 10% above ₹1 lakh.

She filed a revised ITR-2, moved the gain to Schedule CG, applied indexation (though not mandatory for equity), and calculated tax liability as ₹3.2 lakh (10% on ₹3.2 lakh above exemption). She paid the balance tax of ₹1.8 lakh and revised her return. Her tax liability reduced by ₹24,000 compared to the original filing.

Example 3: Overclaimed Deduction under Section 80C

Arjun claimed ₹2.5 lakh under Section 80C in his original ITR for AY 2024-25, including ₹50,000 in PPF contributions he had not actually made. He had only invested ₹2 lakh. After realizing the error, he filed a revised return, reduced his deduction to ₹2 lakh, and paid additional tax of ₹15,000 (at 30% slab rate). He also paid interest under Section 234A for the delay in paying the balance tax. His revised return was accepted without notice.

Example 4: TDS Mismatch Due to Wrong PAN

Sanjay received ₹1.5 lakh as interest from a fixed deposit. The bank deducted TDS of ₹15,000 but used the wrong PAN (a similar number with one digit off). His Form 26AS showed ₹0 TDS credit. He contacted the bank, submitted a corrected request, and received a revised Form 16A with the correct PAN. He then filed a revised ITR-2, included the interest income, and claimed the TDS credit. The revised return was processed after a 45-day reconciliation period.

Example 5: Business Owner Revising ITR-3

Deepak, a sole proprietor, filed ITR-3 for AY 2024-25 but forgot to include ₹8 lakh in sales from an online marketplace. He had also claimed ₹3 lakh in expenses, but his bank statements showed only ₹2.2 lakh in actual business expenses. He revised his return, increased income by ₹8 lakh and reduced expenses by ₹80,000. His net profit increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹9.2 lakh. He paid additional tax of ₹2.9 lakh and interest of ₹12,000. His revised return avoided a notice under Section 148.

FAQs

Can I file a revised ITR after receiving a notice under Section 143(1)?

Yes. A notice under Section 143(1) is an intimation of discrepancies, not a final assessment. You can still file a revised return before the notice is processed or before the due date for response. The revised return will supersede the original.

Is there a limit to how many times I can file a revised ITR?

No, there is no statutory limit. You can file multiple revised returns as long as each one is filed before the end of the assessment year or before the completion of the assessment. However, each revision must be justified and accurate.

What happens if I file a revised return after the assessment is completed?

If your return has already been assessed under Section 143(3) or reopened under Section 147, you cannot file a revised return. You must respond to the notice or appeal the assessment through the prescribed legal channels.

Will I be penalized for filing a revised ITR?

No penalty is levied solely for filing a revised return. However, if the revision results in additional tax liability, you may be liable for interest under Sections 234A, 234B, or 234C. Penalties under Section 270A apply only if the department proves concealment or misreporting of income.

Can I revise ITR if I am claiming a refund?

Yes. If your revised return results in a higher refund, you can claim it. However, if the original return was filed after the due date, you cannot claim a refund even in a revised return. Only returns filed on or before the due date qualify for refund.

How long does it take for a revised ITR to be processed?

Processing time is similar to original returns—typically 1 to 6 months. If you e-verify promptly and have no discrepancies, processing may be faster. You can track status on the e-filing portal under ‘View Returns/Forms’.

Do I need to send any physical documents with a revised ITR?

No. All revisions are filed electronically. However, retain all supporting documents for at least 6 years in case of scrutiny.

Can I revise ITR if I filed under the old tax regime and now want to switch to the new regime?

No. Once you file an ITR under a specific tax regime (old or new), you cannot switch regimes in a revised return. You must file a new return under the desired regime before the due date. Revisions are only for correcting errors in the same regime.

What if I forgot to attach Form 16 in my original return?

You do not need to attach Form 16 with your ITR. It is only for reference. However, if your TDS details are missing from Form 26AS, you must ensure your employer issues a revised Form 16 with correct PAN and TDS details. Then, file the revised return with accurate TDS credit.

Can I revise ITR for a previous assessment year?

Yes, but only if the assessment year is still open. For example, for AY 2022-23, the deadline to file a revised return was March 31, 2024. After that, you can no longer revise unless the department reopens the assessment.

Conclusion

Filing a revised ITR is not an admission of fault—it is a responsible step toward accurate tax compliance. In a system where even minor discrepancies can trigger notices or delays, proactively correcting errors demonstrates integrity and minimizes long-term financial risk. Whether you overlooked a source of income, miscalculated deductions, or faced a TDS mismatch, the process for filing a revised return is straightforward when followed methodically.

This guide has provided a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap—from identifying the error and gathering documents to submitting, paying, and verifying your revised return. We’ve also highlighted best practices to avoid common pitfalls, recommended essential tools, shared real-world examples, and answered critical FAQs to empower you with confidence.

Remember: Timeliness matters. Accuracy matters. Documentation matters. By adhering to these principles, you ensure your tax records remain clean, credible, and audit-ready. Don’t wait for a notice to act. If you’ve made a mistake, correct it now. The Income Tax Department rewards transparency—and your peace of mind is worth the effort.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and file your revised ITR with clarity and confidence.