Guide to Filing Your Revised ITR: Key Dates, Common Mistakes, and Tips

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) correctly is important for compliance with tax laws in India. But what if you make a mistake or realize you need to update your original ITR?

That’s where filing a Revised ITR comes in.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Revised ITRs, including important dates, common mistakes, and tips to make the process smoother.

At Suvit, as an accounting automation brand, we aim to make tax compliance easier for individuals and businesses alike. While automation simplifies tasks, it’s equally important to understand key processes like filing a Revised ITR.

This knowledge ensures that your financial records are accurate and up to date.

What’s a Revised ITR All About?

An Income Tax Return can be revised if you find any errors or omissions after filing your original return.

The revision could be related to incorrect income reporting, deductions, exemptions, or even typographical errors. Filing a Revised ITR gives taxpayers a chance to correct these mistakes without facing penalties.

The Income Tax Department allows individuals to file a Revised ITR under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

When Might You Need to Revise Your ITR?

There are several scenarios where you might need to revise your ITR. These include:

• Incorrect Income Declaration: You forgot to include some income sources or made an error in your calculation.
• Deductions Not Claimed: If you missed claiming deductions like Section 80C, 80D, or others.
• Exemptions Overlooked: You might have forgotten to claim exemptions under HRA or LTA.
• Errors in Personal Details: Simple mistakes like wrong bank details, PAN number, or name.
• Incorrect Tax Liability: If the tax payable or refundable figure was miscalculated.

Understand Different Sections for Revising Your ITR

When filing a Revised ITR, it's important to understand under which sections of the Income Tax Act you are making the revisions. The Income Tax Act, 1961, provides specific provisions for filing a Revised ITR under different scenarios. Here’s a breakdown:

Section 139(5) - General Provision

The most common section under which a Revised ITR is filed is Section 139(5). This section allows taxpayers to correct any errors or omissions in their originally filed ITR. Whether it's an incorrect income declaration, missed deductions, or other errors, this section covers general revisions.

Section 143(1) - After Receipt of Notice

If the Income Tax Department issues a notice under Section 143(1) indicating discrepancies in your return, you may need to file a revised return to address these issues. This section relates to the adjustments made by the department based on the data provided in the return.

Section 154 - Rectification of Mistakes

For minor errors or corrections that don’t require a complete revision, Section 154 provides an avenue for rectifying mistakes apparent from the records. This is suitable for fixing clerical errors or incorrect calculations without needing to file a fully revised return.

Section 119(2)(b) - Special Circumstances

In certain special circumstances, such as genuine hardship or if the original return was filed in good faith and errors were discovered later, Section 119(2)(b) allows for revisions even beyond the standard time limits. This section provides flexibility for exceptional cases.

Understanding which section applies to your situation ensures that your Revised ITR is filed correctly and complies with legal requirements.

Also Read: Get Your Tax Refund Faster: Tips for Efficient ITR Filing

Key Dates for Filing the Revised ITR

Knowing the deadlines for filing a Revised ITR is important. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates:

• Original Deadline: The due date for filing the original ITR for individuals is typically July 31st of the assessment year.
• Revised ITR Deadline: You can file a Revised ITR anytime up to three months before the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier. For example, for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25), you can file the Revised ITR up to December 31, 2024.
• After Assessment: If the Income Tax Department has completed its assessment, you cannot revise your ITR.

Make sure you adhere to these dates, as missing the deadlines can result in penalties.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Filing Your Revised ITR

Mistakes in filing the Revised ITR can lead to further complications. Avoid the following common mistakes:

1. Incorrect Calculation of Tax

Even when revising your ITR, incorrect tax calculation is a common mistake. Always double-check your tax payable or refundable amount before submitting the Revised ITR.

2. Not Revising the Correct ITR

Some taxpayers mistakenly file a fresh ITR instead of revising the existing one. Ensure that you file a Revised ITR and not a new one.

3. Failing to Mention the Original Acknowledgment Number

When filing a Revised ITR, you must mention the acknowledgement number of the original ITR. Missing this detail can cause rejection or delay in processing.

4. Not Updating TDS and Other Deductions

If the reason for revising your ITR is missed deductions, make sure you update all relevant information like TDS, HRA, and other exemptions. Incomplete information can lead to further revisions.

5. Missing the Deadline

As discussed earlier, deadlines are critical when filing a Revised ITR. Filing after the deadline can result in penalties or rejection of your revised return.

How to File Your Revised ITR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing a Revised ITR involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Log In to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal

To begin, you need to access the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to register using your PAN number and other details. Here’s how to log in:

1. Go to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
2. Click on “Login” and enter your PAN number, password, and captcha code.
3. Click “Login” to access your account.

Step 2: Select the Revised ITR Option

Once logged in:

1. Navigate to the "e-File" tab on the dashboard.
2. Click on “Income Tax Return” to initiate the filing process.
3. Select the assessment year for which you want to file the revised return.
4. Choose the option to “Revised” under the return filing type.

Step 3: Fill Out the Revised ITR Form

1. Download the ITR form relevant to your case. For individuals, this is usually ITR-1 or ITR-2, but the form may vary depending on your specific situation.
2. Fill out the form with accurate information, including the acknowledgement number of your original ITR. Correct any errors or include additional information as required.

Step 4: Review and Validate the Form

Before submitting:

1. Check the completed form thoroughly to ensure that all information is correct.
2. Use the "Validate" button to check for errors or missing data.

Step 5: Submit the Revised ITR

1. Once you’ve reviewed and validated the form, click on “Submit.”
2. You may be required to verify your submission through a Digital Signature or an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 6: Download and Save the Acknowledgment

After submission:

1. Download the acknowledgement receipt for your records.
2. Keep a copy of this acknowledgement as proof of filing.

Step 7: Track the Status

You can track the status of your Revised ITR submission by:

1. Logging back into the e-filing portal.
2. Go to the “View Returns/Forms” section to check the status of your return.

Following these steps ensures that your Revised ITR is filed correctly and helps avoid potential issues with the tax authorities.

Handy Tips for a Smooth Revised ITR Filing Experience

Now that you know the common pitfalls, here are some tips to help you file your Revised ITR smoothly.

1. Use Updated Forms

Ensure that you are using the latest ITR forms available on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing website. These forms are updated each year to incorporate changes in tax laws.

2. Recheck Your Documents

Before submitting the Revised ITR, carefully review all documents, including Form 16, investment proofs, and bank statements. Cross-check your calculations to ensure accuracy.

3. Mention the Correct ITR Section

It’s essential to mention the correct section while revising the ITR. For example, if you’re revising due to an error in income reporting, choose the right ITR section under 139(5).

4. Keep a Copy of the Acknowledgment

After successfully submitting the Revised ITR, save a copy of the acknowledgement for future reference. This document serves as proof of submission and is useful in case of any disputes.

5. Get Professional Help if Needed

Filing a Revised ITR can sometimes be complex, especially if multiple revisions are involved. It may be a good idea to consult a Chartered Accountant (CA) or use an automated tax filing tool to ensure everything is done correctly.

Also Read: 7 Costly ITR Filing Mistakes You Can Avoid Right Now

Why Getting Your Revised ITR Right Matters

Filing a Revised ITR is not just about correcting errors; it’s about maintaining financial transparency and staying compliant with the tax authorities. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Avoid Penalties: Filing a revised return in time helps you avoid penalties or interest for underreporting income or over-claiming deductions.
• Correct Financial Records: A revised return ensures that your financial records reflect accurate information, which is important for future assessments or loans.
• Peace of Mind: Once you’ve corrected your errors, you can file your revised return with confidence, knowing that you are compliant with tax laws.

Ready to Master Your Revised ITR Process?

Filing a Revised ITR is an opportunity to correct mistakes and ensure that your financial records are accurate. Whether you missed a deduction or made an error in your income declaration, revising your ITR is an essential process that keeps you compliant with Indian tax laws.

At Suvit, we strive to simplify accounting and tax filing with our automation tools & knowledge sharing. While automation streamlines tasks, understanding the process gives you an edge and keeps your financial management error-free.

Be sure to keep an eye on key dates, avoid common mistakes, and follow the tips mentioned above to make your Revised ITR filing process smooth and stress-free.

Try Suvit for free for a week!