How To Revise Your Income Tax Return?

Taxpayers, facing time constraints, may initially file inaccurate or incomplete income tax returns. To address this, the Income Tax Act’s section 139(5) permits the filing of revised returns, enabling corrections and the inclusion of omitted information for accuracy.

What is a Revised Return?

The Income Tax Act, 1961, Section 139(5) permits taxpayers to present a revised return. This provision empowers them in rectifying errors or omissions from their initial filing. It is applicable for both timely and belated returns. However, the deadline for submitting these revised returns remains crucial. It falls either on December 31 of the relevant assessment year or earlier if assessment completion precedes it.

Filing a Revised Return serves several purposes. It allows for the correction of errors, addresses any missed reporting of income or deductions, and adjusts to changes in tax laws that impact tax liability. This process, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information, is crucial for an effective tax assessment. It is worth noting that this section even accommodates belated returns since FY 2016-17.

Possible Reasons for Filing Revised Return

Common reasons for revision include correcting inaccurate income reporting, deduction claims, tax credit errors, and personal information mistakes. Additionally, individuals may file revised returns to address unintentional omissions of income sources, overlooked deductions or exemptions, changes in tax liability due to post-filing income, alterations in residential status, corrections prompted by the tax department’s assessment, and claiming refunds if eligible. The provision facilitates accuracy and completeness in tax filings.

Here’s a quick glance at the same –

 

Reason for Revision

Description

Correction of Errors

Rectifying inaccuracies in income reporting, deduction claims, and tax credit errors.

Missed Reporting

Addressing unintentional omissions of income sources, overlooked deductions/exemptions, and changes in tax liability due to post-filing income.

Changes in Tax Calculation

Adjusting to alterations in tax laws, rules, or rates affecting tax liability post the original return submission.

Change in Residential Status

Updating information due to a shift from resident to non-resident or vice versa after the initial filing.

Correction of Assessment by Tax Dept.

Making necessary corrections prompted by the income tax department’s assessment to address discrepancies raised by authorities.

Claiming Refund Due

Filing revisions to claim eligible tax refunds not processed in the original filing.

When is the Deadline for Submitting a Revised Return as Per the Income Tax Act?

Under Section 139(5), taxpayers retain the ability to file a revised return until December 31 of the assessment year or prior to income tax authorities completing their assessment, whichever occurs first. The processing of an original return does not eliminate this revision privilege. Furthermore, there are no constraints on how many times one can make revisions.

As for the financial year 2023-24 (assessment year 2024-25), unless authorities have assessed the original return before that date, December 31, 2024 remains as its deadline. The flexibility in revision extends to maintaining accuracy post the initial filing.

Important Points to Note While Filing a Revised Return

Filing a revised income tax return replaces the original and culminates as the final submission. You can file a revised return within the specified due date, even after receiving a refund. Modifying the ITR form is permissible, and there exists no limit to permitted revisions in number. After the assessing officer completes the assessment under Section 143(3), revisions are indeed prohibited.

No penalties, however, exist for revising returns. This offers a chance to correct errors without consequences. Crucially, filing a revised return is necessary as it allows the address of mistakes potentially leading to the issue of notices by the income tax department and ensures the processing of eligible tax refunds only occurs after revisions have been made.

Here’s a summarised tabular chart for better understanding –

 

 

Key Consideration

Description

Replacement of Original Return

The revised return entirely replaces the original, becoming the final submission.

Revised Return after Refund

Even after receiving a refund, a revised return can be filed within the specified due date.

ITR Form Change

Changing the ITR form is permissible when filing a revised return.

Multiple Revisions Allowed

Taxpayers can file a revised return as many times as necessary, facilitating corrections and updates based on their requirements.

Revised Return after Assessment Completion

Once the assessing officer completes the assessment under Section 143(3), further revisions are prohibited.

No Penalties for Revision

The income tax department imposes no penalty or charge for filing a revised income tax return, providing an opportunity to correct mistakes without consequences.

Addressing Mistakes

Filing a revised return is crucial to rectify errors, as the income tax department may issue notices, and eligible tax refunds won’t be processed until revisions are made.

Steps to File the Return

Wondering, ‘How to revise your income tax return?’ To revise their return, taxpayers can follow these steps:

  • Access the e-filing portal.
  • Navigate to ‘e-file > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return’.
  • Or, directly select ‘file revised return’ from the dashboard.
  • Select the pertinent details: assessment year, mode of filing, whether it’s a revised return or not, audit option, and ITR type.
  • Attach the JSON file for return upload and proceed to verification.
  • E-verification must be completed within 30 days of submitting the return.
  • Upon your successful e-verification and submission of the return, you will observe a display of a confirmation message. This will include the transaction ID.

Consequences of Filing a Revised Return

Filing a revised return generally carries minimal consequences for minor changes, such as updating bank accounts or personal details. In such cases, there are typically no adverse outcomes. However, if the revised return involves substantial modifications, such as declaring previously undisclosed income or rectifying significant errors, it may attract scrutiny from the tax department.

Tax authorities may conduct a thorough examination of the revised return in instances where material changes occur, meticulously comparing it to the original filing. This scrutiny ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations.

However, any discrepancies or inconsistencies that surface during this review could trigger additional investigations—potentially leading even further into audits or penalties, based on both nature and extent of alterations made. While exercising caution and transparency to mitigate unintended consequences, one must indeed consider revising a return for genuine reasons.

In Conclusion

Taxpayers find a crucial opportunity to rectify errors and ensure accuracy in their financial disclosures by filing a revised income tax return. Adhering to deadlines and guidelines is essential during this straightforward process, as it avoids potential consequences that might emerge from significant modifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, revisions are allowed even after processing. File before the deadline for accuracy.

No, there is no limit to the number of revisions allowed. You can revise as many times as needed.

No, the income tax department imposes no penalties for filing a revised return.

Yes, changing the ITR form is permissible during revision.

The deadline will be December 31, 2024, unless the original return is assessed earlier.

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