The ITR (Income Tax Return) filing deadline has just passed, and let’s be honest – between the last-minute rush and those all-too-familiar portal glitches, many taxpayers ended up making mistakes in their Returns. Now comes the big question: Aab Kya karein? Is there any way to fix it? The good news is – yes! That’s where the Revised Return steps in.
Amid the last minute of the hustle and bustle of ITR filing, many were heard saying – enter the details and submit for now; all corrections can be taken care of later through a Revised Return.
Is filing a Revised Return really that easy? And is there a specific deadline for it? In this article, we will explain the details of filing a Revised Return using Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Q1. What is Revised Return (RR)?
Ans. A revised return is a corrected version of the original income tax return filed under Section 139(5), allowing taxpayers to fix errors or omissions made in their initial filing. It gives taxpayers a second chance to correct mistakes, omissions, or incorrect statements in the original ITR filed.
Q2: Who can file a Revised Return?
Ans: Any taxpayer who files their original ITR on or before the due date is eligible to file a revised return if any errors are discovered later.
Q3 Is there a time limit to file a Revised Return?
Ans: A revised return can be filed up to 31st December of the relevant assessment year, or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier. Thus, for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26), the deadline to file a revised return is 31st December 2025, unless the assessment is completed earlier.
Q4. When is an “assessment” said to be completed?
Ans. An assessment is considered completed when the Income Tax Department passes an assessment order under any of these sections of the Income Tax Act:
Section 143(3): Scrutiny assessment – detailed checking of return.
Section 144: Best judgment assessment – when return is not filed.
Section 147: Income escaping assessment – reopening past cases.
Once any of the above assessment orders are passed for return, the assessment is completed, and it cannot be revised.
Q5. Can a return be revised if it has already been processed and the taxpayer has received an intimation under Section 143(1)?
Ans: Yes. An intimation under Section 143(1) is only the processing of the return and does not amount to the completion of the assessment. Therefore, the taxpayer can still revise the return up to 31st December of the relevant assessment year.
Q6: How many times can a Return be revised?
The law does not place any limit on the number of times a return can be revised. Taxpayers may revise their return as often as required, up to 31st December of the relevant assessment year or until the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
Frequent revisions should be avoided unless necessary, as they can attract the attention of tax authorities and raise the risk of scrutiny.
Q7. Can A Revised Return be filed if a refund has already been issued?
Ans. Yes, the return can still be revised. However, any additional refund or demand arising from the revision will be adjusted accordingly by the department.
Q8. How can a taxpayer return the excess refund received?
Ans. The taxpayer needs to file a Revised Return with the correct income, deductions, and tax details & then pay back the excess refund as Self-Assessment Tax.
Q9. Does filing a Revised Return attract any penalty?
Ans. No separate penalty is levied for filing a Revised Return.
Q10. What if the original ITR was filed late (belated return)?
Ans. Even the belated return can be revised within the prescribed time limit (31.12.2025 for FY 2024-25)
Q11. Can a revised return be filed if the original ITR has been submitted but not yet verified?
Ans: No. An ITR is treated as “furnished” only after it has been verified. If the original return remains unverified, it is considered invalid, and a revised return cannot be filed against it. The taxpayer must first verify the original return, after which a revised return may be filed if required.
Q12. Can the ITR Form be changed while filing a Revised Return?
Ans. Yes, the ITR form can be changed in a Revised Return, provided the nature of income or status requires it. For example, a taxpayer originally filed ITR 1 but later realized he had Capital gains. He can file a Revised Return using ITR 2
Q13. Can a taxpayer switch their tax regime while filing a Revised Return?
Ans: There is no explicit provision in the Act regarding a change of tax regime at the time of filing a revised return, and experts hold differing views on this matter.
From FY 2023–24 onwards, the new tax regime is the default option. Taxpayers who wish to remain under the old regime must specifically opt out while filing their return within the prescribed due date.
Consequently, switching from the new regime to the old regime at the time of filing a revised return is not permitted.
For those with business or professional income, the choice is even stricter. They are required to file Form 10-IEA within the original due date if they wish to opt for the old regime. Once exercised, the option through Form 10-IEA is final and irrevocable, and it cannot be altered later, whether through a subsequent or a revised return.
In summary, taxpayers without business income may switch from the old regime to the new regime while filing a revised return. Still, taxpayers with business or professional income cannot change their regime through a revised return.
Q14: How to file a revised ITR on the e-Filing portal?
Ans: On the e-Filing portal, a revised return can be filed by selecting ‘e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return > Assessment Year > Filing Type: Revised Return (u/s 139(5))’. While filing, the acknowledgement number and date of the original return must also be provided.
Conclusion: Filing a revised return need not be a source of anxiety. With the right understanding of timelines, eligibility, and practical nuances—such as choosing the correct tax regime—what may initially feel like a setback can in fact become an opportunity to correct mistakes and stay compliant with confidence. By straightforwardly addressing common queries, taxpayers can move from panic to relief, ensuring that their revised return is not only accurate but also stress-free.
Disclaimer: The article is for educational purposes only.
The author can be approached at caanitabhadra@gmail.com
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