Taxpayers who have noticed errors in their income tax returns for income earned during the 2024-25 financial year still have an opportunity to set things right. The window to file a revised income tax return (ITR)
for the assessment year 2025-26 remains open until December 31, 2025, provided the tax assessment has not been completed earlier.
Tax professionals point out that correcting mistakes proactively can help taxpayers avoid scrutiny notices, interest costs and prolonged follow-ups with the income tax department.
What is a revised income tax return?
A revised return allows taxpayers to correct mistakes or omissions in an ITR that has already been filed. These could include incorrect income reporting, missed deductions or exemptions, wrong bank or personal details, or errors in selecting the applicable ITR form.
Explaining the legal provision, CA (Dr) Suresh Surana said, “A taxpayer may revise their Income Tax Return if an error or omission is discovered after submission. This is permitted under Section 139(5) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.”
Once a revised return is filed, it completely replaces the original return and is treated as the valid return for that assessment year.
What is the deadline to file a revised ITR?
The Income-tax Act prescribes a specific timeline for revising a return. According to Surana, “There is a statutory deadline to revise and file the correct ITR form under Section 139(5) of the IT Act.”
He adds, “A revised return can be filed on or before December 31 of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.”
For taxpayers who earned income in FY 2024-25, the relevant assessment year is AY 2025–26, making December 31, 2025 the final date to file a revised return.
Can a belated return be revised?
Returns filed after the original due date are categorised as belated returns, and the rules for revising them are different.
Surana said, “If the original return was filed after the due date, revision is not permitted under Section 139(5). However, taxpayers may still correct errors by filing an updated return under Section 139(8A).”
An updated return can be filed within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year, but taxpayers should note that this route may involve payment of additional tax, interest and, in some cases, an extra amount prescribed under the law.
Is there a penalty for filing a revised return?
There is no penalty simply for revising an income tax return, as long as it is done within the permitted time.
As Surana pointed out, “A revised return entirely replaces the original return and is treated as the valid return for that assessment year. Filing a revised return does not attract any penalty, provided it is submitted within the permitted timeline.”
However, if corrections result in a higher tax liability, the taxpayer must pay the additional tax along with applicable interest.
Can you revise an ITR after it is processed?
A common misunderstanding among taxpayers is that revision is not allowed once the return has been processed by the tax department.
Clarifying this, Surana said, “A revised return can be filed even after the original return has been processed by the Centralised Processing Centre, as long as the conditions under Section 139(5) continue to be met.”
In practice, this means that even if an intimation under Section 143(1) has been issued, taxpayers can still revise their return before the December 31, 2025 deadline, unless a formal assessment has already been completed.
Errors in tax returns are not unusual, but ignoring them can invite notices, interest costs and avoidable complications later. Filing a revised return within the allowed timeline helps taxpayers remain compliant and ensures their tax records accurately reflect their income and claims.
