How to File Revised Return Under Section 139(5)

How to File Revised Return Under Section 139(5)

Made a mistake in your income tax return? Do not worry – Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act allows you to file a revised return to correct any errors or omissions. This guide explains when, why, and how to revise your ITR.

What is a Revised Return?

A revised return is a corrected version of your originally filed return. Under Section 139(5), you can revise your return if you discover any omission or wrong statement after filing the original return. The revised return completely replaces the original return.

Deadline for Filing Revised Return

For AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25), the revised return must be filed on or before 31st December 2025 or before the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. After this deadline, you can only file an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) if eligible.

Common Reasons for Filing Revised Return

• Forgot to report income from a source (interest, capital gains, rental income)
• Claimed wrong deduction amount under Section 80C, 80D, etc.
• Selected the wrong ITR form (e.g., ITR-1 instead of ITR-2)
• Entered incorrect bank account details for refund
• Made errors in personal information (address, email, etc.)
• Chose the wrong tax regime (old vs new)
• TDS mismatch discovered after filing
• Forgot to claim eligible deductions or exemptions

Who Can File a Revised Return?

A revised return can be filed by anyone who has filed their original return under:

• Section 139(1) – Original return filed before the due date
• Section 139(4) – Belated return filed after the due date

You can revise both original and belated returns, and there is no limit on the number of times you can revise your return (as long as it is before the deadline).

Step-by-Step Process to File Revised Return

Step 1: Keep Original Return Details Ready

You will need the acknowledgment number and date of filing of your original return. Find this in your previously filed return or in the e-filed returns section of the portal.

Step 2: Log in to the Income Tax Portal

Visit incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN credentials.

Step 3: Start New Return Filing

Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return. Select AY 2025-26 and choose the filing type as "Revised Return u/s 139(5)".

Step 4: Enter Original Return Details

The portal will ask for the acknowledgment number and date of your original return. Enter these details accurately.

Step 5: Correct the Errors

Fill in the corrected details in the return form. Ensure you enter all information – not just the corrected fields. The revised return must be complete and will replace your original return entirely.

Step 6: Verify and Submit

Review all the details, compute the revised tax liability, pay any additional tax due via Challan 280, and submit the return.

Step 7: e-Verify the Revised Return

e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP or other methods within 30 days of filing. Without e-verification, the revised return is treated as not filed.

Impact on Tax Liability

If the revised return results in additional tax liability, pay self-assessment tax with applicable interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C before filing.

If the revised return results in a higher refund, the refund will be processed based on the revised return. Note that you may receive interest on the additional refund under Section 244A.

Important Points to Remember

• The revised return must use the same ITR form as appropriate for your income – you can change the form if the original was incorrect
• File the revised return as early as possible to avoid delays in processing
• If you are revising due to a demand notice, ensure the revised return addresses all issues raised
• Both original and revised return details are available to the tax department for scrutiny

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