For every taxpayer in India, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is fundamental. But what if you see an error after your return is already processed by the Income Tax Department? Can you correct it? The answer is yes, and your tool will be a Revised Return.
This blog explains whether a revised return can be filed after the ITR has been processed, what the eligibility conditions are, and how to file it correctly without attracting penalties or legal complications.
Introduction
Many taxpayer breathe a sigh of relief after submitting their income tax return. But sometimes, that relief is short-lived. Maybe you missed reporting rental income, forgot to claim deductions under Section 80C, or uploaded the wrong Form 16. What’s more worrying is when the ITR has already been processed by the Income Tax Department.
The good news is, the tax system understands that mistakes can happen. That is why the Income Tax Act allows you to file a Revised Return, even if your original ITR has been processed, as long as it’s within the allowed time limit.
What is a Revised Return?
A Revised Return is simply a corrected version of the original income tax return. It allows taxpayers to rectify errors or omissions in the original ITR.
This includes –
- Incorrect income details
- Missed deductions or exemptions
- Errors in bank details or personal information
- Incorrect tax calculation
- Changes in the type of return form
Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act governs revised returns. It allows any taxpayer who has furnished a return under Section 139(1) (i.e., on or before the due date) to revise the same if they discover any omission or wrong statement.
Can You File a Revised Return After ITR Is Processed?
Yes, you can file a revised return even after the original ITR has been processed, as long as it is done within the prescribed time limit.
Processing of the original return does not bar you from submitting a corrected version. The key condition is that the window for filing the revised return must still be open.
Why Would You Want to File a Revised Return After ITR Processing?
There are several practical reasons –
- Missed Deductions – You forgot to claim deductions under 80C, 80D, or 24(b) that reduce your taxable income.
- Additional Income – You later realized you did not report income like bank interest, freelance earnings, or rent.
- Incorrect Form Used – For example, you filed ITR-1 but had capital gains, which should have been declared under ITR-2.
- Bank or PAN Details Mistaken – Errors in bank account number or IFSC code can delay refunds.
- Mismatch in 26AS or AIS – Your tax credit statement (Form 26AS) or AIS has income or TDS entries that were not declared.
Any of these errors could lead to a demand notice or refund rejection later. A revised return helps avoid that.
How to File a Revised Return After ITR Processing?
Here is a step-by-step guide –
Step 1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal
Go to www.incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN and password.
Step 2. Select “File Revised Return”
Under the ‘e-File’ menu, select Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return. Choose the correct assessment year (e.g., AY 2024–25).
Step 3. Select the Filing Type
When prompted, choose “Revised Return under Section 139(5)”.
You will need to enter the Acknowledgement Number and Date of your original return, which is available in the ITR-V or confirmation email.
Step 4. Make Corrections
Edit the fields you need to correct. You do not need to re-enter everything from scratch, only the incorrect or missing details.
Be careful, a revised return replaces the original return entirely. All other entries must still be accurate.
Step 5. Re-verify the Return
After submission, don’t forget to e-verify the revised return using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or DSC. Without verification, the revised return will not be considered valid.
What Happens After Filing a Revised Return?
After you file and verify the revised return –
- The new return replaces the old one in the system
- The Income Tax Department processes the revised return
- If eligible, a refund is recalculated or adjusted
- If tax liability increases, the additional amount must be paid with interest
You can track the status of the revised return from your dashboard.
Key Points to Remember
- You can file multiple revised returns within the allowed period, but it is best to minimize revisions.
- If your original return was belated (filed after the due date), you cannot revise it.
- A revised return must be based on genuine corrections, not to manipulate your tax outcome.
- Filing a revised return does not attract penalties if done within the timeline and in good faith.
Is There a Penalty for Filing a Revised Return?
No. If the revised return is filed voluntarily, within the time allowed, and without any malafide intent, no penalty is imposed.
However, if the revision is made after receiving a notice or during scrutiny, and the authorities find deliberate concealment, they may levy a penalty and interest under Sections 270A or 234F.
Can You Still Get a Refund After Filing a Revised Return?
Yes. If the revised return reflects a higher refund due to corrections (like unclaimed TDS or deductions), you are entitled to receive it. But keep in mind that –
- Refunds under the revised return may take more time
- If you have already received a partial refund, the revised amount will be adjusted accordingly
Revised Return Vs Rectification
People often confuse a revised return with a rectification request.
- Use Revised Return when you discover errors in your own return.
- Use Rectification (u/s 154) when there’s an error in the processing done by the department (like wrong tax calculation, incorrect refund, etc.).
Both serve different purposes, and filing the wrong one could delay resolution.
Conclusion
Mistakes in your income tax return are not the end of the world, especially when the law gives you a second chance through Section 139(5). Even if your ITR has already been processed, you can file a Revised Return, as long as it is within the permitted window.
It is better to correct mistakes early than to wait for a notice or reassessment from the tax department. A revised return allows you to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and ensure your tax record is clean and accurate.
Always double-check your ITR before filing, but if you do discover a mistake, don’t panic; act quickly, revise it, and move forward with confidence.
References
The Income Tax Rules, 1962
The Income Tax Act of 1961
