Big Filing Mistake on Sep 16? Your 2 Options to Correct Your ITR Before It’s Too Late!
Did You Rush to File Your ITR and Make a Mistake? Here's How to Correct It
We understand the stress. Trying to meet the Income Tax Return (ITR) deadline, especially when the Income Tax Department's (I-T) website is acting up, is a massive challenge.
If you managed to beat the clock and complete your ITR filing on the due date of September 16, but later realized you'd made a mistake—a small omission, a typo, or a missing detail—don’t worry. This is a common situation, and thankfully, you have clear legal options to fix it.
Your exact path for correction depends entirely on one crucial factor: the e-verification status of your filed ITR.
Let's break down your options, straight from experienced Chartered Accountants.
Option 1: You Filed the ITR, But Haven't E-Verified It Yet
If you successfully submitted your ITR on or before the due date, but did not complete the e-verification process, you are in the best position. You have a golden chance to completely delete the original file and start over.
"The choice hinges on whether the taxpayer has e-verified their ITR filing," explains Chartered Accountant (CA) Manish Bansal of Legaldev Pvt. Ltd.
He clarifies the rule: "If the return has not been e-verified, the taxpayer may simply ignore it and file a fresh ITR."
This is possible thanks to the 'Discard' feature on the Income Tax portal.
Ppsingh Founder of Talkaaj.com, offers further context, especially for those with tax payments: "Taxpayers who filed their returns with the 'tax payable' option, or even those who entered notional CRNs for their tax payments, can now discard their filed returns, provided they haven't e-verified yet. This 'discard' facility is available right next to the e-verification link on the Income Tax portal."
By using the 'Discard ITR' feature, the previously filed return is completely deleted from the portal, effectively treating it as if you never filed it. You can then file a new ITR incorporating all the complete and correct details.
Option 2: You Filed, Submitted, and Also E-Verified Your ITR
Once your ITR has been filed and e-verified, it is legally considered a validly filed return. In this case, you cannot use the 'Discard ITR' option. The only legally compliant and practical route to rectify any errors or omissions is by filing a Revised Return.
"If you have e-verified your ITR, you cannot discard it. In this scenario, you must file a Revised Return under Section 139(5) with the correct details," advises Akash Singh, CEO & Co-founder of Legaldev.
CA Manas Chugh elaborates on the importance and timeline of this revised filing option:
When is the Revised Return the Only Option?
"Once a return is e-verified, it is treated as validly filed, and the only method to correct errors or omissions is through a revised return under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961."
Tax laws allow a taxpayer to file a revised return anytime up to three months before the end of the relevant assessment year, or before the completion of the assessment, whichever comes first.
For example, for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the revision window is open until December 31, 2025 (unless your assessment is concluded earlier).
"Timely filing of a revised return is the legally compliant and practical route to rectify mistakes and avoid exposure to notices or penalties," adds Manish Bansal.
Akash singh reinforces this, stating, "Those who have already e-verified their returns must file their revised returns now to rectify the defects in their original submission." The revised return will completely supersede the original return.
Crucial Tip: How Taxpayers Can Check Tax Payment Challan Status
For many who file close to the deadline, especially if you paid a self-assessment tax in the last two or three days, you might have faced an issue where the tax payment challans didn't reflect on the portal immediately. This is a common cause of errors.
As Akash singh highlights, if you were unable to file your return because the challan details were missing, you now have a crucial step to take before refiling (or filing your revised return):
"Check your challan status in the 'e-pay tax utility' on the Income Tax portal. Once your tax payment is reflecting in the system, you can file your return (fresh or revised) incorporating those now-visible challan details."
Filing a revised return or a fresh ITR with correct, verified details—especially concerning tax payments—ensures your filing is robust and minimizes the chance of receiving a scrutiny notice from the I-T Department. Always prioritize accuracy and compliance.
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