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Mistake made in ITR filing? Income Tax Department gives second chance to correct the mistake, this is the method

Rahul Kumar | July 22, 2026 5:22 PM CST

Income Tax Return MistakeImage Credit source: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Many times, knowingly or unknowingly, some people make mistakes while filing ITR (Income Tax Return), it is common to make mistakes like entering wrong income or wrong bank details. This mistake can be made by anyone, hence the Income Tax Department gives a second chance to correct these mistakes through revised return under Section 139(5).

Second chance under section 139(5)

This section allows you to file a revised return, if you find any mistake or omission after filing your original ITR, then the revised return replaces your original ITR but this is for genuine mistakes, not for tax evasion.

Mistakes in ITR

wrong income details
missing out on bank interest income
Missing out on deductions (80C, 80D etc.)
Choosing the wrong ITR form
TDS not matching with Form 26AS
Wrong bank account for refund

Deadline information

According to the Economic Times, the revised return currently has to be filed by 31st December of the assessment year, which has been extended to 31st March under Budget 2026. Did he miss it too? You can still file an updated return (ITR-U) with additional tax and interest within 48 months.

How to file Revised Return

Login to e-filing portal
Select assessment year
Select revised return under section 139(5)
Enter your original ITR acknowledgment number
fix mistakes
Submit and e-verify

Revised Returns vs Rectification: Both are not the same

You file a revised return (section 139(5)) to correct mistakes. Rectification (Section 154), on the other hand, corrects mistakes made by the tax department, usually after an intimation notice, so don't get confused between the two.

What if you ignore the mistake?

There may be late refunds, interest on unpaid taxes, notices, penalties, and even scrutiny. You can review the ITR as many times as you want, as long as it is within the deadline. Each new revision replaces the previous revision. Still, try to get it right the first time, frequent revision may raise alarm bells.

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Tarun Chadha

I started getting fond of gadgets while studying in school and then after reaching 11th class, I started thinking in which direction to move forward after completing my schooling. Career in media started after completing 5 years of journalism studies at IP University. Due to my love for gadgets, I have been playing the role of a tech journalist since my entry in the media. The journey in media started with Navodaya Times, after which I got a golden opportunity to work in big companies like India News, Jansatta, NBT and also got to learn a lot from many stalwarts of the industry. Every day after waking up, I think that today I have to learn something new and I am moving forward with this passion. I have been associated with the industry for the last 8 years and am currently working in the Tech-Auto section of TV9.