Which route applies
| Route | When | Cost | Can it reduce tax? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised return | Until 31 March after the end of the tax year (31 March 2027 for AY 2026-27), or before assessment is completed | None until 31 December; ₹1,000 or ₹5,000 after | Yes |
| Belated return | Original not filed on time; by 31 December | Late fee and interest | — |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | Up to 48 months after the end of the assessment year | Additional tax of 25%–70% of tax and interest | Generally no — it's for reporting more income |
Additional tax on an updated return
| Filed within | Additional tax |
|---|---|
| 12 months from the end of the assessment year | 25% of tax and interest |
| 12 to 24 months | 50% |
| 24 to 36 months | 60% |
| 36 to 48 months | 70% |
The Finance Act, 2026 allows an updated return even after a reassessment notice, within the time the notice allows, with the additional tax ten percentage points higher. We confirm which rules apply to the year being corrected before filing.
An updated return can't be filed in some situations — for example where a search has been initiated, or where it would reduce tax or increase a refund. We check eligibility first.
Documents required
- The original return and its acknowledgement.
- Details of the income being added or the error being corrected.
- AIS, Form 26AS and TDS certificates.
- Proof of payment of tax, interest and additional tax.
How we handle it
Understand what was missed
The income or error and the year affected.
Choose the route
Revised, belated or updated return.
Compute tax
Including interest and additional tax for ITR-U.
Pay and file
Tax is paid before the updated return is filed.
Practical notes from our engagements
- AIS mismatch ignored. The department's data often shows what was missed. Correcting it voluntarily is cheaper than waiting for a notice.
- Revised return window missed. 31 December is the practical deadline for a free correction.
How we handle return corrections
We reconcile AIS and 26AS with the filed return, choose the cheapest valid route, compute the tax and file.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What is ITR-U?
An updated return that lets a taxpayer report income missed in an earlier return, up to 48 months after the end of the assessment year, on payment of additional tax.
How much extra tax is payable on ITR-U?
25%, 50%, 60% or 70% of the tax and interest, depending on whether it's filed within 12, 24, 36 or 48 months.
Can ITR-U be filed to claim a refund?
No. It can't be used to reduce tax or increase a refund.
When can a revised return be filed?
For AY 2026-27, until 31 March 2027, or before the assessment is completed, whichever is earlier. It's free until 31 December 2026; after that a fee of ₹1,000 (income up to ₹5 lakh) or ₹5,000 applies. A belated return can be revised too.
Can ITR-U be filed after a notice?
The Finance Act, 2026 allows it after a reassessment notice, within the time allowed, at higher additional tax.