Filing income tax returns (ITR) correctly is very important for every taxpayer in India. Mistakes can happen while filing ITR, and it is important to correct them soon to avoid penalties. If you have made a mistake in your ITR, you can correct it through a revised return or correction request. In this guide, we will tell you how to correct mistakes made while filing ITR, along with expert advice from chartered accountants in Kanpur, India. So that you can adopt the right path in life in future.
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Common Mistakes Made While Filing ITR
Many taxpayers make mistakes while filing their ITR, causing unnecessary difficulty. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Incorrect Personal Information: Errors in name, PAN, or bank details.
- Mismatch in Income Details: Entering incorrect salary, interest, or other income details.
- Wrong Selection of ITR Form: Choosing the wrong ITR form applicable to your income type.
- Failure to Report Exempt Income: Not declaring exempt income, such as agricultural income or gifts.
- Skipping Deductions: Forgetting to claim deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, or 80G.
- Non-disclosure of Foreign Assets: If you have foreign assets, failing to disclose them can attract penalties.
If you notice any of these mistakes then it is very important to correct them immediately.
How to correct Mistakes Made While Filing ITR
File a Revised Return
If you have made a mistake in your original ITR, the best way to correct it is by filing a revised return. As per the Income Tax Act, a taxpayer can revise the ITR before the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.
Steps to File a Revised Return:
- Login to the Income Tax Portal – Visit incometax.gov.in and log in with your credentials.
- Go to ‘e-File’ Section – Select ‘Income Tax Return’ and then ‘File Revised Return’.
- Choose the Correct Assessment Year – Select the applicable financial year for which you are revising your return.
- Enter the Acknowledgment Number – Provide the acknowledgment number of the originally filed return.
- Make Necessary Corrections – Correct the errors in income details, deductions, or other required fields.
- Revalidate and Submit – Verify the revised return and submit it.
- E-Verify the Return – Use Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other verification methods to complete the process.
Correction Request for Specific Errors
If the mistake in your ITR is related to an arithmetical error, incorrect details, or processing issue, you can submit a rectification request under Section 154 of the Income Tax Act.
Steps to File a Rectification Request:
- Login to the Income Tax Portal.
- Go to ‘Services’ → ‘correction’ Request.
- Select ‘Assessment Year’ and Provide the CPC Order Reference Number.
Choose the Type of Correction:
- Reprocess the return (for tax credit mismatches, etc.)
- Correct data errors (for mistakes in reported figures)
Submit and E-Verify the Request.
A rectification request is useful when the Income Tax Department has already processed your return and you need to correct mistakes that affect tax calculations.
Filing an Updated Return under Section 139(8A)
Taxpayers can file updated returns under section 139(8A) within two years from the end of the assessment year relating to the assessment year 2023-24. This allows taxpayers to voluntarily correct errors even if they have not filed a revised return earlier.
However, an updated return cannot be filed if:
- It leads to a reduction in tax liability.
- The return is under scrutiny or assessment.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you are unsure about how to correct mistakes made while filing ITR, consulting a Chartered Accountant in Kanpur, India can help. A tax professional ensures that all necessary corrections are made properly, minimizing the chances of future notices from the Income Tax Department.
Important Deadlines for ITR Correction
| Correction Type | Deadline |
| Revised Return | Before the end of the assessment year or assessment completion, whichever is earlier |
| Correction Request | Within 4 years from the date of processing |
| Updated Return | Within 2 years from the end of the assessment year |
It is always advisable to correct mistakes as early as possible to avoid penalties and unnecessary tax complications.
Conclusion
It is common to make mistakes while filing ITR, but it is important to correct them promptly. Whether you need to file a revised return, correction request or updated return, the Income Tax Department offers several options for taxpayers.
If you need expert guidance, seeking help from a chartered accountant in Kanpur, India can make the correction process hassle-free. Always ensure that your ITR is error-free before submitting it to avoid unnecessary legal issues and financial penalties.
By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can easily correct mistakes made while filing ITR and remain compliant with tax rules in 2025 and beyond.
