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Published on 7 April 2025

Guide to Filing Updated Income Tax Returns Under the Income Tax Act

Updated Returns Under the Income Tax Act: A Guide

The ability to file updated returns for the Financial Year (FY) 2019-20 and subsequent assessment years is available to eligible taxpayers under the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act. Updated returns can be filed using Form ITR-U, with the provision allowing a taxpayer to submit only one updated return per assessment year.

E-filing Availability

The Income Tax Department has enabled e-filing of updated Income Tax Returns (ITR) under Section 139(8A) for the Assessment Years (AY) 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Step-by-Step Guide for Updating Previous Year Returns

To successfully file an updated return, follow these outlined steps:

  1. Visit the Income Tax Website: Navigate to the Download section of the Income Tax . Select the assessment year for which you want to file the updated ITR.

  2. Check JSON Schema Release: Note that the latest JSON Schema was released on 27th June 2022. Currently, updates can only be made for ITR-1 and ITR-4.

  3. Download Utility: Obtain the Excel-based utility. Ensure you have the older version of the ITR Excel utility for filing the updated return.

  4. Enter Details: Input the necessary information in Part A. You will find the option to select the filed under section, where you should choose Section 139(8A).

  5. Complete General Information: After selecting Section 139(8A), you will access the “Part A General Information - 139 (8A).” Fill in the appropriate details in ITR-U within this section.

  6. Specify Update Reason: In the Part A General Information tab of ITR-U, a dropdown menu will allow you to select the reason for updating your return. Choose the relevant cause.

  7. Download the XML File: After entering all required details, download the XML file. This file can then be uploaded to the Income Tax website by selecting the appropriate AY in the “File Income Tax Return” section.

Situations Permitting Filing of ITR-U

ITR-U can be filed under the following circumstances:

  • Return was not previously filed.
  • Income was reported incorrectly.
  • Incorrect heads of income were chosen.
  • Reduction of carried forward losses.
  • Reduction of unabsorbed depreciation.
  • Reduction of tax credit under sections 115JB/115JC.
  • Incorrect rate of tax.
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