Revised or Belated ITR? What Taxpayers Must File Before December 31

With the December 31 deadline approaching, many taxpayers are facing confusion after receiving alerts from the Income Tax Department about mismatches in income, deductions or tax details. These messages often warn that refunds have been put on hold, prompting questions over whether a revised or belated income tax return (ITR) should be filed.

Tax officials have advised taxpayers to act quickly, as December 31, 2025, is the final date to make certain corrections without incurring additional tax costs.

Why Are Taxpayers Receiving Alerts?

In recent weeks, the tax department has intensified scrutiny of returns where excess refunds may have been claimed. As part of this exercise, emails and SMS alerts are being sent to taxpayers whose returns show discrepancies.

The communication clearly states that for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, revised returns must be filed by December 31, 2025. Missing this deadline could limit correction options and increase tax liability.

What Is a Revised ITR?

A revised ITR is filed to correct mistakes in an original return that was submitted on time. It allows taxpayers to fix errors such as unreported income, incorrect deductions, calculation mistakes, selection of the wrong ITR form or wrongly claimed refunds.

Chartered Accountant Suresh Surana explains that a revised return can be filed up to December 31 of the relevant assessment year or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. For AY 2025–26, this effectively means taxpayers must act before December 31, 2025.

What Is a Belated ITR?

A belated ITR is filed when a taxpayer misses the original due date. While this option is also available until December 31 of the assessment year, it usually attracts late filing fees and interest on unpaid taxes.

Despite the extra cost, filing a belated return is still preferable to not filing at all, as it helps avoid harsher penalties and legal complications.

Can a Belated ITR Be Revised?

This is where many taxpayers get confused. According to experts, a belated return cannot be revised. If the original return itself was filed late, the option to file a revised return is not available.

What Is an Updated Return?

Taxpayers who cannot revise their return still have one option left — an updated return. This facility allows corrections for up to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year, but it comes with additional tax payments and conditions.

Experts say this option should be used cautiously, as it can increase the overall tax outgo.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If the original return was filed on time and errors are discovered later, filing a revised ITR before December 31 is usually the most cost-effective solution. If the due date was missed, a belated or updated return may be the only option, though it may involve higher tax costs.

With refunds at stake and deadlines nearing, taxpayers are advised to carefully review their returns and act promptly to avoid penalties, delayed refunds and unnecessary financial stress.