Got I-T Department alert to file revised ITR? Step-by-step process

 Receiving an alert or email from the Income-tax Department asking you to file a Revised Income Tax Return (ITR) can be confusing and stressful, especially for first-time taxpayers. However, such alerts are very common and, in most cases, do not mean any penalty or legal trouble.

The Income-tax Department sends these alerts mainly to help taxpayers correct mistakes or mismatches in the original return filed. Filing a revised ITR on time helps you stay compliant and avoid future notices.

In this article, we explain why you received the alert, what a revised ITR means, and the complete step-by-step process to file a revised ITR online.

What Is a Revised ITR? :-

A Revised ITR is filed under Section 139(5) of the Income-tax Act. It allows taxpayers to correct any error, omission, or wrong information in the original return already filed.

Once a revised return is filed and verified, it replaces the original ITR completely.

Why Did You Get an I-T Department Alert? :-

The Income-tax Department uses data from banks, employers, mutual funds, and other institutions. If this data does not match your filed return, an alert is generated.

Common reasons include:

1. Interest income from savings account or FD not reported
2. Capital gains from shares or mutual funds missed
3. Salary mismatch with Form 16
4. TDS claimed but not reflected in Form 26AS
5. Income mismatch with AIS (Annual Information Statement)
6. Wrong ITR form selected
7. Deductions wrongly claimed
8. Additional income reported later by employer or bank

These alerts are usually informational and corrective, not punitive.

Important Points Before Filing a Revised ITR :-

Before you proceed, keep these points in mind:

1. A revised ITR can be filed only if the original ITR is already filed
2. You can revise your ITR multiple times, if needed
3. Revised ITR must be filed before 31st December of the relevant Assessment Year (as per current rules)
4. A revised return completely replaces the original return
5. Verification of the revised ITR is mandatory

Documents You Should Keep Ready :-

Before starting the revision process, collect the following:

1. Original ITR acknowledgement number
2. Date of original ITR filing
3. Form 16 (if salaried)
4. Form 26AS
5. AIS (Annual Information Statement)
6. Bank interest certificates
7. Capital gains statements

• Details of deductions (80C, 80D, etc.)

Step-by-Step Process to File Revised ITR Online :-

Step 1: Login to Income-tax Portal :-

Visit the official portal:
https://www.incometax.gov.in

Login using your PAN, password, and captcha.

Step 2: Select “File Income Tax Return” :-

1. Click on e-File
2. Choose Income Tax Returns
3. Click File Income Tax Return

Step 3: Choose Assessment Year :-

Select the same Assessment Year for which the original return was filed
Example:
FY 2023-24 → AY 2024-25

Step 4: Select Revised Return :-

When asked for return type, choose:
Revised Return (u/s 139(5))

You will need to enter:

1. Original ITR acknowledgement number
2. Original ITR filing date

Step 5: Select Correct ITR Form :-

Choose the correct ITR form carefully:

1. ITR-1 – Salary, pension, interest income
2. ITR-2 – Capital gains, multiple income sources
3. ITR-3 – Business or profession
4. ITR-4 – Presumptive income

Selecting the wrong ITR form is one of the most common mistakes.Step 6: Correct the Mistakes

Now update the incorrect or missing information, such as:

1. Salary income
2. Bank interest
3. Capital gains
4. Other income
5. TDS details as per Form 26AS
6. Income as per AIS
7. Deductions and exemptions

Make sure all details match official records.Step 7: Recalculate Tax Liability

The portal will automatically compute tax after corrections.

1. If additional tax is payable, pay it online
2. Interest under sections 234A, 234B, or 234C may apply
3. Save challan details for recordsStep 8: Submit the Revised ITR
4. Preview the return carefully
5. Submit the revised ITRStep 9: Verify the Revised ITR

Verification must be done within 30 days.

Verification options include:

1. Aadhaar OTP
2. Net banking
3. Bank account EVC
4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Without verification, the revised return will be treated as invalid.What Happens After Filing Revised ITR?

1. The original ITR becomes void
2. The revised ITR is treated as final
3. Refund (if any) is processed normally
4. Chances of future notices reduce significantly
5. Compliance status improvesRevised ITR vs Updated ITR (Brief Difference)

Feature	Revised ITR	Updated ITR
Section	139(5)	139(8A)
Time limit	Till Dec 31	Up to 2 years
Extra tax	Normal interest	Additional 25% / 50%
Best choice	✔ Yes	Only if revised not allowedHow to Avoid ITR Alerts in Future

1. Always check AIS and Form 26AS before filing
2. Declare all interest income, even small amounts
3. Report capital gains properly
4. Select the correct ITR form
5. Verify return on timeConclusion

Getting an Income-tax Department alert to file a revised ITR is not a penalty. It is an opportunity to correct mistakes and stay compliant with tax laws. Filing a revised return on time ensures peace of mind, avoids future notices, and keeps your tax record clean.

If the case involves complex income, capital gains, or business transactions, consulting a tax professional is always a smart decision.