If you couldn’t file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 before the deadline, don’t panic.
Although the regular and belated filing deadlines have expired, you still have one option left—filing an Updated Income Tax Return (ITR-U).
However, this facility comes with additional tax, interest, and in some cases, a late fee.
Who Can File an Updated Return?
According to the Income Tax Department, taxpayers who missed filing their return or need to correct their income details can file an Updated Return (ITR-U).
The deadline to file an updated return for AY 2025-26 is March 31, 2028.
This option is available to:
Salaried employees who missed the deadline
Business owners
Self-employed professionals
Taxpayers who need to correct mistakes in an earlier return
Experts say filing an updated return allows taxpayers to disclose missed income legally, but they must pay the applicable tax and additional charges.
Extra Tax and Late Fee You May Have to Pay
Filing an updated return is not free.
Taxpayers will have to pay the due tax, applicable interest, and additional tax.
If the return was never filed earlier, a late fee under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act will also apply:
₹1,000 if your total income is up to ₹5 lakh
₹5,000 if your total income exceeds ₹5 lakh
Apart from this:
If you file the updated return within 12 months, you must pay an additional 25% of the tax and interest due.
If you file it after 12 months, the additional charge increases to 50% of the tax and interest due.
This is why tax experts recommend filing the updated return as early as possible.
What Is an Updated Return (ITR-U)?
An Updated Return (ITR-U) allows taxpayers to file a return they missed earlier or correct mistakes in a previously filed return.
It is a special provision introduced by the Income Tax Department to help taxpayers voluntarily report their correct income and pay the required tax.
Even though this option is available, filing the original return within the due date remains the best way to avoid extra charges.
Difference Between Audit and Non-Audit Cases
Taxpayers are divided into two categories:
Non-audit cases: Usually include salaried employees, small business owners, and professionals whose income is within the prescribed limit.
Audit cases: Apply to businesses and professionals whose turnover or income exceeds the limit specified under tax laws.
The filing deadlines differ for these two categories, but both have now expired for AY 2025-26.
How to File an Updated Return
To file an Updated ITR, follow these steps:
Register or log in to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar.
Select the correct Assessment Year and appropriate ITR form.
Enter your income, deductions, exemptions, and tax details carefully.
Pay any pending tax, interest, and additional charges online.
Complete the process through e-verification.
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these documents ready before filing your return:
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Bank account details
Form 16 (for salaried employees)
Income details from business or profession (if applicable)
Filing your updated return before the deadline can help you stay compliant with tax laws, even if you missed the original due date.
However, filing on time is always the better option, as it helps you avoid extra taxes, interest, and penalties.
