ITR Filing: I made a mistake when filing my ITR, I haven't verified it; Can I still rectify my mistake?

Have you ever spotted a mistake in your Income Tax Return (ITR) after filing it? It's a frustrating scenario that can leave you worried about potential repercussions. However, there's a process in place to help you rectify this error. So, don't fret too much as the Income Tax Department has set a path for correction, provided you haven't verified the return yet.

Verification of ITR return

If you identify an error post-submission, but pre-verification, the process isn't as straightforward as you might hope. Attempting to correct the ITR without first verifying the original one can lead to a notice from the tax department, as the portal won't allow unverified ITRs to be amended.

After identifying a mistake, you need to verify the original ITR first, and then file a revised ITR under Section 139(5) of the Income Tax Act 1961. This revised return must mention the acknowledgment number and the filing date of the original ITR. The income tax portal has an option for filing a revised return, which can be selected during the filing process.

Rectifying mistakes under Section 154

But, what if the errors are apparent from the records or the intimation issued under Section 143(1) or order under Section 154? Here comes the Rectification Request to your rescue. This request is applicable only for processed returns by the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) and can be used to correct errors in Total Tax Liability, Gross Total Income, and Total Deductions. You can raise such a request on the e-filing portal.

Common mistakes that can be rectified include factual errors, arithmetic mistakes, clerical errors, or omissions of compulsory provisions of the law. Note that if the rectification changes the income, a Revised Income Tax Return will be required.

Process of rectification

To file a rectification request, log into the e-filing portal, select the 'Rectification' link, and choose the relevant options from the drop-down list. Once you've made the necessary changes, you can submit the rectification request.

Remember, both revised returns and rectifications should not be taken lightly. They are tools to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your tax information, and not for altering tax liability. So, ensure you provide the correct information at the first instance itself.