Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 263(6) – 48 Months, Additional Tax of 25% to 70%
- Any person can file an updated return within 48 months from the end of the financial year succeeding the tax year (section 263(6)).
- Additional income-tax under section 267(5) is 25% of tax plus interest within the first year after the belated/revised window, then 50%, 60% and 70% in later years; 10% more if filed after a notice under section 280.
- Tax, interest, fee and additional tax must be paid before filing, with proof of payment attached.
If you filed the wrong return, or forgot to include income, you can file an updated return even after the belated and revised return windows have closed. This is section 263(6) of the Income-tax Act, 2025, with the payment rules in section 267. It is the successor of the old section 139(8A) (ITR-U).
Who can file and when
Section 263(6)(a): any person, whether or not he has filed a return under sub-section (1), (4) or (5) for the tax year, may file an updated return at any time within forty-eight months from the end of the financial year succeeding the relevant tax year. For Tax Year 2026-27 (financial year 2026-27), the succeeding financial year is 2027-28, so the window runs up to 31 March 2032 (48 months after 31 March 2028).
Sections 263(6)(b) and (c) set the limits. An updated return cannot be filed for a tax year if, for example:
- it is a return of loss (except where you had filed a loss return on time and the updated return shows income or reduces the loss);
- it would decrease your total tax liability compared with the earlier return;
- it results in a refund where none was due, or increases the refund;
- an updated return has already been filed for that year;
- assessment, reassessment or revision proceedings are pending or completed for that year; or
- the Assessing Officer holds information about violation of specified laws, or information received under an agreement, as set out in clause (c).
The normal windows, for comparison
| Return | Time allowed |
|---|---|
| Original (section 263(1)) | By the due date: 31 July, 31 August, 31 October or 30 November |
| Belated (section 263(4)) | Within 9 months from the end of the tax year, or before assessment is completed |
| Revised (section 263(5)) | Within 12 months from the end of the tax year, or before assessment |
| Updated (section 263(6)) | Within 48 months from the end of the financial year succeeding the tax year |
Additional income-tax (section 267(5))
Along with the tax and interest, an additional income-tax equal to a percentage of the tax plus interest payable is due:
| When the updated return is filed | Additional tax |
|---|---|
| After the belated/revised time (263(4) or (5)) and before 12 months from the end of the succeeding financial year | 25% |
| After 12 and before 24 months | 50% |
| After 24 and before 36 months | 60% |
| After 36 and before 48 months | 70% |
If the updated return is filed in response to a notice under section 280 (income escaping assessment) within the period in that notice, a further 10% of tax plus interest is added (section 267(5)(ii)). For this purpose "tax" includes surcharge and cess (section 267(6)).
What to pay before you file (section 267)
- The tax due on the basis of the updated return, after crediting advance tax, TDS/TCS, section 157 relief and foreign tax credit already claimed;
- interest and fee for late filing or advance-tax default (sections 423 to 425 and 428);
- the additional income-tax above.
Proof of payment must be attached to the return (section 267(1)(c) and (3)(c)). Where you had already filed an earlier return, interest already paid in it is reduced from the payable amount (section 267(3)(b)).
Example (illustrative)
| Item | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Tax on omitted income after credits | 40,000 |
| Interest payable (assumed) | 6,000 |
| Tax + interest | 46,000 |
| Additional tax at 25% (filed in the first year) | 11,500 |
| Total to pay before filing, before late-filing fee | 57,500 |
Practical advice
- Check the Annual Information Statement before filing, so you can correct all mistakes in one go.
- If you can correct the mistake within the revised-return window (12 months from the end of the tax year), use a revised return – there is no additional tax. See due dates and belated returns.
- An updated return is meant to add tax: it cannot reduce your tax or increase a refund (section 263(6)(c)).
Still have a question? Ask TAXBADI – get an answer from the Act, Rules and forms, with the exact sections cited.
More guides
- Arrears of Salary – Relief under Section 157, Rule 73 and Form No. 39 (Old 89(1))
- Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026-27 – Shares, Mutual Funds and Property under the New Act
- Clubbing of Income – Section 99: When Spouse or Minor Child Income Is Added to Yours
- Filing Income Tax Return Late – Fee under Section 428 and Interest under Sections 423 to 425
This guide is for general information and is not tax advice. Tax figures are before health and education cess unless stated. The law and the official notifications are the final authority – see our Disclaimer. Found a mistake? Tell us.