ITR-U (Updated Return) — File Within 48 Months
Missed reporting income or need to correct a past return? ITR-U lets you file or update a return for earlier years — now up to 48 months from the end of the assessment year, on payment of additional tax.
ITR-U (Updated Return) under Section 139(8A) lets taxpayers file a new return, or correct an already-filed return, for a past year — even after the belated/revised return deadlines have passed. The Finance Act 2025 extended the window from 24 to 48 months (four years) from the end of the relevant assessment year.
It is meant for voluntary compliance: you report the missed income and pay tax plus an additional tax.
Additional tax by timing
ITR-U requires paying the tax and interest due, plus an additional tax based on how late you file:
| Filed within (from end of AY) | Additional tax |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 25% of (tax + interest) |
| 24 months | 50% of (tax + interest) |
| 36 months | 60% of (tax + interest) |
| 48 months | 70% of (tax + interest) |
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Who can file ITR-U
- Anyone who missed filing a return for a past year
- Anyone who needs to correct/declare additional income in a filed return
- Those who reported a wrong head of income or wrong tax rate
- Whether or not an original, belated or revised return was filed
When you CANNOT file ITR-U
- It is a nil return or a loss return
- It would reduce your tax liability or increase a refund
- A search/survey or assessment/reassessment is pending or completed for that year
- A notice under Section 148A is issued after 36 months (unless later dropped)
- You've already filed an ITR-U for that assessment year
How to file
- Compute total income including the missed/additional income.
- Calculate tax, interest and the applicable additional tax (25–70%).
- Pay the amount and prepare the ITR-U with the reason for updating.
- File it on the income-tax portal within 48 months of the end of the AY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time limit to file ITR-U?
Up to 48 months (4 years) from the end of the relevant assessment year, following the Finance Act 2025 extension from the earlier 24 months.
How much additional tax is payable on ITR-U?
25% of tax and interest if filed within 12 months of the end of the AY, 50% within 24 months, 60% within 36 months, and 70% within 48 months.
Can I file ITR-U to claim a refund or reduce tax?
No. ITR-U cannot be used to reduce tax liability, increase a refund, or file a loss/nil return — it is only for declaring additional income and paying more tax.
Can I file ITR-U if I never filed the original return?
Yes. You can file an ITR-U even if you did not file the original, belated or revised return for that year, subject to the conditions.
When can ITR-U not be filed?
If a search/survey or assessment is pending or done for that year, if a valid 148A notice was issued after 36 months, or if an ITR-U has already been filed for that AY.
Regularise your past returns with ITR-U
TAXAJ computes your additional tax correctly, prepares the ITR-U, and files it — helping you come clean before a notice arrives.