Two different fixes
The portal offers different return types for different problems. The two most common are the revised return and the belated return, similar names but opposite purposes.
Belated return: "I am late"
A belated return (Section 139(4)) is for people who missed the original July 31 deadline entirely. It carries a 234F fee, 234A interest, and the loss of most carry-forward rights.
Revised return: "I made a mistake"
A revised return (Section 139(5)) is for people who filed on time but found an error, such as a missed bank account, an 80C claim, or an AIS share sale. There is no 234F fee, and your original filing date stands.
Side by side
| Feature | Belated (139(4)) | Revised (139(5)) |
|---|---|---|
| For | Missed deadline | Fixing an error |
| Late fee | Yes (Rs 1,000/Rs 5,000) | No |
| Carry-forward losses | Lost | Preserved |
| Final date | December 31 | December 31 |
Both share the same final deadline of December 31 of the assessment year (Source: Income Tax Act, Sections 139(4) and 139(5)).
File either one (portal path)
- Log in at incometax.gov.in and start a new return.
- Choose 139(4) for belated or 139(5) for revised.
- For a revised return, quote the original acknowledgement number.
- Submit and e-verify.
What you should do
If you filed on time, prefer a revised return; it is fee-free and protects your losses.
Common mistake
Thinking a belated return cannot be revised. It can, as long as you act before December 31.
How LastMinute ITR helps
LastMinute ITR helps you organise corrected figures before you resubmit on the portal. Start at /file, import at /file/import/documents, and reconcile at /file/import/mismatch.
LastMinute ITR is a companion tool, not affiliated with the Income Tax Department. You file and e-verify your return yourself on incometax.gov.in.