If you missed filing your ITR or need to correct errors that increase your tax liability, you need to file an Updated return or ITR-U under section 139(8A).
An ITR-U can be filed only if it results in additional tax payment or higher tax liability. It cannot be used to claim a refund, reduce the tax liability, or increase a reported loss. Also, the updated return can be filed within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year.
While ITR-U cannot be directly e-filed through Quicko at the moment, you can still prepare your return on Quicko, download the JSON, and then complete the remaining steps using the Income Tax Department’s offline utility.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing ITR-U:
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You need to download the Excel Utility to prepare ITR-U on the income tax portal
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Once the zip file utility is downloaded, right-click on it and go to Properties. Select ‘Unblock’ and then 'Apply’. This will help you access the file
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The next step is to extract the zip file to start preparing the ITR-U
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Import the downloaded Quicko JSON into the Income Tax Utility
- In the PART A General sheet, change File u/s as 139(8A)
- Now, go to PART A Gen 139(8A) sheet and enter the details explaining reason for updating return, date of filing original return (if any) or whether search/survey applies
- Then, go to Part B - ATI, add your additional income in serial number 1, and if you have filed the original return and paid tax, mention the amount of tax in serial number 5
- Next, in PART B - TI, TTI review your income and click on Calculate Tax
Here, the ITD utility automatically calculates the additional tax payable for ITR-U:
- 25% of tax due if filed within 12 months from the end of the relevant assessment year
- 50% of tax due if filed after 12 months but within 24 months
- 60% of tax due if filed after 24 months but within 36 months
- 70% of tax due if filed after 36 months but within 48 months
- Now, make the tax payment and add the Challan details under Part B ATI
- Once you’ve added the details, click on Generate JSON and proceed with filing on the Income Tax Portal
That’s it! You’ve successfully used Quicko’s ITR JSON to file an Updated Return (ITR-U) through the Income Tax Department utility.
Now, to file ITR-U, you need to upload this JSON file on the Income Tax Portal. Follow the steps below to proceed.
- Log in to the income tax e-filing portal
- Go to e-file > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return
- Select the relevant details and click Continue
- Upload your JSON file and proceed to e-verification
Once you e-verify the return filed under section 139(8A), your ITR-U will be successfully submitted.
If you need any help, feel free to drop your questions below.