What is the new “Discard ITR” feature on e-Filing Portal?

The annual tax filing rush is something we can all relate to. Despite trying our best, the hurry can lead to errors.

Previously, if you wanted to correct a mistake in your submitted ITR, it could only be done after the original ITR was filed and verified. Once the ITR was verified, you were required to file a revised ITR to correct mistakes.

To avoid this hassle, the Income Tax Department (ITD) has introduced a new feature named “Discard ITR” on the e-filing portal. It allows you to delete a previously filed ITR. The ITR could be an original return, a revised return or even a belated return.

However, this feature can only be used if you have not yet e-verified your return. Once e-verified, you will then have to file a revised return to rectify any mistakes.

There are two things you need to keep in mind:

  • The original ITR must not be e-verified.
  • The original ITR must be for AY 2023-24 (FY 2022-23) and onwards. This means that any ITR filed on or from April 1, 2023, can be discarded from the income tax records.

How to discard an ITR?

  • You will first have to log in to the e-filing portal.
  • Navigate to e-file> Income Tax Return> e-verify ITR> Discard.

What if I discard my ITR by mistake?

If the ITR is discarded once, it can’t be reversed and it will mean that the ITR was not filed at all.

How many times can I discard my ITR?

There’s no limit and you can discard your ITR multiple times. However, one condition remains the same, that is the ITR must be unverified.

Is it mandatory to file a subsequent ITR if I have discarded my previous ITR?

Yes, if you have opted to discard an ITR, you should file a subsequent ITR since you had earlier opted to file one.

Reply to this thread if you have any queries and we’ll be happy to answer them!

Hey @Surbhi_Pal

Discarded ITR cannot be reversed and only ITR with filed status but not e-verified can be discarded, so how does “there is no limit on discarding ITR mean” ?

Hey @akash_jhaveri,

Here, no limit means that one can discard their ITR as many times as they want. Like say, if you once filed your ITR and made some error, you can discard the same. Then again if you happen to make a mistake, you can discard the ITR. The only condition is, it should not be e-verified.

Discarded ITR cannot be reversed means that once you discard an ITR you can’t retrieve that version and it will be as if the ITR was never filed.

Hope this clarifies.

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