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Updated return, ITR-U, Sec 263(6) (old 139(8A))

  • If you find income you missed in an old return, or you never filed, you can still come clean by filing an updated return and paying extra tax of 25% to 70% of the tax and interest.
  • Deadline: Within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year. In FY 2026-27 this covers AY 2022-23 (till 31 March 2027) to AY 2025-26. For AY 2026-27 it opens as an option after the revision window, up to 31 March 2031.
  • Done in 3 working days after documents and payment
  • Prepared by your Savvy, checked by a CA
  1. Assessment year to update
  2. Has any search
  3. Check eligibility under Sec 263
  4. ITR-U acknowledgement
The law and the stepsPay and start · ₹2,999As needed, + 18% GST

Answer in brief

If you find income you missed in an old return, or you never filed, you can still come clean by filing an updated return and paying extra tax of 25% to 70% of the tax and interest. We check you are allowed to, compute the extra tax, pay it and file ITR-U before a notice reaches you.

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From the official sources

What the law says, and what trips people up

From the official portal's manuals and FAQs, with the source for each point.

The law

  • Income-tax Act 1961, Sec 139(8A) (now Sec 263(6))

    Updated return within 48 months from end of the relevant assessment year, once per year, not a loss return, not to reduce tax or raise refundSource

  • Income-tax Act 1961, Sec 139(8A) (now Sec 263(6)) provisos (bars)

    Not allowed after search or survey, where assessment or reassessment is pending or completed, after prosecution, or once one updated return is filedSource

  • Income-tax Act 1961, Sec 140B (now Sec 267)

    Tax, interest, fee and additional tax must be paid before filing; additional tax 25%, 50%, 60% or 70% of tax plus interest by filing yearSource

  • Finance Act 2026, amendments to Sec 263(6) (old Sec 139(8A); from 1 March 2026)

    Updated return may reduce a loss; may be filed in response to a Sec 280 (old Sec 148) notice within the time it allowsSource

  • Income-tax Act 1961, Sec 140B(3A) (now Sec 267; inserted by Finance Act 2026)

    Updated return under a Sec 280 (old Sec 148) notice: a further 10% of tax and interestSource

  • Income-tax Act 1961, Sec 270A(11A) (now Sec 439; inserted by Finance Act 2026)

    Income on which Sec 267 (old Sec 140B(3A)) additional tax is paid is not the basis for a Sec 439 (old Sec 270A) penaltySource

  • Income-tax Rules 1962, Form ITR-U (Notification 52/2026, G.S.R. 233(E), 30 March 2026)

    Form to update income or reduce loss within 48 monthsSource

  • Income-tax Act 2025, Sec 263(6) and 267

    Equivalent provisions for tax year 2026-27 onwardSource

  • Government fee

    Additional income-tax under Sec 267 (old Sec 140B): 25% of tax and interest if filed within 12 months from end of AY, 50% within 24 months, 60% within 36 months, 70% within 48 months; under a Sec 280 (old Sec 148) notice the rates become 35%, 60%, 70% and 80%. Sec 428 (old Sec 234F) fee applies only if no earlier return was filed. Sources: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Tutorials/51.Updated-Return.pdf and https://webtel.in/Image/ITR-U-26-27.pdf

  • Late fee or penalty

    Interest under Sec 423 (old Sec 234A; from the original due date where no return was filed), Sec 424 and 425 (old Sec 234B and 234C) is part of the base on which the additional tax is computed. After 48 months no updated return is possible. Source: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Tutorials/51.Updated-Return.pdf

On the portal

  1. Pay tax, interest and additional tax first through e-Pay Tax and note BSR code, date and challan number
  2. Login > e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return
  3. Select the assessment year and filing type 'Updated return under Sec 139(8A)'
  4. Prepare the base ITR (online or offline utility) including all income, original and additional
  5. Fill ITR-U Part A: earlier return details, eligibility, reason for updating, time band, Sec 148 notice details if any
  6. Fill Part B: additional income, computation of additional tax and Sec 140B challan details
  7. Validate, submit and e-verify within 30 days

What trips people up

  • Filing before paying the tax

    Payment proof must accompany the return or it is treated as defectiveSource

  • Using ITR-U to claim a deduction or refund

    ITR-U cannot reduce tax or increase refund; use rectification or appealSource

  • Declaring only the extra income

    ITR-U is a complete return with original and additional incomeSource

  • Notice already received for the year

    Scrutiny, reassessment, search or prosecution notices bar ITR-U; the Sec 148 route needs filing within the notice periodSource

  • Paying under the wrong challan head

    A wrong minor head needs correction through the AO and can take weeks; confirm the head on e-Pay TaxSource

People ask

How long after the year can I file ITR-U?

Up to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year.Source

How much extra tax do I pay?

25% of tax and interest within 12 months, then 50%, 60% and 70% in later years.Source

Can ITR-U reduce my loss now?

Yes, from 1 March 2026 it may reduce a loss, if the original loss return was filed on time.Source

I got a Sec 148 notice. Can I still file ITR-U?

Yes, within the time in the notice, with a further 10% additional tax, and that income is protected from Sec 270A penalty.Source

Can I file ITR-U if I never filed for that year?

Yes, whether or not an original, belated or revised return was filed.Source

IDFD

How we solve it: 4 steps

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Step 1 of 4 · What we need from you

Tap each one you already have

Ready0 / 8
  • Assessment year to update
  • Earlier return acknowledgement, if anyOptional
  • Missed income details and proofs
  • AIS, TIS and Form 168 (old Form 26AS) for that year
  • Any notices received for that year
  • Sec 280 (old 148) notice DIN and date, if anyOptional
  • Challan of tax and additional tax
  • Later years' returns, if losses changeOptional

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As needed. Delivered in 3 working days after documents and payment. Due: Within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year. In FY 2026-27 this covers AY 2022-23 (till 31 March 2027) to AY 2025-26. For AY 2026-27 it opens as an option after the revision window, up to 31 March 2031.

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