Using TaxBuddy DIY to File Belated or Revised Returns Easily
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- Sep 12
- 9 min read
Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) accurately and on time is crucial to stay compliant with the Income Tax Act, 1961. However, sometimes taxpayers miss the original deadline due to various reasons, such as delayed TDS statements, unavailability of documents, or last-minute personal and business obligations. In such cases, the Income Tax Act provides provisions for belated and revised returns. Belated returns allow taxpayers to file after the due date with applicable late fees, while revised returns let them correct mistakes or omissions in previously filed returns. Platforms like TaxBuddy simplify this process, offering user-friendly tools for both DIY and expert-assisted filing. With its mobile app, taxpayers can file efficiently, track refunds, and stay fully compliant without unnecessary stress. Let's explore a detailed walkthrough of belated and revised returns, step-by-step filing instructions using TaxBuddy, common errors to avoid, and tips for a seamless filing experience.
Table of Contents
What is a Belated and Revised Return?
A belated return is filed after the original due date prescribed by the Income Tax Department. For FY 2024-25, the normal filing deadline for individuals and non-audit taxpayers is September 15, 2025. Filing after this date is allowed until December 31, 2025, but it attracts a late fee under Section 234F. A belated return helps taxpayers report their income, claim deductions, and become eligible for refunds, even after missing the standard deadline.
A revised return, on the other hand, allows taxpayers to correct mistakes, omissions, or discrepancies in an already filed ITR. Common reasons include incorrect income reporting, missing deductions, or mismatched TDS details. The revised return can be filed any time before the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier. Both belated and revised returns are important tools to maintain compliance and minimize penalties.
Filing a Belated Return with TaxBuddy DIY
TaxBuddy DIY provides a simple interface to file belated returns without expert intervention. Taxpayers need to log in to their account, select the financial year, and choose the “Belated Return” option. The platform automatically highlights pending income, deductions, and TDS details, ensuring accurate computation of tax liability. After reviewing all entries, the return can be verified online using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or e-verification methods, ensuring seamless submission. TaxBuddy also calculates any late fees under Section 234F automatically, so taxpayers are aware of the total liability before filing.
Filing a Revised Return with TaxBuddy DIY
For revised returns, TaxBuddy DIY allows users to import the original ITR and make necessary changes. The platform clearly marks sections where modifications are made, whether it is income, deductions, exemptions, or TDS corrections. TaxBuddy recalculates tax liability, refunds, and interest automatically. Once the revised entries are completed, the return can be e-verified immediately, ensuring compliance without additional complications. TaxBuddy maintains a record of both the original and revised returns, which can be accessed anytime for reference or audit purposes.
Step-by-Step: Using TaxBuddy for Belated and Revised Returns
Step 1: Log In Start by accessing your TaxBuddy account on either your desktop or the mobile app. Ensure that your login credentials are correct and your account is active. Once logged in, the platform provides a seamless interface where all your tax filing options, previous filings, and upcoming deadlines are displayed clearly.
Step 2: Select Financial Year After logging in, choose the financial year FY 2024-25. This ensures that the belated or revised return you are filing corresponds to the correct assessment year. Selecting the correct financial year is crucial, as the tax rates, deductions, and exemptions vary slightly from year to year.
Step 3: Choose Return Type Next, select whether you are filing a “Belated” or “Revised” return:
Belated Return: Use this if you missed the original or extended deadline.
Revised Return: Use this if you need to correct errors in a return already filed.
Step 4: Import or Enter Data You can either upload supporting documents such as Form 16 (salary certificate), Form 26AS (TDS summary), or manually enter details of your income, deductions, and exemptions. TaxBuddy automatically maps these details to the correct sections of the ITR, reducing the risk of errors.
Step 5: Verify TDS & Deductions Before proceeding, ensure all TDS credits, tax payments, and deductions are accurate. TaxBuddy cross-verifies the uploaded Form 26AS against your entries to identify any mismatches and highlight areas that need correction. Accurate verification ensures that your refund, if any, is processed smoothly.
Step 6: Compute Tax Liability Once your data is verified, TaxBuddy calculates your tax payable, refund, or any late fees automatically. The tool considers interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C for belated filings and adjusts the computation based on updated TDS and deductions.
Step 7: Submit & E-Verify After reviewing the summary, submit your ITR directly through TaxBuddy. E-verification can be completed via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or mobile banking. This step finalizes the filing and ensures your return is recognized by the Income Tax Department.
Step 8: Download Acknowledgement Once submission and e-verification are complete, download the ITR-V or acknowledgment. Keep a digital copy and, if required, print a copy for your records. This document is crucial for future reference, especially in cases of tax scrutiny or refund tracking.
How TaxBuddy DIY and the Mobile App Make Filing Easy
TaxBuddy DIY and its mobile app simplify filing by offering pre-filled forms, auto-calculated taxes, and seamless e-verification options. Users can complete returns from anywhere without the need for extensive tax knowledge. The mobile app also sends reminders for deadlines, tracks filing status, and provides guidance for accurate reporting, reducing errors and stress.
Common Errors in Belated or Revised Returns and How to Avoid Them
Common errors include:
Incorrect income reporting or omission of sources.
Missing deductions or claiming ineligible deductions.
Incorrect TDS matching with Form 26AS.
Filing the wrong type of return (revised instead of belated or vice versa).
TaxBuddy prevents these errors with automated checks, step-by-step guidance, and built-in validations. Always cross-verify TDS and deduction entries before submission.
Understanding Section 234F: Late Fees for Belated Returns
Section 234F specifies late fees for belated returns:
₹5,000 if income ≤ ₹5 lakh
₹10,000 if income > ₹5 lakh TaxBuddy automatically computes this fee while filing a belated return, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Eligibility for Refunds in Belated Returns
Even when filing belated returns, taxpayers can claim refunds for excess TDS, advance tax, or self-assessed payments. However, refunds for belated returns are processed after timely returns, which may delay disbursement. TaxBuddy allows users to track refunds in real-time via the dashboard and mobile app.
When to Choose DIY vs Expert-Assisted Filing on TaxBuddy
DIY: Suitable for straightforward cases, salaried individuals, and simple tax scenarios.
Expert-Assisted: Recommended for complex returns, multiple income sources, or business income where professional guidance ensures accurate compliance. TaxBuddy provides both options with seamless transition between DIY and expert-assisted plans.
Tracking Filing Status and Refunds via TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy enables easy monitoring of ITR filing status, acknowledgment, and refund processing. Users can receive notifications for verification completion, processing milestones, and expected refund dates. The mobile app also provides a consolidated view of all past returns.
Ensuring Compliance with Income Tax Act 1961 Using TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy ensures all submissions are compliant with the Income Tax Act, 1961, including accurate calculation of taxes, late fees, and reporting. The platform automatically highlights discrepancies and suggests corrections to prevent notices from the Income Tax Department.
Tips for Stress-Free Filing Using the TaxBuddy Mobile App
Maintain Digital Copies of Form 16, 26AS, and Investment Proofs Keeping all necessary documents in a digital format ensures smooth and accurate filing. Form 16 provides details of salary income and TDS, Form 26AS reflects all tax credits, and investment proofs help claim deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, and 80E. By maintaining organized digital copies, users can quickly upload these documents to the TaxBuddy mobile app, avoiding the hassle of searching for physical copies. This also reduces errors caused by incorrect manual entries, ensuring a faster, error-free filing process.
Start Filing Early to Avoid Last-Minute Rush Filing your ITR well before the due date is crucial to avoid stress and system delays, especially around extensions. Early filing allows taxpayers to verify TDS credits, cross-check investment proofs, and resolve any discrepancies in advance. The TaxBuddy mobile app makes early filing easier with guided steps, automated calculations, and reminders for pending documents, enabling users to complete their returns at a comfortable pace rather than rushing at the last moment.
Use Auto-Fill and Pre-Verified Deductions in TaxBuddy for Speed TaxBuddy’s mobile app supports auto-fill features that automatically populate income details from Form 16 and TDS data from Form 26AS. It also identifies pre-verified deductions, helping users claim eligible exemptions accurately without manual calculations. This feature speeds up the filing process, minimizes errors, and ensures compliance with tax regulations.
Regularly Track Refund Status and Notifications via the Mobile App Keeping track of your refund and notices is essential for timely updates. The TaxBuddy mobile app allows users to monitor refund status, receive alerts for any discrepancies, and get notifications about document submission or verification requirements. This proactive approach helps avoid delays, ensures proper follow-up on pending issues, and provides a seamless, stress-free filing experience.
Conclusion
Belated and revised returns offer essential flexibility to taxpayers who miss deadlines or need corrections. TaxBuddy’s DIY platform and mobile app simplify these processes, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and faster refunds. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options? TaxBuddy provides flexibility for all types of taxpayers. Users can choose between self-filing, where the platform guides them step by step using ITR utilities and JSON files, or expert-assisted filing, where qualified professionals handle the entire process, ensuring error-free submission and optimized tax benefits.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? TaxBuddy is among the most reliable online ITR filing platforms in India. It offers secure e-tax filing services, AI-driven guidance, and a seamless interface, making it easier to file returns accurately, whether self-filed or expert-assisted.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? Income tax returns can be filed on the Income Tax Department’s official e-filing portal or through secure platforms like TaxBuddy, which simplifies the process, validates JSON files, and ensures proper e-verification.
Q4. Can belated returns claim all deductions like timely filed returns? Yes, belated returns filed under Section 139(4) are eligible to claim most deductions under Sections 80C,80D, and other provisions. However, deductions should be supported by proper documents, and certain exemptions may have timeline restrictions.
Q5. Is there a difference in refund processing between belated and revised returns? Refunds from belated returns are processed after timely returns, meaning they may take longer. Revised returns generally follow the same processing timeline as the original return but depend on accurate data and TDS matching.
Q6. What is the maximum period allowed for filing a revised return? Under Section 139(5), a revised return can be filed within 2 years from the end of the relevant Assessment Year. For FY 2024-25, this allows revisions until March 31, 2027, giving taxpayers ample time to correct errors or include missed information.
Q7. How is late fee under Section 234F calculated? The late fee depends on the filing date:
Up to December 31: ₹5,000 for returns exceeding ₹5 lakh total income.
After December 31: ₹10,000 for returns exceeding ₹5 lakh. For total income up to ₹5 lakh, the late fee is capped at ₹1,000.
Q8. Can I file a belated return after missing the extended deadline? Yes, the extended deadline of September 15, 2025, is for regular returns. Belated returns can still be filed up to December 31, 2025, but penalties under Section 234F will apply.
Q9. Does TaxBuddy help track refund status for belated returns? Yes, TaxBuddy allows users to track refund status in real time for regular, belated, and revised returns. Notifications and dashboards provide updates on processing stages and expected credit timelines.
Q10. Are revised returns processed faster if filed via TaxBuddy? Using TaxBuddy ensures error-free and accurate filings, which reduces mismatches and verification delays. While the Income Tax Department follows standard processing timelines, correctly filed returns via TaxBuddy often result in faster approvals and refunds.
Q11. Can multiple revisions be filed for a single ITR? Yes, multiple revised returns can be filed under Section 139(5) within the allowed two-year window. Each revision supersedes the previous one, and the latest return is considered for assessment and refund purposes.
Q12. Is e-verification mandatory for belated or revised returns? Yes, e-verification is mandatory for both belated and revised returns. Without e-verification, the return is considered invalid. TaxBuddy simplifies this process using OTP-based verification, Aadhaar OTP, or net banking options.
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