Belated Return vs Revised Return – TY 2026-27

Particulars	Belated Return	Revised Return
Meaning	Return filed after the original due date	Return filed to amend an omission or error in an already filed return
Section	Section 263(4)	Section 263(5)
Who can file?	Taxpayer who failed to file the return within the prescribed due date	Taxpayer who has already filed an original or belated return
Purpose	To file the return after missing the due date	To update/amend information in the earlier return
Time Limit – TY 2026-27	Within 9 months from the end of the Tax Year, or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier	12 months from the end of the Tax Year, or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier**
Can it amend an earlier return?	No. It is a late filing of the return	Yes
Example	TY 2026-27 return filed after the prescribed due date	Amend income, deductions, TDS, etc. in the already filed TY 2026-27 return

As per the Income Tax Department, belated return falls under Section 263(4) of the Income-tax Act, 2025 while revised return falls under Section 263(5) of the Income-tax Act, 2025. The revised-return period has been proposed to extend up to 12 months in Finance Bill 2026. (Income Tax Department)

Simple Illustration

Belated Return:

You did not submit your TY 2026-27 ITR return on the due date. However, you file the ITR within the belated return period.

Revised Return:

You submitted your TY 2026-27 ITR, however later found that there is an error of reporting any income, deduction or tax deducted at source etc. You can file a revised ITR within the revised return period.

Website content writing:

Use:

• Tax Year 2026-27
• Income-tax Act, 2025
• Belated Return – Section 263(4)
• Revised Return – Section 263(5)
• Updated Return (ITR-U) – Section 263(6)

Note: As per the guidance of Income Tax Department, revised return period is 12 months which is as per the proposed provision in the Finance Bill 2026. (Income Tax Department)