ITR: Original vs Belated vs Revised Return — What's the Difference?

1Quick verdict

An original return is filed on or before the due date (usually 31 July for non-audit individuals). A belated return is filed after the due date under Section 139(4), with a late fee. A revised return under Section 139(5) corrects a mistake in a return you already filed.

2The three returns

• Original return — filed by the due date; no late fee; preserves the right to carry forward most losses.
• Belated return (Section 139(4)) — filed after the due date, generally up to 31 December of the assessment year, with a Section 234F late fee (up to ₹5,000) and interest on unpaid tax.
• Revised return (Section 139(5)) — corrects an error or omission in an original OR belated return, filed up to the same end-of-December deadline. You can revise more than once.

3Which one applies to you

Missed the deadline entirely? File a belated return. Already filed but got the figures wrong or forgot some income/deduction? File a revised return — it replaces the earlier one. Both must be filed within the year's deadline, so don't wait.