Section 154 of Income Tax Act: How to File Rectification u/s 154(1)?

Understand Section 154 of the Income Tax Act and rectify errors in your tax return. Step-by-step guide on eligibility, procedure, and required documents.
Home Loan
2 min
05 April 2025
Errors happen. Even in your tax returns. The good news? Section 154 of Income Tax Act provides a simple way to fix mistakes. This legal provision allows both taxpayers and tax officials to correct apparent errors in tax documents without lengthy appeal processes.

Many taxpayers struggle with tax return errors that lead to incorrect assessment orders or tax demands. Section 154 of Income Tax Act offers a straightforward solution for these issues, saving you from penalties and interest charges. Whether you made calculation errors or missed claiming deductions, rectification under Section 154 of Income Tax Act helps set your records straight.

This article will guide you through the complete process of filing rectification under Section 154 of Income Tax Act, from understanding eligible errors to step-by-step online filing instructions.

What errors can be corrected by filing rectification?

Section 154 of Income Tax Act allows correction of specific types of errors in your income tax records:

  • Arithmetic mistakes: Errors in calculations, additions, or subtractions in your tax return
  • Clerical errors: Data entry mistakes made while filing returns
  • Factual errors: Incorrect information about income sources or tax status
  • Omissions: Missing details that affect your tax assessment
  • Legal provision oversights: Errors resulting from missing mandatory legal requirements
Not all errors qualify under Section 154 of Income Tax Act. The mistake must be apparent from records and not require detailed investigation.

When can rectification be filed?

Timing matters when filing rectification under Section 154 of Income Tax Act. You must submit your request within four years from the end of the financial year when the order was passed. For example, if an assessment order was issued in July 2022 (FY 2022-23), you have until March 31, 2027, to file rectification.

Tax authorities must respond to your rectification request within six months of receiving it. If your request is rejected, you'll receive a formal order explaining why. Section 154 of Income Tax Act provides this time limitation to ensure tax matters don't remain open indefinitely.

Who can file rectification?

Section 154 of Income Tax Act allows two parties to initiate rectification:

  • Taxpayers: You can request correction of errors in your returns or assessment orders
  • Tax authorities: Income Tax officers can rectify mistakes they notice
As a taxpayer, you have the right to point out errors affecting your tax liability.

Should rectification be filed online?

Yes, filing rectification online is mandatory for electronic returns under Section 154 of Income Tax Act. The Income Tax Department has digitised this process to improve efficiency and reduce paperwork.

Online filing offers several advantages:

  • Immediate acknowledgment of your request
  • Faster processing times
  • Digital trail of all communications
  • Real-time status updates
The e-filing portal provides a user-friendly interface to submit rectification requests under Section 154 of Income Tax Act.

How to file rectification online?

Filing rectification online under Section 154 of Income Tax Act involves these steps:

  • Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal using your credentials
  • Navigate to the 'Services' tab and select 'Rectification'
  • Click on 'Submit' under the 'Rectification Request' section
  • Select the relevant Assessment Year for which rectification is needed
  • Choose the appropriate rectification type based on your error
  • Complete the required fields and submit your request
The system will generate an acknowledgment receipt with a unique reference number. Save this for future tracking of your rectification under Section 154 of Income Tax Act.

Rectification type 1- Reprocess return

This simple rectification method under Section 154 of Income Tax Act requests the system to reprocess your entire return:

  • Select 'Reprocess Return' option when filing rectification
  • No need to upload additional documents or make changes
  • System recalculates tax based on original return data
  • Useful for processing errors or when tax credits weren't considered
This option works best when your original return data is correct, but processing issues occurred. Planning your finances? Check your home loan eligibility with Bajaj Housing Finance. You may already be eligible - find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

Rectification type 2- Tax credit mismatch

This option under Section 154 of Income Tax Act helps correct mismatches in tax credits:

  • Choose 'Tax Credit Mismatch' from rectification types
  • Edit TDS, TCS, or advance tax details that don't match records
  • Add missing tax credit information
  • Useful when your tax payments aren't properly reflected
Tax credit mismatches often cause incorrect demand notices. Fixing these promptly under Section 154 of Income Tax Act prevents unnecessary penalties.

Rectification type 3- Return data correction

This comprehensive option under Section 154 of Income Tax Act allows correction of specific return details:

  • Select 'Return Data Correction' option
  • Generate XML/JSON file with corrected information
  • Upload the file through the portal
  • Submit supporting documents if required
This method works for correcting income details, claiming missed deductions, or fixing status information. Section 154 of Income Tax Act makes such corrections possible without filing revised returns.

Response to outstanding demand if rectification return is filed

When your rectification under Section 154 of Income Tax Act affects an outstanding tax demand:

  • The demand stays in system until rectification processing completes
  • You can request demand to be kept 'in hold' while rectification is pending
  • Submit response to demand with rectification reference number
  • System automatically adjusts demand after successful rectification
Don't ignore demand notices while waiting for rectification. Document your actions properly under Section 154 of Income Tax Act process.

How to apply for Bajaj Finserv home loan

While ensuring your tax matters are in order, consider these steps to apply for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan:

  • Click on the 'APPLY' button on the home loan page
  • Enter your basic details including name, mobile number, and employment type
  • Select your preferred loan type (fresh loan, balance transfer, or top-up)
  • Complete OTP verification and provide additional information
  • Submit required documents for quick processing
Bajaj Finance approves eligible home loans within 48 hours* of application submission. Check your eligibility for a home loan with Bajaj Finance today. You may already be eligible - find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

Eligibility criteria to get home loan from Bajaj Finserv

To qualify for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan, you must meet these requirements:

  • Nationality: Indian citizen residing in India
  • Age: 23-67 years for salaried applicants; 23-70 years for self-employed professionals
  • CIBIL Score: 725 or higher recommended
  • Occupation: Salaried employee, professional individual, or self-employed person
Documents required for home loan include KYC documents, income proof, and 6 months of account statements. Bajaj Finserv offers home loan interest rates starting from 8.25%* p.a with loan amounts up to Rs. 15 crore* depending on eligibility.

Making the most of tax rectification and home financing

Section 154 of Income Tax Act provides a valuable mechanism to correct tax errors without complicated appeals. By maintaining accurate tax records, you position yourself better for financial opportunities like home loans.

Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loans offer several advantages for homebuyers:

  • Competitive interest rates starting from 8.25%* p.a
  • Loan amounts up to Rs. 15 crore* based on eligibility
  • Flexible repayment tenure up to 32 years
  • No foreclosure fees for individual borrowers with floating interest rates
  • EMIs as low as Rs. 741/lakh*
  • Balance transfer facility with top-up loan up to Rs. 1 crore*
Whether you're correcting tax errors or planning your dream home, attention to financial details matters. Tax compliance through proper use of Section 154 of Income Tax Act helps maintain a clean financial record that can boost your home loan eligibility.

Ready to take the next step? Check your eligibility for a home loan with Bajaj Finance today. You may already be eligible - find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.

*Terms and conditions apply

Check also:

Income Tax LoginIncome Tax E Filing
Income Tax SlabTax Concept
Calculate TaxNew Tax Regime Income Tax Slabs
New Tax Regime CalculatorNew Tax Slab
Short Term Capital Gain TaxLong Term Capital Gain Tax


Frequently asked questions

What types of rectification can be made in the income tax return?
Rectifications include arithmetic errors, clerical mistakes, factual errors, and overlooked legal provisions.

What is the time limit for rectification under section 154?
Four years from the end of the financial year in which the order was passed.

Is the latest communication reference number required for submitting rectification u/s 154?
While helpful for tracking, it's not mandatory. Similarly, applying for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan requires minimal documentation. You might already be eligible – check your loan offer instantly by entering your mobile number and OTP.

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