There is some relief news for taxpayers. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has given a big relief regarding those Income Tax Returns (ITRs) that were wrongly declared invalid due to technical glitches. Now all such returns, which were e-filed till 31 March 2024, will be processed till 31 March 2026.

CBDT had received complaints that the Bengaluru-based Income Tax Centralized Processing Center (CPC) mistakenly canceled some returns due to technical reasons. Returns whose valid processing time limit was till 31 December 2024 can now be processed till 2026 under the new order. That is, those whose ITR was earlier declared invalid can now expect relief.

Exemption under section 119, refund will also be available.
CBDT has given relaxation in the time limit under section 119 of the Income Tax Act. Now these taxpayers will be sent a notice of return processing under section 143(1) by March 31, 2026. After this, if a refund is due, then that too will be available—although a condition will apply. The important thing is that if someone's PAN and Aadhaar are not linked, then they will not be given any tax refund. It has been clarified that in such cases, Circular 03/2023 will be applicable.

You can still file ITR.
If you have not been able to file your ITR for the financial year 2024-25 yet, then do not worry. Its last date is 15 September 2025. If this date is also missed, then a belated return can be filed till 31 December 2025. Even after this, if any mistake is made, then the option of filing an updated return is available for 4 years after the end of the assessment year.

Who will get the benefit?

This decision will benefit lakhs of taxpayers whose ITR was declared invalid due to technical reasons and whose refund or tax adjustment was stuck till now. Now these cases will be reconsidered, and the processing of those who had e-filed on time will be completed by 2026. According to CA Mohit Gupta, this decision is a big step in the right direction. This exemption given under section 119 will provide relief to those taxpayers who were stuck due to technical reasons.

You can also fill out the ITR yourself.
Let us tell you that if your income is limited to salary, rent, or some common investments, then you do not need any CA or expert to file an Income Tax Return (ITR). This work has now become very easy, fast, and safe on the government's official website incometax.gov.in. Here you get the ITR form pre-filled, like your salary, bank interest, and TDS information are already recorded. Just check it carefully once, and if necessary, make changes and fill in the rest of the information.

However, if your income includes business, capital gains from selling shares or assets abroad, it would be better to take the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA). This will help you follow the tax rules properly and there will be no scope for error.

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