ITR Deadline Nearing: Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes While Filing Your Income Tax Return
As the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) fast approaches, taxpayers are in a rush to meet the due date. However, in this haste, many individuals make avoidable mistakes that could lead to processing delays, tax notices, penalties, or even loss of refunds
This article from a trusted Tax Consultant Company in Delhi outlines the top five common mistakes taxpayers make while filing their ITR—and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form
Using the incorrect Income Tax Return form is one of the most common errors. The Income Tax Department has released multiple forms like ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, etc., depending on the type and source of your income.
If your income includes capital gains, rental income from more than one property, or foreign assets, and you file ITR-1 instead of ITR-2 or ITR-3, your return may be deemed defective under Section 139(9).
" Choosing the right ITR form is crucial to ensure the return is processed without any issues or notices. "
Tip: Consult a professional to evaluate your sources of income and choose the correct form.
2. Mismatch in Income or TDS Details with Form 26AS / AIS
The Income Tax Department cross-verifies the income reported in your return with Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS). Any mismatch—be it in salary, interest income, or capital gains—can attract a notice under Section 143(1) or even scrutiny.
Common mismatches include:
- Forgetting to report FD interest
- Declaring only net salary without checking Form 26AS
- Ignoring capital gains reported by mutual fund houses
" Always cross-check your return data with Form 26AS and AIS before submission. "
Tip: Download your Form 26AS and AIS from the income tax portal and reconcile every income item.
3. Failure to Disclose All Sources of Income
Many taxpayers declare only their primary income (like salary) and forget to report secondary income like:
- Interest from savings accounts and FDs
- Rental income
- Capital gains from equity or real estate
- Freelance or part-time earnings
Non-disclosure of such incomes may result in penalties and notices later.
" Transparency in income reporting is key to avoiding scrutiny. "
Tip: Make a checklist of all income sources before filing your ITR.
4. Claiming Invalid or Unsupported Deductions
Claiming deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, or HRA without valid documentation can create problems. If your employer hasn’t validated your deductions or if you don’t have proper receipts, you might be flagged during verification.
Some commonly misused deductions include:
- Fake rent receipts for HRA
- Premium receipts without actual payment under 80D
- School fee claims under 80C without bills
" Claim only those deductions for which you have authentic documents and proof of payment. "
Tip: Retain soft and hard copies of all investment proofs and receipts.
5. Not Verifying the ITR After Submission
Submitting the return is not the final step—you must also verify it. If you don’t verify your return within 30 days (earlier 120 days), it will be treated as not filed, and penalties may follow.
Verification options include:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- Bank account EVC
- Sending signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru
" An unverified return is like an unsigned cheque—it has no legal value. "
Tip: Use Aadhaar OTP or net banking for instant verification after filing.
Why Choose Professional Help?
Partnering with a reputed Tax Consultant Company in Delhi ensures that your ITR filing process is:
- Accurate
- Compliant
- Time-saving
- Maximized for deductions
Our Tax consultant services in Delhi include detailed document checks, income reconciliation, deduction validation, and timely ITR filing—ensuring that your return is filed correctly the first time.
" Avoid common mistakes and late-night panic by hiring professionals who understand the process inside and out. "
Our comprehensive Income Tax return service in Delhi and ITR Filing service in Delhi are tailored for salaried individuals, business owners, freelancers, and senior citizens alike.
Preventive Tips Before You File
- Use the income tax portal’s prefilled data for accuracy
- Match all entries with Form 26AS and AIS
- Disclose even minor sources of income (like savings interest)
- Upload correct proofs for claimed deductions
- File before the due date and always verify promptly
Conclusion
The approaching ITR deadline is a reminder not just to file, but to file correctly. Small mistakes like incorrect forms, income mismatches, or unverified returns can snowball into bigger problems.
By avoiding these five common errors and taking a diligent, informed approach, you can ensure a hassle-free ITR filing experience. For a smooth and accurate filing process, trust only the Best Tax Consultant company in Delhi.
Whether you're a salaried employee or a business owner, our Tax consultant services in Delhi, Income Tax return service in Delhi, and ITR Filing service in Delhi are designed to give you peace of mind and maximum tax efficiency.
