Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) all by yourself? Sounds empowering, right? With online portals and DIY tools, it’s tempting to skip the Chartered Accountant (CA) and go solo. But hold on—just because the process looks easy doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. One slip here or a forgotten detail there, and you might find yourself in a web of tax troubles, delayed refunds, or even scrutiny from the Income Tax Department.
Don’t worry though—if you’re cautious and know what to watch out for, you can easily steer clear of these issues. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through five common ITR filing mistakes that people often make—especially when they try to go it alone.
Choosing the Wrong ITR Form – It’s More Than Just a Click
Here’s where it all begins—and where it can go horribly wrong.
Picking the wrong ITR form is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. It just won’t work, and your return might get rejected outright.
Each Income Tax Return (ITR) form is tailored for specific types of taxpayers. For example:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources (like interest).
- ITR-2: For those with capital gains, income from more than one house, or foreign assets.
- ITR-3: For professionals, freelancers, and business owners.
- ITR-4 (Sugam): For presumptive income from business or profession.
Common ITR filing mistakes often start with selecting the wrong form, which can derail your entire process.
Quick tip: When in doubt, check the detailed form guide on the Income Tax Department’s website.
Mixing Up the Financial Year and Assessment Year – A Classic Goof-Up
This one’s a textbook mistake.
A lot of people confuse the financial year (FY) with the assessment year (AY). Here’s the simple difference:
- Financial Year (FY): The year you earned the income.
- Assessment Year (AY): The year in which you file your tax for the income earned in the FY.
One of the common ITR filing mistakes is failing to match your declared income with what’s shown in AIS and Form 26AS. This can trigger notices and delays.
So, if you earned income in 2024-25, the assessment year will be 2025-26. Enter it wrong, and your return could be processed incorrectly or outright rejected.
Missing Out on Interest Income and TDS – It’s All in the AIS
Think your salary is all that matters? Think again.
People often forget to report interest income from Fixed Deposits (FDs), savings accounts, or recurring deposits. Here’s the kicker: the tax department already knows about it. Thanks to Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS), they have a clear picture of your financial activities.
Failing to match your ITR with these documents can lead to a mismatch and maybe even a tax notice.
Pro Tip: Always cross-check your ITR entries with your AIS and Form 26AS. Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to taxes.
Claiming Deductions Without Proper Proof – A Red Flag Waiting to Happen
We all love saving on taxes. But if you’re claiming deductions under sections like:
- 80C (for investments in PPF, LIC, ELSS)
- 80D (for health insurance premiums)
- 80E, 80G, etc.
…make sure you actually have the documents to back them up.
A lot of taxpayers casually claim deductions without holding valid proofs. Worse still, they forget that under the new tax regime, most of these deductions don’t apply.
Here’s a tip: If you want to claim deductions and exemptions, you must opt for the old regime. Otherwise, your deductions will be invalid.
Skipping E-Verification – The Most Ignored Yet Crucial Step
You’ve filled the form, submitted the ITR… and then you forget about it. Sound familiar?
Here’s the reality: filing isn’t complete until you e-verify. You get 30 days from the date of submission to do it. Miss that deadline, and your return becomes null and void.
Ways to e-verify:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- EVC through your bank account or Demat account
So, don’t leave it hanging—finish what you started!
What’s New in ITR Filing This Year?
Every tax season brings some tweaks, and 2025 is no different. Here’s what’s fresh this time around:
- AIS App Launched: Now you can view your complete income report on your mobile phone via the AIS app.
- Default Tax Regime Changed: The new tax regime is now the default. If you prefer the old one (especially for deductions), you must actively select it.
- Form 26AS and AIS are More Detailed: More data, more transparency—but also more responsibility on your end to match everything with Form 16 or any income documents you have.
Should You File Without a CA? Pros and Pitfalls
Pros:
- Saves money
- Gives you a better understanding of your finances
- Immediate control over data input and corrections
Pitfalls:
- One mistake can result in rejections or notices
- Lack of awareness about changing rules
- Trouble navigating more complex income sources (capital gains, foreign income, etc.)
The bottom line: If your income is straightforward (salary, one house, bank interest), go ahead and DIY. But if it’s even a little complex, consulting a CA can help you avoid common ITR filing mistakes that amateurs often overlook.
Avoiding Tax Headaches: A Final Checklist
Here’s your foolproof ITR filing cheat sheet:
Choose the correct ITR form
Mention the correct assessment year
Report all sources of income (salary + interest + others)
Upload valid proofs for deductions
Select the right tax regime (old vs new)
Match Form 16 with AIS and Form 26AS
Don’t forget to e-verify within 30 days
Use this checklist to dodge the most common ITR filing mistakes and get your refund on time!
Filing ITR on Your Own? Be Smart About It!
Common ITR Filing Mistakes, Filing your income tax return without a CA is totally doable—if you’re alert, informed, and meticulous. Thanks to digitization, things are smoother than ever. But remember, one wrong entry can delay your refund or bring an unwanted notice knocking at your door.
So, treat tax filing like a financial health check-up. Do it thoroughly, do it right, and don’t rush through it. Whether it’s selecting the right form, understanding the tax regime, or e-verifying on time—each step matters.
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Conclusion
You might think of taxes as just another bureaucratic chore. But in reality, filing your ITR isn’t just about obeying the law—it’s about understanding your money. And the more aware you are of your income, your spending, and your deductions, the better your financial decisions will be.
Who knows? This year, you’re filing your own ITR. Next year, you might be helping your friends and family do theirs. Not a bad trade for 30 minutes of paperwork, right?
