Every year, thousands of taxpayers lose refunds or receive notices from the Income Tax Department—not because they intentionally did something wrong, but because of simple filing mistakes. The good news? Most of these errors are completely avoidable.
If you're filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) this year, make sure you don't make these seven common mistakes.
- Choosing the Wrong ITR Form
Selecting the wrong ITR form is one of the most common mistakes.
For example:
ITR-1 is generally for individuals with salary and certain other simple income.
ITR-2 is used when you have capital gains, multiple house properties, or foreign assets.
ITR-3 is meant for business or professional income.
Using the wrong form may result in your return being treated as defective, requiring you to file a corrected return.
Tip: Understand your sources of income before selecting an ITR form.
- Not Matching Form 26AS and AIS
Many taxpayers file their return using only Form 16.
However, banks, brokers, employers, and other institutions report your income directly to the Income Tax Department through Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS).
If your return doesn't match these records, you may receive a notice.
Always verify:
Salary
Bank interest
Dividend income
Capital gains
TDS deducted
- Missing Eligible Deductions
People often forget deductions that could reduce their tax liability.
Common deductions include:
Section 80C
Section 80D
NPS contributions
Home loan interest
Donations under Section 80G
Review all available deductions before filing.
- Not Reporting All Sources of Income
Some taxpayers report only salary income and forget about:
Savings account interest
Fixed Deposit interest
Dividend income
Rental income
Freelancing income
Capital gains
Even if tax has already been deducted, the income still needs to be reported.
- Entering Incorrect Bank Account Details
Your refund is credited directly to your bank account.
If your account number or IFSC code is incorrect—or if the account isn't pre-validated—your refund may be delayed.
Double-check your banking details before submitting your return.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute
Last-minute filing often leads to:
Missing documents
Incorrect information
Technical issues on the portal
Rushed decisions
Filing early gives you enough time to verify all information and correct any mistakes.
- Forgetting to E-Verify Your Return
Submitting your ITR isn't the final step.
Your return must be e-verified within the prescribed time limit using:
Aadhaar OTP
Net Banking
Bank Account EVC
Digital Signature (where applicable)
Without e-verification, your return may be treated as not filed.
Final Thoughts
A few extra minutes spent reviewing your return can save you weeks of follow-up and help you receive your refund without unnecessary delays.
Before clicking "Submit," make sure you've:
Selected the correct ITR form
Verified Form 26AS and AIS
Claimed all eligible deductions
Reported every source of income
Checked your bank details
Filed before the deadline
Completed e-verification
Filing your ITR accurately isn't just about complying with tax laws—it's about ensuring you pay the right amount of tax and receive any refund you're entitled to.
Have you ever made one of these ITR filing mistakes? Share your experience in the comments—it might help someone else avoid the same issue
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