Filing ITR Yourself? Avoid These Common Mistakes.

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online has become increasingly accessible with improvements in the tax portal and the availability of various guiding platforms. Therefore, many taxpayers in India try to file their returns themselves. And why not? Filing your ITR yourself saves money, gives you better control, and teaches you a thing or two about your finances.

But here is the downside, even a slightest mistake may result in big trouble. If you are someone planning to file ITR on your own this year, be cautious of these common mistakes.

Mistake #1 - Not Selecting the Right ITR Form.

Each ITR form is designed for specific types of taxpayers based on their income sources and categories.Choosing the wrong form is like showing up at the airport with the wrong ticket. Filing your ITR using the wrong form can lead to rejection of your return, forcing you to start over again, potentially causing delay in the filing process.

Watch the video below for a better understanding of different ITR forms and the taxpayer categories they apply to

Mistake #2 - Not Reporting All Sources of Income.

Many individuals forget to report interest earned from savings accounts, fixed deposits, or freelance income. This can result in mismatches with the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and lead to scrutiny or notices.

Download and review your AIS and Form 26AS from the official income tax website and match all entries before submitting your return.
 

Mistake #3 - Selecting the Wrong Assessment Year

This is a subtle but common mistake, especially for first-time filers. Many taxpayers confuse the financial year (the year in which the income was earned) with the assessment year (the year in which the income is assessed and tax is filed). As a result, they end up choosing the wrong year on the portal. For income earned between April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, the correct AY is 2025–26

Mistake #4 -  Missing Out on Eligible Deductions

Many taxpayers either forget or are unaware of the deductions they are eligible for under various sections of the Income Tax Act. Failing to claim these can lead to paying more tax than necessary.

Common deductions include:

• Section 80C: Investments in LIC, PPF, ELSS, tuition fees, etc.
• Section 80D: Premiums paid towards health insurance.
• Section 80E: Interest on education loans.
• Section 80G: Donations to approved charitable institutions.

Note -: You may not able to claim deductions under new tax regime. Switch to old tax regime if you want to claim deductions.

Mistake #5 - Not Verifying the ITR After Filing.

A common misconception is that the ITR filing process ends once you hit the submit button. However, that’s not the case. To complete the filing, you must e-verify your return within 30 days of submission. Verification is mandatory for the return to be processed. If you fail to e-verify your return within 30 days of filing, it will be considered invalid. You can e-verify your return promptly using options like Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account, or demat account

Mistake #6 - Filing The Return After Due Date.

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The Income Tax Department has extended the due date for filing ITR for Assessment Year 2025–26 to 15 September 2025. While this gives taxpayers additional time, it’s important not to delay the process until the last moment.  Failure to file and pay taxes on time may attract a hefty penalty.

✅ Checklist for Filing Your ITR Correctly.

• Choose the right form.
• Report all the sources of income.
• Select the right assessment year.
• Remember to claim deductions if applicable.
• E - verify after filing the ITR.
• Remember to file ITR on time to avoid penalties.

With tax laws evolving, it's a good idea to stay updated. Read our quick explainer on the Income​ Tax Bill 2025 to understand how future filings might change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which ITR Form Should I Use?

The correct ITR form depends on your income sources, residential status, and type of income (salary, business, capital gains, etc.)

2. Is the New Tax Regime the Default Now?

From Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25, the new tax regime is the default. However taxpayers can still opt for the old tax regime each year by selecting the relevant option while filing their return.

3. Do I Need to File ITR Even If Tax Has Been Deducted at Source (TDS)?

Yes, Even if tax has been deducted by your employer or bank, you must file your ITR to disclose all income and claim credit for TDS.

 

4. Is ITR Filing Mandatory Even If Income Is Below the Exemption Limit?

NO, ITR filing is not mandatory if income is below the exemption limit.

5. What Happens If I File ITR Late?

 A late filing fee of up to ₹5,000 may apply, (₹1000 if income less is less than ₹5 lakhs). You may not be able to carry forward your losses and additional interest may also be charged on any unpaid tax liability.

6. What If I Made a Mistake in My Filed ITR?

You can file a revised return with correct details. but this can only be done after you verify your original ITR.