ITR filing FY 2025-26: Top 10 mistakes taxpayers should avoid for income tax returns online filing - check list
ITR filing: Which is the correct tax return form for you? ITR-1 to ITR-7 eligibility explained
ITR filing FY 2025-26 : Filing your income tax return can seem to be a daunting task. This annual exercise should be completed with extreme caution and presence of mind - from getting all your documents together, to reconciling all important forms - ITR filing should be taken seriously.
While income tax filing has become increasingly technology driven with pre-filled returns, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and Form 26AS, taxpayers should not mistake automation for accuracy. The biggest misconception today is that a pre-filled return is a ready-to-file return. In reality, the responsibility for reporting complete and accurate information continues to rest with the taxpayer.
As Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax says, “Tax filing should not be viewed as a year-end compliance exercise but as a financial reconciliation process. A careful review before submission can help avoid notices, refund delays, and unnecessary tax disputes.”
Also Read | ITR filing FY 2025-26: What documents are required to file your income tax return? Quick checklist
ITR Filing: Mistakes To Avoid
1. Choosing the wrong ITR form
Selecting an incorrect ITR form can result in the return being treated as defective. Ensure the form matches your income sources and residential status. For salaried taxpayers, the choice is between ITR-1 and ITR-2. Incomes above Rs 50 lakh require ITR-2 to be filed. If your capital gains are less than Rs 1.25 lakh you can file ITR-1.
2. Choosing the wrong tax regime
Compare your tax liability under both the old and new income tax regimes before making your choice. The right tax regime saves more tax. If you are opting for the old income tax regime - remember to file the return within the July 31, 2026 due date. After that the option cannot be exercised.
Also Read | ITR filing: How to pay zero tax under new and old tax regime - know all about Section 87A rebate
3. Relying entirely on pre-filled data
Pre-filled information is only a starting point. Taxpayers should independently verify all income and tax details.
4. Entering incorrect personal details
Verify your PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, and IFSC code to avoid refund delays. In case of refunds, incorrect personal details will delay refunds.
5. Not reconciling AIS, Form 26AS and Form 16
Before filing, compare your income and TDS details with AIS, Form 26AS, and Form 16/16A. Mismatches can lead to notices or delayed refunds.
Also Read | ITR filing FY 2025-26: Old vs new income tax regime - how salaried taxpayers can lower tax outgo
6. Missing out on reporting all income
Apart from salary, report interest income, rental income, dividends, freelance earnings, capital gains, and income from multiple employers, wherever applicable.
ITR filing FY 2025-26 : Filing your income tax return can seem to be a daunting task. This annual exercise should be completed with extreme caution and presence of mind - from getting all your documents together, to reconciling all important forms - ITR filing should be taken seriously.
While income tax filing has become increasingly technology driven with pre-filled returns, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and Form 26AS, taxpayers should not mistake automation for accuracy. The biggest misconception today is that a pre-filled return is a ready-to-file return. In reality, the responsibility for reporting complete and accurate information continues to rest with the taxpayer.
As Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax says, “Tax filing should not be viewed as a year-end compliance exercise but as a financial reconciliation process. A careful review before submission can help avoid notices, refund delays, and unnecessary tax disputes.”
Also Read | ITR filing FY 2025-26: What documents are required to file your income tax return? Quick checklist
ITR Filing: Mistakes To Avoid
1. Choosing the wrong ITR form
Selecting an incorrect ITR form can result in the return being treated as defective. Ensure the form matches your income sources and residential status. For salaried taxpayers, the choice is between ITR-1 and ITR-2. Incomes above Rs 50 lakh require ITR-2 to be filed. If your capital gains are less than Rs 1.25 lakh you can file ITR-1.
2. Choosing the wrong tax regime
Compare your tax liability under both the old and new income tax regimes before making your choice. The right tax regime saves more tax. If you are opting for the old income tax regime - remember to file the return within the July 31, 2026 due date. After that the option cannot be exercised.
Also Read | ITR filing: How to pay zero tax under new and old tax regime - know all about Section 87A rebate
3. Relying entirely on pre-filled data
Pre-filled information is only a starting point. Taxpayers should independently verify all income and tax details.
4. Entering incorrect personal details
Verify your PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, and IFSC code to avoid refund delays. In case of refunds, incorrect personal details will delay refunds.
5. Not reconciling AIS, Form 26AS and Form 16
Before filing, compare your income and TDS details with AIS, Form 26AS, and Form 16/16A. Mismatches can lead to notices or delayed refunds.
Also Read | ITR filing FY 2025-26: Old vs new income tax regime - how salaried taxpayers can lower tax outgo
6. Missing out on reporting all income
Apart from salary, report interest income, rental income, dividends, freelance earnings, capital gains, and income from multiple employers, wherever applicable.
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