Filing ITR 2025? These Common Mistakes Could Ruin Your Income Tax Refund

With the ITR filing deadline for AY 2025–26 set for September 15, 2025, taxpayers across the country are rushing to wrap up their returns. But in the haste to meet the deadline, even minor oversights can trigger delays, notices, or penalties. Whether you're a salaried employee, freelancer, or small business owner, steering clear of key errors is essential to ensure a smooth tax season.

Here’s a guide to the most common mistakes you should avoid when filing your income tax return this year:

Double-check Your Personal Details

Small errors in your name, PAN, Aadhaar, bank account number, or address can result in rejected returns or delayed refunds. Make sure these details exactly match government records before submitting your return.

Don’t Rely Only on Form 16

Many salaried individuals skip cross-verifying Form 16 with the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS. Discrepancies in income, TDS, or tax credits can lead to inaccurate reporting and unnecessary scrutiny.

Declare All Sources of Income

Missed declaring interest from savings or FDs? Or rental income, capital gains, or foreign earnings? Every rupee matters. Not reporting all sources - even unintentionally - can invite tax notices.

Pick the Right ITR Form

Using the wrong ITR form can render your return defective. For instance, if you have capital gains or foreign assets, ITR-1 isn’t the right choice. Review the form guidelines before proceeding.

Don’t Miss Out on Deductions

Forgetting to claim deductions under sections like 80C (LIC, PPF), 80D (health insurance), 80TTA (savings interest), or 24(b) (home loan interest) can result in higher tax outgo. Keep your documents handy and claim all eligible benefits.

Verify Your Return

Filing your ITR is only step one. You must verify it - either electronically through Aadhaar OTP , net banking, or by mailing the signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru. Without verification, your return is considered invalid.

Pay Advance Tax If Required

If your total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 from sources like business income, freelancing, or capital gains, you need to pay advance tax. Skipping this may attract interest under sections 234B and 234C.

Filed Incorrectly? You Can Revise

Made a mistake? Don’t worry. The income tax department allows you to revise your return until December 31, 2025, for AY 2025–26. Act quickly to correct any errors and avoid future complications.

Filing your ITR accurately isn’t just about avoiding penalties - it’s about ensuring peace of mind. With prefilled forms and tighter data checks, even minor mistakes are more visible now. Take your time, cross-check all information, and when in doubt, seek help from a tax expert.