Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) has become easier thanks to online portals and digital forms.
Many individuals are now filing ITR on their own without hiring a Chartered Accountant (CA), saving both time and money. However, some common mistakes can lead to serious consequences such as delayed refunds or even notices from the Income Tax Department. Let’s look at 5 key mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form

The most common mistake is selecting the wrong ITR form. Every taxpayer must choose a form based on their income type.

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with salary or pension income up to ₹50 lakh.

• ITR-2: For those earning income from selling shares or property.

• ITR-3 & ITR-4: For freelancers and business owners.
  Filing with the wrong form may lead to return rejection. Always refer to the form guide on the Income Tax portal before filing.

2. Selecting the Wrong Assessment Year

Many confuse the financial year with the assessment year.
For example, if your income is for FY 2024-25, your assessment year will be 2025-26.
Choosing the wrong year could make your return invalid. Be extra careful during selection.

3. Not Reporting Interest Income or TDS

People often disclose only salary income but forget to report interest from Fixed Deposits (FDs) or Savings Accounts.
The Income Tax Department already has your complete income details via AIS (Annual Information Statement) and Form 26AS.
Always check both reports and ensure you declare all sources of income.

4. Claiming Wrong Deductions

Taxpayers sometimes claim deductions under sections like:

• 80C (e.g., PPF, LIC)

• 80D (Health Insurance)
  without proper proof.
  Also, under the new tax regime, most deductions are not allowed.
  If you want to claim deductions, opt for the old tax regime while filing.

5. Not E-Verifying the ITR

E-verification of your return within 30 days of filing is mandatory.
Without it, your return is considered invalid.
You can e-verify using:

• Aadhaar OTP

• Net Banking

• EVC code (via bank or email/SMS)

What’s New This Year?

• The AIS and Form 26AS now provide complete details of your income.

• The AIS mobile app allows you to access your income report on the go.

• The new tax regime is the default option this year, but you can still choose the old regime if it is more beneficial.

• Match Form 16 with AIS and 26AS to avoid discrepancies.

Bottom Line

Filing your own ITR can save time and money—but only if done right. A small error can result in delays, penalties, or rejection. Take advantage of tools like AIS, cross-check your income and deductions, and don’t forget to e-verify your return.