Top 7 Mistakes People Make While Filing ITR

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) may seem like a routine task, but a small mistake can lead to penalties, delays in refunds, or even notices from the Income Tax Department. Whether you’re a first-time filer or someone who does it every year, it’s crucial to avoid common ITR filing errors.

Here are the top 7 mistakes people make while filing ITR — and how to steer clear of them.

1. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form

Many taxpayers end up selecting the incorrect ITR form based on assumptions. Using the wrong form can lead to return rejection or scrutiny.

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Filing ITR-1 when you have capital gains or business income.

✅ Do This:

Use ITR-2 or ITR-3 if your income involves capital gains, multiple properties, or business/professional income.

2. Entering Incorrect Personal Details

Simple typos in your name, PAN, Aadhaar, or bank account details can cause refund delays or e-verification issues.

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Misspell your name or forget to update your Aadhaar-PAN linkage.

✅ Do This:

Double-check your details before submission. Make sure your contact info is updated and accurate.

3. Ignoring Form 26AS and AIS

Many people skip cross-verifying their TDS and income data with Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement).

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Rely only on Form 16 from your employer.

✅ Do This:

Match the income and TDS entries in Form 26AS and AIS before filing. Mismatches can trigger IT department queries.

4. Forgetting to Report All Income Sources

All income — including interest from savings, FD returns, capital gains, rent, or freelance work — must be disclosed.

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Leave out “small” incomes thinking they’re not taxable.

✅ Do This:

Declare even exempt income (like dividends) to stay transparent and avoid red flags.

5. Missing Out on Deductions

You may be eligible for deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, 80G, etc. Not claiming them correctly results in higher tax outgo.

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Forget to enter ELSS investments, PPF, or health insurance premiums.

✅ Do This:

Collect all deduction proofs before filing. Use all eligible sections to reduce your taxable income legally.

6. Not Paying Self-Assessment Tax

If you owe additional tax, you must pay it before filing your ITR. Otherwise, your return will be treated as “defective.”

🛑 Don’t Do This:

File ITR without clearing pending dues.

✅ Do This:

Use the ‘e-Pay Tax’ option on the portal, pay any balance tax, and then proceed to file.

7. Skipping E-Verification

E-verification is a mandatory step after submitting your return. Skipping it can make your filing invalid.

🛑 Don’t Do This:

Assume filing alone is enough.

✅ Do This:

Complete e-verification via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other methods within 30 days of filing.

Need Expert Help to Avoid These Mistakes?

✅ Filing World Can Help You File Error-Free Returns!

ITR filing doesn’t have to be confusing. With Filing World, you get:

• Expert consultation on form selection and income categorization

• Full verification of income, TDS, and deductions

• Accurate form filing that follows the latest Income Tax rules

• Hassle-free e-verification and follow-up support

• Quick refund tracking and help with notices if needed

🔒 Trusted. Transparent. Timely.

Avoid penalties, delays, and rework. Let Filing World’s tax professionals handle everything for you—accurately and on time.

👉 Ready to file without mistakes? Visit Filing World now and make your ITR stress-free!