Essential Checklist: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Online ITR Filing for FY 2025-26

Filing income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year 2025-26 requires careful attention to detail. Taxpayers must ensure they select the correct ITR form and accurately report their income to avoid complications. With the increasing reliance on technology for tax filing, including pre-filled returns and the Annual Information Statement (AIS), the onus remains on taxpayers to verify the accuracy of their information.

ITR Filing: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax, emphasizes the importance of treating tax filing as a financial reconciliation process rather than a mere compliance task. He warns that overlooking details can lead to notices, delays in refunds, and disputes with tax authorities.

One of the most critical mistakes is selecting the wrong ITR form. Taxpayers must ensure that the form aligns with their income sources and residential status. For salaried individuals, the choice typically lies between ITR-1 and ITR-2, with incomes exceeding Rs 50 lakh necessitating the use of ITR-2. Additionally, taxpayers should compare their tax liabilities under both the old and new tax regimes to optimize their tax savings.

Another common error is relying solely on pre-filled data. While pre-filled information serves as a helpful starting point, taxpayers must independently verify all income and tax details. Furthermore, entering incorrect personal information, such as PAN or Aadhaar numbers, can result in delays in refunds. Taxpayers should also reconcile their income and TDS details with AIS, Form 26AS, and Form 16 to avoid discrepancies that could lead to notices or delayed refunds.

Taxpayers should not overlook any income sources, including interest, rental income, and capital gains. Additionally, they must accurately report any foreign assets and income, as failure to do so may attract scrutiny and penalties. Lastly, the filing process is incomplete without e-verification or submission of the signed ITR-V within the specified timeline.

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