Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is a necessary responsibility for all taxpayers in India. But even a small error while submitting your return can lead to serious trouble later, like getting a notice from the tax department, a delay in the refund, or even a penalty.
This year, after Budget 2024, the tax rules have changed in many ways. The government has also extended the deadline for common taxpayers to 15 September 2025 instead of the usual 31 July, giving more time to file the return properly. But this extra time is only helpful if you use it wisely and avoid common mistakes.
Let’s look at 8 common ITR filing mistakes people often make and how you can stay safe from them this year.
1. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form Can Delay Your Tax Processing
Many people unknowingly select the wrong ITR form. If this happens, the income tax department may reject your return, or it could take a long time to process.
As per the new rules, if your long-term capital gains from equity or mutual funds are up to ₹1.25 lakh, you can now file using ITR-1. Earlier, you had to use ITR-2 or ITR-3. Filing the correct form as per your income type is now more important than ever due to the rule changes in Budget 2024.
2. Assuming You Don’t Need to File an ITR Can Be a Big Mistake
Many people think that if their income is not taxable, they don’t need to file a return. But this is not true in every case.
For example:
- If you spent over ₹2 lakh on foreign travel,
- If your electricity bill crossed ₹1 lakh,
- Or if your TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) was already deducted and you want a refund —
In all these cases, filing an ITR becomes mandatory.
Even if your total income is below the taxable limit, filing a return helps you keep your financial records clean and updated. It also helps in faster loan approvals and visa processing.
3. Ignoring New Budget Rules Can Lead to Errors in Filing
This year, Budget 2024 introduced some big changes in capital gains taxation:
- Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on listed shares and mutual funds are now taxed at 12.5%.
- Indexation benefits for these gains have been removed.
- Short-term capital gains (STCG) tax has increased from 15% to 20%.
Also, a new cut-off date of 23 July 2024 has been added. You now need to report gains separately for transactions made before and after this date.
Another important update: Only Aadhaar Number will be accepted in ITR forms 1, 2, 3, and 5. Aadhaar Enrollment ID is no longer valid.
And lastly, the new tax regime is now the default option. If you wish to opt for the old tax regime, Form 10-EEA must be submitted before filing the return.
4. Skipping Form 26AS and AIS Can Cause a Tax Notice
Your tax-related details such as TDS, advance tax, and other financial transactions are listed in your Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS.
If you don’t check these before filing, you could miss out on:
- Income that has already been reported by banks or employers
- Incorrect entries that don’t match your bank or Form 16
Always match your data with Form 26AS and AIS. If there’s a mismatch, correct it first before filing. It will ensure:
- Faster refunds
- Less chance of scrutiny or tax notice
5. Not Reporting All Sources of Income Can Attract a Penalty
Many taxpayers only mention income where TDS is deducted. But income from other sources also needs to be reported, such as:
- Bank savings account interest
- Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Recurring Deposits (RDs)
- Rental income
- Freelance or part-time income
- Foreign income
Even if TDS is not deducted, this income must be included. If it’s not reported, and the tax department finds out later through AIS or other data, you may face additional tax, interest, or penalties.
6. Missing Exempted Income Details Can Make Your ITR Defective
Some income is exempt from tax, but you still need to report it properly under the right section. This includes:
- PPF interest
- Agricultural income
- LTA (Leave Travel Allowance)
- HRA (House Rent Allowance)
- Maturity from Life Insurance
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana returns
Not reporting these in your ITR can make your return incomplete or defective. If you don’t correct it on time, the return can even be considered invalid.
7. Not Adding Income from Previous Employers Is a Common Error
If you changed jobs during the financial year, you must collect Form 16 from all employers and include income from both.
Here’s what usually goes wrong:
- Both employers apply the basic exemption and deductions separately
- This leads to under-reporting of total income
- In the end, you may have to pay extra tax or interest
If you miss adding old job income, you may receive a notice later or be charged a penalty for wrong return. Always combine income from all jobs in one ITR.
8. Claiming HRA Without Proper Proof Can Lead to Trouble
In the old tax regime, if you claimed House Rent Allowance (HRA), you must submit valid proof such as:
- Rent receipts
- Rent agreement
- PAN of the landlord (if rent exceeds ₹1 lakh/year)
If these are not submitted or wrong details are given, your claim may get rejected, and a tax notice may follow. Always keep all documents ready in case of verification later.
Filing ITR Has Become Simpler, But Errors Can Be Expensive
The ITR portal is now more user-friendly, and new pre-filled forms have made the process easier. However, you must stay careful and follow the new rules set after Budget 2024.
Simple steps like choosing the correct form, declaring all income, and checking Form 26AS and AIS can help you avoid big issues.
If you feel unsure about any part of the filing, consult a tax professional or a CA. Remember, a mistake today can become a costly problem later.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Please consult a certified tax advisor before filing your ITR.
Source: Financial Express
