The Income Tax Department has opened the online income tax return (ITR) filing window for AY 2025–26. The individual taxpayers, who don’t need their accounts to be audited, need to file their ITRs for FY 2024-25 before the due date.

The deadline to submit the ITR for such taxpayers has also been extended by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) from July 31 to Sept. 15.

The Income Tax Department has already released all the ITR forms for different categories of taxpayers. ITR-1 is meant for salaried individuals with an income of less than Rs 50 lakh in a financial year. On the other hand, ITR-4 should be filed by individuals, HUFs and eligible firms with income up to Rs 50 lakh from a business or profession only when opting for presumptive taxation.

With so many details and multiple forms and documents to handle, filing ITR could be challenging, particularly for those who do it without professional help. Simple mistakes can lead to penalties and added financial and legal stress.

Hence, understanding your income type and submitting documents accordingly is very important for an error-free ITR filing.

ITR Filing 2025: Errors To Avoid

Wrong ITR form: Many taxpayers make a common mistake of choosing the wrong ITR Form. The taxpayers should choose the right ITR form depending on their income and categories.  Choosing the wrong ITR form will make your ITR filing invalid and it may even lead to penalties. However, if you have selected the wrong ITR form when filing the return within the due date, you can opt for a revised return. If you don’t know which form to choose, it’s advisable to seek the guidance of a tax professional or chartered accountant.

AIS and Form 26AS verification: While filing ITR, many individuals don’t verify the details of their AIS and Form 26AS. These documents are records of your various financial transactions and tax payments for the financial year. For accurate income reporting, it is important to verify the details before submission.

Incomplete income reporting: Incomplete income declaration or misreporting, even if accidental, can lead to serious troubles. The penalties may extend up to 200% of the tax due. Moreover, it may attract interest charges and, in some cases, lead to legal proceedings. Hence, it is important to furnish complete income details from all sources while filing ITR.

Don’t ignore exempt income: Even though exempt income isn’t taxed, one must report it in their ITR under the correct section (Schedule EI). This helps to avoid any misinformation on your part and ensures compliance with tax rules.

Previous employer’s income: Taxpayers who switch their jobs in the middle of a financial year should ensure to report all their incomes or salaries from different organisations. While leaving the job, make sure to collect essential documents like Form 16 to file your ITR correctly. Ignoring this process can lead to issues like misreporting.

Errors in HRA declarations: False claims for HRA exemption can lead to heavy penalties from the tax department. As per the Income Tax Act, 1961, the penalty may go up to 200% of the incorrectly reported amount. The taxpayers must be careful while claiming HRA and make sure to match all necessary details with the agreement and rent receipts to avoid any penalties. 

Choosing wrong regime: Individual taxpayers can switch between the old and new tax regimes every financial year. The default regime for FY 2024-25 is the new tax regime. Selecting the right regime is the key to reducing your overall tax liability. While the old regime allows multiple deductions for tax-saving investments and certain expenses, the new regime offers only limited deductions. However, tax rates a lower compared to the old tax regime. So, if you plan to claim multiple deductions, the old regime could be a suitable option.

. Read more on Personal Finance by NDTV Profit.The Income Tax Department has opened the online income tax return (ITR) filing window for AY 2025–26. The individual taxpayers, who don’t need their accounts to be audited, need to file their ITRs for FY 2024-25 before the due date.The deadline to submit the ITR for such taxpayers has also been extended by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) from July 31 to Sept. 15.The Income Tax Department has already released all the ITR forms for different categories of taxpayers. ITR-1 is meant for salaried individuals with an income of less than Rs 50 lakh in a financial year. On the other hand, ITR-4 should be filed by individuals, HUFs and eligible firms with income up to Rs 50 lakh from a business or profession only when opting for presumptive taxation.With so many details and multiple forms and documents to handle, filing ITR could be challenging, particularly for those who do it without professional help. Simple mistakes can lead to penalties and added financial and legal stress.Hence, understanding your income type and submitting documents accordingly is very important for an error-free ITR filing.ITR Filing 2025: Errors To Avoid

Wrong ITR form: Many taxpayers make a common mistake of choosing the wrong ITR Form. The taxpayers should choose the right ITR form depending on their income and categories.  Choosing the wrong ITR form will make your ITR filing invalid and it may even lead to penalties. However, if you have selected the wrong ITR form when filing the return within the due date, you can opt for a revised return. If you don’t know which form to choose, it’s advisable to seek the guidance of a tax professional or chartered accountant.AIS and Form 26AS verification: While filing ITR, many individuals don’t verify the details of their AIS and Form 26AS. These documents are records of your various financial transactions and tax payments for the financial year. For accurate income reporting, it is important to verify the details before submission.Incomplete income reporting: Incomplete income declaration or misreporting, even if accidental, can lead to serious troubles. The penalties may extend up to 200% of the tax due. Moreover, it may attract interest charges and, in some cases, lead to legal proceedings. Hence, it is important to furnish complete income details from all sources while filing ITR.Don’t ignore exempt income: Even though exempt income isn’t taxed, one must report it in their ITR under the correct section (Schedule EI). This helps to avoid any misinformation on your part and ensures compliance with tax rules.Loan Prepayment In 2025: Does It Still Make Sense As Interest Rates Cool Off?Previous employer’s income: Taxpayers who switch their jobs in the middle of a financial year should ensure to report all their incomes or salaries from different organisations. While leaving the job, make sure to collect essential documents like Form 16 to file your ITR correctly. Ignoring this process can lead to issues like misreporting.Errors in HRA declarations: False claims for HRA exemption can lead to heavy penalties from the tax department. As per the Income Tax Act, 1961, the penalty may go up to 200% of the incorrectly reported amount. The taxpayers must be careful while claiming HRA and make sure to match all necessary details with the agreement and rent receipts to avoid any penalties. Choosing wrong regime: Individual taxpayers can switch between the old and new tax regimes every financial year. The default regime for FY 2024-25 is the new tax regime. Selecting the right regime is the key to reducing your overall tax liability. While the old regime allows multiple deductions for tax-saving investments and certain expenses, the new regime offers only limited deductions. However, tax rates a lower compared to the old tax regime. So, if you plan to claim multiple deductions, the old regime could be a suitable option.Is Your Emergency Fund Enough? June 2025 Cost-of-Living Reassessment. Read more on Personal Finance by NDTV Profit.  Read MorePersonal Finance 

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