Filing ITR for FY 2025-26? Avoid these 10 mistakes to prevent notices, refund delays and extra tax

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) requires your full attention. Even minor errors such as selecting the incorrect tax regime, filling out the incorrect ITR form, or omitting crucial income information, might result in tax refund delays, invite notices from the Income Tax Department, or even increase your tax liability.

Before filing your ITR for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), take a few minutes to check and avoid these below mistakes:

After considering deductions and exemptions available to you, compare tax liability under both regimes- the new tax regime and the old tax regime- and select the appropriate regime that can help you minimise your tax outgo.

Using the correct ITR form is very important. There are seven types of ITR forms in India. The correct form depends on your residency status, income sources and the total income amount. Note that filing your return using the wrong form may result in the return being treated as defective by the Income Tax Department.

Before filing your income tax return, make sure to download and review your Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS. Compare the details with your own records. If you notice any mismatch, reconcile it before filing your retu

Keeping all your documents handy can make the income tax return filing process much smoother. Keep the following documents ready before you start:
Form 16 issued by your employer
Bank statements
Interest certificates from banks and post offices
Investment and deduction proofs, wherever applicable
Details of other income, if any

The Income Tax Department provides several details in pre-filled ITR forms. However, do not assume that every detail is correct.

Verify your personal information, including your name, PAN, Aadhaar number, bank account details, email address as well as the mobile number.

Also ensure that your Aadhaar card is linked with your PAN card.

If you are eligible to claim tax deductions under the old tax regime or the new tax regime, ensure that you enter the correct amounts. Cross-check your investment and expenditure details before submitting the return.

Incorrect reporting of deductions may lead to an additional tax demand or a delay in processing your return.

Note that over deductions, under-reporting income or furnishing incorrect details merely to receive a larger tax refund is illegal. Any mismatch may attract scrutiny or notices from the Income Tax Department.

It is always better to file income tax returns before the due date. Filing early gives you enough time to correct ITR mistakes, respond to any issues that may arise due to incorrect information and avoid last-minute technical glitches.

Missing the ITR filing due date may result in a late filing fee, interest on unpaid taxes and, in some cases, loss of certain tax benefits.

Filing your ITR is not the final step. You must e-verify within the prescribed time limit; otherwise, it will not be treated as a valid return.