The online Income Tax Return (ITR) filing window for AY 2025–26 has been opened by the CBDT Department. Individual taxpayers who are not required to have their accounts audited must submit their ITRs for FY 2024–25 before the revised due date.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) revised the ITR filing due date from July 31 to September 15 for taxpayers due to the delay in providing offline utilities via Circular number 06/2025.
All the ITR forms for distinct categories of taxpayers have been released via the Income Tax Department. ITR-1 is implied for salaried individuals holding an income of less than Rs 50 lakh in a fiscal year.
While ITR-4 is to be filed by individuals, HUFs, and eligible firms having the income up to Rs 50 lakh from a business or profession, only when opting for presumptive taxation.
ITR filing is difficult for those who conduct it without assistance from a professional, as it has many more details and multiple forms and documents that need to be managed. Penalties might be imposed for mistakes that lead to added financial and legal stress.
Therefore, it is important to understand the concept of your income type and submit documents as per that so as to have a zero error ITR filing.
Avoid These Errors While Filing Your ITR 2025
- Avoid Filing the Wrong Income Tax Return (ITR) Form: The taxpayer chooses the wrong ITR form and makes a common mistake. As per the income and categories of the taxpayers, they must opt for the correct ITR form. Your ITR filing is invalid if you select the incorrect ITR form, and you may face penalties. But, when filing the return within the due date, if you choose the incorrect ITR form, then you could opt for a revised return. You should seek assistance from a tax professional or a chartered accountant if you are confused about the forms.
- Verification of AIS and Form 26AS for Accurate ITR Filing: Many individuals don’t confirm the details of their AIS and Form 26AS at the time of filing ITR. These documents include the records of your financial transactions and tax payments for the fiscal year. Before submission, you should validate the details for the appropriate income filing.
- Risks of Incomplete Income Reporting in ITR Filing: Problems emerge from the Unfinished income declaration or misreporting, even if accidental. 200% of the tax due is for the penalties. Interest charges may be levied on it and, in some cases, lead to legal proceedings. Therefore, at the time of ITR filing, it is important to file the complete income details.
- Why Reporting Exempt Income Matters in Your ITR: Although the exempted income is not taxed, one is required to report the same in their ITR under the correct section (schedule EI). The same supports to prevent any misinformation on your part and ensures compliance with the tax norms.
- Reporting Income from a Previous Employer in Your ITR: Taxpayers must report their incomes or salaries from distinct organisations where they switch jobs in the mid-fiscal year. On leaving the job, ensure to collect the documents such as Form 16 to file your ITR accurately. Process overlooking leads to problems similar to misreporting.
- How to Avoid Errors in Your HRA Declaration: The tax department levies penalties for wrong claims for HRA exemption. The penalty can be up to 200% of the incorrectly reported amount under the Income Tax Act, 1961. During HRA claiming taxpayer should be alert and ensure to have accurate matching of information with the agreement and the rent receipts to prevent any penalties.
- Mistake to Avoid: Choosing the Wrong Tax Regime: Every fiscal year, an individual taxpayer can switch between the old and new tax regimes. The new tax regime is the default regime for FY 2024-25. Your overall tax obligation might be reduced by choosing the correct regime. The old regime permits multiple deductions for tax-saving investments and specific expenses, while the new regime proposes merely limited deductions. But the tax rates a lower compared to the old tax regime. Therefore, if you desire to claim various deductions, then the old regime can be an appropriate choice.
