Common mistekes to avoid mismatched pan details, wrong assessment year etc A.Y.2025

When filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year (A.Y.) 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25), it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to processing delays, notices from the Income Tax Department, or even penalties.

Here are common mistakes to avoid:

🔁 1. Mismatched PAN Details
Issue: Name, PAN number, or date of birth not matching with PAN database.

How to avoid: Verify your PAN details using the Income Tax Department's PAN verification tool.

📆 2. Wrong Assessment Year
Issue: Selecting an incorrect A.Y. (e.g., A.Y. 2024-25 instead of 2025-26).

Correct A.Y. for FY 2024–25: A.Y. 2025–26

How to avoid: Double-check that the software/form you're filling mentions the correct A.Y.

💸 3. Incorrect Bank Account Details
Issue: Entering the wrong bank account number, IFSC code, or failing to pre-validate the account.

How to avoid: Use the e-filing portal to pre-validate your account before filing for quicker refunds.

💼 4. Using the Wrong ITR Form
Issue: Choosing an incorrect ITR form based on income sources.

Example: Using ITR-1 (Sahaj) when you have capital gains or foreign income.

How to avoid: Refer to the latest ITR form applicability guidelines from the IT Department.

📤 5. Not Reporting All Income
Issue: Omitting income from interest, capital gains, gig/freelance work, or foreign income.

How to avoid: Cross-check with Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), and TIS.

🧾 6. Mismatch Between Form 16/26AS and Return
Issue: Income or TDS claimed in the return doesn’t match what is reported in Form 16 or 26AS.

How to avoid: Download and verify your Form 26AS and AIS before filing.

📑 7. Failure to Claim Deductions Properly
Issue: Missing or misreporting deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc.

How to avoid: Keep supporting documents and ensure correct sections are selected in the ITR form.

🕓 8. Late Filing or Missing the Deadline
Due Date for Most Taxpayers: July 31, 2025

Penalty: Late filing may lead to fees under Section 234F.

📝 9. Not Verifying the ITR After Submission
Issue: Submitted ITR but did not verify (via Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or physical ITR-V).

Deadline: Within 30 days of filing.

How to avoid: Verify immediately after filing to complete the process.

🔁 10. Duplicate Filing
Issue: Filing the return multiple times unintentionally.

How to avoid: Wait for acknowledgment or use the portal’s dashboard to confirm submission.