Filing your Income Tax Return sounds simple until a small, easy-to-miss error triggers a notice from the department months later. Most of these mistakes aren't about dishonesty — they're about mismatched data between what you report and what the department already has on file. Here are five that come up again and again.
Not reconciling with Form 26AS / AIS
Your Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) show every TDS entry, high-value transaction, and reported income the department already knows about — from your employer, banks, and other payers. If the income you declare doesn't match what's already on file, it's one of the most common reasons for a notice. Always download and cross-check both before filing.
Choosing the wrong ITR form
Using ITR-1 when you have capital gains, foreign assets, or business income (which require ITR-2 or ITR-3) makes your return technically invalid or incomplete. Take a moment to confirm which form actually applies to your income sources before you start filling it in.
Forgetting to report interest income
Savings account interest, fixed deposit interest, and even small recurring deposit interest all count as taxable income — and banks report this to the department directly via TDS filings. It's easy to forget the ₹200 you earned on an old savings account, but the mismatch still shows up.
Entering incorrect bank account details
If you're due a refund, an incorrect account number or an account that isn't pre-validated on the e-filing portal will delay or fail your refund entirely. Double-check that your bank account is linked and validated before submitting.
Picking a regime without comparing both
Many filers default to whichever regime they used last year, or whichever their employer assumed, without actually comparing the numbers. Depending on your deductions, HRA, and investments, the other regime might genuinely save you more.
Before you file, compare both regimes with your actual numbers.
Use the Income Tax Calculator →What to do if you've already made one of these mistakes
If you catch the error before the filing deadline, you can simply file again — the latest submission is what counts. If you've already filed and the deadline has passed, you can file a revised return up to 31 December of the assessment year, correcting the error. See our Tax Filing Calendar for exact dates.
This article is general educational information, not personalized tax advice. If you've received an actual notice from the Income Tax Department, consult a CA promptly rather than relying on general guidance.