The Income Tax Department last month extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) in non-audit cases for the financial year 2024-25 to 15 September 2025. While this relief may be good news for some people, it does not mean that you wait till the last day.

Today, when tax portals and documents have gone digital, filing returns has become easier than ever for taxpayers. You can file your ITR yourself even without the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA). You just have to take care of some important things and common mistakes, so that there is no delay in refund and there is no risk of notice.

Many changes have been made in the new e-filing process which is simpler and faster than ever. But despite this, many people make some common mistakes, due to which they may get a delay in refund or a notice from the Income Tax Department.

In this article, we will know how you can file ITR without the help of a CA and which common mistakes you must avoid.

What are the benefits of filing ITR yourself?

Due to modern technology, filing ITR is no longer as complicated as before. As soon as you log in to the portal, your PAN number, Aadhaar, bank details and other information are pre-filled. Not only this, information related to your TDS, salary and interest is also revealed through Form 26AS and AIS.

By filling ITR yourself, you have a better understanding of your income and expenses. This also makes tax planning easier. Here are some common mistakes you must avoid:

Choosing the wrong ITR form

The first and common mistake is choosing the wrong ITR form. Every taxpayer has a different income source and the form is decided on that basis. If you choose the wrong form, your return may be rejected.

For example:

ITR-1 (Sahaj): For income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary, pension and one house property

ITR-2: If you have capital gains (such as profits from mutual funds or shares), choose this form

ITR-3/4: If you are a freelancer or do business, any of these forms may apply

Before filing the return, read the form guide available on the Income Tax Department website.

Choosing the wrong assessment year (AY)

While filing ITR, there comes a step where you have to choose the assessment year. Many people make a mistake in this step.

If you are filing returns for the financial year 2024-25, then the assessment year 2025-26 has to be chosen. This small mistake can spoil your entire filing process.

Leaving out information about interest income or TDS

Most people only fill in their salary details, but interest from bank FDs and savings accounts is also taxable. If you do not provide this information, the Income Tax Department already has this information from your AIS and Form 26AS and they can raise questions about it.

Ways to avoid:

Before filing ITR, download your AIS (Annual Information Statement) and Form 26AS and check every income given in it

If you have deducted any TDS, then it is necessary to show it in the return.

Claiming deductions incorrectly

Many times taxpayers claim deductions without documents or information. Claim deductions like Section 80C (LIC, PPF, ELSS), 80D (Health Insurance) only if you have proof of it.

Also keep in mind that if you choose the new tax regime, you will not be able to avail most of the deductions.

If you have invested in some investment instruments under the old tax regime, choose the same to avail exemptions. The new tax regime is now the default, but you can change if needed.

Forgetting to e-verify

Filing a return is only half the work. It is mandatory to e-verify it within 30 days. If you do not do so, it will be considered that you have not filed the return.

Options for e-verification: Through Aadhaar OTP, through Net Banking, or through EVC.

If you do not e-verify, your return will be considered invalid, and you may have to submit it again.

What’s new in ITR filing this time?

Now AIS and Form 26AS are more detailed than before.

The AIS app is also now available, so you can view your complete income report on mobile.

The new tax regime applies by default. If you feel that the tax in the old regime is less, do not forget to choose it.

It has become necessary to match AIS and 26AS along with Form 16.

A smart advice

Before filing ITR, sit and look at all three – Form 16, Form 26AS and AIS – together. This will not only complete your information, but the chances of mistakes will also be greatly reduced.

Summing up …

Filing ITR without a CA is no longer that difficult, but a small negligence can cause big problems. Choose the right ITR form, report all income, do the verification on time – this is the identity of smart taxpayers.

If you want, do this process yourself every year and increase the basic understanding related to tax. This will not only save money but will also be a step towards becoming self-reliant.