As the deadline to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) approaches, it’s important to be extra cautious. The government has set September 15, 2025, as the last date to file your ITR. Filing in a hurry or without due diligence can lead to errors, missed deductions, or even notices from the tax department.
Here’s a checklist of key precautions to help you file your ITR accurately and on time:
India currently offers two tax regimes: the old regime (with exemptions and deductions) and the new regime (with lower tax rates but no deductions). Before you start, use an online tax calculator to compare both regimes and select the one most beneficial for your income and deductions.
Make sure to download the following:
Annual Information Statement (AIS)
Form 26AS
These documents show details of TDS, TCS, and other tax-related information. Carefully verify them against your salary slips, bank records, and investment details. If you find any mismatch, immediately contact your employer, bank, or other deductor to reconcile it before proceeding.
Keep the following ready:
Bank statements/passbooks
Interest certificates (FD, savings account, etc.)
Salary slips & Form 16
Investment proofs (ELSS, PPF, LIC, etc.)
Donation receipts (if claiming under 80G)
Rent receipts or HRA claim documents
Capital gains statements from brokers (if applicable)
Review everything carefully to ensure accurate reporting of income and deductions.
Pre-filled data is now available on the income tax portal. Double-check personal details like:
PAN
Address
Mobile number & email ID
Bank account details (especially if you’re expecting a refund)
Correct any errors before submitting your return.
There are different ITR forms for different taxpayer categories. Choosing the wrong form can lead to defective return notices.
ITR-1: For salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh
ITR-2: For individuals with capital gains or foreign income
ITR-3: For business/professional income
ITR-4: For presumptive income under sections 44ADA, 44AE, etc.
ITR-5 to 7: For firms, LLPs, trusts, and other entities
Fill in every required section:
Total income
Deductions under Chapter VI-A
Taxes paid or collected
Interest income
Avoid attaching physical documents when filing ITR-1—just retain them for your own record.
The due date to file your return for FY 2024–25 is September 15, 2025. Missing this deadline could result in:
Penalty under section 234F (up to ₹5,000)
Losses not being carried forward
Forfeiture of certain exemptions or deductions
So don’t delay—start preparing now.
After filing, you must e-verify your return. This completes the filing process.
Options to e-verify include:
Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
Bank ATM
Digital signature certificate
If you opt for manual verification, download the ITR-V acknowledgment, sign it, and send it by speed post to:
Centralized Processing Centre (CPC),
Income Tax Department,
Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka
Do this within 30 days of e-filing.
Filing your ITR is not just a legal obligation—it’s an important step toward your financial well-being. A timely and error-free return ensures peace of mind, faster refunds, and avoids any penalties or future hassles. Start early, stay organized, and follow this checklist to ensure a smooth and successful ITR filing season.
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