Great news for taxpayers: the ITR filing deadline has officially been pushed from July 31 to September 15, 2025! The Income Tax Department gave this extra time in light of major structural changes to the ITR forms for Assessment Year 2025–26. This welcome breathing room is your chance to breathe easier—and file smarter.
- 📅 Why the Deadline Extension Is a Big Deal
- ⚠️ 10 Common ITR Mistakes—And How to Dodge Them
- 1. Using the Wrong ITR Form
- 2. Mismatched PAN-Aadhaar Data
- 3. Leaving Out Income from Gigs or Rentals
- 4. HRA and Rent Mismatch
- 5. Missing TDS Mismatches
- 6. Claiming Deductions Without Proof
- 7. Wrong Bank Details for Refund
- 8. Ignoring Exempt Income
- 9. Procrastinating Until September 14
- 10. Skipping E-Verification
- ✅ Pro Tips for a Mistake-Free ITR
- 💡 Why This Deadline and Accuracy Matter
- 📝 Final Takeaway: Don’t Rush. File Right.
But remember, time may have stretched, but mistakes won’t forgive. Let’s dive into the 10 common ITR mistakes that even savvy filers trip up on—and how to avoid them like a pro.
📅 Why the Deadline Extension Is a Big Deal
The original deadline of July 31 felt tight. Many taxpayers hadn’t received updated Form 26AS or finalized their TDS credits yet. Budget 2024 introduced sweeping changes—especially in how capital gains are taxed and reported. These changes demanded more time for systems and utilities to catch up.
So yes, September 15 is a lifeline. But waiting till the last minute? That’s a risky gamble.
⚠️ 10 Common ITR Mistakes—And How to Dodge Them
Here are the usual traps—and how to walk around them gracefully:
1. Using the Wrong ITR Form
There’s ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, and more. Filing with the wrong form is a fast track to rejection. Check your income sources—salary, house property, capital gains, business income—and choose wisely.
2. Mismatched PAN-Aadhaar Data
One mistyped character in your name or birthdate can derail your ITR. Always ensure your PAN and Aadhaar details align exactly before filing.
3. Leaving Out Income from Gigs or Rentals
Freelance income, Rent, or income from previous employers—none of it is optional. Forgetting these is like forgetting your exam hall pass. Risky.
4. HRA and Rent Mismatch
If you claim House Rent Allowance (HRA), make sure your rent, landlord PAN (if applicable), and your receipt details match. It’s a common trigger for notices.
5. Missing TDS Mismatches
Your Form 26AS is the scoreboard. If it shows ₹50,000 TDS on your FD interest, but your ITR shows none—expect red flags. Always match the numbers.
6. Claiming Deductions Without Proof
Whether it’s insurance, PPF, or medical care—claim deductions only after you’ve got receipt numbers and documents. No proof = no validation.
7. Wrong Bank Details for Refund
One wrong digit in your bank account or IFSC, and your refund bounces. Triple-check your account details before filing.
8. Ignoring Exempt Income
Some incomes (like LTCG under Section 112A) are exempt. But skipping them altogether isn’t the move. Declare them correctly, even if they don’t generate tax.
9. Procrastinating Until September 14
Waiting until the last minute is a favorite national sport—but let’s not play it. If systems crash or you find errors, you’ll run out of time.
10. Skipping E-Verification
Even after hitting “Submit,” your ITR isn’t complete until it’s e-verified. Online methods include Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank accounts. If you skip it, India’s tax system treats your return as if it was never filed.
✅ Pro Tips for a Mistake-Free ITR
- Use the official e-filing portal or app—avoid third-party guesswork.
- Preview your return before filing to spot errors.
- Always save your acknowledgment number.
- Take screenshots or PDFs of the final ITR summary.
- E-verify it, and keep evidence of verification.
💡 Why This Deadline and Accuracy Matter
- Filing on time avoids interest and penalties.
- A clean ITR path builds your official financial credibility—for visas, loans, or auditing.
- You’re more likely to get your refunds processed quickly.
- It establishes a clean, trustworthy tax profile—useful for personal finance needs later.
📝 Final Takeaway: Don’t Rush. File Right.
You’ve got extra time. Use it well. Don’t let the ITR filing deadline become a panic trigger. And don’t let sloppy mistakes undercut your hard-earned returns.
Take a breath. Check every entry. Go slow—and make it count.
