Income Tax Filing Deadline 2025: Avoid Mistakes That May Delay Refunds or Trigger Notices

The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for AY 2025–26 is September 15, 2025. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had extended this year’s deadline from July 31 to September 15, citing changes in ITR forms and TDS credit structures.

While the extension has given taxpayers extra time, experts caution against last-minute filing. Rushing through the process often leads to errors that can delay refunds, attract penalties, or even result in an income tax notice. To ensure smooth filing, taxpayers must double-check every detail before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR

1. Selecting the Wrong Assessment Year

For income earned during the financial year 2024–25, the correct assessment year is 2025–26. Filing under the wrong year could invalidate the return entirely.

2. Choosing the Wrong ITR Form

Not every taxpayer is eligible to use the same ITR form.

• ITR-1 is applicable for individuals with a salary income of up to ₹50 lakh.

• Those with business or professional income must file through ITR-3.
  Using the wrong form can lead to rejection or unnecessary scrutiny.

3. Errors in Data Entry

Simple mistakes in entering figures related to income, deductions, or dates can create compliance issues. A single mismatch may cause delays in processing or increase the chances of receiving a notice from the department.

4. Ignoring Form 26AS and AIS Reconciliation

Taxpayers must reconcile their TDS, TCS, and advance tax details with Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS). Cross-verification with Form 16 and other financial documents is essential to ensure accuracy.

5. Incorrect Personal Details

PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, and contact information must be filled correctly. Any discrepancy can pause the refund process or lead to communication gaps with the department.

6. Not Reporting Multiple Form 16s

If you have changed jobs during the year, make sure to include Form 16 from all employers. Failing to do so could lead to under-reporting of income and possible penalties.

7. Skipping Certain Income Sources

All income streams must be disclosed—even those that may seem minor or tax-free. This includes:

• Interest from savings accounts or fixed deposits

• Rental income

• Capital gains

• Tax-free income such as certain allowances or exempt interest

Failure to report can attract penalties or notices later.

Expert Advice: File Early and Verify Immediately

Tax professionals advise against waiting until the last few hours. As the deadline approaches, the income tax e-filing portal experiences heavy traffic, causing delays in logins, OTP generation, and return submission. Filing early reduces the risk of such issues and provides enough time for corrections if needed.

Additionally, e-verification of the return is just as important as filing. An ITR is not considered valid until it is verified. Taxpayers can complete this process through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other available modes.

Final Word

The extended deadline of September 15, 2025, offers taxpayers one final opportunity to complete their ITRs without penalty. However, rushing at the last moment can lead to costly errors. By avoiding the common mistakes listed above and ensuring timely e-verification, taxpayers can secure faster refunds and avoid unnecessary income tax notices.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general awareness. Taxpayers are advised to consult a certified tax professional for personalized guidance before filing their returns.