New Delhi: With the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline approaching, tax experts are urging taxpayers to pause before hitting the submit button. A few final checks can help avoid errors that may delay refunds, trigger notices from the Income Tax Department or require taxpayers to file a revised return later.
While most taxpayers focus on entering income details and claiming deductions, overlooking key verification steps can prove costly. Reviewing tax credits, validating bank account details and completing e-verification are among the most important tasks before filing the return. The Income Tax Department has also advised taxpayers to file their returns early and ensure all information is accurate.
1. Match your income with AIS, Form 26AS and Form 16
Before submitting your ITR, ensure that the income reported in your return matches the details available in your Annual Information Statement (AIS), Form 26AS and Form 16 or other tax certificates.
These documents contain information on salary, tax deducted at source (TDS), bank interest, dividends, securities transactions and other financial activities. Any mismatch between these records and the figures reported in your return could delay processing or invite scrutiny.
Tax experts recommend checking whether all TDS credits have been reflected correctly and ensuring no source of taxable income has been omitted.
2. Verify your bank account and refund details
Another crucial step is confirming that the bank account mentioned in your return is active, pre-validated and correctly linked with your PAN.
An incorrect account number or IFSC code can delay the credit of your income tax refund even if the return is processed successfully.
Taxpayers should also verify personal details such as their name, PAN, Aadhaar number, mobile number and email address before submission to avoid communication issues with the Income Tax Department.
3. Don’t forget to e-verify your return
Filing the ITR is only part of the process. The return must also be e-verified within the prescribed time to be treated as valid.
Taxpayers can complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account verification, demat account verification or a Digital Signature Certificate, depending on eligibility.
If the return is not e-verified within the stipulated period, it will be considered invalid, meaning the filing process remains incomplete.
Why these checks matter
Experts say spending a few extra minutes reviewing the return can save taxpayers from lengthy correction procedures later.
Common mistakes such as selecting the wrong ITR form, missing income disclosures, claiming incorrect deductions or failing to reconcile tax credits often result in refund delays or notices from the Income Tax Department.
The department has also enhanced taxpayer support during the filing season, including extended helpline services, to help taxpayers complete their returns before the deadline.
As the filing deadline nears, taxpayers are advised not to rush through the final submission. A careful review of income details, tax credits, bank information and verification status can help ensure that the return is processed smoothly and refunds, where applicable, are issued without unnecessary delays.