Don't click 'submit' yet! These 3 last-minute ITR checks are a must

Filing your ITR before the deadline is important, but filing it correctly is even more important. These three last-minute checks can help you avoid costly errors.

In Short

• Thousands rush to file ITR before deadline
• Accuracy more important than speed
• Complete e-verification to avoid return being invalid

As the Income Tax Return (ITR) deadline draws closer, thousands of taxpayers are logging into the e-filing portal with one goal in mind—submit the return before time runs out. But tax professionals say the real challenge isn't just meeting the deadline. It is making sure the return is accurate. A few simple checks before clicking the submit button can help taxpayers avoid unnecessary trouble later.

A rushed return can lead to far more trouble than a late evening spent checking documents. A missed bank interest entry, an incorrect ITR form, an overlooked capital gain or even forgetting to e-verify the return can delay refunds, trigger tax notices or, in some cases, leave the return legally invalid.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE FINAL HOUR

One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is leaving everything until the deadline. Apart from the risk of portal congestion, last-minute filing leaves little time to identify and correct errors.

Before filing, taxpayers should match the income reported in their documents with the details available in the Annual Information Statement (AIS), Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), Form 26AS, Form 16, bank statements and investment records. Any mismatch could invite questions from the Income Tax Department later.

Experts say that spending a little extra time before pressing the 'Submit' button can save taxpayers from unnecessary stress later.

RECONCILE YOUR INCOME BEFORE FILING

According to Gaurav Makhijani, Tax Head at Makhijani Gera & Associates, taxpayers should complete all reconciliations before submitting their return.

"We would recommend not to wait until the last minute, reconcile income with AIS, TIS, Form 26AS, Form 16, bank statements and investment records before filing. They should ensure they have selected the correct ITR form, correctly reported all sources of income, carefully computed capital gains and verified their bank account details. Take benefits wherever applicable."

He added, "The return should be e-verified promptly after filing, as an unverified return is treated as not filed. If you have to choose old regime, it is important that you file the return on time and get it verified as per law."

His advice highlights that simply submitting the return is not enough. Missing e-verification means the Income Tax Department will treat the return as if it was never filed.

SMALL ERRORS CAN HAVE BIGGER CONSEQUENCES

Tax notices are not always issued because someone deliberately hides income. Quite often, they arise because taxpayers accidentally leave out interest earned on savings accounts or fixed deposits, forget to report capital gains, or choose the wrong ITR form.

Similarly, entering an incorrect bank account number can delay refunds, while claiming deductions or exemptions without being eligible for them can invite scrutiny.

These are small mistakes that can easily be avoided with one final review before submission.

Anita Basrur, Partner, Direct Taxation at Sudit K. Parekh & Co LLP, believes taxpayers should focus on getting the basics right rather than rushing to beat the deadline.

"Few important aspects to keep in mind are: File returns early without waiting for last minute. Do not under-report income or overclaim deductions or exemptions. Ensure that bank details are correctly mentioned in the return so that refunds are received in a timely manner. Complete e-verification on time so that the return is not treated as non est."

Her advice reinforces a simple point: most filing problems arise from avoidable errors rather than complex tax rules.

A Few Minutes of Checking Can Prevent Months of Trouble

As the deadline approaches, taxpayers may feel tempted to complete the process as quickly as possible. However, tax experts say those extra few minutes spent checking every detail can make all the difference.

Reviewing income records, selecting the correct return form, ensuring bank details are accurate and completing e-verification may seem like routine steps, but they can help taxpayers avoid refund delays, unnecessary notices and the hassle of filing revised returns.

When it comes to ITR filing, the fastest return is not always the best one. A careful return is.

- Ends