10 Biggest Mistakes Salaried Employees Make While Filing ITR (2026 Guide)
10 Biggest Mistakes Salaried Employees Make While Filing Their Income Tax Return (ITR)
Every year, millions of salaried employees rush to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) just before the deadline. In the hurry, many people make simple mistakes that can lead to delayed refunds, notices from the Income Tax Department, or the need to file a revised return.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable.
Here are the 10 biggest ITR filing mistakes every salaried employee should avoid.
1. Filing ITR Without Checking Form 26AS and AIS
Many taxpayers rely only on Form 16 provided by their employer.
However, your Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS may contain additional information such as:
- Bank interest
- TDS from other sources
- High-value financial transactions
- Tax collected at source (TCS)
Ignoring these records may result in mismatches.
Pro Tip: Always compare Form 16 with AIS and Form 26AS before filing.
2. Choosing the Wrong Tax Regime
Many employees select the Old or New Tax Regime without comparing their tax liability.
The wrong choice may result in paying more tax than necessary.
Before filing, compare both regimes carefully to determine which one is more beneficial for your financial situation.
3. Forgetting Bank Interest Income
Even if your salary income is correctly reported, many people forget to include:
- Savings account interest
- Fixed Deposit (FD) interest
- Recurring Deposit (RD) interest
Since banks report this information, omitting it can create discrepancies.
4. Not Reporting Income from Multiple Employers
If you changed jobs during the financial year, you may receive more than one Form 16.
Many taxpayers accidentally report income from only one employer.
This can lead to incorrect tax calculations.
Always include salary from all employers for the relevant financial year.
5. Entering Incorrect Personal Details
Simple errors like these can delay processing:
- Wrong PAN
- Incorrect Aadhaar number
- Incorrect IFSC code
- Wrong bank account number
- Incorrect email or mobile number
Always verify your details before submitting the return.
6. Claiming Incorrect Deductions or Exemptions
Some taxpayers accidentally claim deductions that are not applicable under their chosen tax regime.
Claiming incorrect deductions may lead to scrutiny or the need for corrections later.
Ensure your claims are supported by applicable rules and documents.
7. Filing at the Last Minute
Waiting until the final day often leads to problems such as:
- Heavy portal traffic
- OTP delays
- Slow website performance
- Missing documents
- Stress and mistakes
Filing early gives you time to review your return carefully.
8. Not Verifying the ITR After Filing
Many people believe filing is complete once they click "Submit."
However, your ITR generally needs to be verified through the prescribed process.
An unverified return may not be treated as complete.
Always complete the verification step within the applicable time limit.
9. Ignoring TDS Mismatch
Sometimes the TDS shown in Form 16 differs from Form 26AS or AIS.
Ignoring these mismatches can delay refunds or create complications.
Review all TDS entries before filing your return.
10. Filing Without Professional Review
Income tax rules can be confusing, especially if you have:
- Multiple employers
- Bank interest
- Capital gains
- Rental income
- Foreign assets
- Other additional income
A small mistake today could create unnecessary issues later.
Getting your return reviewed by a tax professional can help reduce errors.
Bonus Mistake: Assuming "No Tax = No ITR"
Many salaried employees think:
"My employer didn't deduct TDS, so I don't need to file my ITR."
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Depending on your circumstances and the applicable law, filing an ITR may still be required or beneficial, even if your final tax liability is zero.
Benefits of Filing Your ITR Correctly
When your return is filed accurately, you can enjoy benefits such as:
- Faster processing of eligible refunds
- Better financial record
- Easier loan approvals
- Income proof for visa applications
- Reduced chances of notices due to reporting errors
- Peace of mind
Documents You Should Keep Ready
Before filing, keep these documents handy:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Form 16
- Salary Slips
- Form 26AS
- AIS
- Bank Statements
- Interest Certificates (if applicable)
- Investment Proofs (where relevant)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most common ITR filing mistake?
Not reconciling Form 16 with Form 26AS and AIS is one of the most common errors.
Can I correct a mistake after filing my ITR?
Yes, in many cases you can file a revised return within the time allowed under the Income-tax Act, subject to the applicable provisions.
Why is AIS important?
AIS provides a broader view of your reported financial information, helping you identify income that should be considered while filing your return.
Should I file my ITR myself or seek professional help?
If your tax situation is straightforward, you may be able to file it yourself. However, if you have multiple income sources, changed jobs, or are unsure about reporting requirements, professional assistance can help reduce errors.
Final Thoughts
Income Tax Return filing isn't just a yearly formality—it's an important financial responsibility.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you file a more accurate return, reduce the likelihood of delays, and maintain a strong financial record.
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About the Author
Editor is a contributor at Filebob, writing on Income Tax and related topics. View all posts by this author.
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