Navigating Income Tax Filing in India challenges even the most conscientious taxpayers between ever-shifting deadlines, rules, and eligibility criteria. Simple yet serious slip-ups often transpire in a rush to complete returns before looming due dates, stalling refunds and risking financial penalties. This blog will review the most frequent Indian Income Tax Return Filing mistakes below to learn how improving vigilance, record-keeping, and comprehension of the latest protocols protects your bottom line this filing season.
Before getting into the discussion, if you are confused and want experts’ help navigating the process, reach out to Eazy Startups today. Income Tax Filing is not a difficult process, and with the help of Eazy Startups experts, you can even quicken the process significantly. Contact us today.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed discussion:-
- Missing Key Deadlines
- Errors in Personal Information
- Unreported or Underreported Income
- Inaccurate Tax Regime Selection
- Non-Disclosure of Foreign Assets
- Errors Computing Tax Liability
- Submission Errors
Missing Key Deadlines:
Income tax deadlines now fall earlier, with FY22-23 filings due July 31st, 2023. Plus, late fees now apply immediately after due dates. Missing these tightened deadlines risks Rs 5000+ penalties just for delays. Similarly, employers must issue Form 16 wage statements earlier than June 15th. So taxpayers must act quicker, gathering paperwork from their side to hit filing cutoffs vs past years. Mark calendars with new timings.
Errors in Personal Information:
Whether filing first returns or repeating annual submissions, take care in entering identifying details like legal name, PAN number, date of birth, address, and mobile numbers, which must perfectly match Aadhaar cards and PAN records. Small typos can invalidate entire applications, freezing refunds awaiting identity confirmation. Verify data directly from source documents before filing.
Unreported or Underreported Income:
Accepting cash payments for services or earning rental/investment income often leads to underpayment if not carefully accounted for under section 44AD. The tax department expects income estimates to match sector profitability norms. So, list all revenue sources rigorously. Similarly, salaried taxpayers must report every employer providing Form 16 statements to avoid processing delays when reported wages differ from 26AS totals.
Inaccurate Tax Regime Selection:
Filers now choose between an older vs newer tax regime each year, – but selecting improperly leads to miscalculations. Those sticking with past systems need diligent paperwork backing all conventional deductions. But picking the new regime when the old format promises bigger refunds leaves money unclaimed. Model both ways before filing to maximize benefits this season.
Non-Disclosure of Foreign Assets:
New legislation now mandates declaring overseas assets like offshore accounts, properties abroad, equity investments outside India, and more if valued over Rs 50 lakhs. Failing disclosure risks major penalties plus prosecution. So carefully detail all assets beyond Indian borders under Schedule FA, providing all specifics mandated to avoid issues with tax authorities.
Errors Computing Tax Liability:
Correctly assessing the tax owed each year trips up many filers, crunching numbers on their own versus relying on CA consultations. Missing eligible deductions, misinterpreting exemption limits or applying outdated rates all yield incorrect tax dues payable to the department. Countercheck all computations before accepting liabilities to prevent costly revisions later.
Submission Errors:
India’s massive digitization push aims for predominantly e-filing tax returns backed by digital signatures vs traditional paper Income Tax Filing. This method expedites processing but only when properly executed from start to finish. Uploading incomplete forms and missing addendums like Schedule 80G for donations with expired digital signatures suspends returns awaiting corrections.
Final Note
Income tax rules evolve continually in India, demanding vigilant adherence from taxpayers seeking rapid refunds without penalties. However, avoiding common mistakes while filing taxes ensures smooth sailing through filing season. Seeking help from expert professionals while Income Tax Filing also provides expertise steering around errors invading bottom lines this year. Contact Eazy Startups for the best help with Income Tax Return Filing.