First-Time Taxpayers Alert! Essential ITR Filing Tips for FY 2024-25 to Avoid Mistakes

The Income Tax Department has officially opened its e-filing portal for Assessment Year 2025-26, allowing taxpayers to submit their Income Tax Returns (ITR). For many individuals, especially those filing for the first time, this can feel confusing and overwhelming. However, by paying attention to a few simple but important points, the ITR filing process can become smooth and error-free.

If you’ve just started earning and are preparing to file your tax return for the very first time, this guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes and file your ITR correctly.

📋 Prepare These Documents Before Filing

Whether you're a salaried employee, a freelancer, or have multiple income sources, it's crucial to gather the correct documents before you start:

• PAN Card & Aadhaar Card

• Bank Interest Certificates

• Form 16 & Form 16A for TDS details

• Rental income statements (if applicable)

• Capital Gains Statements (if you've sold property or shares)

Having these documents ready will save time and reduce the chances of mistakes while filling out your ITR.

💡 Know About Deductions & Exemptions

Taxpayers filing under the old tax regime can benefit from various deductions like:

• Section 80C for investments (PPF, ELSS, LIC)

• Section 80D for health insurance premiums

• Section 80E for education loans, and more.

For salaried individuals, HRA (House Rent Allowance) and LTA (Leave Travel Allowance) can also help reduce the tax burden, but only under the old regime. The new tax regime offers lower tax rates but fewer exemptions.

🧾 Choose the Correct ITR Form

One of the most common reasons for ITR rejection is using the wrong form. The Income Tax Department offers 7 different ITR forms:

• ITR-1 to ITR-7 — each designed for specific income sources like salary, business, property, or capital gains.

Make sure you select the correct form based on your income type and verify all details carefully before submission.

⏰ Watch the Deadline & E-Verification

The last date to file your ITR for Assessment Year 2025-26 is July 31, 2025. Submitting the return isn’t the final step; you must complete e-verification within 30 days of filing, or your return will be considered invalid.

E-verification confirms the authenticity of your return and can be done easily via Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC code.

✅ Final Thought

Filing your ITR for the first time may seem challenging, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, it can be a simple and smooth process. Stay aware of the deadline, select the correct form, and ensure you complete the e-verification — this way, you can file your taxes stress-free and avoid any future trouble with the tax department.