Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) doesn't have to be overwhelming. As a salaried employee, you have access to various deductions and exemptions that can significantly reduce your tax liability.
Which ITR Form Should You File?
If your total income is up to ₹50 lakh and comes from salary, one house property, and other sources (excluding lottery or racing income), you should file ITR-1 (Sahaj). For capital gains or multiple properties, you'll need ITR-2.
Key Deductions to Claim
- Section 80C: Up to ₹1.5 lakh (PPF, ELSS, Life Insurance, Home Loan Principal)
- Section 80D: Health Insurance premium (₹25,000 for self, additional ₹25,000 for parents)
- Section 80E: Education Loan interest (no upper limit)
- HRA Exemption: If you live in a rented accommodation
- Section 24(b): Home loan interest up to ₹2 lakh
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common errors we see during tax filing season include: missing Form 26AS reconciliation, incorrect bank account details, forgetting to report interest income from savings accounts and FDs, and claiming HRA without rent receipts. A Chartered Accountant can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure your return is filed correctly.
Deadlines for AY 2026-27
The due date for filing ITR for non-audit cases is 31 July 2026. Late filing attracts a penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F. If you need to file a belated return, the last date is 31 December 2026.
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