The income tax return (ITR) filing season is on, and this year the government has extended the deadline till 15 September 2025. While this gives more time to taxpayers, it also brings more responsibility. Experts say it’s better to file returns early and avoid last-minute mistakes, because a simple error can bring legal trouble — and in some cases, even jail.
IT Department Watching Closely
The Income Tax Department is getting stricter with its monitoring system. It is now tracking high-value transactions closely. If someone spends more or invests more than what their declared income shows, the department may send a notice. This means that even if you forget to disclose a small income, you can be flagged.
So, it’s important to report all types of income. This includes salary, rental income, interest, dividends, profits from stocks or mutual funds, and even earnings from cryptocurrency.
Mistake? You Can File a Revised Return
If you make a genuine mistake while filing your ITR, you can still fix it. Tax laws allow taxpayers to file a revised return. But this only works when the mistake was unintentional.
According to tax experts, you should keep full records and collect all documents like Form 16, salary slips, capital gains statements, etc., before you file your ITR. If you skip any income or claim the wrong deduction, the IT Department may take it as tax evasion.
Wrong Info Can Invite Penalty and Jail
As per Section 276C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if someone is found guilty of willfully hiding income, the consequences are serious:
- The department can impose a penalty of up to 200% of the unpaid tax amount.
- If the tax evasion is over Rs 1 lakh, the person can face a jail term starting from 6 months and going up to 7 years.
- Faking receipts or claiming wrong deductions also falls under this category.
Unintentional Mistakes Are Treated Differently
If you forget to include some income by mistake and later realise it, don’t panic. You can file a revised return anytime before the deadline. However, if the mistake comes to notice only after the IT Department sends you a notice, you can still correct it by responding honestly. Experts say being honest with the department helps in most cases.
Don’t Wait for the Deadline
Tax consultants say it is always better to file your return early. The longer you wait, the higher the chances of error. Also, during peak time, government websites may face slowdowns, leading to more frustration.
This year’s extended deadline till 15 September 2025 is a good chance to file carefully. Use the time wisely and file your ITR with full accuracy.
