Learn to track your ITR's progress and correct any errors.
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For many taxpayers, job changes within a financial year can complicate ITR filing -- each employer issues a separate Form 16, and mismatches can occur if all income isn't properly combined.
This section explains how to handle multiple Form 16s, recalculate your true tax obligations, and avoid underpaying TDS. But filing your return isn't the end: this guide also shows you how to track its status, deal with mismatches, and fix mistakes if they arise, so you stay in control even after submission.
What If You Changed Jobs or Have Multiple Form 16s?
Job changes in a financial year are common -- but can confuse ITR filing:
What Happens:
- Each employer issues a separate Form 16 for the months/years you worked.
- Each employer usually calculates TDS based only on your salary with them, without factoring in income from other employers -- potentially leading to under-deduction of tax overall.
What To Do:
- Collect Form 16 from every employer.
- Add up all income and deductions -- ignore any doubled-up deductions (such as 80C claimed twice).
- Recalculate your total taxable salary: sum up gross incomes and subtract eligible deductions once only.
- Use Form 26AS to ensure all TDS figures add up.
Potential Issues:
- You may owe extra tax if not enough TDS was deducted overall.
- Missing one Form 16 or not reporting previous salary can trigger notices and fines.
Tips:
- Don't rely only on your final employer.
- Use pay slips if Form 16 is delayed.
- Compute whether TDS covers your true total tax -- pay and report any shortfall.
How to Track and Correct ITR Filing Issues
After you file, your job isn't always done. Here's how to monitor and fix any issues:
E-Verification:
- Mandatory step -- do it online using Aadhaar, net-banking, or bank account validation.
- No physical forms needed for most people.
Track Status:
- After logging in, check 'View Returns/Forms' on the portal dashboard for processing status.
- Refund status can be checked under the 'Refund/Demand' section, or via the NSDL refund tracking site using your PAN and assessment year.
What If You Made a Mistake?
- You can file a revised return before December 31 of the relevant assessment year, or before the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
- Correct any errors (income, bank account, TDS mismatches, etc.) and resubmit.
- Refunds may be delayed, but better late than having the return flagged later.
Handling Mismatches:
- Compare your AIS/26AS regularly -- if you spot incorrect entries, raise a 'feedback' or grievance online.
- Approach your bank/employer to update erroneous TDS information.
Using Helpdesks:
- Income tax portal offers 'Grievance' and 'Helpdesk' tools -- use them for guidance.
- Many common queries are also answered in tax FAQs sections.
Final Tips:
- Save your acknowledgment and all supporting documents.
- Keep an eye on your registered email/SMS for updates or error notices.
With these final steps, you'll be able to confidently handle job changes and filing in complex scenarios, keep tabs on your return's progress, and correct any issues -- ensuring your tax records remain accurate, up-to-date, and headache-free for whatever financial goal or challenge lies ahead.
By following these guides, you'll be empowered to file your taxes -- confidently, sensibly, and with a minimum of fuss.