Filing taxes can be challenging, especially when using the Excel utility. Many errors occur when taxpayers fail to complete all parts of the utility properly. To avoid these mistakes, follow these essential steps for an accurate tax return.

1. Use Pre-filled Data

Experts recommend logging into the income tax portal and downloading the pre-filled JSON file. Importing this file into the Excel utility minimizes errors and saves time.

2. Enable Macros in Excel

Without enabling macros, the Excel ITR utility will not function properly, and essential shortcuts like Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V won't work. Use the F2 key to edit or copy cells in the utility.

3. Validate Each Section

Each section of the ITR utility (e.g., salary, capital gains, deductions) has its own ‘Validate’ button. Ensure you validate each section and then click ‘Calculate Tax’ to avoid any errors.

4. Keep a Backup

It's crucial to keep a backup of your work when using Excel. Saving your file at different stages will ensure you don’t lose progress if something goes wrong.

By following these steps and double-checking your work, you can avoid common filing errors and ensure your ITR-2 or ITR-3 is submitted correctly. Take your time and make sure everything is accurate to prevent future tax notices.