Encountering the “Caught Error Description is Null” in Income Tax filing? Learn how to fix “Caught Error Description is Null” in Income Tax Filing Software.
Introduction
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online has never been easier, thanks to the Income Tax Portal. It’s simple, quick, and hassle-free – but even the best systems run into issues every now and then. One such issue that has been causing headaches for many taxpayers is the infamous “Caught Error Description is Null”.
While filing returns through the Excel-based offline utility, encountering this error is frustrating. You try uploading your ITR, and boom, you hit a roadblock. The portal doesn’t give any useful information, leaving you stuck. But here’s the thing – this error can be fixed, and we’ve got you covered with the exact steps you need to take.
In this post, we’ll dive into what this error is, why it happens, and how you can fix it to get your ITR filed successfully.
What is “Caught Error Description is Null” in Income Tax Filing?
If you’re stuck with the “Caught Error Description is Null” error while filing your ITR, you’ve probably noticed that there’s no clear description or error code from the Income Tax Portal explaining what went wrong. The error occurs when the portal can’t specify what caused the issue, leaving you with a frustrating and vague message.
Essentially, this means that the system didn’t provide any detailed error code for the problem. If you’re filing ITR offline through the Excel-based utility, this issue can arise when uploading your completed return. It’s a major blocker for many users because the lack of a specific description makes it hard to troubleshoot.
While this error is common, it doesn’t have to stop you from completing your tax filing. With the right steps, you can navigate past this glitch and get your return successfully submitted.
Common Scenarios Where the Error Occurs
So when does this “Caught Error Description is Null” pop up? Here are the common situations where this error rears its ugly head:
1. Submitting ITR Forms
After you validate your ITR forms like ITR-3, ITR-5, or ITR-7, the portal might throw up this error when you try to upload them. While the form might be fine during validation, it still doesn’t go through when you try to submit it.
2. Uploading Specific Forms
If you’re trying to upload important forms like Form 3CA, 3CB, 3CD, or Form 10CCB, you might run into this error. These forms are typically for business tax filing, and they require a specific format. When the system can’t process the data correctly, this error is triggered.
3. Filing Rectification or Grievance Replies
If you’ve been asked to file a rectification or respond to a grievance and are encountering this error, it could be because the submission doesn’t match the portal’s expected data format. A mismatch can trigger the “Caught Error Description is Null” glitch.
4. Generating Acknowledgement Numbers
Once you’ve submitted your return, the Income Tax Portal generates an acknowledgement number. If there’s a technical hiccup during this process, the system might throw the null error, preventing you from getting that crucial confirmation number.
Why Does “Caught Error Description is Null” Error Happen?
Now that you know when the error occurs, let’s talk about why it happens in the first place. There are a few common causes that we’ve identified:
1. Session Timeout or Expired Login
If you leave your session idle for too long or are inactive during the filing process, the session may expire. When you attempt to upload your ITR after that, the portal can’t authenticate your actions and throws this null error. It’s one of the most common reasons behind the glitch.
2. Incorrect or Incomplete JSON File
The JSON file generated during the filing process needs to be in the right format. If the file is incomplete, corrupted, or doesn’t follow the expected schema, the upload will fail and trigger this error. This issue is especially common in offline utility filing, where the user manually creates the JSON file.
3. DSC/EVC Authentication Failure
Your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC) might not be registered properly or could be expired. These authentication methods are essential for validating your return, and if there’s any issue with them, the portal can’t verify your return, leading to the error.
4. Mismatch in PAN or Form-Linked Data
The PAN used in your return needs to match the data in the ITR form. For instance, if you’re using ITR-5 for an individual PAN, this could trigger an error because ITR-5 is meant for firms, not individuals. The system won’t accept mismatched data, resulting in a null error.
5. Portal-Side Technical Glitches
Sometimes, the issue lies not with your filing but with the Income Tax Portal itself. High traffic, bugs, or backend issues could cause this error. If that’s the case, waiting for a while or trying again later might be your best bet.
How to Handle the “Caught Error Description is Null” Issue in ITR Filing?
If you’ve encountered this error while filing your ITR, don’t stress! Here’s what you can do to resolve it:
Download the ITR Utility and Extract the ZIP File: First, log in to the Income Tax Portal and download the Excel-based ITR utility for your specific form. Extract the ZIP file to access the utility.
Fill in the Required Details: Open the Excel Utility and enter all the necessary details in the required fields. If pre-filled data is available, use it to reduce the chances of missing or incorrect information.
Validate the Form and Save It: After filling in the information, click on the ‘Validate’ button. This ensures that all the data entered is correct. Once validated, save the file by clicking on ‘Save JSON File’. This will generate a properly formatted JSON file.
Upload the JSON File: Head back to the Income Tax Portal, log in to your account, and go to the e-Filing section. Upload the JSON file that you just saved and continue the verification process.
Verify and Submit the ITR: The portal will prompt you to verify your return using Aadhaar OTP, DSC, or EVC. After successful verification, submit your ITR, and you’re done!
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Using Offline Utility (Without the Error)
To avoid hitting the “Caught Error Description is Null” issue, follow these steps for smooth ITR filing:
Log in to the Income Tax Portal: Visit the official Income Tax Portal and log in using your credentials.
Download the ITR Utility (Excel or Java-Based): Go to the Downloads section and download the ITR utility for the appropriate form (Excel or Java).
Extract the ZIP File and Open the Utility: After downloading the ZIP file, extract it and open the Excel Utility.
Fill in the Data and Validate the Form: Enter the necessary data in the utility and validate it. This step is essential to avoid errors later.
Generate the XML File and Save It: Once the form is validated, generate the XML file and save it.
Upload the XML File to the Portal: Log back into the portal, go to the e-Filing section, and upload the XML file.
Complete the Verification Process: Choose your preferred verification method (Aadhaar OTP, DSC, or EVC) and submit your ITR.
Troubleshooting: What to Do if the Error Persists?
If the “Caught Error Description is Null” error persists even after following the steps above, here’s what you can do:
Recheck the Data Entered: Go through the information you entered again to ensure that everything is accurate, especially the PAN and form details.
Try a Different Browser: Sometimes, certain browsers might not work well with the portal. Try switching to a different browser and see if the error persists.
Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, which may be interfering with the upload process.
Contact Income Tax Support: If nothing works, reach out to the Income Tax support team. They can provide guidance and solutions for this error.
Conclusion
The “Caught Error Description is Null” issue can be a frustrating roadblock when filing your ITR. However, understanding its causes and following the right steps can help you resolve it quickly and move forward with your tax filing. By downloading the correct Excel utility, validating your data, and uploading the JSON file properly, you can avoid this error altogether.
Remember, this isn’t your fault—technical issues like these are often out of your control. The key is to stay calm, follow the instructions, and file your returns early to avoid last-minute issues.
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