Fix the “Year of Tax Deduction Col 4” error in ITR filing with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to correct TDS entries and avoid common mistakes.
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) can sometimes be a challenging process, especially when you encounter errors that prevent the successful submission of your return. One such common error is the “Year of Tax Deduction Col 4” issue, which can create confusion and delay your tax filing. In this blog post, we will explain what causes this error, how to fix it, and offer tips on how to avoid making the same mistake in future tax filings.
What is the ‘Year of Tax Deduction’ Error in ITR Filing?
The “Year of Tax Deduction” error occurs when there is a mismatch or incorrect entry in the Column 4 of the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) schedule in your ITR form. This column is essential for entering the year in which the tax was deducted at source, and if the data entered doesn’t match the financial year or if the deduction year is incorrectly specified, it can result in an error during submission.
This error is more prevalent in ITR 1 (Sahaj) and ITR 4 (Sugam) forms, where details of TDS from salary or other sources need to be filled out accurately to avoid discrepancies. In simple terms, Column 4 is used to specify the financial year (e.g., 2018-19) in which the tax was deducted at source, which must match the records in Form 26AS.
Additionally, make sure that you’re logged into your income tax login portal to view and access your relevant documents, such as Form 26AS and Form 16, for accurate data entry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting the Col 4 Tax Deduction Error
To fix the “Year of Tax Deduction” error in Column 4, follow these steps:
Verify the Correct Year of Deduction: Column 4 should contain the exact year in which TDS was deducted. If the TDS was deducted in the financial year 2018-19, then the correct value in Column 4 should be 2018.
Ensure TDS Details Are Correct: Double-check the TDS deductions listed in Form 16 (for salary-related deductions) and Form 16A (for other deductions like from banks, vendors, etc.). Make sure the year matches the deductions made for that particular year.
Use Form 26AS for Reference: Form 26AS provides a consolidated view of your TDS deductions. Cross-verify the Year of Deduction listed in the form against what you have entered in Column 4.
Correct the Data for Multiple Employers or Deductors: If you have more than one source of income (multiple employers), use the “Add” button in the ITR form to include all the necessary TDS information, ensuring that each TDS entry is linked to the correct year of deduction.
Review TDS Claimed in Column 6: Ensure that the TDS amount claimed in Column 6 is accurate and that it corresponds with the amount in Column 5. If you are carrying forward TDS to future years, make sure the remaining amount is moved to the appropriate field.
Common Reasons Behind Year of Deduction Errors in Income Tax Returns
Understanding why these errors occur can help you avoid them in the future. Here are some common reasons behind the Year of Deduction error:
Incorrect Year Entered: Sometimes taxpayers mistakenly enter the wrong financial year in Column 4. This is common when you have TDS entries from multiple years, leading to confusion during data entry.
Discrepancy Between Form 26AS and ITR Details: If there’s a mismatch between the TDS amounts in Form 26AS and what is entered in the ITR form, it can lead to this error. Always cross-check with the Form 26AS before submitting your ITR.
Unclaimed TDS from Previous Years: If you are carrying forward TDS from previous years, it’s important to ensure that the brought-forward TDS from earlier years is entered accurately in the TDS schedule. Failure to do so may lead to an error.
Multiple Employers/Deductors: When you have income from more than one employer or deductor, and if you fail to correctly account for all the TDS entries for each, this may cause an error.
How to Avoid Year of Tax Deduction Mistakes in Your Tax Filing
To avoid the “Year of Tax Deduction” error, here are a few tips that can help ensure accurate tax filing:
Double-Check Form 26AS: Always verify the details mentioned in Form 26AS against the TDS details in your ITR. This form will provide the most accurate record of TDS deductions for each financial year.
Accurate TDS Data Entry: Take extra care when entering data in Column 4 (Year of Tax Deduction) and Column 5 (Tax Deducted). Ensure that all data matches the actual TDS records from your salary slips, Form 16, and Form 16A.
Keep Track of Carry-Forward TDS: If there’s any unclaimed TDS from previous years, make sure to enter it correctly in the form to carry it forward and claim it in the current year.
Use Online Filing Tools: Consider using e-filing tools or tax filing software that can help automatically pull the correct TDS data from Form 26AS into your ITR, reducing the chances of errors.
Quick Solutions for Year of Deduction Error (Col 4) in ITR
If you’re facing the “Year of Tax Deduction Col 4” error in your ITR, try these quick solutions:
Correct the Year in Column 4: Go back and ensure that the Year of Tax Deduction entered in Column 4 corresponds with the financial year when the TDS was deducted.
Verify TDS Claims in Column 5 and 6: Make sure the Tax Deducted (Column 5) and TDS Claimed (Column 6) are consistent with your actual TDS records and match what is reported in Form 26AS.
Cross-Check for Carry-Forward Entries: If you’re carrying forward TDS from previous years, ensure that the brought-forward amounts are accurately entered in the form and the total amount of TDS carried forward is correctly reflected.
Resolve Error Code “6 Cannot be Greater than 4 or 5”: This error typically happens when values in Column 4 and Column 6 contradict each other. Double-check that the values in these columns are properly matched.
Tax Filing FAQ: Resolving the Year of Deduction Error in ITR
Q1. What should I do if I enter the wrong year in Column 4?
If you realize that you’ve entered the wrong year, simply correct it and re-submit your ITR.
Q2. Can I claim TDS for multiple years in the same ITR?
Yes, if you have TDS from multiple years, ensure you enter each year’s TDS details in the appropriate sections.
Q3. What if the TDS deducted by my employer is not showing up in Form 26AS?
If the TDS details are missing in Form 26AS, you should contact your employer or deductor to rectify the issue.
Q4. Can I carry forward unclaimed TDS to the next year?
Yes, unclaimed TDS from previous years can be carried forward, but it must be entered correctly in the carry-forward section in your ITR form.
By following these guidelines, you can easily resolve the Year of Tax Deduction Col 4 error and ensure your ITR is filed without any issues. Always remember to double-check the data and verify it with your Form 26AS to avoid any discrepancies. Happy filing!
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