ITR Validation Errors: How to Resolve Validation Errors in ITR

ITR validation rules are set-up to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data being submitted in the income tax return.A validation error in ITR filing usually arises whenever the data being entered doesn’t meet the ITR validation rules. 

What is “Validation Completed 1 Error Found”?

The error “validation completed 1 error found” suggests that in the validation procedure of your ITR filing, the system identified an error that must be addressed. The error could happen due to different reasons, like entering wrong data, using special characters that are unacceptable by the system, or failing to fill mandatory field(s).

To solve this error, you must identify, correct, re-validate, and re-upload the ITR form on the e-filing portal.

Reasons for Validation Errors in ITR Filing

If you encounter that ITR is validated with errors, it could be because of the following reasons:

• Wrong data entry of details like Aadhar number, PAN, mobile number, or bank details leads to a bank validation error in ITR.
• Not filling in the mandatory information in the ITR form.
• Entering special characters that are unacceptable by the system like _, -,  !, &,^, >,<,  ~, #, %, or *.
• The generation of errors when uploading or generating the XML file. This can be because of network congestion or sluggish internet connection.
• Improper software settings, either in your browser or the Java control panel. 
• Claiming exemptions exceeding the allowed limits, selecting incorrect sections while claiming exemptions, or providing inconsistent data in the ITR.  

Some other reasons leading to validation error are:

• The name doesn’t match with the PAN database
• Mismatch of date of birth for senior citizen benefits
• Filing a revised return as per section 142(1) when it is not valid 

Carefully reviewing the filled details and ensuring that all the mandatory fields are filled can help avoid this error. Moreover, you can also avoid this error by not using special characters and checking your software settings and internet connection. 

What is Validation Error in ITR?

Usually, the validation error in ITR arises because of wrong or missing data in the form. To resolve it, you have to rectify the errors until there are no more error messages. 

Category A Defect

The validation errors in this category will completely prevent the uploading of the return. The user will get an error message.

Category B Defect

These errors allow the return to be uploaded; however, the taxpayer will be notified of a possible defect in the return.

Category D Defect

These errors allow the upload of the return, but they inform the taxpayer about the possibility of certain claims or deductions being restricted. 

Popular Validation Errors in ITR

1. Exempt Allowance u/s 10(13A) in Schedule Salary is not equal to ‘Eligible Exempt Allowance u/s 10(13A) as per Schedule 10(13A) - This text appears when you choose to file under the old regime and claim HRA. You can try removing all the blank exempt schedules in the ‘Income from Salary’ tab of ’Gross Total Income' section.
2. In Schedule CG Table F S.no 2, the break-up of all the quarters is not equal to the value from item 5vib of Schedule BFLA - This validation error usually occurs in capital gains. If you have not entered the quarterly capital gains in table F of Schedule Capital Gains, this error usually occurs. You can add the quarterly breakup of capital gains, and put zero in quarters where there are no capital gains.
3. Taxpayer unable to claim all other deductions other than 80CCD (2) - This validation error usually happens when the taxpayer tries to claim any deduction other than section 80CCD(2) under chapter VIA deductions under the new regime. Try removing all the sections other than section 80CCD(2), this error would be resolved.
4. Date of filing Form 10IEA or Acknowledgement number of Form 10IEA is not matching with e-filing DB - This error usually occurs when you have entered wrong 10IEA particulars while filing your  ITR under the old regime. You can try entering the correct details again, and retry filing.

How to Resolve Validation Error in ITR?

You can resolve validation errors in ITR by following these steps: 

i. Ensure data is correct:

Make sure all the entered data is correct. Usually, errors happen due to not filling in the mandatory fields or entering the wrong data.

ii. Refrain from using special characters:

Make sure not to use special characters like -,  &, _,  ^, !, <, >,  ~, #, * or % while entering data. This is because if they are used, the ITR validation error will arise when an XML file is uploaded or generated. 

iii. Update the profile:

Before filing the return, make sure the profile is updated. If you encounter problems with the ‘Validate’ button while filing using the offline utility, you can enable macros from the tools option. 

iv. Adjust internet settings:

If you encounter a NULL error or can’t read the XML file, you can amend your Internet Explorer settings to Low and delete temporary files from your computer. Subsequently, you can retry uploading the XML file from your Google Chrome or Internet Explorer browser.