Income Tax Filing 2025: Should You Hire an Expert or Do It Yourself? Pros & Cons Explained
Should you hire a CA for ITR 2025 filing? Experts explain when it’s better to get help, and when DIY works just fine — along with pros and cons.
A chartered accountant reviews tax documents ahead of the ITR 2025 deadline. Expert help can reduce the risk of errors and tax notices.
The deadline for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY25 is September 15; with less than 40 days remaining, many taxpayers are considering a crucial choice: should you file your ITR on your own or with professional assistance?
Employing a Tax Professional vs. Doing It Yourself
It may seem easy for salaried people with only one source of income to file an ITR utilizing Form 16, 26AS, and the relevant form. But even a small error, such as selecting the incorrect ITR form or failing to remember a deduction, might result in a tax notice or penalty.
Hiring a chartered accountant (CA) is therefore advised by many tax experts, particularly if you have capital gains, several income sources, or business revenue.
"A specialist provides clarity, guarantees adherence to the most recent tax regulations, and assists in preventing inconsistencies with AIS or Form 26AS," explains Kinjal Bhuta, Treasurer of the Bombay Chartered Accountants Society.
Argument in Favor of Hiring a CA
- Decreased likelihood of tax notices: The likelihood of mistakes that could lead to investigation or postpone reimbursements is significantly reduced when professional help is sought.
- Accurate tax law interpretation: Since the Income Tax Act can be complicated, certified public accountants are taught to correctly read it.
- Custom tax planning: What do-it-yourself tools can overlook is the advice that certified public accountants can provide on long-term tax-saving tactics.
Pratibha Goyal, a certified public accountant from Delhi, states that fully understanding and implementing the law is more important than just entering figures while filing an ITR.
What About the Cost?
Some taxpayers hesitate to hire a CA due to the fee — which might range around ₹5,000. But experts argue this amount is minimal compared to potential fines for errors in self-filed returns.
“Trying to save money by not hiring a professional can backfire if errors lead to litigation or penalties,” Bhuta adds.
When You Might Not Need an Expert
- Single income source (e.g., salaried)
- No capital gains or business income
- Basic deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.
- In such straightforward cases, the government’s e-filing portal or trusted tax platforms may be sufficient.
Final Word
If your financial situation involves complexity or if you're unsure about changing tax laws, consulting a CA can offer peace of mind and possibly save you more in the long run.
“Don’t be penny-wise, pound-foolish. Paying for professional compliance today can prevent bigger losses in the future,” Goyal says.
