6 Important Documents Required for ITR Filing

Knowing about the documents required for filing ITR well in advance helps you file your returns hassle-free. The IT Department has already streamlined the process by providing pre-filled ITR forms. You can file your ITR online or download the required form and upload it on the portal after completing it. 

Although you have pre-filled information, you must cross-check all details to avoid making errors when filling out these forms. So, have a look at some of the essential documents required for Income Tax Return filing.

Common Documents Required

To proceed with the tax filing process in India, you need these basic documents:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Bank account details
• TDS certificates
• Challans of tax payment
• Investment proofs for tax deductions

Here are some of the most essential documents required for filing ITR. 

PAN Card

One of the most important documents required for ITR filing is your PAN card. This is your identity proof, and you need to have it when filing your returns.

Form 16

This is a TDS certificate offered by your employer containing the following details:

• Total tax deducted at source
• Total income earned
• Tax-saving investments 

This is the main basis for filing your returns. Submitting Form 16 is mandatory if your employer has deducted tax on your behalf during a particular assessment year. This form contains two parts, which you can download from the IT portal. 

Salary Slips

As a salaried taxpayer, your salary slip is one of the important documents required for ITR filing. You need to submit the latest copies, as they contain the following essential details:

• Transport allowance
• House rent allowance
• Any other applicable allowance

Form 16A

Collect Form 16A from the bank where you have booked your fixed deposit. This form is applicable if you are earning an interest income of above ₹40,000 or ₹50,000 (in the case of senior citizens) from an FD during a financial year.

If your interest income exceeds a certain limit, the bank deducts tax on it. In such cases, the bank needs to submit Form 16A. 

Form 26AS

This document acts like a passbook detailing the total taxes deposited and deducted against your PAN. You can download the document from the income tax website and verify the information. Checking the information is crucial, as you can only claim a refund if Form 26 reflects a tax refund or deposit.

Aadhaar Card

Quoting your Aadhaar number is crucial when filing returns u/s 139AA of the IT Act. In case you don’t have a number but have applied for an Aadhaar card, you can quote the enrolment number on your ITR form.

Documents Required in Case of Salary Income

If you are a salaried employee, here is the list of documents needed for Income Tax Return filing:

• PAN card
• Form 16 issued by the employer
• Salary slips
• Pension certificate
• Arrears in salary
• Withdrawal of PF
• Leave/gratuity encashment
• Bonuses

In addition, you need to gather information on the taxable allowance you receive and the exemption you avail on them and disclose it in the ITR form. Such allowances include house rent allowance, leave travel allowance and so on.

Documents Required for Tax-Saving Investments

To avail of tax deductions on investments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you need slips and receipts for all the investments made for tax-saving purposes. The following types of investments qualify for tax deduction under this section:

• Public Provident Fund
• National Savings Certificate
• Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)
• Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
• Investments in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) schemes

Moreover, you require an account statement to claim tax deductions on home loan interest under the same section. For Sections 80CCD, 80D and 80E tax benefits, you need an investment statement for the National Pension Scheme, medical insurance details and an education loan statement, respectively. To file Section 80G tax exemption details in ITR, you must have donation receipts ready.   

Being informed about the process and the essential documents help you file your returns without delay on or before 31^st July of a particular financial year. 

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FAQs on Documents Required for ITR Filing

Is it necessary to file an ITR?

Yes, filing an ITR is mandatory for all taxpayers in India per the Income Tax Act of 1961.

What are the documents required for proof of income in India?

Some documents accepted as proof of income include:

• Salary certificate
• Form 16 given by the employer
• Income tax return
• Income certificate

What are the documents required to file income tax returns online?

Here are a few essential documents required for filing ITR:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Form 16
• Form 16A
• Form 26AS

Can I file my ITR myself online?

Yes. You can file your returns online as a registered user on the e-filing portal. You can also download the common offline utility and file your returns offline. 

Is a salary slip required for ITR filing?

Yes. Apart from relevant documents, such as Form 26AS and Form 16, it is mandatory for salaried taxpayers to provide salary slips when filing ITR.

Do we need to submit proof for ITR?

No. There is no need to submit proof for ITR.

Is a PAN card mandatory for ITR?

Yes. Having a PAN card is mandatory when filing your returns.