Documents required for ITR Filing: 6 important ones to keep handy

Published on: 31 July 2023

Knowing about the documents required for ITR filing 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. 

Regardless of the fact that 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.

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 on hand 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 tax has been deducted by your employer on your behalf during a particular assessment year. This form contains two parts, which can be downloaded from the IT portal. 

Salary Slips

As a salaried taxpayer, your salary slip is one of the important documents required for income tax return 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 may not be able to claim a refund if the tax refund or deposit is not reflected in Form 26AS. 

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.

Now that you are familiar with a few crucial documents required for ITR filing, make sure to keep them handy. Other essential income tax documents include:

• receipts of health insurance premiums
• interest certificates from bank and post offices
• capital gains proof

Being informed about the process and the essential documents required to help you file your returns without delay on or before 31^st July. 

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FAQs on the Documents Required for ITR Filing

Is it necessary to file ITR?

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

What documents are 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 documents are required for filing income tax returns online?

Here are a few essential documents required when you file your returns:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Form 16
• Form 16A
• Annual Information Statement
• 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 Excel 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 to submit salary slips when filing your returns.

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.