With the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline of September 15, 2025, fast approaching, it is crucial for taxpayers to ensure they have all the necessary documents in order. This article outlines eight mandatory documents you should keep ready to ensure a smooth and accurate filing process. Missing the deadline can result in penalties and interest charges.
1. PAN Card The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique identification number that is essential for filing your ITR. Ensure your PAN is active and linked to your Aadhaar card. If your PAN is not linked to your Aadhaar, it may become inoperative, which can cause limitations.
2. Aadhaar Card Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number that serves as an important document for identity verification. Linking your Aadhaar with your PAN is recommended by the Income Tax Department.
3. Form 16 Form 16 is a certificate issued by your employer that details the amount of tax deducted at source (TDS) from your salary. It contains information about your gross salary, allowances, deductions, and the tax deposited with the government. If you have worked for multiple employers during the financial year, ensure you have Form 16 from each employer.
4. Form 26AS Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement that shows the TDS deducted from your income by various entities, including employers, banks, and other organizations. It also includes details of any advance tax you have paid, self-assessment tax, and specified financial transactions. Cross-verify the TDS details in Form 16 with Form 26AS to ensure accuracy. In case of a mismatch, contact your employer to rectify any errors in Form 16.
5. Annual Information Statement (AIS) The Annual Information Statement (AIS) provides a comprehensive view of all your financial transactions during the financial year. This includes details of interest earned on savings accounts and fixed deposits, dividends, and transactions in securities and mutual funds. The AIS helps you reconcile your income and tax deductions and ensures that all income is accurately reported in your ITR.
6. Bank Statements Keep your bank statements or passbooks handy to verify income and transactions. You'll need to provide details of all bank accounts held during the financial year, including account numbers, IFSC codes, and interest income. Make sure to include interest accrued from savings accounts and fixed deposits.
7. Investment Proofs If you have made any tax-saving investments under Section 80C, 80D, 80E, and other applicable sections, keep the proofs of these investments ready. These include investments in Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), life insurance premiums, National Savings Certificate (NSC), and tuition fees for children.
8. Other Income Documents Apart from salary, you may have income from other sources such as rent, capital gains, or interest. Keep the following documents ready, if applicable:
Filing your ITR before the September 15 deadline is crucial to avoid late fees and interest on any unpaid tax. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a belated return, but penalties will apply. For those with taxable income up to ₹5 lakh, the penalty is ₹1,000, while those with income above ₹5 lakh may face a penalty of ₹5,000. Interest at 1% per month will also be charged on any outstanding tax dues.
Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready, cross-verify all details, and file your ITR on time to avoid any last-minute stress and financial penalties.
