Documents Required When Filing Income Tax

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is not only a legal duty but also an important step in building your financial record. It serves as proof of income, helps you claim refunds, and supports future loan or visa applications. Many people delay filing because they feel the process is complex. However, once you know the documents required when filing income tax, the task becomes much easier.

This blog explains all the essential documents you need to prepare before filing your ITR in India.

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Why You Need Documents for ITR Filing

Income Tax filing requires accurate details of your income, deductions, and taxes paid. Without proper documents, you may end up reporting wrong information or miss claiming deductions. That could lead to notices, penalties, or loss of refunds.

Having your papers ready ensures a smooth filing process. It also helps you comply with rules under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Mandatory Documents for All Taxpayers

Whether you are salaried, self-employed, or a business owner, some documents are compulsory. These include:

• PAN Card: Links all your tax records and financial transactions. Required for filing ITR.
• Aadhaar Card: Must be provided while filing returns. Enables quick e-verification.
• Bank Account Details: Report all active accounts including account numbers and IFSC codes. One account must be primary for tax refunds.
• Form 26AS: Shows all taxes deposited against your PAN, including TDS deducted. Downloadable from income tax e-filing portal.
• AIS and TIS: Detailed summary of your income from salary, interest, dividends, mutual funds, and property sales. Helps cross-check government records.

Documents for Salaried Employees

• Form 16: Issued by employer, shows salary, allowances, exemptions, and TDS deducted.
• Salary Slips: Helps verify allowances like HRA, LTA, or special allowances.
• Investment Proofs: Receipts for insurance, PPF, ELSS, or NPS contributions reducing taxable income.

Documents for Income from House Property

• Rental income details with tenant name, PAN or Aadhaar.
• Property address and co-owner details, if any.
• Municipal tax receipts.
• Loan interest certificate from the bank, including pre-construction interest.

Self-occupied property: claim interest on housing loans up to ₹2,00,000 per financial year.

Documents for Capital Gains

• Sale and purchase deeds for property, with buyer details.
• Broker’s capital gain statement for shares and securities.
• Consolidated capital gain statement for mutual funds from CAMS or KFintech.
• Proof of reinvestment to claim exemptions under Sections 54 or 54EC.

Documents for Interest Income

• Bank statements or passbooks showing savings interest.
• Interest certificates for FDs or RDs.
• TDS certificates from banks if tax was deducted.

Claim deductions under Section 80TTA (₹10,000 for savings interest) or Section 80TTB (₹50,000 for senior citizens).

Documents for Claiming Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U

• 80C (₹1.5 lakh): Life insurance, PPF, ELSS, NSC, tuition fees, housing loan principal.
• 80CCD: NPS contributions. Additional ₹50,000 under 80CCD(1B).
• 80D: Health insurance premiums. Up to ₹25,000 for self/family, ₹50,000 for senior citizens.
• 80E: Education loan interest certificate.
• 80G: Donation receipts.
• 80U: Disability certificate.

Documents for Business or Professional Income

• Presumptive taxation (Sec 44AD/44ADA): Only gross turnover or receipts required.
• Normal scheme: Books of accounts, debtors, creditors, stock, and cash balance at year-end.
• If turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (₹10 crore for digital transactions), audit under Section 44AB is mandatory.

Do You Need to Attach Documents with ITR?

No. Filing ITR is paperless. No need to attach supporting documents online. Keep all proofs safe for at least seven years. The Income Tax Department may request them during scrutiny.

Conclusion

Filing income tax may look tough at first, but keeping the right documents ready makes the process simple. Whether you earn from salary, business, property, or investments, organised paperwork ensures accurate filing and maximum refunds.

Remember, ITR is not only about paying taxes but also about creating a financial record that supports your future goals. Prepare early, verify your documents, and file your return on time to avoid penalties and stay stress-free.