Documents Required To File Income Tax Returns

Filing income tax returns is one of the most important factors for adhering to all the taxation laws and creating a financial identity for yourself. The Indian government requires every earning individual to submit an income tax return (ITR) every year to showcase how much they have earned and pay taxes based on the earnings. However, there are some documents you must submit based on the type of taxpayer you are while filing income tax returns.

This blog will help you understand the documents required to file income tax returns so that you can successfully file your ITR and adhere to tax laws.

• An income Tax Return (ITR) is a form submitted to the tax authorities declaring an individual's or entity's income, expenses, and tax liability for a specific financial year.
• Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is essential to comply with legal obligations, claim refunds, and maintain a record of income for future financial transactions.
• You need to submit relevant documents to effectively file an ITR every year.

Here are the basic documents required to file income tax returns:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank account details of the taxpayer
• Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates such as Form 26AS, 16, 16A
• Tax payment challans
• Investment proofs for claiming deductions under various sections such as 80C,80D, etc

Here are the documents required to file ITR if you have salary income:

• Form 16: This is issued by the employer to employees that provide a summary of their salary and the tax deducted at source (TDS) on their income for a particular financial year.
• Pension certificate: In case the former employee receives a pension.
• Arrears in salary: If the employee has received arrears of salary during a financial year. Form 10E also needs to be filed in this case.
• Full and final settlement: In case the employee has changed the job, this certificate is required.
• Rent agreements: For claiming HRA.
• Travel bills: Travel bills for claiming tax deductions.
• PF withdrawal: Required if the employee has withdrawn partial or entire PF amount.
• Gratuity: Helps in factoring in the gratuity amount received.
• Joining/relocation bonus: If the employee has received a joining or relocation bonus from the employer.
• Foreign salary slips: In case the employee has earned any foreign income during the financial year.

Here are the documents required to file an income tax return in case you have income from other sources:

• Bank Passbook/ Statements and Interest Certificates/ Post Office Savings Passbook for showcasing accrued and received interest.
• Dividends and warrants for showcasing income earned from dividends.
• Form 26AS to provide details about TDS deduction.
• Accrued interest from NPS or any such schemes.
• Lottery income earned for winning any lottery.
• Agriculture income received due to agricultural produce and sales.
• Clubbed income for showing the income of dependents.

Here are the documents required to file an ITR in case you have income from house property:

• Rent agreement
• Interest certificate from the bank
• Address proof for the property
• Details of co-owners
• Receipts for the tax paid to the municipality
• Form 16A on rent
• Pre-construction interest details
• Ownership proof details
• Foreclosure or home loan processing charges. 

Here are the documents required to file an ITR in case you have capital gains:

• Purchase and sales deed for property or properties
• Details of transfer expenses incurred
• Purchase deed of the property in case of reinvestment

Here are the documents required in case you have tax-saving investments during the financial year:

• Contribution proof for ELSS, PPF, EPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Tax-saving FDs, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
• Donation receipts made during the financial year
• Receipts for paying education loan interest
• Receipts for paying premium for medi-claim insurance (both self and family)
• Any other receipt for proving any other investment made by the taxpayer

Filing income tax returns is crucial as it ensures compliance with legal obligations, helping individuals and businesses avoid penalties and legal issues. It provides a clear record of income and expenses, allowing taxpayers to claim eligible deductions and credits that can reduce their tax liability. However, there are some documents required to file ITRs in India, which you must submit to ensure successful verification of your ITR. Now that you know the documents required to file income tax returns, you can ensure better taxation compliance.

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