Here comes the new financial year with the requirement of filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26. The deadline for most taxpayers ends on July 31, 2025. One can start utilizing the same soon.
Gather all those necessary documents in advance so that your filing experience will be smooth and error-free. Without even one major document, a delay, error, or even a fine may take place.
ITR Filing 2025
Here is a complete list of the must-have documents you will require for the ITR filing.
PAN and Aadhaar Card
Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for filing an ITR. You now need to link it to Aadhaar for verification. These documents must be updated and linked correctly so that there is no chance of rejection.
Form 16- (For Salaried Individuals)
Form 16 is provided by your employer, and it has details of your salary and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). It has two parts:
- Part A: TDS details
- Part B: Salary Breakdown
The employer should provide you Form 16 by June 15, 2025 so this would be around the time you need to look out for it.
Form 26AS and AIS (i-e Annual Information Statement)
Form 26AS is the tax credit statement of TDS, advance tax, and high-value transactions.
AIS (Annual Information Statement): The detailed summary of your income from salary, interest, dividends, and stock market transactions.
Cross-check these forms with your records to verify any mistakes.
Bank Account IDs
Collect the active bank account details like: IFSC code, account number. Information provided should be accurate because of tax refunds.
Interest Certificates
Collect the statement of interest earned from:
- Savings accounts
- Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Recurring Deposits (RDs): This qualifies as income from “Other Sources.”
Investments Proofs For: Tax Deductions Under Sections 80C, 80D, etc.
Documents for tax-deductible investments that need collating are:
- Life insurance premium receipts
- PPF statements
- ELSS proofs
- Children’s tuition fee receipts
- Home loan repayment certificates
- Health insurance premium receipts
Home Loan and Property Documents
The last document would be an interest certificate to be acquired by you from your bank in case of a home loan. If you are claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA), keep the rent receipts or rental agreement for records.
Capital Gains Statements
If you have sold stocks, mutual funds, or property, keep records of:
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Brokerage statements
- Capital gains calculations
Foreign Income and Assets (If Applicable)
In case you have income or assets unknown to India, you are obliged to declare them in your ITR. Documents such as bank statements and property documents are very relevant.
Freelance Income or Business Income
Freelancers and entrepreneurs do keep the following things in mind:
- Profit and loss statements
- GST returns (if registered)
- Invoices and expense receipts
Advance Tax and Self-Assessment Tax Receipts
If you have paid any advance tax or self-assessment tax, keep its payment receipt.
When Will ITR Filing for 2025 Begin?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) usually releases new ITR forms in April, and the e-filing portal may open soon after. However, most salaried individuals wait until June to file since Form 16 is issued by June 15.