The window for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26 is now open, and taxpayers can complete the process via the official Income Tax e-filing portal. While the return itself is annexure-less—meaning you don’t need to attach supporting documents during submission—it’s crucial to have all relevant paperwork handy to ensure accuracy and avoid future scrutiny.
According to the Income Tax Department, you are not required to attach any physical or scanned documents (such as TDS certificates or investment proofs) when submitting your return online or offline. However, you must keep these documents safely as they may be required later for assessment, verification, or in response to any queries from the tax authorities.
Before jumping into the return filing process, here are a few things to take care of:
✅ Link your PAN and Aadhaar to avoid delays in e-verification.
✅ Pre-validate your bank account to receive any income tax refund directly.
✅ Choose the correct ITR form based on your income sources (salary, business, capital gains, etc.).
✅ Select the appropriate tax regime – old or new – depending on which gives you better tax benefits.
Although you won’t be uploading these, the information contained in the following documents will be essential for completing your ITR accurately:
Issued by your employer, Form 16 gives a detailed summary of your salary, deductions, and TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
These forms provide a consolidated view of all taxes paid on your behalf, including TDS, TCS, and advance tax. AIS also includes details of income from interest, dividends, stock transactions, etc.
If you’ve earned non-salary income (like interest or professional fees), Form 16A details the TDS deducted on those incomes.
Used to verify interest income, large transactions, and cross-check against AIS data.
If you’re claiming deductions under Section 24(b) for housing loan interest, this certificate from your lender is required.
To claim deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc., retain premium receipts for:
LIC / ULIP
PPF / ELSS / NSC investments
Mediclaim and health insurance
Needed if you’re claiming HRA exemption or deductions for rent paid under Section 80GG.
If you’ve donated to charitable institutions, you’ll need the 80G receipts to claim deductions.
Filing your income tax return doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you’re well-prepared. Keep these documents organized, verify all figures, and complete the filing well before the deadline to avoid last-minute stress or penalties. And remember—while you may not need to submit documents during filing, maintaining proper records is essential in case the Income Tax Department asks for them later.
If you’re unsure about which deductions apply to you or need help navigating the old vs. new tax regimes, consult a tax professional for personalized guidance.
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