Ensure smooth ITR filing for FY 2024-25 with these 7 must-have documents. Avoid penalties and claim refunds faster by preparing your paperwork early.
As the September 15, 2025, extended deadline for Income Tax Return (ITR) filing draws closer, the smart move is preparation. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a loop of missing documents, incorrect data, or delays in refunds.
Whether you’re a salaried professional, business owner, freelancer, or investor, getting your ITR filing right requires more than logging into the e-filing portal. It starts with organising essential financial documents that serve as proof of income, taxes paid, and deductions claimed.
Here’s a 7-point document checklist that every taxpayer must tick off before filing their ITR for FY 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26):
1. PAN, Aadhaar & Bank Details – Your Identity Essentials
Before anything else, ensure your PAN is valid and linked to your Aadhaar, as required under Section 139AA.
Also, have your bank passbooks or statements ready, especially the account where you want your refund credited. Don’t forget to verify IFSC codes and account numbers.
✅ Pro Tip: Ensure your bank account is pre-validated on the Income Tax e-Filing portal for refund processing.
2. Tax Deduction Certificates – The Core Trio: Form 16, 16A, & 26AS
- Form 16: Issued by employers; summarizes your salary and TDS.
- Form 16A: Applicable if you’ve earned non-salary income (like interest or rent) with TDS.
- Form 26AS: Your consolidated tax passbook showing TDS, advance tax, and refunds.
✅ Check consistency across these documents to prevent errors in pre-filled ITR data.
3. AIS & TIS – The New-Age Tax Insights
- Annual Information Statement (AIS) and
- Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS)
Both give a complete view of income sources — from salary, FD interest, dividends, mutual fund redemptions to high-value purchases.
✅ Cross-check these with your financial records. Even minor discrepancies can lead to tax notices.
4. Investment Proofs – Unlock Your Tax Savings
If you’re under the old tax regime, collate all Section 80C to 80U related documents like:
- PPF, ELSS, LIC, EPF
- Tuition fees receipts
- Health insurance premiums (Section 80D)
- Home loan interest certificates
- Rent agreements
- Charitable donations
✅ Upload valid proofs. Ineligible claims without documentation may invite scrutiny.
5. Capital Gains Statements – Crucial for Investors
For those who’ve dabbled in:
- Stocks
- Mutual Funds
- Real Estate
- Crypto (if applicable)
You’ll need capital gain/loss statements from brokers, mutual fund houses, or property sale deeds.
✅ Capital gains are time-sensitive — short-term vs long-term impacts tax liability differently.
6. Foreign Income & Assets – For Global Earners
If you hold:
- Foreign bank accounts
- Overseas investments
- Foreign property
Or have foreign income, gather: - Form 67 (for DTAA relief)
- Bank statements
- Investment statements abroad
✅ Full disclosure is legally mandatory. Non-disclosure can lead to heavy penalties under the Black Money Act.
7. Past ITRs & Audit Reports – History Matters
For businesses, professionals, and HNIs:
- Keep last year’s ITR for comparison.
- Include Form 3CB/3CD for audit cases.
- Use Form 3CEB for international transactions.
✅ These are especially important for turnover-based audits and cross-border tax reporting.
Bonus Tip: Verify Everything Before You Submit
Before hitting “Submit,” match your Form 16 with 26AS and AIS. Any mismatch — like extra interest income or missed TDS entries — can delay your refund or trigger notices.
New Excel utilities for ITR-2, ITR-3, and others are now live. Use them to double-check data accuracy.
✅ In Summary: Your ITR Filing Toolkit
| Document Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity & Bank | PAN, Aadhaar, Passbook |
| TDS Proofs | Form 16, 16A, 26AS |
| Financial Overview | AIS, TIS |
| Deductions | Section 80C/80D Receipts |
| Investments | Capital Gain Statements |
| International | Form 67, Foreign Assets |
| Historical Data | Past ITRs, Audit Reports |
Final Word
Filing your Income Tax Return early and accurately isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a financially wise habit. It helps you avoid last-minute rushes, ensures faster refunds, and builds a strong track record with the tax department.
🧾 Start organizing your documents today. A little preparation now saves a lot of stress later.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax advisor or CA for personalized guidance.
