Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2025-26 has officially started.
The Income Tax Department has already released online utilities for ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms.
If you want to avoid mistakes, notices, or delayed refunds, it’s important to keep all your documents ready before you begin filing your return.
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Important Documents You Need for ITR Filing
PAN and Aadhaar Are Mandatory
Your PAN card and Aadhaar card are the most important documents for ITR filing.
Make sure both are linked properly.
If they are not linked, your return may face processing issues or even get rejected.
Keep Form 16 and Salary Slips Ready
For salaried employees, Form 16 is one of the most important documents.
It includes details about your salary, TDS deductions, and taxes paid during the year.
Along with Form 16, keep your monthly salary slips handy to cross-check income details while filing the return.
Bank Statements and Interest Details Matter
Your bank statements help track income earned from savings accounts and fixed deposits.
If you earn interest from banks, post offices, or other financial institutions, keep the interest certificates ready as well. These details are important for accurate tax calculation.
Don’t Forget Tax-Saving Investment Proofs
If you claimed tax-saving investments during the year, you must keep proper proof of them.
These may include:
ELSS mutual fund investments
PPF passbook
Life insurance premium receipts
Tax-saving fixed deposits
NPS contribution receipts
You should also keep receipts for health insurance premiums claimed under Section 80D and donation receipts claimed under Section 80G.
For children’s tuition fees, receipts alone may not always be enough.
Proper payment proof should also be available.
Why Form 26AS and AIS Are So Important
Form 26AS works like a tax passbook. It shows details such as TDS deductions, advance tax paid, and refunds received.
AIS (Annual Information Statement) provides a broader financial picture.
It includes information about stock market investments, mutual funds, bank deposits, and even foreign transactions.
Before filing your ITR, compare the details in Form 26AS and AIS carefully.
This helps avoid mismatches and reduces the chances of receiving a tax notice later.
Last Date to File ITR
For most individual taxpayers, the last date to file ITR for Assessment Year 2026-27 is July 31, 2026.
As of now, the government has not announced any extension.
Filing after the deadline can lead to penalties, interest charges, and delays in refunds.
Why Filing ITR Early Is a Smart Move
Filing your ITR before the deadline offers several benefits.
You can receive faster tax refunds, reduce the risk of notices, and maintain a strong financial record.
Timely ITR filing also helps while applying for loans, credit cards, or visas, as it acts as proof of income and financial stability.