How to Filing ITR in 2024-25: Documents & Deductions Guide

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is a legal responsibility. Filing without proper preparation increases the chances of making mistakes. This can lead to penalties or notices from the Income Tax Department.

This blog provides a complete and simple ITR Filing Checklist. It will help you avoid errors. It will also help you file your return smoothly. Whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, or business owner – this checklist is for you!

Step-by-Step ITR Filling Checklist

1. Keep Your Personal Details Ready

Before you start, collect these basic details:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Number
• Mobile Number (for e-verification)
• Valid Email ID
• Bank Account Number and IFSC Code (for refund)

2. Collect Income Details from All Sources

Don’t just include salary income – make sure to include:

• Salary income (via Form 16)
• Interest from Savings or Fixed Deposits
• Rental income
• Capital Gains from Shares or Mutual Funds
• Freelancing or Business income

3. Gather Tax-related Documents

Make sure you have all the necessary tax documents:

• Form 26AS – Consolidated tax details
• AIS (Annual Information Statement) – Summary of your financial activities
• Form 16A – TDS on interest or freelancing income
• Receipts of Advance Tax or Self-Assessment Tax, if paid

4. Claim All Eligible Deductions

You can save tax under various sections of the Income Tax Act:

• 80C: PPF, LIC, ELSS, EPF, Tax-saving FD
• 80D: Health Insurance premiums
• 80G: Donations to NGOs or Trusts
• Other sections like 80TTA (interest) or 80E (education loan interest)

5. Choose the Correct ITR Form

Filing with the wrong form can make your return invalid. Here’s a quick guide:

Source of Income

Correct ITR Form

Salary + Interest

ITR-1 (Sahaj)

Capital Gains / More than one house

ITR-2

Business or Professional income

ITR-3

Small business under Presumptive Tax

ITR-4 (Sugam)

6. File Return and Don’t Forget E-Verification

• Visit www.incometax.gov.in
• Login and click on “File Income Tax Return”
• Select the correct financial year
• Fill the form online or upload a JSON (if using a CA)
• Submit the return and e-verify it using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC
• Without e-verification, your return will be considered invalid

7. Save a Copy of Your ITR

• Download the PDF copy of your filed return
• Save Form 16, 26AS, investment proofs, and tax receipts for up to 6 years

Important Tips While Filing ITR

• File before 31st July (for cases not requiring audit)
• If you make a mistake, you can file a revised return
• In case of doubt, consult a Chartered Accountant (CA)

Conclusion

If you follow this ITR checklist carefully, your return filing will be smooth and error-free.

Whether it’s your first time filing or you file every year – this checklist will simplify your tax process.

FAQs and Topics Covered

1. Why is filing ITR important?
   Legal requirement and financial benefits
2. What to prepare before filing ITR?
   Personal, bank, and identity details
3. What documents are needed for ITR filing?
   Form 16, 26AS, AIS, investment proofs
4. How to include all sources of income?
   Salary, interest, rent, market earnings
5. How to claim tax deductions?
   Info on 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.
6. Which ITR form to choose?
   Easy classification from ITR-1 to ITR-4
7. How to do ITR e-verification?
   Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC methods
8. Final steps after filing
   Save receipts, ITR-V, acknowledgment
9. Key reminders while filing
   Deadlines, corrections, avoid mistakes

Also Read: [ITR Rules for 2024-25]

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