Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is a legal responsibility. But if you file without proper preparation, chances of making mistakes increase – leading to penalties or notices from the Income Tax Department.
This blog shares a complete and simple ITR Filing Checklist that will help you avoid errors and 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
- Why is filing ITR important?
Legal requirement and financial benefits - What to prepare before filing ITR?
Personal, bank, and identity details - What documents are needed for ITR filing?
Form 16, 26AS, AIS, investment proofs - How to include all sources of income?
Salary, interest, rent, market earnings - How to claim tax deductions?
Info on 80C, 80D, 80G, etc. - Which ITR form to choose?
Easy classification from ITR-1 to ITR-4 - How to do ITR e-verification?
Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC methods - Final steps after filing
Save receipts, ITR-V, acknowledgment - Key reminders while filing
Deadlines, corrections, avoid mistakes
Also Read: [ITR Rules for 2024-25]
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