Preparing to file your income tax return: a document checklist

Why preparation matters

An income tax return is a summary of your income, the tax already paid on it and the deductions you are entitled to claim. Each of those figures has to be supported by a document.

Gathering the documents first makes the filing itself quicker and reduces the chance of a mismatch between your return and the information the tax department already holds about you.

Identity and tax records

Start with the documents that identify you and show the tax already credited to your account.

• PAN and Aadhaar
• Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS), both available on the income tax portal
• Bank account details for any refund
• Last year's return, if you filed one

Income documents

What you need depends on where your income comes from.

• Salary: Form 16 from each employer during the year
• Interest: statements or certificates from banks and other institutions
• Rent: rent received, municipal taxes paid and home loan interest, where relevant
• Capital gains: purchase and sale records for property, shares or mutual funds
• Business or profession: books of account or a summary of receipts and expenses

Deductions and supporting proofs

If you intend to claim deductions, keep the receipts or statements that support them, such as insurance premiums, eligible investments, home loan certificates and donations.

Which deductions are available depends on the tax regime you choose and on the law for the year in question, so confirm this before relying on any particular claim.

Before you file

Compare your own records with Form 26AS and the AIS. If something appears there that you do not recognise, or income you received is missing, raise it before filing so it can be addressed properly.

This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Your Chartered Accountant will confirm the exact documents you need.