In India, for filing Income Tax (IT) returns, the documents required can vary based on the type of taxpayer (salaried, self-employed, business owner, etc.) and the complexity of their financial situation. However, here is a list of commonly required documents for most individual taxpayers:
✅ Basic Documents Required for All Taxpayers:
- PAN Card – Mandatory for filing returns.
- Aadhaar Card – Linking Aadhaar with PAN is mandatory.
- Form 16 – Issued by employer (for salaried individuals).
- Form 26AS – Consolidated tax statement (available on the income tax portal).
- Annual Information Statement (AIS) – Shows detailed financial transactions.
- Bank Account Details – Active bank account details for refund, if any.
- Previous Year’s ITR – Useful for reference and carry-forward losses.
📄 Income-Related Documents:
For Salaried Individuals:
- Salary slips
- Form 16 (issued by all employers, if more than one)
- Bonus/incentives/commission details
For Self-Employed/Professionals:
- Income and expense statements
- Balance sheet and profit & loss account
- Books of accounts (if applicable)
For Business Owners:
- Financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L Account)
- Tax audit report (if applicable)
- GST returns (if registered under GST)
💰 Investment & Deduction Proofs (for claiming deductions):
- Life insurance premium receipts
- Provident Fund (PPF) contributions
- ELSS mutual fund investment statements
- Home loan interest and principal certificate
- Tuition fee receipts (for children)
- Health insurance premium (under Section 80D)
- Donations (under Section 80G)
- NPS contributions (under 80CCD(1B))
🏠 Property and Capital Gains Documents:
- Sale/purchase deed of property
- Capital gains statement from mutual funds or stock brokers
- Cost of acquisition and improvement documents
- Rent receipts (if claiming HRA)
- Home loan interest certificate (for Section 24)
📊 Other Relevant Documents:
- Interest certificates from banks/post office
- Dividend income details
- Fixed deposit (FD) interest statements
- Foreign income/asset disclosures (if applicable)
- TDS certificates (other than salary)
🧾 Optional but Helpful:
- Bank passbook or statements
- Credit card annual statements (if income is large/unexplained)
- Utility bills (if claiming HRA or home-office deductions)
