Less Than 3 Weeks Left! Your Ultimate ITR Filing Document Checklist for FY 2024-25
Less Than 3 Weeks Left! Your Ultimate ITR Filing Document Checklist for FY 2024-25
The due date to file the Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 is on the head; there are even less than three weeks left. As we all know, the Income Tax Department has extended the due date to file the ITR for FY 2024-25, i.e., September 15, 2025, for individuals not liable for income tax audit. However, as the date is near, taxpayers must keep all crucial documents ready before filing their ITR. These documents provide department evidence of your income earned in a particular financial year. Every individual who possesses a taxable income or an income above the basic exemption limit is required to submit key documents to the Income Tax Department.
Many taxpayers usually get confused about which all documents are required in filing ITR, especially those filing ITR for the first time. In this case, you can also take help from a chartered accountant or tax expert. Most of the time, taxpayers find the process of filing ITR tricky; however, once they become aware of all the necessary documents required for ITR filing, the process starts turning easier for them.
The Income Tax Department has uncovered that more than 3.75 crore income tax returns have been successfully filed for the financial year 2024-25, as of August 26, 2025, and among these returns, more than 2.37 crore returns have already been processed. Below we have created a list of key documents required for filing ITR.
1. Form 16
Form 16 is the certificate of deduction of tax at source and is issued by the employer to the taxpayer. These certificates show your total salary, how much tax was deducted (TDS) and paid to the government during the financial year, and deductions claimed. Especially, these certificates display details of TDS / TCS for various transactions between deductor and deductee. This form also helps in cross-checking details filed in ITR. If you are still pending to file your ITR, then do not forget to collect Form 16 from your present and previous (if any) employer(s).
2. PAN Card
PAN stands for Permanent Account Number. It is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued by the Income Tax Department in the form of a laminated card. It is your tax identification number. It is the core pillar that supports the entire framework of filing ITR. Before filing a return, taxpayers must ensure their PAN is linked to their Aadhar card.
3. Form 26AS
Form 26A is a consolidated Annual Information Statement for a particular Financial Year (FY). The form includes details of any amount deducted as TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or TCS (Tax Collected at Source) from various sources of income of a taxpayer. It can be downloaded online from the TRACES portal.
4. Annual Information Statement (AIS)
AIS is a slightly updated version of Form 26AS, as it includes extra details such as interest earned from savings accounts, dividends from shares, buying or selling of stocks and mutual funds, credit card payments, property purchases, and even money sent abroad. AIS can be accessed on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Taxpayers are always recommended to verify income reported in Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) before filing their return to avoid discrepancies.