Before you open the tax filing portal to file your income tax return for the assessment year 2026-27, it is essential to keep all necessary documents handy. Having the requisite documents is crucial for cross-checking auto-filled data on the income tax filing website. This helps avoid errors and ensures that all aspects of your income, investments, deductions, and exemptions are properly accounted for. Missing a single document can lead to reporting errors, which may result in income tax notices or delayed refunds.
What Documents Are Required for Your Income Tax Return?
Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax, lists the essential documents required for ITR filing, grouping them into three main categories:
The Core Tax Summaries
- Form 16: This is the bedrock for salaried individuals. Issued by your employer, it outlines your total salary earned, allowances, exemptions, deductions, and the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
- AIS and TIS (Annual Information Statement / Taxpayer Information Summary): Available on the portal, these track your financial footprint, including savings interest, stock transactions, and high-value transactions.
- Form 26AS: This is your consolidated tax statement showing all taxes (TDS/TCS) deposited against your PAN.
Investment and Deduction Proofs
If you are opting for the Old Tax Regime, you must provide evidence for your claims using:
- Section 80C Receipts: ELSS mutual funds, PPF contributions, and school tuition fees.
- Section 80D: Medical insurance premiums for your family.
- Home Loan Certificates: Bank statements detailing principal and interest splits.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Rental receipts.
Additional Income Records
- Bank Interest Certificates: For calculating precise savings account and fixed deposit interest.
- Capital Gains Statements: Provided by your stockbroker for equity or mutual fund sales.
Archit Gupta sums it up: Think of your documentation as evidence. The income tax department already has digital footprints of your transactions, and your job is to match them accurately. He also shares the golden rule of filing: always cross-verify your Form 16 and bank statements with your AIS. "If the tax department’s portal shows a dividend or interest income that you omit in your return, an automated tax notice is almost guaranteed. Gather these early to ensure a stress-free, accurate filing experience," he told TOI.
ITR Filing FY 2025-26: Last Date for Filing Your Income Tax Return
Like every year, the last date for filing your income tax return is July 31. Any delay in filing your ITR will result in penalties from the Income Tax Department. The fee for filing a belated income tax return is:
- Rs 1,000 if total income does not exceed Rs 5 lakhs
- Rs 5,000 in any other case
Additionally, if you have a pending tax outgo, there will be an interest burden. Another aspect applies to taxpayers who opt for the old income tax regime. If you fail to file your income tax return by the due date of July 31, you will not be eligible to file ITR under the old tax regime and will automatically be switched to the new tax regime at the time of filing. This means you are at risk of losing your tax benefits under the old regime.
