Income Tax Return: Things to remember before filing ITR - Check documents required, penalty and other details

Income Tax Return: Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form which a taxpayer is supposed to submit to the Income Tax Department of India. ITR is also used as proof of income when applying for loans, visas, or other financial transactions. Individual taxpayers have to fill out ITR before July 31 each year and businesses have a deadline that depends on their category. The Income Tax Department has issued 7 forms i.e. ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6 and ITR-7. The taxpayer should file ITR before July 31.

Taxpayers can check their Income Tax Return status by visiting the official website of the Income Tax Department of India. Taxpayers will be asked to enter their Permanent Account Number and Password to check the status.

Income Tax Return: Things to remember before filing income tax return form

• Select the suitable ITR form (from ITR-1 to ITR-7).
• Before filling in the details – collect all personal documents such as PAN, address, e-mail address, bank account information, and so on,
• Download AIS and Form 26AS to determine the actual TDS/TCS/tax paid.  
• Collect and examine the documents that will be required to file ITR, such as bank statements/passbooks, interest certificates, receipts to claim exemptions or deductions, Form 16, Form 26AS (Annual Information Statement), and investment proofs.
• File your ITR on or before the last date (July 31, 2023)
• Once all of the details in the return of income have been filled out and confirmed, the return of income can be filed.
• At the last, e-verify the return as without this the ITR filling will be invalid.

Income Tax Return: Penalty for ITR-filing

If ITR is not filed before March 31 then the taxpayer faces penalties. Penalties will range between Rs.1,000 to Rs.10,000.

Income Tax Return: Documents required to file ITR

• Pan card
• Form 26AS
• Form 16A, 16B, 16C
• Bank statements
• Salary Pay slips
• Interest certificates
• TDS certificate

Also Read: Income Tax: New tax rules applicable from April 1 - Check new tax slab, Reduction in TDS