📄Start Preparing For ITR Filing: Gather Key Papers Before Form 16 Arrives🧾

Last Updated on June 20, 2025 8:31:25 PM by Vivek Makwana

Tax Season Is Here! 🧮 It’s ITR Filing Time Of The Year When Salaried And Self-Employed Individuals Start Preparing To File Their Income Tax Returns (ITR). While Form 16 Is A Crucial Document For Salaried People, Don’t Wait For It To Get Started. 🏁 There Are Many Other Important Documents You Can Collect Right Now To Make ITR Filing Process Smoother And Faster. ✅

Let’s Take A Look At What You Need To Gather Before Form 16 Comes In. 📦

📌 Why You Should Start Early

Starting Early Gives You Ample Time ⏳ To Review Your Financial Documents, Rectify Any Errors, And Avoid Last-Minute Panic. Plus, Early Filers Often Get Faster Refunds 💰 And More Time To Correct Any Mistakes.

📋 Essential Documents To Collect Before Form 16

Even If Your Employer Hasn’t Issued Form 16 Yet, You Can Still Prepare By Collecting These Key Documents:

1️⃣   PAN Card

Permanent Account Number (PAN) Is A Must For ITR Filing. Make Sure The Details On Your PAN Match With Your Aadhaar And Bank Records.

2️⃣   Aadhaar Card 📇

Linking Your Aadhaar With PAN Is Mandatory For Filing Returns. Keep A Digital And Physical Copy Ready.

3️⃣   Salary Slips 🧾

Collect Monthly Salary Slips For The Financial Year. These Will Help You Estimate Your Total Income And Deductions Until Form 16 Is Issued.

4️⃣   Bank Statements 🏦

Download Statements Of All Your Active Bank Accounts. They Help In Reporting Interest Income, Dividend Credits, And Other Transactions.

5️⃣   Investment Proofs 💼

Gather Documents For Investments Made Under Sections Like 80C, 80D, And 80G. This Includes:

• LIC Premium Receipts 📑
• PPF & ELSS Statements 📈
• Health Insurance Premiums 🏥
• Donation Receipts 🤝

6️⃣   Home Loan Details 🏠

If You Have A Home Loan, Collect Interest And Principal Payment Certificates. These Can Help Claim Deductions Under Sections 24(b) And 80C.

7️⃣   Capital Gains Reports 📊

If You Have Sold Stocks, Mutual Funds, Or Property, Get Capital Gains Reports From Brokers Or CA. Don’t Forget To Include STT And Transaction Charges.

8️⃣   Form 26AS & AIS 📃

Visit The Income Tax Website And Download Your Form 26AS And Annual Information Statement (AIS). These Show The TDS Deducted And Income Reported By Third Parties.

🛑 Don’t Wait For Form 16: Be Proactive!

While Form 16 Summarizes Your Salary Income And TDS, Most Of The Other Data Is Already With You. ⏱️ Being Proactive Helps You Avoid Mistakes And Identify Any Mismatches In Advance.

🧠 Pro Tips For Smooth Filing

💡 Double-Check Your Name, PAN, And Aadhaar Details Across Documents
💡 Match Interest Income In Bank Accounts With AIS Data
💡 If You’ve Changed Jobs, Collect Form 16 From All Employers
💡 Save All Documents In A Secure Folder – Physical And Digital

🗓️ Key Dates To Remember

📅 ITR Filing For FY 2024-25 Begins From April 1, 2025
📅 Due Date Income Tax Return For Individuals (Non-Audit): September 15, 2025

Official Notification:CBDT extends date of filing of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) due for filing by 31st July 2025 to 15th September 2025

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Log In to the Income Tax Portal

1. Visit the Portal: Go to incometax.gov.in
2. Click on “Login” (Top-right corner)
3. Enter Your PAN (used as the User ID)
4. Authenticate:
   1. Use Aadhaar OTP, password, or Digital Signature
5. Access Dashboard:
   1. After successful login, the dashboard displays your profile, pending actions, e-filing history, refund status, etc.

💡 Tip: Use Chrome or Firefox. Avoid using Internet Explorer for best results.

📋 Benefits of Registering and Logging In

Creating and logging into your Income Tax e-filing account is not just about filing your return. It gives you access to several personalized tools:

• ✅ Pre-filled ITR Filing forms that save time and reduce errors
• ✅ Real-time refund tracking
• ✅ View past years’ filed returns
• ✅ Raise grievances and view responses
• ✅ Update your profile and communication details

Regular login helps taxpayers stay updated with notifications, compliance reminders, and deadlines.

🧾 Know Your ITR Filing Form

You can either file online directly or prepare a JSON file using utility software and upload it.

🖥️ What to Do After Login

Once logged in:

• Go to e-File > Income Tax Return to start filing
• View past filings under e-File > View Filed Returns
• Download ITR-V and submit e-Verification
• Check refund status, ITR status, or notices

📤 How to Retrieve Forgotten Credentials

If you forget your PAN, password, or login details:

• Use “Forgot Password” on the login page
• Retrieve using Aadhaar OTP, registered mobile/email, or e-filing acknowledgment
• You can also recover login access using bank account-based verification (if linked)

Always ensure your contact details are up to date to avoid issues.

🧩 Common Login Errors & Solutions

🔐 Security Tips

• Always type the URL: https://www.incometax.gov.in manually
• Never share OTPs or passwords
• Log out from public/shared devices
• Enable two-factor authentication in your profile

✅ Final Thought

Tax Filing Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful! 😌 With A Little Preparation And Timely Collection Of Documents, You Can File Your ITR Filing Smoothly – Even Before Form 16 Is Out. So Don’t Wait – Start Organizing Your Papers Today And Stay Ahead This Tax Season! 📂✨

📝 Disclaimer:
Tax Rules, Forms, And Deadlines May Change From Time To Time. 🔄 For The Most Accurate And Updated Information, Always Visit The Official Website Of The Income Tax Department Of India: https://www.incometax.gov.in 🏛️

This Article Is For General Awareness Only And Should Not Be Considered As Legal Or Financial Advice. ✅