Are you someone who feels overwhelmed when tax season rolls around? You’re not alone. Figuring out which documents you need for your income tax return can feel like steering a maze. The good news? Gathering the right documents required for an income tax return doesn’t have to be a headache anymore.
Whether you’re a salaried employee, a freelancer, a business owner, or a crypto investor/trader, having a checklist of essential documents can make the process smooth and stress-free. From salary slips and bank statements to crypto transaction proofs and tax deduction receipts, knowing what’s needed in advance can save you from last-minute panic.
This guide includes all the essential documents for filing your income tax return. With a simple and clear explanation, you’ll have everything ready before the deadline, ensuring a hassle-free filing experience.
General Documents Required For ITR Filing
To file an income tax return in India, you must provide specific documents to ensure accuracy. These documents help in verifying income, deductions, and tax payments
PAN and Aadhaar Number
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is essential for tax filing, while the Aadhaar number helps in e-verification. Both must be linked for smooth processing.
Bank Account Details
All bank account details, including account numbers and IFSC codes, must be provided. This helps track income and receive tax refunds.
TDS Certificates
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates, such as Form 16, Form 16A, and Form 26AS, confirm the tax deducted by employers and other sources. If you have bought or sold crypto over INR 10,000 and the exchange has deducted TDS, download the required form to claim your TDS.
Tax Payment Challans
If any advance tax or self-assessment tax is paid, taxpayers must provide the respective challans as proof.
Investment Proofs for Deductions
Investment documents for tax deductions under sections 80C, 80D, 80E, and 80TTA must be submitted. These include insurance premiums, tuition fees, and home loan payments if filing using the old income tax regime.
Read More: Which ITR Form To File in India?
ITR Filing Documents For Salaried Income
When filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) as a salaried individual in India, you must provide specific documents to report your income, deductions, and tax payments accurately. Below are the key documents you need to keep ready.
Form 16 – Salary Certificate
Your employer provides Form 16 at the end of the financial year. This document contains details of your total salary, deductions, and the TDS. Even if no tax has been deducted, you can still request this certificate from your employer. If you have worked at multiple organisations during the year, you must collect Form 16 from each employer for accurate tax filing.
Employers also deduct a portion of your salary from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). You must ensure that you claim this under Section 80C when filing your ITR.
Pension Certificate
If you receive a pension, it is considered part of your salary and is taxable. Keeping your pension certificate handy is essential for reporting this income correctly in your ITR.
Arrears in Salary and Form 10E
If you have received arrears in salary, it increases your taxable income for that year. However, you can claim tax relief under Section 89 by filing Form 10E, which helps reduce the tax burden on arrears.
Full & Final Settlement (F&F) Document
If you have changed jobs during the financial year, you need the Full & Final Settlement document. This helps compute your total salary from all employers and ensures that all tax deductions are accounted for while filing your ITR.
Rent Agreements or Rent Receipts for HRA Claim
If you claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) as a deduction in the old regime, you must provide rent receipts or a rent agreement. Even if your employer has not considered HRA in your salary structure, you can still claim it while filing your ITR. The income tax department may request these documents to verify your claim.
Note: Such deductions can be claimed through Old regime Only
Travel Bills for Tax Exemption
If your employer has not considered your travel bills for tax exemption, you can submit them while filing your ITR. Travel expenses may qualify for exemptions, and you can claim a refund for eligible amounts.
Provident Fund (PF) Withdrawal Document
If you withdraw your Provident Fund (PF) before five years of continuous service, the withdrawn amount becomes taxable. Therefore, you must keep the withdrawal statement handy to report this income correctly in your ITR.
Gratuity and Leave Encashment Records
If you have received gratuity or leave encashment, it must be included in your taxable income. Maintaining records of these payments ensures you calculate your total earnings accurately and claim exemptions where applicable.
Joining Bonus or Relocation Bonus Details
Some companies offer a joining or relocation bonus, which is taxable. Keeping records of these bonuses is essential, as they impact your tax liability.
Foreign Salary Slips and Tax Returns
If you have earned income from a foreign country during the financial year, you must keep salary slips and foreign tax returns. If you qualify as an Ordinary Resident in India, this income is taxable in India. Additionally, if you have paid taxes abroad, you can claim a Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) by filing Form 67. Keeping all foreign income proofs helps you claim deductions accurately.
Read More: What Is ITR 3 Form?
ITR Filing Documents For Income From Crypto Salary
If you earn your salary in cryptocurrency, you must maintain proper records to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) correctly.
Transaction Records
You need to keep a detailed record of all your crypto transactions. This includes the following:
- Date of acquisition.
- Fair market value at the time of acquisition
- Exchange platforms used
- Wallet Address
These records help in verifying your income and ensuring accurate tax calculations.
Salary Proof
If you receive your salary in cryptocurrency, you must collect the following documentation from your employer:
- Amount of crypto received.
- Frequency of payment.
- Salary Slip.
- Agreement with the company.
This proof helps you report your salary accurately under the correct tax category. Without this document, you may face challenges in explaining your income source to tax authorities.
Crypto Tax Reports
Using crypto tax software like KoinX can simplify your tax filing process. These reports help calculate your capital gains and other taxable income from crypto transactions. The software consolidates data from different exchanges and wallets, ensuring accuracy. Submitting these reports along with your ITR helps in providing clear tax documentation.
Read More: How To File ITR 3 in India
ITR Filing Documents For Income From Other Sources
You must report not just your salary but also income from other sources (IFOS). This includes bank interest, dividends, lottery winnings, agricultural earnings, crypto income, etc. Here is a list of documents required for income tax return for IFOS:
Bank Passbook and Interest Certificates
You must report interest earned from savings accounts and fixed deposits in your ITR. For this, you need your bank passbook, post office savings passbook, or bank statements. Additionally, you must disclose details such as your savings account number, IFSC code, bank name, and fixed deposit details. Banks also provide interest certificates, which can help in accurate reporting.
Dividends and Warrants
Dividends received from shares and mutual funds in India are tax-free up to INR 10,00,000. If your total dividend income exceeds this limit, you must pay a 10% tax on the excess amount. Even though dividends below this threshold are tax-free, it is important to keep records of dividend warrants to verify income if needed.
Form 26AS
Form 26AS contains details of TDS from various income sources. It helps in verifying whether taxes deducted by banks, employers, or other entities have been deposited with the government. You should download and review this form before filing your tax return to avoid mismatches.
Accrued Interest
If you hold National Savings Certificates (NSC) or similar schemes, you must report the interest earned. Although NSC interest is not paid out yearly, it accrues annually and must be declared as income. Keeping track of accrued interest ensures accurate tax calculations and helps claim deductions where applicable.
Crypto Income
Crypto earnings from mining as a hobby, staking, airdrops, or referrals must be declared in your ITR. You must provide transaction records, including the date of receipt, fair market value at the time of receipt, wallet history, and the frequency of token arrivals. Additionally, a crypto tax report will help calculate taxable income accurately.
Lottery Income
Lottery winnings are subject to a flat 30% tax. If you have received any such income, you must maintain records of the amount won, TDS deducted, and any supporting documents. Since there are no exemptions or deductions available for lottery income, you must ensure this income is properly accounted for in your tax return.
Agricultural Income
Agricultural income is exempt from tax if it is within INR 5,000. However, if it exceeds this limit, you must report it in your ITR. Keeping bank statements and receipts of agricultural income is necessary to justify earnings if required.
Clubbed Income
Clubbed income refers to income earned by your dependents, such as a spouse or minor child, which must be reported as part of your income. If any assets or investments are in their name but funded by you, the income generated from those must be included in your ITR. Proper documentation of such income sources ensures compliance with tax regulations.
ITR Filing Documents For Capital Gains
You must report all capital gains earned during the financial year. These gains can be short-term (STCG) or long-term (LTCG). Here are the documents you need to file your STCG or LTCG:
Purchase and Sale Deed
If you have sold a property or any capital asset, keep the purchase and sale deed ready. These documents contain details like property value, date of purchase, and sale consideration. The stamp duty valuation details are also required to verify the transaction’s fair market value.
Additionally, if you have spent money on improving the asset before selling, keep receipts for such expenses. These costs can be deducted from the capital gains, reducing your tax liability.
Proof of Transfer Expenses
Any cost incurred while transferring a capital asset is tax-deductible. This includes brokerage fees, commissions, legal charges, and registration fees. Keeping these records will help claim deductions and ensure that only net capital gains are taxed. Without these proofs, you may end up paying higher taxes.
Purchase Deed for Reinvestment
If you reinvest capital gains to buy another property or invest in specified bonds (like NHAI or REC bonds), you can claim an exemption under Sections 54, 54EC, or 54F of the Income Tax Act. To avail of this benefit, keep the purchase deed of the new property or investment certificates of the bonds. These documents prove that the reinvestment has been made within the required time frame.
Read More: What Is ITR 2 Form?
ITR Filing Documents For Capital Gains From Cryptocurrency
When you sell, swap, or spend cryptocurrency at a profit, you must pay a 30% capital gains tax in India. Keep in mind that crypto losses cannot be offset. To ensure accurate tax reporting, you must provide the following documents while filing your Income Tax Return:
Detailed Transaction History
You need a record of every cryptocurrency transaction to report your gains correctly.
- Dates of all crypto purchases and sales – Keep track of when you bought and sold each cryptocurrency.
- Purchase and sale prices (in both crypto and INR) – Record the value of your crypto in Indian Rupees at the time of each transaction.
- Names of cryptocurrency exchanges used – List all platforms where you traded your cryptocurrencies.
- Wallet addresses involved in transactions – Maintain records of all wallets used to send or receive cryptocurrency.
Exchange Statements
Exchanges provide transaction reports that summarise all trades.
- Transaction reports from all cryptocurrency exchanges you’ve used – These reports show deposits, withdrawals, and trading activity in one place.
Wallet Records
If you use non-custodial wallets, you must keep records of all transactions.
- Records of all transactions from your cryptocurrency wallets – Save logs of every transfer, including deposits, withdrawals, and peer-to-peer transactions.
Capital Gains Calculation Documents
You need supporting documents to calculate your capital gains accurately.
- Cost of Acquisition – Keep records of the original purchase price of each cryptocurrency.
- Sale Records – Maintain documentation of the prices at which you sold your cryptocurrencies.
- Crypto Tax Reports – Use tax software to generate reports that help calculate capital gains and schedule VDA filing.
Read More: How To File ITR – 2 in India
ITR Filing Documents For Income From House Property
Below are the key documents required for ITR filing related to house property.
Rent Agreement
If you earn rental income from your property, you must declare it in your ITR. Even if your employer includes it in Form 16, you still need to report it. A rental agreement serves as proof of rental income and is essential for accurate tax filing.
Interest Certificate from Banks
If you have taken a home loan, it can be claimed as a deduction on both the principal and interest payments. Your bank will provide an interest certificate, which details the total interest paid during the financial year. This document is crucial when claiming deductions under Sections 24(b) and 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Property Address Proof
You need to provide the complete address of your house property while filing your ITR. The Income Tax Department uses this information to validate any claim for deductions and tax liabilities.
Co-Owner Details
If the property has multiple owners, each co-owner’s details must be furnished. This includes their share of the property and the corresponding tax deductions they are entitled to claim.
Receipts of Municipality Taxes Paid
Municipal taxes, such as property tax, can be deducted from your rental income while computing taxable income. You should keep receipts of these payments as proof in case of tax scrutiny.
Form 16A for Rent
If TDS has been deducted from your rental income, it will be reported in Form 16A. This document is necessary to reconcile your income and tax payments when filing your ITR.
Details of Pre-Construction Interest
Interest paid on a home loan during the pre-construction period can be claimed in five equal instalments after the construction is completed. You need a breakdown of this interest payment to claim deductions correctly.
Ownership Proof
Documents proving ownership, such as the sale deed or property registration papers, are essential to claim any deductions on home loan interest. Without these, you cannot justify your eligibility for tax benefits.
Home Loan Processing & Foreclosure Charges
Charges related to home loan processing and foreclosure are considered financial costs. Under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, deductions can be claimed. Therefore, keeping records of these charges ensures you do not miss out on eligible deductions.
Note: Such deductions can be claimed through the Old regime Only
ITR Filing Documents For Tax Saving Investments
Here are the documents required for ITR filing for your tax-saving investments:
Proof of Investments Under Section 80C
You can claim deductions up to INR 1,50,000 under Section 80C for various investments. If you have invested in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), tax-saving fixed deposits, or the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), you need proof of investment. These documents may include account statements, deposit receipts, or contribution certificates from financial institutions.
Receipts for Donations
If you have donated to a registered charity or institution, you can claim a deduction under Section 80G. To do this, you must have the donation receipt, along with the donor’s PAN, name, and address. These details are crucial for verification, ensuring your claim is valid.
Education Loan Interest Payment Proof
Under Section 80E, the interest paid on an education loan qualifies for a deduction for up to eight years. To claim this, you need interest payment receipts from the bank or financial institution that granted the loan. Without this document, you may not be able to get the deduction.
Medical Insurance Premium Receipts
Medical insurance premiums paid for yourself and your family can be deducted under Section 80D. You need receipts of premium payments from the insurance provider to claim this deduction. If you have taken health insurance for your parents, you should keep separate receipts as the deduction limit differs for senior citizens.
Other Investment Receipts
Apart from the significant tax-saving options, you may have other eligible investments. Keeping receipts of all financial transactions related to tax-saving investments ensures you don’t miss any deductions. Whether it is a National Pension System (NPS) contribution or any other tax-benefit scheme, having proper documentation simplifies the filing process.
Note: Such deductions can be claimed through Old regime Only
Read More: How To Save Tax In India
Conclusion
Having the right documents ready can save you from last-minute stress and potential tax filing mistakes. Whether you’re reporting salary income, investments, or crypto transactions, staying organised ensures a hassle-free experience. Missing a single document could lead to errors or delays, which no taxpayer wants.
If you’re dealing with crypto taxes in India, keeping track of every trade and transaction can be tricky. That’s where KoinX comes in. It automates crypto tax calculations and reporting, making tax filing effortless. Get started with KoinX today and ensure your crypto taxes are filed accurately and on time!
