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Filing ITR for the first time (India)

Papers to collect, the right form, checking the numbers, and the e-verify step people forget.

25 items · 5 sections · money, personal-finance, india, documents

Start this checklist

Before you start (5)

  • Check your PAN is linked to Aadhaar
  • Register on the income tax e-filing portalYour PAN is your user ID.Open
  • Add the mobile number and email you actually use
  • Check the due date on the portal's e-filing calendarFor most salaried people it has been 31 July. Dates can be extended.
  • Pre-validate your bank account for the refund

Collect your papers (6)

  • Form 16 from your employer
  • Form 26AS and the AIS from the portalThey show TDS and what the department already knows about you.
  • Form 16A for TDS on income other than salary
  • Bank interest statements, including savings and FDs
  • Capital gains statement if you sold shares or funds
  • Proof for deductions, if you choose the old regimeFor example 80C and 80D, and home loan details.

Pick the form and the regime (4)

  • ITR-1: resident, income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house and other sourcesNot if you are a company director, have foreign assets or income, hold unlisted shares or have short-term capital gains.
  • ITR-2: no business income, but ITR-1 does not fit
  • ITR-3 or ITR-4: you have business or freelance incomeITR-4 is for the presumptive scheme.
  • Compare the new and the old regime before choosingNew is the default. Non-business filers can choose the old one in the return each year.

File it (5)

  • Choose the right assessment yearIncome from April 2025 to March 2026 goes under AY 2026-27.
  • Match salary and TDS against Form 16 and AIS
  • Add interest income, even if it looks small
  • Pay any tax due before you submit
  • Check the refund bank account and submit

After you submit (5)

  • E-verify within 30 daysAadhaar OTP is the easy way. Until it is verified, the filing is not complete.
  • Download and keep the acknowledgement
  • Watch your email for the processing notice
  • Missed the date? A belated return may still be openUsually until 31 December, with a late fee. Check the portal and ask a CA if unsure.
  • Keep your papers for at least six years

Written from www.incometax.gov.in

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