If you're a salaried employee in India, filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an annual legal obligation—and a crucial financial step. Whether you’re looking to claim refunds, show income proof, or stay compliant with tax laws, it's essential to understand what documents you need and when you need to file your return.

This guide is specially updated for Assessment Year 2025–26 and will help you understand:

- Who should file a return
- List of documents required for salaried employees
- Latest ITR filing due dates
- Tax regime selection
- Penalties for late filing

Who is Required to File Income Tax Return?

Even if your employer has already deducted TDS from your salary, you must compulsory required to file an ITR in the following cases:

• - Your total income (before claiming deductions) exceeds the basic exemption limit:

  - ₹2.5 lakh (individuals below 60 years)

  - ₹3 lakh (senior citizens – 60+ years)

  - ₹5 lakh (super senior citizens – 80+ years)

• - You want to claim a refund of excess TDS deducted.
• - You want to apply for a loan or visa, which requires income proof.
• - You want to carry forward a loss under any head of income (like capital loss, house property loss, etc.).
• - You are a resident and have foreign income or hold foreign assets/accounts.
• - You are filing ITR under presumptive taxation scheme.

Additionally, ITR filing is **compulsory**, even if your total income is below the exemption limit, if you meet any of the following conditions:

•  Incurred more than ₹2 lakh in foreign travel expenses for yourself or another person.
• - Paid electricity bills exceeding ₹1 lakh during the year.
• - TDS or TCS of ₹25,000 or more is deducted (₹50,000 or more for senior citizens).
• - You own foreign assets or have signing authority in a foreign bank account (residents only).

ITR Filing Due Dates for AY 2025–26 (FY 2024–25)

List of Documents Required for Filing ITR (Salaried Employees)

Identity & Bank Details

·         • PAN Card

·         • Aadhaar Card (mandatory & must be linked with PAN)

·         • Bank account details (account number & IFSC)

Income Details

·         • Form 16 from employer

·         • Salary slips (if needed for detailed breakup)

·         • Form 26AS – Tax credit statement

·         • AIS (Annual Information Statement)

Deduction Documents (Chapter VI-A) -OLD REGIME

·         • 80C – PPF, EPF, ELSS, LIC premiums, NSC

·         • 80D – Health insurance premiums

·         • 80E – Interest on education loan

·         • 80G – Donations

·         • 80CCD(1B) – NPS contribution (₹50,000)

Home Loan / Rent-Related

·         • Home loan interest certificate

·         • Rent receipts (for HRA/Section 80GG)

Other Income

·         • Interest income from FDs/savings

·         • Dividend income

·         • Capital gain statements

·         • Rental income

Foreign Assets / Income

·         • Foreign bank accounts, foreign income or property details (for residents)

ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with:
- Salary income
- One house property
- Other income (like interest)
- Total income up to ₹50 lakh

ITR-2/3/4: Applicable for individuals with capital gains, multiple properties, or business/profession income.

Old vs. New Tax Regime (FY 2024-25 onwards)

The new tax regime is now the default (post Budget 2023 changes continue for FY 2024–25). However, you can still opt for the old regime.

New Tax Regime Slabs:

Penalty for Late Filing

- ₹1,000 penalty (if income < ₹5 lakh)
- ₹5,000 penalty (if income ≥ ₹5 lakh)
- No option to carry forward losses
- Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C may apply

Summary Checklist for Salaried ITR Filing (AY 2025–26)

Final Filing Tips

- Review Form 26AS and AIS for mismatch with Form 16
- Verify return through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC
- Keep e-filing acknowledgment (ITR-V) for your records
- Choose your tax regime wisely (use calculator if needed)

Need Expert Help?

Let the experienced tax professionals at Jain Vipul & Associates assist you in cost efficient, timely and accurate ITR filing.

📧 Email: ca.vip02jain@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.cajainvipul.com

📞 9821775003
📍 B-408, 4th Floor, Sumel 11, Opp. Namaste Circle, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad – 380004.