With the beginning of the new financial year, the process of filing Income Tax Return (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26 has started. From April 1 every year, taxpayers can file their ITR for the previous financial year. However, most employers give Form 16 to their employees only after mid-May, due to which most people delay filing returns.
But do you know that ITR can be filed even without Form 16? This form gives information about your salary and TDS (tax deduction), which makes filing easier. But if you do not have it, then with the help of some important documents, you can fill ITR without any problem.
Also read: Income Tax Return 2025: Tax department releases new Excel utility for ITR-2 filing, know what has changed
How to fill ITR without Form 16
- Collect salary slips
The salary slips of your entire financial year give information about your salary, allowances and deductions. These will help in giving accurate details of your income.
- Calculate your taxable income
Calculate your total income by extracting information from salary slips. Include in it your basic salary, allowances (HRA, LTA, special allowance) and bonus & other perks.
Now find out your taxable income by deducting deductions like standard deduction (Rs 50,000), HRA and professional tax from this.
Remember, all the deductions and exemptions are allowed only in the Old Tax Regime. The New Tax Regime only allows Standard Deduction of Rs 75,000.
- Check bank statement
Check your bank statement and see if you have any other income (interest, dividend etc.) apart from your salary. Add this to your total income as well.
- Download Form 26AS
Download Form 26AS from the Income Tax Department website. It keeps a record of all tax deductions and deposits linked to your PAN. Match it with your income and TDS details. If you find any discrepancy, contact the employer or bank immediately.
Also read: Big relief for taxpayers! Tax department waives interest on late TDS, TCS payment – Details here
Form 16: Why is it important?
Form 16 is an important document issued by the employer to certify that the TDS deducted from your salary has been deposited with the government.
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