In order to claim deductions for the different types of expenses in a financial year, you need relevant paperwork. You can claim deductions on the following expenses and will need documents for income tax filing in support of these expenses:
Payment of premiums towards life insurance
Education fees for your kids
Registration charges/Stamp duty towards buying a home
Home loan principal and interest payments
Interest payment towards education loan
Provident Fund contributions
Investment in mutual funds such as ELSS
Equity/stock investment proof
Proof of other investments or expenses related to exemptions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act such as Unit Linked Insurance Plans and National Savings Certificate
1. Documents for ITR Filing
The Income Tax Department requires you to provide a breakup of your gross salary and income from other sources. To substantiate your claims about your total income, the IT Department requires you to rely on certain documents while filing your returns.
In addition, several sections of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allow you to enjoy exemptions on your tax liability. To avail of these tax breaks too, you will have to refer to certain documents. Read more about these vital documents for income tax return filing below:
2. Aadhaar and PAN Card
As per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, every taxpayer is required to provide an Aadhaar card when filing the income tax return. This acts as your ID and address proof.
Your PAN card is another essential document for ITR filing as it contains your tax identification number.
3. Interest Certificates
The interest you earn from your savings and FD accounts is taxable as per the Income Tax Act. So, you will need to have interest certificates from the bank, post office or company in order to file your ITR.
4. Salary Slips
As a salaried taxpayer, you are required to submit your latest salary slips since your gross income includes various allowances and perks. Thus, salary slips allow the assessment officer to check allowances like HRA, travel allowance, LTA and more.
5. Tax-saving Investment Proofs
Under Section 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD, you can enjoy tax benefits on various tax-saving investment avenues like the provident fund. To avail of this tax exemption of up to ₹1.5 Lakhs, you will need to keep related documents as proof.
6. Health Insurance Premium Receipts
As per Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, paying health insurance premium makes you eligible for tax deductions. By referring to health insurance premium receipts at the time of filing ITR, you can claim deductions of up to ₹25,000.
This exemption limit is for yourself, your spouse, and your children. If you pay the health insurance premium of your parents below 60 years of age, you can claim an additional deduction of up to ₹25,000.
If you pay premiums for parents above 60 years of age or if you are above 60, you can claim a deduction of up to ₹50,000.
7. Capital Gains Proof
You are also required to pay taxes on capital gains from your mutual funds/ELSS investment or from the sale of a property. So, you will also have to keep the following documents related to capital gains on hand at the time of filing the ITR:
8. Form 16
Form 16 is one of the most important documents required for ITR filing by salaried employees. It is provided by your employer and contains details about tax deducted at source (TDS) from your salary. Make sure you submit it to avoid paying more tax than required.
9. Form 26AS
Form 26AS details the advance tax payments made by you. In simple terms, it is a summary of taxation provided by the Income Tax Department paid by you or on your behalf in an assessment year.
By tracking down and storing all these documents required for income tax return filing in one place, you can make the process more seamless. Ensure you file your ITR on time to prevent paying penalties and try to plan your taxes in advance to reduce your liability.
