What is the story about?
With the deadline (July 31) to file the Income Tax Return on the horizon, many salaried taxpayers are concerned as they are still waiting to receive Form
16 from their employers. For the unversed, Form 16 is a useful document that summarises salary income and showcases the tax deducted at source (TDS). However, to the relief of salaried individuals, it is not mandatory to file an ITR. There are other documents available online through which one can accurately compute the tax payable and submit the return without hassle on time. ITR filing deadline July 31, 2026: 5 things you must check before filing your return
What is Form 16?
Form 16 is a TDS certificate issued by an employer to salaried employees. It contains details such as salary paid during the financial year, tax deducted at source, exemptions claimed and deductions allowed. Employers usually issue Form 16 after filing their TDS returns. But, in case the form does not reach the employee on time due to any reason, the employee can still proceed with filing their ITR using alternative documents.
Can the ITR be filed without Form 16?
Yes. According to tax experts, Form 16 is only a supporting ducument and is not a mandatory requirement for filing an income tax return. As long as taxpayers have the necessary information to compute their income and identify TDS deductions, they can file their returns without a Form 16.
Documents that can be used Instead
If you have not received Form 16, the following documents can help you file your return:
- Monthly salary slips to calculate total salary earned during the financial year.
- Annual Information Statement (AIS) available on the Income Tax portal, which provides details of income reported against your PAN.
- Form 26AS, which reflects TDS deducted by your employer and other tax-related information.
- Bank statements to verify salary credits, interest income and other taxable receipts.
- Investment proofs for deductions claimed under various sections, wherever applicable.
Verify income before filing
Taxpayers are advised to compare their salary slips with the information available in AIS and Form 26AS before filing their returns. One can get AIS and Form 26AS by logging into their respective income tax account on the income tax portal. Upon verifying, if a mismatch comes out in salary income or TDS details, it is advisable to contact the employer and get the discrepancy corrected before submitting the ITR.
What if you receive Form 16 later?
If you proceed with filing your ITR without Form 16 and later receive the certificate from your employer, then it would be advisable to revisit what you have filed and compare it with the details provided in the certificate. In case of any discrepancy, the Income Tax Department has provided the provision to file a revised ITR. However, it needs to be filed within the prescribed time limit.
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