🧾 ITR Filing Guide for Salaried Employees – AY 2025-26

 Assessment Year 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25) is here, and for salaried individuals, filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) is both a legal obligation and a smart financial move. Whether you want to claim a refund or ensure smooth visa/loan processing, timely and accurate ITR filing is essential.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help salaried employees file their ITR smoothly.

✅ Who Should File an ITR?

You must file an ITR if:

• Your total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh

• You want to claim a TDS refund

• You have income from other sources (interest, rent, dividends, etc.)

• You are applying for a visa, loan, or government tender

• You have foreign assets or income (even if exempt)

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📄 Documents Required to File ITR

Prepare these before filing:

1. PAN Card & Aadhaar Card

2. Form 16 (issued by employer)

3. Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement)

4. Salary Slips (optional but helpful)

5. Bank account details (for refund)

6. Investment proofs (for deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, etc.)

7. Rent receipts (for HRA claim)

8. Home loan interest certificate (if applicable)

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📌 Which ITR Form to Choose?

ITR Form	Suitable For
ITR-1 (Sahaj)	Income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house, and other sources
ITR-2	If you have capital gains, more than one property, or foreign income/assets

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🖥️ How to File ITR Online (Step-by-Step)

1. Go to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

2. Log in using your PAN and password.

3. Click on e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return

4. Select:

   • Assessment Year: 2025–26

   • Online mode

   • The correct ITR form (e.g., ITR-1)

5. Review the pre-filled information

6. Fill in missing details like salary, deductions, interest income, etc.

7. Submit the return and verify electronically using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, etc.

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📅 Due Date for Filing ITR

• 31st July 2025: For individuals (without audit requirement)

Filing after the due date may lead to a late fee of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.

#ITR_Filing_Guide_for_Salaried_Employees – AY 2025-26.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing the wrong ITR form

• Mismatch between Form 16 and Form 26AS

• Forgetting to claim eligible deductions

• Not completing e-verification after filing

🧮 Tax Deductions You Can Claim

Section	Description
80C	Investment in LIC, PPF, ELSS, EPF, tax-saving FD (up to ₹1.5 lakh)
80D	Health insurance premium
24(b)	Interest on home loan (up to ₹2 lakh)
HRA	House Rent Allowance exemption if living in rented home