ITR Filing 2025: Know These Key Steps to File ITR Correctly

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is one of the significant responsibilities of a taxpayer. The extended due date of ITR is now September 15, 2025, giving about 2 weeks to taxpayers to start preparing for their ITR Filing. If you are someone who still has not started ITR filing, then it’s high time you start preparing, as last-minute filing can increase the chances of errors and mismatches.

A timely and accurate ITR filing not only keeps you from avoiding penalties but also helps in the fast refund processing. Here is how you can file your ITR correctly and on time.

Keep All Your Documents Ready in One Place

Before you start filing your return, make sure you gather all the required documents in one place. Organising all your documents in one folder can save you a lot of time and confusion. Here are some key documents you should keep ready:

• PAN Card and Aadhaar Card: The PAN and Aadhaar cards are some of the most basic documents that are required for ITR filing. Taxpayers must note that it is compulsory to link Aadhaar with their PAN for ITR filing. Failing to do the same can cause problems.

• Form 16: It is a TDS certificate that can be received from their employer.

• Form 26AS: It is the annual tax statement issued by the income tax department.
• AIS and TIS: The AIS (Annual Information Statement) is a statement that has the information about the prepaid taxes, and the TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary) is a category-wise taxpayer summary of such information. Taxpayers must reconcile Form 16, Form 26AS, and AIS to avoid mismatches.

• Bank statements: It has the information of the interest earned in a savings bank account, fixed deposits, etc., during the financial year.

• Interest certificates: Taxpayers must have interest certificates to claim tax benefits on the interest on home loans, etc.

• Investment proofs: If you have made investments in any tax-saving instruments like ELSS, PPF, LIC, etc., then you must have relevant proof of investment so that you can claim tax benefits.

The other documents required are:

• Home loan interest certificate
• Rental income details
• Capital gains statements
• Details of Medical Insurance
• Donation Receipts

Select the Right ITR Form

One of the most important steps while filing your return is selecting the correct and appropriate ITR form for you. The form you need primarily depends on your income sources. Here is a quick guide:

• ITR 1, or Sahaj, is meant for resident salaried individuals earning up to Rs 50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources like interest.
• ITR 2 is meant for individuals and HUFs who do not have income from business or profession.
• ITR 3 must be filed by individuals and HUFs who have income from business and profession.
• ITR-4 or Sugam is for taxpayers who are operating businesses and have opted for the presumptive taxation scheme under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE of the act.

Taxpayers must note that choosing the wrong ITR can lead to rejection of their income tax return.

Be Aware of the Due Dates

Filing your return within the due date is important to avoid paying a penalty and late fee. Even though taxpayers can file their ITR after the due date by filing a belated return, they can lose certain tax benefits that are offered in the original ITR. Here are the important ITR filing due dates for AY 2025-26: