The government has extended the last date for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2024-25 (income tax year 2025-26) from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This extended date is for those taxpayers whose accounts are not audited, such as salaried and pensioner individuals. For other taxpayers, the date for filing income tax returns will remain the same as before.

Although the date for filing income tax returns has been extended, it is still important that you collect all the necessary documents on time so that you can file your return correctly. Collecting documents is the first step in the process of filing income tax returns. Through these documents, you get to know your sources of income and also help to determine which income tax return form will be correct. Along with this, these documents help in matching the information available with the Income Tax Department. In this matching process, the TDS certificate, Form 26AS, and Annual Information Statement are checked.

Here is a list of some important documents that you should start collecting to file income tax returns on time and easily this year. This list is not exhaustive, as more documents may be required depending on your sources of income.

1. Form 16: Tax Deducted from Salary
   Form 16 is an important document for salaried individuals as it provides proof of tax deducted from salary. The employer has to provide this form to the employee so that he can correctly show it in his income tax return.
2. Form 16A, Form 16B, Form 16C, Form 16D:
   In addition, the taxpayer may also need to collect TDS certificates related to other sources of income. For example, Form 16A is proof of tax deducted on fixed deposit interest, life insurance commission, and lottery income.
3. Capital Gains Statement
   If you have sold any financial asset, such as shares or mutual funds, then it is necessary to report the capital gains on it in the income tax return. For this, you should obtain a capital gains statement from your stockbroker or mutual fund house.
4. Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS
   The taxpayer should download AIS, Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), and Form 26AS from the Income Tax e-filing portal. These documents simplify the process of filing income tax returns and help ensure correct information.
5. Documents related to foreign income and unlisted shares
   If you have invested in shares of foreign companies, then it is also necessary to report them in the return. Apart from this, the ITR-2 form has to be used for investing in unlisted equity shares.
6. Interest Certificate and Bank Statement
   You should collect interest certificates from various banks, post offices, and other entities, as well as download bank statements for the financial year 2024-25.
7. Proof of tax-saving investments, expenses
   If you have opted for the old tax regime, you need to collect proof of tax-saving investments and related expenses.
8. PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details
   PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details should be kept ready. These are used for registration and login on the Income Tax e-filing portal.

Collecting these documents on time, correctly makes the process of filing income tax returns simple and hassle-free.