Checklist for Filing ITR for AY 2024-25

The tax season is officially here, and before you file your Income Tax Return for the Assessment Year (AY) 2024–25, it is vital to ensure you have all necessary documents and information ready at your disposal. If this is your first time filing ITR, use our ultimate checklist for filing ITR for AY 2024–25.

Checklist for Filing ITR for AY 2024-25

A. Accumulate all necessary documents and information. 

  1. 1.PAN (Permanent Account Number) 
  2. 2.Form 16: It’ll be provided by your employer, detailing your salary income, tax deductions, and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). 
  3. 3.Bank Statements: Stating interest earned on savings accounts, fixed deposits, etc. 
  4. 4.Proof of Investments: Details of investments made in mutual funds, insurance premiums, and pension funds, etc. 
  5. 5.Income From House Property: Collect all the rent receipts and documents from municipal tax payments and payments from interest on housing loans.
  6. 6.Income from the share market or capital gain: Collect the profit and loss and capital gains reports from your broker. 
  7. 7.Income from other sources: details on income from dividends, interest from bonds, etc.
  8. 8.Details of Deductions: Payment of interest on education loans or interest paid on electric vehicle loans under various sections like 80C, 80D, 80E, 80G, 80TTA, etc.
  9. 9.Bank Account Details: Account number, IFSC codes, and other details of all accounts.

B. Select the correct ITR form based on your residential status, income sources,and other criteria.

C. Fill out the ITR form carefully, and make sure all the details are accurate.

D.Make sure to calculate your tax liability accurately, and don’t forget to mention all sources of income and the applicable deductions.

E. To reduce your taxable income, claim eligible deductions.

F. Cross-check the details in the ITR form before submission.

G.Submit the Income Tax Returns  on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. 

H.E-Verify your return through the  Aadhar OTP or through the bank to complete the process. 

The due dates for filing ITR for the Assessment Year AY 2024–25 are:

Category Due Date
For individuals, HUFs, BOIs, and AOPs (whose accounts are not required to be audited)
July 31, 2024.
For businesses requiring audit
October 31, 2024.
For businesses requiring transfer pricing reports:
November 30, 2024
For filing revised returns
December 31, 2024
For filing belated/late returns:
December 31, 2024
For filing updated returns
March 31, 2027 (two years from the end of the relevant Assessment Year.)

Remember that if you miss the initial due date of July 31, 2024, you can file a belated return before December 31, 2024, but it may involve a penalty or interest charges under Section 234A or Section 234F.

Things to keep in Mind

When filing your Income Tax Return, it is vital to take the necessary precautions to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws. Some of the most important factors to remember to avoid unnecessary pitfalls or actions.

1.Verify your Personal Information: Double-check your PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details to ensure they are correctly mentioned.

2.Select the Appropriate ITR Form: Select the most suitable ITR form based on your sources of income and financial transactions.

3.Report All Income Sources: Include all taxable incomes like salary, interest, dividends, capital gains, and income from house property. 

4.Claim Eligible Deductions: Claim all the deductions you are eligible for under sections like 80C, 80D, etc. to reduce your taxable income. 

5.Check Tax Credit statements (Form 26AS): Cross-verify your tax credit statement, and make sure that the TDS and advance tax payments reflected in Form 26AS match the details in your ITR.

6.Disclose Foreign Assets: Disclose any foreign assets or income from abroad.

7.E-File Before the Due Date: Submit your ITR before the due date to avoid any last-minute technical glitches and potential penalties.

8.Keep your Documents ready: While documents are not actually required to be attached to the e-filed ITR, keep them ready for any queries from the Income Tax Department. 

9.E-Verify Your Return: After filing,you need to e-verify your return through net banking, Aadhaar OTP, or EVC generated through a bank account or Demat account.

10.Seek professional help if necessary. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your ITR filing process, consider consulting a tax professional.

Conclusion

Don’t let the tax season get to you and intimidate you! We hope this guide can help you be better prepared, and you can start filing it on your own.

Remember, filing ITR accurately and timely is not just an obligation; it is our duty, and it has several benefits too.

G Akshay Associates