Income tax is crucial for India's development as it funds infrastructure projects, social welfare programs, and public services. An Income Tax Return or an ITR is an important document for ensuring that taxpayers pay the correct amount of tax based on their income. ITR also plays a crucial role when you apply for a financial product such as a home loan. A proof of your financial stability and your income, it helps lenders assess your creditworthiness.

Several questions arise here, such as what is ITR exactly, how to file it, and what the consequences of not doing so are.

In this article, we will understand in-depth the Income Tax Return definition, its importance, how to check your ITR status and much more.

Table of Contents

• What Is an Income Tax Return?
• Importance of ITR
• Is it Mandatory to File an Income Tax Return?
• Who Should File Income Tax Returns?
• How to File ITR?
• Documents Required to File ITR
• How to Check ITR Status Online?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What Is an Income Tax Return?

The ITR meaning is simple and straightforward. It is a form submitted to the Income Tax Department of India that details your total income from various sources, such as business profits, house property, capital gains, and other sources like dividends or interest.

The ITR definition covers calculating your tax liability for the last fiscal year and identifying any tax deducted. The ITR also acts as proof of income, which authorities cannot contest. Different forms, such as ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7 are applicable for various types and amounts of income. By filing an Income Tax Return, you comply with legal requirements and can claim any applicable refunds.

Importance of ITR

Filing ITR shows that you’re compliant with the tax laws and regulations. If you are applying for a loan, it also shows that you’re a financially responsible citizen to the lender. Here are a few other reasons you should file ITR timely:

• Filing ITR means that you can prove your total income and ensure all tax deducted is recorded.
• ITR is considered valid government-authorized proof of your income and address. You may be required to provide it in various places, such as when applying for a visa or a loan. 
• By filing an ITR, you can claim any tax refund on excessive tax payments.
• By filing an ITR, you also avoid penalties, as all eligible citizens of India must file an ITR within a specified time period or face penalties.

Is it Mandatory to File an Income Tax Return?

If your income exceeds the tax-exempt limit set by the government, you must file an Income Tax Return. Not submitting your ITR on time can lead to penalties and may impact your eligibility for loans or visa approval. Following the tax slabs and deadlines is crucial to avoid these consequences.

Who Should File Income Tax Returns?

While filing an ITR is necessary and mandatory, the Income Tax Department has granted relief to certain people from this requirement. You must file an ITR only if you qualify for any of the following :

• Individuals under 59 years old with an annual income of over INR 2.5 lakhs.
• Senior citizens aged 60-79 with income above INR 3 lakhs.
• Super senior citizens (80+ years) with income over INR 5 lakhs.
• Registered companies with yearly income, regardless of profit.
• Individuals seeking a refund on surplus tax deducted.
• Individuals with assets or financial interests outside India.
• Companies outside India who have treaty benefits on transactions within India.
• NRIs who earn above the INR 2.5 lakhs exemption limit.

How to File ITR?

You can file your Income Tax Return both online and offline. The following is a detailed process of both channels:

Online

• Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website, click 'Login,' enter your PAN/Aadhaar/other User ID, and proceed with your password.
• Navigate to the 'e-File' tab, select 'Income Tax Returns', then 'File Income Tax Return.'
• Choose the correct assessment year based on the fiscal year.
• Pick 'Individual,' 'HUF,' or 'Others' based on your status.
• Choose the appropriate ITR form (e.g., ITR-1 to ITR-4 for individuals and HUFs).
• Specify why you're filing, such as taxable income over the exemption limit.
• Check pre-filled details, provide account info, and confirm all data.
• Verify your return using methods like Aadhaar OTP, EVC, Net Banking, etc.

Offline

• Log on to the e-filing portal using your PAN-based login credentials.
• Go to the 'e-file' tab and select 'Income Tax Return' from the drop-down menu.
• Choose 'Offline' as the filing type.
• Use the JAVA/Excel utility to generate a JSON file, then upload and validate it.
• Upon successful validation, submit the return.
• Complete the verification using one of six options:
• Net banking
• ATM
• Digital Signature Certificate
• Aadhaar OTP
• Account number
• Demat Account
• Physically sending ITR-V

For the most up-to-date filing process, it is best to check the official Income Tax Department website or consult a tax professional.

Documents Required to File ITR

To file ITR accurately and efficiently, gathering all necessary documents based on your income sources is essential. 

Documents for Basic Information

• PAN and Aadhaar card
• Account details

For Salaried Employees

• Form-16 Part A and B issued by your employer
• Month-wise salary slips
• Details of taxable allowances received and claimed exemptions

For Income from House Property

• Rental income details
• Tenant details (Name, PAN/Aadhaar)
• Interest certificate for a home loan
• Municipal tax receipts

For Capital Gains

• Sale and purchase deeds
• Details of buyers (PAN, Aadhaar)
• Supporting documents for exemptions under sections 54 or 54EC
• Consolidated capital gain statements for mutual funds or equity shares

For Interest Income

• Passbook for interest on savings accounts
• Interest income statement for fixed deposits
• TDS certificate

Additional Documents

• Form 26AS for a summary of taxes deducted and paid
• Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS)
• Investment documents under Section 80C (PPF, NSC, ULIPS, ELSS, LIC)

These documents ensure accurate reporting of total income, correct calculation of tax liability, and proper claims for deductions and exemptions. Organizing these documents is crucial for a smooth Income Tax Return filing process.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Additional documents may be required based on your specific income situation.

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How to Check ITR Status Online?

To check your ITR filing status online pre-login or post-login.

Pre-Login

• Visit the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal.
• Click on "Income Tax Return (ITR) Status."
• Enter your acknowledgement number and a valid mobile number.
• You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your mobile number.
• Enter the OTP to view your ITR filing status.

Post-Login

• Access the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department.
• Provide your PAN/Aadhaar number/other user ID, password, and date of birth to log in.
• Go to the dashboard in order to check the status of your filed returns.
• Select "View Returns/Forms" to examine a comprehensive list of all your filed returns, displaying their individual status, such as successfully filed, pending, or under processing.
• Each filed return is accompanied by an acknowledgement number serving as evidence of filing.

These steps help ensure your Income Tax Returns are correctly filed and tracked.

Conclusion

Understanding what is Income Tax Return or ITR  is crucial for complying with tax laws and ensuring financial credibility. It involves reporting your total income and calculating your tax liability. Filing returns like ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, and ITR-6 is essential to avoid penalties and claim refunds.

You should properly file ITR to ensure all tax deducted is accounted for not just tax allowance but also to ease financial processes like home loan approvals. It acts as a strong proof of your income and financial credibility, an important criterion for loan eligibility.

At SMFG Grihashakti, having a Form 16 or IT returns for the last 2 years can strengthen your home loan application provided you fulfil the overall eligibility criteria. Check the other documents you will require, calculate your eligibility, and apply online for a hassle-free experience.