ITR filing 2025: The process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 has begun. For many salaried individuals, Form 16 is a key document. But what if you don’t receive Form 16 from your employer? Can you still file your ITR for 2025?
itr filing 2025: The answer is yes. You can file your Income Tax Return even if you do not have Form 16. There are alternative ways and supporting documents that can help you complete the process accurately. This guide explains how to do it with ease.
What is Form 16 and Why is it Important?
Form 16 is a TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) certificate issued by employers to their employees after the end of the financial year. It contains crucial details such as:
-
Salary paid to the employee
-
TDS deducted and deposited with the Income Tax Department
-
Deductions under various sections like 80C, 80D, etc.
-
PAN of the employee and employer
-
Summary of tax liabilities and exemptions
It serves as proof that tax has already been deducted and helps in filing an accurate return. However, not having Form 16 does not prevent you from filing ITR.
Who Might Not Get Form 16?
-
Freelancers or self-employed individuals
-
Employees of startups or small businesses that don’t issue Form 16
-
Individuals who have recently switched jobs and haven’t received Form 16 from one or more employers
How to File ITR 2025 Without Form 16
Here are the alternative ways and documents that can help you file your return smoothly:
1. Use Form 26AS
Form 26AS is a consolidated annual tax statement available on the Income Tax Department’s website. It shows:
-
TDS deducted by all employers
-
Advance tax or self-assessment tax paid
-
Income from interest, dividends, or other sources
This form acts as a substitute for Form 16, as it reflects all your tax credit details.
2. Bank Statement and Salary Slips
Collect your bank statements and monthly salary slips for the financial year. These will help you:
-
Calculate your total income
-
Identify deductions like PF, professional tax, and insurance
-
Record bonuses and variable pay components
Using this data, you can compute your total taxable income and file your ITR.
3. Investment and Deduction Certificates
To claim deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, and 24(b), gather all relevant proofs, such as:
-
Life insurance premiums
-
PPF or ELSS statements
-
Home loan interest certificate
-
Health insurance payment receipts
These documents ensure that you get all eligible tax benefits even without Form 16.
4. Annual Information Statement (AIS)
AIS is a comprehensive statement available on the Income Tax portal. It includes:
-
Salary and interest income
-
Dividend earnings
-
Mutual fund transactions
-
TDS and TCS details
Cross-check AIS with Form 26AS to ensure the correctness of your income details and tax deductions.
5. For Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals
If you are a freelancer or run your own business, here’s what you need:
-
Invoices and receipts from clients
-
Bank account statements to track income
-
Expense records such as rent, phone bills, internet, travel, and utilities
These will help you calculate net income and claim eligible business-related deductions under sections like 44ADA or 44AE.
Final Words
Filing your Income Tax Return in 2025 without Form 16 is completely possible. With access to alternative documents such as Form 26AS, salary slips, AIS, and investment proofs, you can file your return accurately and on time.
Make sure to double-check all figures and upload correct details on the Income Tax Portal to avoid errors or notices.
