Income Tax Return 2025: File ITR 2025 Without Form 16 Using These Easy Alternatives

The Income Tax Department has released all 7 ITR forms for the assessment year (AY) 2025. Most salaried taxpayers need to file their income tax returns by July 31. While Form 16 is a helpful document for salaried individuals, it is not compulsory to file your return. Employers are expected to issue Form 16 after the end of the financial year, but if you haven’t received it yet, you can still file your return using other documents.

What is Form 16?

Form 16 (or Form 16A) is a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificate given by your employer. It shows how much tax was deducted from your salary and submitted to the government. This form includes essential income and deduction details and is usually issued by the end of May each year. While you don’t need to upload Form 16 to the ITR portal, using the correct details is important to avoid penalties or interest charges.

Read More, ITR Filing Schedule for FY 2024–25: Key Deadlines to Know.

Who Gets Form 16?

Only salaried employees get Form 16. Freelancers and self-employed individuals receive other forms of income proof, such as income certificates.

How to File ITR Without Form 16

If you haven’t received Form 16, you can still file your ITR by using the following documents:

1. Salary Slips and Bank Statements

Use your monthly pay slips to calculate your annual salary. Cross-check it with your bank account for salary credits.

2. Proof of House Rent and LTA (Leave Travel Allowances)

If you claimed HRA or LTA, collect supporting documents like rent receipts or travel tickets for proof.

3. TDS Certificates from Banks

If you earned interest on FDs or savings accounts, your bank would have deducted TDS. Download the TDS certificate or Form 16A from your bank's website.

4. Home Loan and Education Loan Certificates

If you’re repaying a home loan or education loan, use the loan interest certificates to claim deductions under the relevant sections.

5. Investment Proofs for Tax Deductions

Gather proofs of investments made under Section 80C, 80D, etc., such as LIC premiums, PPF, ELSS, or health insurance.

6. Form 26AS

Download Form 26AS from the income tax portal. It shows details of taxes deducted on your behalf, advance taxes paid, and high-value transactions.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t have Form 16, you can still file your income tax return accurately by using other supporting documents. Make sure you gather all the necessary proofs and cross-verify the details with Form 26AS to avoid errors. Filing your ITR on time not only helps you avoid penalties but also makes you eligible for tax refunds if applicable.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.            

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.