ITR Filing FY25: When Will Form 16 Be Issued This Year? Income Tax Department’s Deadline & Guidelines Explained

With the new financial year starting on April 1, the income tax return filing season is now underway. One of the most critical documents for salaried individuals during this period is Form 16. Issued by employers, this document provides a detailed summary of an employee's earnings and the tax deducted at source.

While it is not mandatory to file an ITR, Form 16 simplifies the process significantly by presenting all the required financial data in a consolidated format. For Assessment Year 2025-26, salaried individuals across the country are awaiting the issuance of Form 16 to begin preparing their returns accurately and efficiently.

Understanding the Structure of Form 16

Form 16 is composed of two main parts: Part A and Part B.

Part A

Part A contains personal details such as the employee's name, address, PAN, and the TAN of the employer. It also records the tax deducted at source on a quarterly basis and confirms that the deducted tax has been deposited with the government.

Part B

Part B offers a comprehensive overview of the salary structure. It includes total earnings, exemptions like house rent allowance and travel allowances, and deductions under various sections such as 80C and 80D. Investments in schemes like PPF, LIC, and health insurance are detailed here, making it easier for the taxpayer to calculate taxable income.

New Changes Introduced in Form 16 This Year

The Income Tax Department has introduced several modifications to make Form 16 more transparent and useful for taxpayers. The revised format is now more informative and clearly segregates tax-free income, taxable benefits, and the components of salary that are exempt.

This clarity aims to minimise confusion during ITR filing, helping taxpayers understand their financial data better. With more accurate and structured information, the likelihood of making errors in returns is expected to reduce significantly.

Deadline for Issuance of Form 16 in 2025

As per Rule 31(3) of the Income Tax Rules, employers are required to issue Form 16 to their employees by 15 June of the financial year following the relevant tax year. For FY25, the deadline for companies to provide Form 16 is June 15, 2025.

Although Form 16 is not a mandatory document for filing ITR, most salaried individuals prefer to wait for it as it streamlines the filing process. It compiles all essential information in one place, enabling quicker and more accurate return preparation.

Preparation Tips for Taxpayers

Even though Form 16 simplifies ITR filing, taxpayers are encouraged to keep their documentation ready well in advance. This includes salary slips, proof of deductions, and other income records. Early preparation can help avoid last-minute issues such as late filing fees under Section 234F or interest liabilities under Section 234A.

Read More: ITR Filing 2025: Key Deadlines and Rules for Every Taxpayer

Conclusion

Form 16 remains a cornerstone document for salaried individuals during the income tax filing season. With its updated format for FY 2024 25 and a clear deadline of June 15, 2025, for issuance, employees can look forward to a more streamlined filing experience. Ensuring all necessary documents are in place ahead of time can further ease the process of filing returns on the Income Tax Department’s portal.

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.