ITR Filing 2025: How Salaried Individuals Can File ITR Without Form 16

With the start of the new financial year, the process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26 has begun. Taxpayers can file their ITR from April 1 for the previous financial year. However, most companies provide Form 16 only after mid-May, causing many people to delay their tax filing.

But did you know that you can file your ITR even without Form 16? This document contains details about your salary and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), making the filing process easier. However, if you do not have Form 16, you can still complete your tax return using other important documents.

Steps to File ITR Without Form 16

1. Gather Your Salary Slips

Your salary slips for the entire financial year provide details about your earnings, allowances, and deductions. These are essential for accurately calculating your income.

2. Calculate Your Taxable Income

Use your salary slips to determine your total earnings, including:

• Basic salary

• Allowances (House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Allowance, Special Allowance)

• Bonuses and other benefits

To calculate taxable income, subtract deductions such as:

• Standard Deduction (₹50,000)

• HRA (if applicable)

• Professional Tax

Note: Deductions and exemptions are only available under the Old Tax Regime. The New Tax Regime allows only a Standard Deduction of ₹75,000.

3. Check Your Bank Statements

Review your bank statements to identify any additional income sources, such as:

• Interest from savings accounts or fixed deposits

• Dividends from investments

Include this income while calculating your total taxable amount.

4. Download Form 26AS

Form 26AS is available on the Income Tax Department’s website. It provides a record of all tax deductions and deposits linked to your PAN. Cross-check your income and TDS details with this form. If you notice any mismatch, contact your employer or bank for corrections.

Why is Form 16 Important?

Form 16 is a document issued by employers confirming that TDS deducted from your salary has been deposited with the government.

Parts of Form 16:

• Part A: Includes employer and employee details, PAN, TAN, and TDS information.

• Part B: Provides a breakdown of salary, taxable income, and deductions under sections like 80C and 80D.

Benefits of Form 16

• Makes ITR filing easier by summarising income and tax details.

• Acts as proof of income when applying for loans.

• Helps claim tax refunds if excess TDS was deducted.

Conclusion

If you don’t have Form 16, there’s no need to worry. You can file your ITR using salary slips, bank statements, and Form 26AS. Ensure your income and tax details are accurate, and contact your employer or bank in case of any errors.

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.