Documents checklist before you file your ITR

Returns get delayed for one reason more than any other: a missing document discovered at the last moment. This is the list we ask for on WhatsApp, by type of income.

Everyone

• PAN and Aadhaar (linked)
• All bank account numbers with IFSC — one marked for refund
• Form 26AS / AIS summary (we pull this with your consent)

Salaried

• Form 16 from each employer during the year
• Rent receipts if claiming HRA under the old regime
• Investment proofs — LIC, PPF, ELSS, mediclaim, home-loan interest certificate

Business / profession

• Sales and purchase summary or accounting data (Tally / Busy exports work)
• Bank statements for the full financial year
• GST returns filed during the year, if registered

Capital gains

• Broker's capital-gains statement for shares and mutual funds
• Sale and purchase deeds for property transactions
• Improvement cost records, if claimed

Share these as photos or PDFs on WhatsApp and the return is prepared from the same thread. The exact list for your case may be shorter — message “ITR checklist” and we send it.