Easy Filing Before Deadline
Key Highlights
- ITR can be filed even without Form 16.
- Last date to file ITR is 31 July 2026.
- Use Form 26AS, AIS, TIS and salary slips instead.
- Bank statements and investment proofs help calculate taxable income.
- Verify pre-filled details before submitting the return.
- Complete e-verification after filing ITR.
- Form 16 can also be downloaded through the TRACES portal.
- Filing accurate returns helps avoid tax notices and refund delays.
New Delhi: Salaried taxpayers who have not yet received Form 16 from their employer can still file their Income Tax Return (ITR) before the 31 July 2026 deadline. Tax experts say Form 16 is a useful document, but it is not mandatory for filing an income tax return if all the required financial information is available through other official documents.
Taxpayers can prepare and file their ITR using documents such as salary slips, Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), bank statements, interest certificates and investment proofs. These records help calculate total income, tax deductions and tax liability accurately.
The process begins by downloading Form 26AS and AIS from the Income Tax portal and verifying the information with salary slips and bank records. Taxpayers should also include interest earned from savings accounts, fixed deposits and other investments while calculating their gross total income. After applying deductions and selecting the applicable tax regime, the taxable income can be calculated before filing the return online.
While filing the return, taxpayers should carefully verify the pre-filled information available on the Income Tax portal and ensure that PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details and income figures match their documents. After submitting the return, e-verification must be completed to make the filing valid.
Although waiting for Form 16 is generally recommended because it contains employer-reported salary and TDS details, taxpayers do not need to delay filing if the document has not been issued. Accurate calculation using official records can help avoid errors, reduce the chances of receiving tax notices and ensure timely processing of refunds.
For those who still wish to obtain Form 16, it can also be downloaded through the TRACES portal, subject to availability.
