How to File Income Tax Return Without Form 16

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    23-Jun-2025

Documents Required

  • Form 16
  • Bank Statement
  • Details of Other Income
Updated On 11-June-2025

How to File Income Tax Return Without Form 16

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) without Form 16 may seem complicated, but it’s absolutely possible. Many salaried individuals face this situation due to a job switch, employer delays, or freelancing arrangements. Thankfully, the Income Tax Department allows you to e-file your ITR even if you don't have Form 16 — provided you have the right financial documents.

This detailed guide walks you through how to file ITR without Form 16 step by step in 2025.

What Is Form 16?

Form 16 is an official certificate issued by an employer to a salaried employee, which serves as proof that tax has been deducted at source (TDS) from the employee’s salary and deposited with the Income Tax Department. It contains a detailed summary of the employee’s earnings, deductions, and the taxes deducted during a financial year. Form 16 is essential for salaried individuals while filing their income tax returns, as it helps in verifying the income details and the amount of tax already paid.

Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Without Form 16

Step 1: Collect Salary Slips

Gather your monthly salary slips for the entire financial year. These slips will help you determine:

Gross salary

Professional tax deductions

Provident fund deductions

TDS (if any) deducted by the employer

Tip: If you worked with more than one employer, collect salary slips from all of them.

Step 2: Download Form 26AS

Form 26AS is an annual tax statement that shows the TDS deposited against your PAN.

Here's how to download it:

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Log in using your PAN

Go to e-File > View Form 26AS

You’ll be redirected to the TRACES portal

Download Form 26AS for the relevant financial year

Compare the TDS details in Form 26AS with your salary slips to ensure accuracy.

Step 3: Add Income from All Sources

Apart from salary, you must include income from other sources such as:

Interest from savings accounts or fixed deposits

Rental income (if applicable)

Freelancing, consulting, or part-time income

Capital gains from stocks, mutual funds, or property

Dividend income

Note: Use your bank statements, passbooks, and investment proofs to calculate this correctly.

Step 4: Calculate Deductions and Exemptions

To reduce your tax liability, claim deductions under sections such as:

Section 80C: Investments in PPF, ELSS, LIC, EPF, NSC, etc.

Section 80D: Health insurance premium

Section 24(b): Home loan interest deduction

Section 80E: Interest on education loans

Section 10(14): House Rent Allowance (HRA), if applicable

Section 80G: Donations made to charitable organizations

Section 80TTA/80TTB: Interest earned on savings accounts (for individuals and senior citizens respectively)

Use bank statements, insurance receipts, and investment proofs to calculate eligible deductions.

Step 5: Calculate Total Taxable Income

Now subtract all eligible deductions from your total income. This will give you your net taxable income.

Check the latest income tax slabs (Old or New Regime) and calculate your total tax liability accordingly.

Step 6: Determine Tax Payable or Refundable

You will now fall into one of these categories:

Excess TDS deducted? You can claim a refund by filing your ITR.

Tax still payable? You must pay the balance using the “Pay Now” option on the portal before filing your return.

Step 7: File Your ITR Online

Once all calculations are done:

Go to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Choose the applicable ITR form (likely ITR-1 or ITR-2)

Enter income, deductions, and taxes paid

Submit and e-verify your return via Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC

Conclusion

Filing your ITR without Form 16 is absolutely possible — as long as you have the right documents, pay attention to your income sources, and make use of the online tools like Form 26AS and AIS. While Form 16 simplifies the process, it’s not mandatory for filing your return. Stay organized, claim all eligible deductions, and file on time to avoid penalties.

FAQ's About Form 16

1. Can I file ITR without Form 16?

Yes, you can file your ITR without Form 16 by using salary slips, Form 26AS, and other income details to compute taxable income and tax liability.

2. How can I check my TDS if I don’t have Form 16?

You can check your TDS details in Form 26AS, available on the Income Tax e-filing portal. It shows all tax deductions linked to your PAN.

3. What if my employer hasn’t deducted TDS?

If no TDS is deducted, you must calculate your total income, check your tax liability, and pay any pending tax before filing your ITR.

4. How can I claim deductions without Form 16?

You can manually enter eligible deductions under Section 80C, 80D, 80E, and others based on your investment and expense proofs.

5. What happens if I miss filing my ITR?

If you miss the deadline, you may have to pay a late filing penalty under Section 234F, and you won’t be able to claim refunds on excess tax paid.

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