Tick off every document before you start filing. Never miss a deduction or get an IT notice for missing information.
AIS is the most important document for ITR filing in 2026. It shows everything the government knows about your income from banks, employers, brokers, and other sources. Go to incometax.gov.in → Login with PAN → Click Services → Annual Information Statement → Download both AIS and TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary). Cross-check every entry against your records. If something is wrong, raise a feedback on the portal before filing.
1. Not declaring FD interest: Banks report FD interest to AIS. If you don't declare it in ITR but bank reports it, you'll get a notice. Always declare all FD interest even if TDS was deducted. 2. Missing capital gains: Even small mutual fund redemptions create capital gains. Download your CAMS/KFintech statement. 3. Wrong bank account: Refund goes to the bank account you mention in ITR. Verify IFSC and account number carefully. 4. Not e-verifying: ITR is incomplete until e-verified. Do it immediately after submission via Aadhaar OTP.
Step 1: Go to incometax.gov.in → Login with PAN + password. Step 2: Click "File Returns" → Select FY 2025-26 → Start New Filing. Step 3: Select ITR-1 (if salaried, one property, no capital gains) or ITR-2 (capital gains, multiple properties). Step 4: Review pre-filled data — salary, TDS, bank interest all come pre-filled from AIS. Step 5: Add deductions (80C, HRA, home loan interest). Step 6: Check tax payable or refund. Pay any balance tax via Challan 280. Step 7: Submit and e-verify via Aadhaar OTP immediately.