The Income Tax department has now notified all seven forms for taxpayers — with most salaried individuals required to submit the details by July 31. Employers are also likely to share Form 16 in the coming days (if not done already) so that taxpayers can use the information to fill out their returns. While it is not a mandatory document for those filling up the ITR form, employers are required to issue it after the financial year comes to an end.

It is pertinent to note that Form 16 is exclusively for salaried individuals. Freelancers and self-employed taxpayers will instead receive income certificates.

What is Form 16?

According to the Income Tax Department, Form 16 or Form 16A is the certificate of deduction of tax at source. It is issued on deduction of tax by the employer on behalf of the employees and provide details of TDS/TCS for various transactions between deductor and deductee. It is mandatory for employers to issue these certificates to taxpayers.

The document is typically issued by the end of May (of the assessment year) and several key details from this form must be shared while filing income tax returns. While it is not necessary to upload the form itself, failure to file returns using the given information can incur penalties or interest on unpaid taxes.

How to file ITR without Form 16?

It is mandatory for employers to generate Form 16 for all salaried workers. However there are ways to file income tax returns without using the document — in case you have lost it, or face other issues. In some cases employees whose taxable income falls below the basic exemption limit have also failed to receive the document from their employers. But with the income tax department stipulating a deadline for filing of returns (July 31 for most people this year), here are some alternative documents that can be used by taxpayers:

• Salary slips and bank statements
• Proof of house rent and leave travel allowances
• TDS certificate from the bank
• Home and education loan payment certificates
• Proof of investment for deduction
• Form 26AS