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How to E-File your Tax Returns Without a Form-16

By Shefali Mundra

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Updated on: Jul 1st, 2024

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3 min read

The first step to filing tax returns as a salaried individual is to obtain your Form 16 from your employer.  Before proceeding, it's essential to understand what Form 16 is - a TDS Certificate that outlines your Taxable Income and TDS. It is the employer's responsibility to provide Form 16 to all employees. In the unlikely event that your employer fails to provide you with Form 16, don’t worry; you can still e-file your return yourself. ClearTax shows you how!

  • Collect your payslips and figure out your Taxable Income
  • Your Tax Credit / 26-AS will help you find the exact Tax Deducted
  • Renting? Don’t lose out on HRA if you’re eligible
  • Claim your Deductions
  • Income from other sources
  • Pay additional tax if necessary
  • Ultimately, file your Income Tax Return

Alternatively, you can use Cleartax to file your income tax return.

Step 1: Collect your Payslips and Determine Taxable Income

Add up the net salary from all the payslips you have received from your employer throughout the financial year. If you have switched one or more jobs in a financial year, make sure you include payslips from all employers you have worked for in the year and determine the total taxable income you have for that financial year. Also include income from other sources such as interest, rent, dividends, etc.

Step 2: Your Tax Credit / Form 26AS Shows the Tax Deducted 

Calculate the TDS deducted by your employer over the year and match the amount mentioned on your Form 26AS. Click here to learn how to download your Form 26AS. If you see a discrepancy between the TDS amount actually deducted and the amount that is supposed to be deducted, contact your employer immediately and ask them to rectify the error.

Step 3: Claim House Rent Allowance(HRA), if any

Many employees have a House Rent Allowance (HRA) component in their salary. To claim the HRA deduction, you must submit your rent receipts to your payroll department in advance. If you haven’t submitted the receipts to your employer, you can always claim it while filing. If you are unsure how to calculate HRA, just contact ClearTax, and our Tax Experts can help you out.

Step 4: Claim Your Deductions

A number of investments are tax deductible. Keep your investment documents handy and compute the amounts eligible for deduction under sections 80C (Life Insurance, Employee Provident Fund, Public Provident Fund etc.), 80D (Medical insurance premium), 80E (Interest on education loan) etc. While claiming a deduction for Provident Fund, make sure you claim only your contribution to the PF and not your employer’s contribution. Click here to read about the various deductions you can avail.

Step 5: Income From Other Sources

If you earn an income from any source other than your salaried job, do not forget to include it under taxable income. Such sources of income can include interest earned on Fixed Deposits, income from rent on property owned by you etc.

Step 6: Pay Additional Tax, if Necessary

If you find that the total tax paid by you in the financial year is less than what is actually payable as per Form 26AS, pay the variance online. Learn how to pay tax online.

Step 7: File Your Income Tax Return

After you have ensured that the taxes paid by you match the taxes payable by you, go on to file your returns online. Validate all the details entered in the ITR form. After submission, do not forget to verify your return. ClearTax is the easiest way to e-file your Tax Returns online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i download form 16 by yourself?

No, you cannot download Form 16 by yourself, your employers does it for you.

Should i download all Form 16s?

You cannot download Form 16 by yourself,  if you have switched jobs you have to request your previous and current employer to download your Form 16.

Can I claim deductions if I opt for the new tax regime?

No only limited deductions are available for the individuals who are opting for new tax regime.

What should I do if I don’t have Form 16 from my employer?

If you don’t have Form 16, you can still file your income tax return by using your salary slips and Form 26AS to calculate your total income and the tax deducted. Salary slips provide details of your earnings and deductions, while Form 26AS provides a summary of taxes deducted and deposited against your PAN.

What if there is a discrepancy between my salary slips and Form 26AS?

If there is a discrepancy between your salary slips and Form 26AS, you should:

  • Contact your employer to rectify any errors in the TDS deduction or ensure correct reporting.
  • Cross-check all entries and verify the total TDS deducted as per salary slips and Form 26AS.
  • If the employer has not deposited the TDS or reported it incorrectly, request them to correct the details immediately.
  • In case of unresolved issues, report the discrepancy to the Income Tax Department while filing your return.
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About the Author

As a creative finance content writer and a Chartered Accountant by profession, I am deeply passionate about educating the masses about finance and taxation. To date, I have authored numerous blog posts covering a diverse range of topics on finance, taxation, trading, and investment for esteemed financial platforms. Driven by the commitment to enhance financial literacy, my ultimate goal is to demystify complex financial concepts into relatable insights and support educational initiatives in India.. Read more

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Quick Summary

To file tax as a salaried person, collect Form 16 & payslips, understand taxable income, HRA claim, deductions, other income sources, pay additional tax if needed, then file returns. Ensure TDS matches Form 26AS.

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Clear offers taxation & financial solutions to individuals, businesses, organizations & chartered accountants in India. Clear serves 1.5+ Million happy customers, 20000+ CAs & tax experts & 10000+ businesses across India.

Efiling Income Tax Returns(ITR) is made easy with Clear platform. Just upload your form 16, claim your deductions and get your acknowledgment number online. You can efile income tax return on your income from salary, house property, capital gains, business & profession and income from other sources. Further you can also file TDS returns, generate Form-16, use our Tax Calculator software, claim HRA, check refund status and generate rent receipts for Income Tax Filing.

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