Income Certificate - How to Apply, Format Download and Online Status Check

An Income Certificate is a key document required when applying for government schemes and subsidies. It certifies the annual income of an individual or a family and helps determine eligibility for income-based benefits.

In this article, we explain what an Income Certificate is, how to apply for one, what documents are required, how income is calculated, and how to check its online status. We also cover the validity period and where to download the format

What is an Income Certificate?

An Income Certificate is a document issued by an authority under the State Government certifying the annual income of a person or his family from all sources. 

The actual authority that issues such a certificate varies from state to state. It is usually the Village Tehsildars that issue the certificate but many states and union territories also have District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, Collector, Revenue Circle Officers, Sub Divisional Magistrates or other District Authorities appointed for this purpose.
Income Considered for Income Certificate

While issuing the certificate, the income of the individual or family is calculated. Income refers to financial gain or regular earnings from salary, business, or other sources.

The family income includes earnings of all family members living together, including unmarried daughters, brothers, and sisters. The following sources are considered:

• Salaries of working members
• Pensions
• Daily/weekly wages
• Business profits
• Consultancy charges
• Commissions
• Regular financial benefits such as bonuses, interest income, dividends, property rent, gains on asset sales, gifts, and inheritances

The income of an individual / individual members of a family from all sources for issuing income certificate will be calculated as follows:

• Income from salary: The basic pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), special pay and other allowances, if any, are considered for the calculation of the income of a salaried member. The Travelling Allowance (TA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Honorarium received for special work are excluded from the salary income.
• Income from business or profession: Business income, income from any profession or consultation/agency work of a family member is calculated on the basis of Income Tax Return (ITR) filing. If the member is a non-assessee, income will be considered on the declaration of the assessee.
• Income from pension: The Pension Payment Order (PPO) is the main criteria to calculate income from the pension of a family member. However, it excludes commutation amounts.
• Income from daily wage/labour: The declaration from the daily labourer will be considered for calculating the daily/monthly wage income.
• Income from real estate: The rent received or brokerage charges received by a family member from real estate will be considered as income. However, the income will be after deducting annual maintenance charges.

How to Obtain the Income Certificate?

Most states have a dedicated website for such administration related activities through which the certificate can be applied for. The procedure would be:

Step 1: Visit your state’s official administrative website.
Step 2: Create an account using your mobile number.
Step 3: Log in with your credentials.
Step 4: Select the option to apply for an income certificate.
Step 5: Fill in your personal details — name, age, gender, address, etc.
Step 6: Enter your Aadhaar number (mandatory).
Step 7: Upload a valid ID proof, such as:

• Ration card
• Voter ID
• Driving license
• Any other government-recognized ID

Step 8: Fill in your religion, caste, sub-caste, and reservation category (if applicable).
Step 9: Upload proof of income, such as:

• Parent’s income certificate
• Form 16
• Salary certificate
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

Step 10: Upload address proof, such as:

• Electricity bill
• Water bill
• Gas connection bill

Step 11: Attach an affidavit declaring the accuracy of the information provided.
Step 12: Upload the documents online or submit them physically, depending on your state’s process.
Step 13: Pay the nominal application fee, if applicable.

You will then have to wait for processing. The certificate is usually issued within 10–15 working days.

Uses of Income Certificate

The income certificate serves as proof of eligibility for various government schemes and social welfare benefits. These typically include:

Education-based benefits

• Admission under economically weaker sections (EWS) quota
• Fee concessions or free admission
• Scholarships targeted at low-income students

Healthcare-related schemes

• Free or subsidised medical treatment
• Financial support for maternity care (especially for mothers of girl children)
• Access to subsidised medicines

Financial assistance and concessions

• Concessional loans for government employees
• Old-age pension, widow pension, and pension for agricultural workers
• Relief aid during natural calamities

Other government welfare programs

• Financial aid to ex-servicemen and their families
• Access to free ration under public distribution schemes
• Eligibility for reserved categories in government job applications
• Allotment of government hostels, flats, or other accommodations

Documents Required for Income Certificate

The documents required for obtaining the income certificate may vary from one state to another. The common list of documents required for obtaining the income certificate are:

• Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License
• Address proof: Utility bills, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Ration card or National Food Security Card (if applicable)
• Self-declaration by the applicant or head of the family
• Income proof and expenditure records (as required by the state)

Additional documents such as expenditure proof may also need to be submitted depending on the individual requirement as provided by the state government/union territory.

Validity of the Income Certificate

The income certificate is valid for the financial year mentioned in the certificate. Thus, the certificate needs to be renewed every financial year in order to ensure validity. Also, the old certificate might be required as proof for the issue of an updated income certificate.

Income Certificate Download

You can download a sample format of the Income Certificate from your state's official portal or authorized online service platforms. Below is an example of the Income Certificate format.

Final thoughts

Income Certificate demonstrates your ability to generate income and showcase your financial stability. Obtaining your income certificate online in India may involve some challenges, but it is certainly achievable. Various methods exist for obtaining an online income certificate, and the most suitable one for you will depend on the resources at your disposal. It is crucial to conduct thorough research beforehand to identify the method that suits you best, ensuring a smooth process without any unnecessary difficulties.

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