Personal Finance: Your Quick Guide to Taxes & Money Management

Looking to keep your finances in shape? You don’t need a finance degree—just a few clear steps and the right info. Below you’ll find the most useful tips on filing income tax without Form 16 and what the recently extended ITR deadline means for you.

Filing ITR Without Form 16 – A Simple Checklist

Form 16 is handy, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re missing it, gather these documents instead:

• Salary slips: They prove your earnings month by month.
• Form 26AS: This shows tax deducted at source (TDS) across all accounts.
• Bank statements: Use them for interest income and any other cash flow.
• Investment proofs: Show deductions under sections 80C, 80D, etc.

Combine these records in your ITR software or portal. The key is to include every income source—salary, freelance gigs, rental, or side hustles—so the return matches what the tax department sees. Double‑check the TDS entries in Form 26AS; if they don’t line up with your salary slips, you might need a revised salary certificate from your employer.

Once you’ve entered everything, run the tax calculator, verify the tax payable or refund, and submit. If you’re due a refund, the department will credit it to the bank account you’ve linked in the filing form.

2025 ITR Deadline Extension – What It Means for You

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) just pushed the filing date for non‑audit cases to September 15, 2025. That gives you an extra month to sort out paperwork, especially if you switched jobs or have multiple income streams.

Why the extension matters:

• Higher refund interest: The government now offers a better rate on refunds, so filing early can still be beneficial.
• Penalty avoidance: Late filing still incurs interest under Section 244A, but the extra time reduces the risk of missing the deadline altogether.
• Loss carry‑forward: Remember to declare any capital losses before the new cut‑off; they can offset future gains.

If you belong to a specific category—senior citizens, senior salaried employees, or individuals with audit cases—check the separate dates that still apply. The general rule is: file as soon as you have all documents, then keep a copy of the acknowledgment for your records.

Putting it all together, start by gathering your salary slips, Form 26AS, and investment proofs. Use a reliable ITR filing platform, fill in each field carefully, and submit before September 15, 2025. Doing this will keep you compliant, maybe earn you a bigger refund, and certainly spare you the stress of a last‑minute scramble.

Personal finance isn’t just about earning more; it’s about handling what you earn wisely. By mastering tax filing—whether you have Form 16 or not—and staying aware of deadline changes, you’re already a step ahead of many. Keep these checklists handy, revisit them each financial year, and you’ll find tax season a lot less intimidating.