Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is one of the most important responsibilities of every taxpayer in India, but the process doesn’t end once the return is submitted. Downloading and preserving your ITR documents, especially the ITR-V Acknowledgment and the complete filed ITR form, is just as important. Whether you are applying for a visa, seeking bank loans, claiming tax refunds, or dealing with tax scrutiny, having quick access to your Income Tax Return (ITR) can make all the difference.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about downloading your ITR securely from the official income tax portal, to ensure that you are always prepared for future circumstances.
What is an Income Tax Return (ITR)?
An Income Tax Return is a form submitted by a taxpayer to the Income Tax Department of India, in which the taxpayer declares their income, deductions, tax liabilities, and taxes paid for a financial year. After filing, the ITR can be downloaded from the income tax e-filing portal as proof of submission.
There are two primary documents that taxpayers usually download:
- ITR-V (Verification Acknowledgment): If the Income Tax Return is filed but not digitally verified.
- Filed ITR Form: The complete ITR filed by the taxpayer.
Who Can Download the ITR?
Anyone who has filed an ITR through the Income Tax portal https://www.incometax.gov.in/ can download the following:
- ITR-V Acknowledgment
- Filed ITR Form
- Intimation under Section 143(1)
This is available for:
- Salaried employees
- Freelancers
- Business owners
- HUFs, Firms, LLPs, and Companies
Importance of Downloading ITR
Downloading IRT is not a formality; it serves multiple purposes, such as:
- Proof of Income: The ITR serves as official proof of income for visa applications, university admissions, and government contracts.
- Loan Processing: Banks require ITRs for home, car, and business loans, and credit card approvals.
- Refund Claims: Verifying the downloaded ITR-V is necessary to get your tax refund.
- Carry Forward of Losses: A verified ITR enables the carry forward of business or capital losses to future years.
- Visa Applications: Embassies of many countries ask for ITRs from the last 2–3 years to assess financial stability in case of foreign travel.
- Legal Record: ITR serves as proof of your income that safeguards you in case of tax scrutiny or notices.
Difference Between ITR-V and Filed ITR Form
| Feature | ITR-V | Filed ITR Form |
| What it is | Acknowledgment of return filed | Full copy of return submitted |
| When it’s generated | Immediately after filing | After verification or e-filing |
| Purpose | Proof of filing (to be verified) | Proof of income and deductions |
| Signature required | Yes, if not e-verified | No, if downloaded after verification |
| Used for | Manual submission, loan/visa | Proof during audits or financial reference |
Step-by-Step Process to Download Income Tax Return
Here’s how you can download your ITR-V and ITR Form from the income tax portal in 2025:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Income Tax e-Filing website: https://www.incometax.gov.in
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
- Click on “Login” on the homepage
- Enter your PAN as User ID
- Enter your password and captcha
- Click “Continue.”
Step 3: Go to the ITR Download Section
- After logging in, go to the top menu and click ‘e-File’
- Choose ‘Income Tax Returns’ and then ‘View Filed Returns’
Step 4: View Your Filed Return
- You will see a list of ITRs filed in previous assessment years
- Find the relevant financial year (e.g., FY 2024-25 → AY 2025-26)
- Click on ‘View Details’
Step 5: Download ITR-V or ITR Form
- You will see two options:
- Download ITR-V (acknowledgment form)
- Download ITR Form (completely filled return)
- Click the respective link to download the PDF
Step 6: Open and Verify the Document
- The downloaded PDF will be password-protected
- Password format: Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY (e.g., 07031990)
- Open the file using the correct password to verify
When is the ITR-V Needed?
You’ll need to keep ITR-V safe if:
- You have filed but not e-verified your return
- You’re planning to send a physical copy for verification
- You want to show proof of timely filing
How to e-Verify ITR After Downloading ITR-V?
If you have downloaded the ITR-V and haven’t verified your return yet, you can do so using any of the following methods:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking login
- Demat account
- Bank account validation
- Send the signed ITR-V physically to CPC, Bengaluru
Once verified, you can also download the complete ITR (instead of ITR-V).
How Long Should You Keep Your Downloaded ITR Copies?
While the Income Tax Department provides access to previous ITRs online, it is important to keep your own saved copies for reference. As per best practices and legal compliance:
- Minimum Retention Period: 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
- In Case of Scrutiny or Audit: If your return is selected for scrutiny, or if you have carried forward any losses, maintain the records for a more extended period; then you should keep the return for up to 10 years.
- For Visa, Loans, or Financial Documentation: Banks and embassies ask for the last 2 to 3 years of ITRs.
- Format: Always keep both digital (PDF) and printed copies, preferably signed and marked with the date of download.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Downloading ITR
- Using the wrong assessment year
- Choosing the wrong form type
- Downloading from unverified sources
- Not checking email for confirmation
- Try downloading during maintenance hours
- Not updating Aadhaar-PAN linkage
- Skipping download after e-verification
Conclusion
Downloading your income tax return is a necessary record that shows your financial legitimacy, not just a formality. Every taxpayer can easily complete the process by using the Income Tax Department’s portal. A copy of your ITR can serve as legitimate documentation of your income and compliance while you’re seeking a visa, home loan, or company funding.
Keep a copy of the filed return and the ITR-V for your keeping. Verify your ITR as soon as possible to prevent processing delays. Contact a tax advisor or stop by the closest income tax facilitation centre if you need assistance.
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