What is an Income Tax Return True Copy?
It is a copy of an Income Tax Return filed with the Income Tax Department, certified as true and faithful by a Chartered Accountant or the taxpayer. It typically includes the ITR form, ITR-V acknowledgement, and computation of income, and is used as supporting evidence of declared income and tax compliance.
Who usually asks for a true copy of the ITR?
True copies are commonly requested by banks and NBFCs for loan and credit card applications, by embassies and consulates for visa applications, by tender and procurement authorities, by foreign regulators and overseas banks, and by counterparties in transactions such as property purchases, partnerships, and large investments.
For how many years can ITR copies be retrieved?
Past ITRs and acknowledgements remain available on the Income Tax e-filing portal for several past assessment years. The exact availability period may vary, but in most cases, copies for the last few assessment years can be downloaded directly. Older returns may need to be reconstructed from records and physical copies.
Do I need to sign the true copy myself?
Many banks and authorities accept ITR copies signed by a Chartered Accountant as "true copy". In some cases, the taxpayer is also asked to sign each page. The exact requirement depends on the receiving authority's policy, which our team will confirm before preparing the documents.
Is computation of income separate from the ITR?
Yes. The ITR form captures summary figures, while the computation of income is a detailed working showing how income under each head, deductions, and tax liability have been arrived at. Banks and tender authorities often ask for both the ITR and the computation along with relevant annexures.
Can a true copy be used for visa applications?
Yes. Many embassies and consulates accept certified ITR copies along with computation as financial proof. Some countries may additionally require notarisation, apostille, or attestation. Our team can guide you on the format and supporting documents typically required for major visa categories.
What if I have not filed my ITR for past years?
Where possible, missed returns can be filed within applicable timelines as belated, revised, or updated returns subject to conditions under the Income Tax Act. We can assess your situation, advise on the right option, and help you regularise your tax filings before issuing certified true copies.