Return filing goes quickly when the documents arrive together. For salaried individuals: Form 16, interest certificates, proofs of deductions claimed, and details of any capital gains or rental income. Download and reconcile the Annual Information Statement before filing — unreported items there are the most common reason for later notices.
For professionals and firms: books of account or a receipts and payments summary, bank statements for the full year, TDS certificates in Form 16A, GST returns filed during the year and details of assets purchased or sold. If you fall under presumptive taxation, confirm you still qualify.
Keep everything in one folder, physical or digital, for at least the period the law requires records to be preserved.
This note is general information on the law and practice as understood at the time of writing. It is not advice on any specific matter. Please speak to the firm before acting on it.