What is ITR, Why is ITR necessary for a Home Loan, & how to File IT?

While applying for a home loan, it is important to know which documents are required and why. These documents help the lender in checking your eligibility and creditworthiness. While applying for a home loan, you need to submit identity proof, address proof, property documents and income documents. Income Tax Return is one of the vital documents required for home loan. However, it could be tricky to file ITR if you are not accustomed to it.

What is ITR?

ITR or Income Tax Return is a mandatory form to be filed by individuals and businesses whose income is above the threshold limit. However, experts opine that it is a good practice to file an Income Tax Return even if the income is below the threshold limit. ITR indicates your taxable income and includes all the information of your income earned through house property, business, interest, sale of properties, etc. in a particular financial year.

Why is ITR necessary for Home Loan?

There are various reasons why lenders ask for ITR. ITR helps ascertain your income and cash flow. ITR is necessary as -

• It is an indicator of your financial stability

  Through an ITR, the lender is able to determine your financial capability. You are required to submit ITR for the last three years for a home loan. It helps the lender ascertain whether you have a stable source of income and if you would be able to pay Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) in a timely manner.

• It reflects your repayment capacity

  With ITR, lenders determine your repayment capacity and credibility. If you have defaulted in ITR filing, they might assume that you would default in home loan EMI payments as well.

How to file ITR?

If you are an individual with income less than Rs. 50,00,000, you would need to file ITR-1 also known as Sahaj Form-

• Visit the official website at ‘incometaxindia.gov.in' and use the e-filing portal for ITR filing
• Fill in your personal details like name, Aadhaar, address, etc.
• Enter your income under respective heads like salaries, income from other sources like fixed deposits or other investments. You can check the salary figure from your Form 16.
• The Gross Total Income is computed by adding the income earned from all the sources
• Enter deductions applicable under the Income Tax Act, 1961. You are also eligible for tax deductions on home loan repayment of principal and interest
• The total deduction is subtracted from the Gross Total Income to arrive at total income. Your taxes will be determined based on this total income
• Enter your bank details
• Make the required payment if there is tax liability/additional tax liability other than the Tax Deducted at Source by your employer

You must furnish your Income Tax Returns when you apply for home loan. Without ITR, your home loan application might not be approved. If you face difficulty in filling it yourself, you can take the assistance of a professional to ensure that it is filed accurately.

Importance of ITR for Availing Home Loan

To ensure timely repayment of Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs), If you don't know how many years itr required for home loan, lenders rely on the Income Tax Return (ITR) of the last three years that you submit for your home loan. By examining your ITR home, lenders can verify your stable source of income and assess your repayment capacity and credibility.

Hence, submitting ITR for home loan is crucial for a hassle-free home loan approval process.

Use of Form 16 for Home Loan

When applying for a home loan, one of the critical aspects is ITR required for home loan. In addition, Form No. 16 issued by a listed company, government department, or reputable employer can provide a sense of security to the lender regarding the authenticity of the applicant's income and its continuity. This document includes the tax deducted at source, further validating the borrower's income. The ITR serves as proof of income, an essential factor that lenders use to determine home loan eligibility based on ITR.

How Much Home Loan Can I Apply For As Per My ITR?

Banks assess your creditworthiness by analysing your net monthly income, minus PF, ESI, and gratuity, to determine if you can pay EMIs while covering your basic expenses. Based on factors like age, credit score, and loan history, a salary of INR 50,000 could qualify you for a loan between 58 and 66 lakhs with an 8% interest rate, assuming you have no outstanding loans or EMIs.

Read Also: Builder Buyer Agreement (BBA): Meaning, Importance, Before & After Rera Act