New Delhi, July 16 -- Income tax return (ITR) filing for salaried individuals is no longer a simple, automated ritual. While Form 16 remains a foundational document, the Income Tax Department's reliance on extensive digital tracking through Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and the Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) has shifted the compliance landscape. Today, the government monitors a vast array of financial footprints-ranging from high-value transactions to offshore investments. Consequently, even minor discrepancies or accidental omissions can trigger tax notices, unexpected liabilities, interest, and steep penalties.

Salaried workers who have switched employers, selected a suboptimal tax regime, claimed unsupported d...