If you're applying for a visa to any of the countries accepting sticker visa, you've likely come across Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement as one of the required documents for financial proof.

We at Atlys have helped hundreds of applicants sort their ITR documents. In this article, we will cover all the information related to submitting ITR documents, including how to download them, which countries require ITR, and what happens if you don't have an ITR.

What ITR documents are required to submit for visa applications?

According to your mode of employment, the following ITR documents are required to be submitted for visa applications:

• If you’re employed: Personal Income Tax Return Verification Form (ITR-V) for the last 3 assessment years.

• If you’re self-employed: Company’s and personal ITR-V for the last 3 assessment years.

• If you’re a student or are unemployed: Personal ITR-V for the last 3 assessment years, along with a confirmation letter of financial support from the sponsor.

How to  Get ITR-V document for a visa application?

Follow these steps to download the Income Tax Return Verification Form (ITR-V):

1. Go to the official e-filing portal and login using your valid user ID and password.

1. Go to the e-File tab and click on Income Tax Returns

1. Click on View Filed Returns

1. On the page, click on Download Receipt button, against the assessment year for which you want to download the ITR-V

Follow the similar steps to download the ITR for the last 3 assessment years.

Why do embassies ask for ITR?

Embassies request ITR for several valid reasons:

• Financial proof: ITR serves as proof of financial stability which ensures that you will be able to afford your stay abroad. 

• Source of income: ITR includes all sources of income like salary, business profits, rental income and capital gains, and are therefore, a more credible source of income verification.

• Tax compliance: ITR serves as proof of tax-compliance and ties to your country, which establishes your reliability ensuring your return home after the completion of your trip.

What countries ask for ITR for visa applications?

The ITR verification form is commonly asked by major destinations across the world, such as: 

• Schengen countries

• United Kingdom

• USA

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• Japan

• South Korea

• Singapore
  

What if I don’t have an ITR for visa?

Common cases when people don’t have ITR:

• Low income: In case a person’s income is not high enough to be eligible for paying taxes, they wouldn’t have ITR documents.

In this case, the applicant would be required to write a consent letter stating their reasons for not having an ITR.

• Student or Unemployed: If a person is unemployed and has no other means of income, they wouldn't be filing taxes and would have no ITR documents.

In this case, the applicant would be required to provide the ITR documents of their sponsor, which should match the requirements of the concerned embassy. In other cases, the bank statements and salary slips may be considered; however, it is likely that the visa will be rejected if the applicant is unable to produce ITR documents, either their own or those of their sponsor.