An income statement is an important document issued by our central and state governments that verifies an individual’s income. It plays an important role when it comes to applying for government schemes, subsidies, scholarships, and other benefits. Through your income certificate, it can be decided whether you are eligible for the government schemes or not.

Thus, if you are interested in availing these benefits, you need to know how to download your income certificate online and keep it handy whenever required.

What is an Income Certificate and Why Do You Need It?

An income certificate is a proof of income issued by the government that includes the amount of money an individual has earned through the following sources:

  • Salary

  • Pensions

  • Rental income

  • Daily earnings

Below are some situations in which you will require an income certificate handy:

  • To get a scholarship

  • To get a reservation in school/college admission

  • To obtain a concession in tuition fees

  • To get compensation for loss occurred due to natural calamities

  • To get medical treatment benefits

  • To get financial assistance from the government 

  • To apply for a loan in the SC/ST quota

  • To receive a pension from the government

Process to Apply for an Income Certificate

  • As the income certificate is issued according to the state you belong to, you will first have to go to the online portal of your respective state or district. For example, if you are from Gujarat, you will have to go to the “Digital Gujarat” portal. 

  • Alternatively, you can also go to the “National Government Services Portal” and search for ‘income certificate’ in the search bar. You can then find the name of your state and go to that link.

  • Next, use your mobile number to create a username and password on the portal.

  • Log in to the account and look for “Apply for Income Certificate” or a similar option on the site.

  • Provide all the details that are asked for in the application form.

  • Upload all the documents required. The exact documents required will be mentioned on the website itself. You can also refer to the list mentioned below in the blog.

  • Submit the application form. Next, download the acknowledgement.

If you can’t apply for the certificate online,

  • You can visit your nearest Tahsildar office.

  • Fill out the income certificate application form there and submit it along with the required documents.

  • There may be a small fee for requesting the certificate (this fee varies by state).

  • Once you submit the form, your certificate will be issued within 10 to 15 days.

Steps to Download Your Income Certificate

  • Log into your state’s portal with your phone number

  • Find the option of 'Get Status' or 'Track Application' and click on it

  • Enter your 16-digit application number. You will be able to locate it in the acknowledgement receipt

  • Click on the 'Approved application'

  • Enter your 16-digit acknowledgement number to locate your application

  • Click on the 'Download' option

Eligibility Criteria to Get an Income Certificate

To get an income certificate, you must meet a few requirements:

  1. Be a resident of India and show valid proof of residence.

  2. Have a family income that falls within the government's limits. A valid ration card usually helps prove this.

  3. Documents including identity proof, income proof, and proof of residence. 

Documents Required to Get an Income Certificate

  • Address Proof: This could be a ration card, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or anything similar.

  • Identity Proof: A PAN card, passport, or driving license will work for this.

  • Income Proof: Show your salary slips, income tax returns, or anything else that shows your income.

  • Caste certificate (if required): Only required if you belong to a SC/ST or any other reserved category.

  • Other documents (if asked for): The issuing authority might ask for additional documents.

Make sure to check with the issuing authority or online portal for their specific requirements. This way, you'll have everything you need for a smooth application process.

Validity Period of an Income Certificate

Your income certificate is only valid for the financial year it mentions. This means you need to get a new one each year to keep it valid. When you apply for a new certificate, they might ask for your old one as proof.

Recommended Read: How Can I Download My Income Tax Certificate? 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we download an income certificate with an Aadhaar number?

No, you cannot download an income certificate using only an Aadhaar number. You will need to provide your 16-digit acknowledgement number.

2. What documents will I require to apply for an income certificate?

To apply for an income certificate, you'll need proof of residence, identity, income, and possibly caste (if applicable).

3. Who issues an income certificate?

The income certificate is issued by the authorised government authority including village tehsildars, deputy commissioners, district magistrate, district collector, and other similar authorities.

4. What are the reasons for the rejection of an income certificate application?

Reasons for rejection could be missing documents, incomplete information, failure to meet eligibility, or discrepancies in the provided documents.

5. How much is the processing time to get an income certificate?

The processing time for an income certificate can vary depending on the authority, but it can normally take a few weeks.

 

Disclaimer: This page includes information that has been compiled from many sources and is only offered for informational purposes. Since this type of data might change over time, we cannot guarantee that the information supplied or included within it is accurate. It is anticipated that the user would confirm with the relevant source prior to taking any choices or actions.