As the name suggests, an income certificate is an online document that specifies and confirms an individual’s or individual’s family income from all sources, including salary, companies, pension, and overseas remittances. It is issued by the government and is a proof of income of an individual or family member’s income. The online application of the applicant is verified and evaluated and an income certificate is issued upon evaluation.The main aim of our government is to manage the country and keep it progressing. The varied needs of the people as a whole should be kept in mind and a ‘push’ needs to be given wherever necessary. Various schemes have been launched by both the State and Central Governments that the citizens can benefit from. However, in a country where the population is in billions, it is difficult to identify who is genuinely eligible for what type of benefit.
What is an Income Certificate?
An Income Certificate is a document issued by an authority under the State Government certifying the annual income of a person or his family from all sources. The actual authority that issues such a certificate varies from state to state. It is usually the Village Tehsildars that issue the certificate but many states and union territories also have District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, Collector, Revenue Circle Officers, Sub Divisional Magistrates or other District Authorities appointed for this purpose.
What are the Uses of Income Certificate?
- Securing admission in educational institutions with reserved quotas for economically disadvantaged individuals, facilitating either free or discounted enrollment.
- Accessing scholarships offered by institutions/governments
- Availing medical benefits such as free or concessional treatment, subsidized medications, and financial aid for mothers of girl child.
- Obtaining loans from government employers at a concessional interest rate.
- Providing assistance to victims of natural disasters.
- Accessing various types of pensions, including those for widows, elderly individuals, and agricultural laborers.
- Accessing financial aid programs for ex-servicemen.
- Receiving free rations, among other benefits.
- Applying for government jobs reserved for specific categories.
- Claiming entitlement to government-provided accommodation, including hostels and flats.
How to Calculate Income for Income Certificate?
The calculation of income includes the income of all the earning members of the family, such as unmarried daughters, unmarried brothers, and sisters living together. The earnings of family members include –
- Salary of members working in organizations.
- Pension
- Daily/Weekly wage of laborer
- Business profits
- Consultancy charges
- Commissions of agency work
- Regular financial benefits include employee bonuses, deposit interest, rent, dividends, gain on sale of assets, gifts, and inheritances.
The income of an individual or all the earning family members can be calculated by adding income from all the sources.
- Income from Salary – It includes basic salary, dearness allowance, and special allowance. Traveling allowance, HRA, and honorarium received are excluded from the salary income.
- Business or professional earnings: We calculate business earnings, earnings from any profession, or consultation/agency work of a family member based on their Income Tax Return (ITR) filing. If the member doesn’t file taxes, we consider their income based on the declaration of the taxpayer.
- Pension income: We determine the income from a family member’s pension primarily from their Pension Payment Order (PPO). However, this excludes any amounts received from commutation.
- Daily wage or labor income: We take into account the declaration made by a daily laborer to calculate their daily or monthly wage income.
- Real estate income: Income earned by a family member from rent or brokerage charges in real estate is considered. However, this income is calculated after deducting annual maintenance charges.
How to Apply for Income Certificate Online?
- Visit the official website of the respective State/District to initiate the certificate application.
- Register on the website by creating a unique username and password, secured with a mobile number.
- Log in to your account and locate the option for “Applying for income certificate” or similar.
- Complete the online application by providing personal details such as name, age/date of birth, address (including district/taluka/village), gender, etc.
- Submit identification proof such as Ration card, Driving License, Voter’s ID, or other relevant documents.
- Provide Aadhar card details, as it is often mandatory for unique identification and to prevent fraudulent claims.
- Specify religion, caste, and sub-caste, along with relevant details if belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories.
- Include documents proving parental income, such as Income tax returns, Form 16, salary certificates, etc. These may need attestation by Gazetted Government Officers.
- Submit utility bills (rent, maintenance, electricity, telephone, etc.) as proof of address, also possibly requiring attestation by Gazetted Government Officers.
- Prepare an affidavit affirming the accuracy of the information provided in the application.
- Depending on the state’s infrastructure, submit the application either at the local district authority’s office or upload it online.
- Pay a nominal application fee, which varies depending on the state.
- The certificate is typically issued within 10 to 15 days after submission of the application.
FAQs
What are the Documents Required to Obtain Income Certificate?
- Identification proof like Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving license, passport, or a photo identity card issued by the Central or state government.
- Address proof such as a Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, passport, driver’s license, or any authorized document recognized by the Central or state government.
- Passport-sized color photograph.
- Ration card (BPL) or National Food Security Card, if applicable.
- Signed self-declaration from the applicant or head of the family.
- Additional documents like expenditure proof may be required based on individual state government or union territory regulations.
How to fill income certificate online in Rajasthan?
- Step 1. Visit the nearest e-mitra or CSC centre.
- Step 2. Obtain the form. The application form should be obtained from the concerned officer.
- Step 3. Enter the details.
- Step 4. Attach the documents
- Step 5. Submit the form