Process to get Income Certificate in India

The income certificate is an official document issued to Indian citizens that certifies an individual's annual income. The state government issues it. It helps and provides benefits to the weaker sections of the society, the concept of Income certificate was put in line.

Income certificates include the details about the income earned from various sources of an individual or family. Through this article, we will discuss the process involved in obtaining the income certificate.

What is the purpose of obtaining an Income Certificate?

An income certificate acts as proof of an individual's earnings required to be submitted for receiving various benefits introduced by the government for the welfare of the citizens. Some of which are:

• For getting admission to educational institutions where quota is reserved for those belonging to economically weak backgrounds.
• For getting scholarships.
• For availing medical benefits.
• For getting old-age pension or widow's pension.
• For obtaining loans at a concessional interest rate; and more.

How to apply for an Income Certificate?

Income certificate form can be filed through the online portal of the respective state. The issuing authority of income certificates varies from state to state. The process for same is as follows:

• Visit the online portal for the respective State / District of the applicant. Such as for Delhi, the website is (https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/) and for Gujarat, it's (https://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in/CitizenNew/CitizenServicesNew.aspx)
• Applicant needs to create a login ID by registering an account on such portal.
• After successful registration of an account, log in to the account.
• Check and click on the option of "Apply for income certificate"/ “income certificate,” or there might be similar terms for websites of the respective state.
• An income certificate online application will appear. Applicants must fill in the required details in the respective column. The details include name, age, date of birth, address, etc.
• The applicant needs to attach an affidavit with the online application form stating that all particulars in the application are true to the best of your knowledge.
• Submit the application form along with other mandatory documents online. After that, it will generate an application number.
• Income certificate status can be traced using the above-generated application number through the same portal.
• After submitting the online application and the documents, the concerned department will scrutinize the documents and verify all the details.
• After verification applicant will be issued the income certificate.
• Applicants must visit the online portal and find the income certificate download or similar option. Then enter the application number and download the certificate.

What documents are essential to apply for an Income Certificate?

• Application form.
• Identity proof, Residential Proof (Residential Certificate as obtained by Local administration office/ Aadhar / Passport / DL/ Ration Card / PAN Card/ other valid ID)
• Passport size photograph and proof of age (birth or school certificate)
• Self-declaration by applicant
• Proof of income (can provide tax return, Salary certificate, etc.)
• Two different Gazetted Officers certifications (as directed)
• Education documents (duly signed)
• COI/SSC/ICC/Voters ID of self or father (Attested copy)

The applicant needs to affix a stamp as per the direction of the authorities (as and when required).