Filing your income tax return can feel overwhelming, but there’s one document that can make the process smooth and error-free—Form 26AS. Let’s break down what it is, why it matters, and how you can use it to avoid tax troubles this year.
What is Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is like your tax passbook. It’s a yearly statement provided by the Income Tax Department that shows all the taxes paid on your behalf, linked to your PAN. This includes:
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) by employers, banks, and others
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
- Advance tax and self-assessment tax payments
- Refunds issued
- High-value transactions like property sales, mutual fund investments, and large deposits
Why is Form 26AS Important?
Form 26AS helps you:
- Confirm that all your taxes have been properly credited
- Avoid missing out on tax credits or claiming excess, which can trigger tax notices
- Detect errors or mismatches before filing your return
- Ensure faster processing of refunds
Structure of Form 26AS
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in Form 26AS:
| Part | What It Shows |
| Part A | TDS details from salary, interest, pension, etc. |
| Part A1 | TDS where Form 15G/15H was submitted (no TDS deducted) |
| Part A2 | TDS on property transactions and payments to contractors/professionals |
| Part B | TCS details (tax collected at source) |
| Part C | Advance tax and self-assessment tax paid by you |
| Part D | Refunds received |
| Part E | Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT): high-value deals |
| Part F | TDS deducted by buyers/tenants (if you sold property or rented out) |
| Part G | TDS defaults or errors |
How to Download Form 26AS: Simple Steps
- Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal (www.incometax.gov.in)
- Enter your PAN and password
- Go to ‘Income Tax Returns’ and select ‘View Form 26AS’
- Click to proceed to the TRACES portal
- Choose the Assessment Year and download the form in PDF or HTML format
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to check TDS on fixed deposit interest
- Relying only on Form 16 (from your employer)
- Missing advance tax or self-assessment tax payments
- Not matching Form 26AS with the Annual Information Statement (AIS)
What if There’s a Mismatch?
If the details in Form 26AS don’t match your records:
- Contact the deductor (like your employer or bank) to correct their TDS return
- File a grievance through the e-filing portal
- Always use the latest Form 26AS and AIS before submitting your ITR
Form 26AS vs. AIS: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Form 26AS | AIS (Annual Information Statement) |
| Scope | Tax credits, TDS, TCS, refunds, SFT | Wider range: all financial transactions |
| Purpose | Verify tax credits and TDS/TCS | Overview of all financial activities |
| Replacement | Still required for ITR | Complements, but does not replace Form 26AS |
What is Form 16 and When Will You Get It?
- Form 16 is a certificate from your employer showing your salary, TDS, and tax deposited.
- Employers must issue Form 16 by June 15 of the next financial year.
