Form 16A is a certificate issued for TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on non-salary income. It shows how much tax someone deducted from your payments and deposited with the government on your behalf.
When Do You Get Form 16A?
You receive it if TDS was deducted on:
- Interest from Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Payments from freelancing or contract work
- Rent, professional fees, or commission
- Earnings from business transactions
So, banks, companies, or clients who deduct TDS from your payments will give you Form 16A.
How to Get Form 16A
From Banks or Clients:
- Banks (FD interest) email or post Form 16A quarterly
- Clients issue Form 16A for freelancers or consultants
- Ask them for it if not received by 15 days after quarter-end
From Income Tax Portal:
If you’re a deductor (payer), log in to TRACES portal and download it:
- Log in → Go to “Downloads” → “Form 16A”
- Enter PAN of deductee, financial year, and quarter
- Download PDF with password-protected file (use PAN + DOB to open)
How to Fill Form 16A (If You’re Issuing It)
If you’re a deductor (payer), follow this:
Details to include:
- Your TAN & PAN
- Deductee’s PAN
- Amount paid & TDS deducted
- Nature of payment (e.g. rent, interest)
- Challan details (i.e., tax payment receipt info)
- Date of deduction and deposit
You must file TDS return (Form 26Q or 27Q) before issuing Form 16A.
Form 16A Format – Key Sections
| Section | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| Part A | Payer, PAN/TAN, and deductee details |
| Part B | Amount paid, nature of income, TDS deducted |
| Annexure | Challan details (BSR code, date, CIN) |
Why Form 16A Matters
- Helps you claim TDS already paid when filing ITR
- Appears in your Form 26AS summary
- Serves as proof of income for loans or visa applications
