Form 26AS

Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It provides a comprehensive summary of the taxes deducted on your behalf, taxes paid by you, and other related information. This form is essential for verifying the details before filing your Income Tax Return (ITR).

What is Form 26AS?

Form 26AS includes the following details:

• Tax Deducted at Source (TDS): Details of TDS deducted by employers, banks, and other institutions.
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Information about TCS collected by sellers.
• Advance Tax/Self-Assessment Tax: Payments made by you towards your tax liability.
• Refunds: Any tax refunds issued to you by the Income Tax Department.
• High-Value Transactions: Details of specified financial transactions, such as property purchases, mutual fund investments, etc.

How to View and Download Form 26AS Online

You can access Form 26AS through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal or via net banking if your bank is authorized.

A. Through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

1. Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal.
2. Login: Use your PAN as the User ID along with your password. If you’re a new user, click on ‘Register’ to create an account.
3. Navigate to Form 26AS:
   • After logging in, go to the ‘e-File’ menu.
   • Select ‘Income Tax Returns’ and then click on ‘View Form 26AS’.
4. Proceed to TRACES:
   • Read the disclaimer and click ‘Confirm’.
   • You’ll be redirected to the TDS-CPC (TRACES) website.
5. View Tax Credit Statement:
   • On the TRACES portal, agree to the usage terms and click ‘Proceed’.
   • Click on ‘View Tax Credit (Form 26AS)’.
6. Select Assessment Year and Format:
   • Choose the relevant Assessment Year.
   • Select the format in which you wish to view the form (HTML, Text, or PDF).
   • Click ‘View/Download’.
7. Password for PDF:
   • If you download the form in PDF format, it is password-protected.
   • The password is your Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format.

B. Through Net Banking

If your bank is authorized by the Income Tax Department, you can view Form 26AS through its net banking portal.

1. Login to Net Banking: Access your bank’s net banking portal using your credentials.
2. Locate Form 26AS Option: Navigate to the section where you can view Form 26AS or Tax Credit Statement.
3. Access Form 26AS: Click on the appropriate link, and you’ll be redirected to the TRACES website to view your Form 26AS.

Ensure that your PAN is correctly linked to your bank account to use this facility.

Importance of Form 26AS

• Verification: Ensures that the TDS deducted by various entities has been correctly deposited with the government.
• Accuracy: Helps in accurate filing of your Income Tax Return by providing a consolidated view of your tax credits.
• Transparency: Provides transparency in your financial transactions and tax payments.
• Compliance: Assists in compliance with tax laws by keeping track of high-value transactions and tax deductions.

For more detailed information and assistance, you can visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal or consult with a tax professional.