ITR Filing 2025: Check Why Filling Form 26AS and AIS Is Important for You

The Income Tax Department has made big improvements in recent years to make filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) easier for everyone. The e-filing process is now smoother, and if you log in to the official portal, you’ll see that many details are already filled in — thanks to data from your Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS).

But this convenience raises an important question: If the details are already pre-filled, why do you still need to check Form 26AS and AIS? 

Why You Must Review Form 26AS and AIS Before ITR Filing 2025

Form 26AS and AIS are like mirrors — they help you double-check your tax-related information. Even if most of the work is done by the portal, skipping this step can be risky. If there are any errors or missing entries, you might face issues later, like a delayed tax refund or even a notice from the Income Tax Department.

ITR Filing 2025: What is Form 26AS?

Form 26AS is a tax credit statement. It shows the total tax deposited under your PAN, including:

• TDS deducted on your salary or other income
• Advance tax or self-assessment tax paid by you
• Refunds received
• High-value transactions like property purchases or large mutual fund investments

If something looks wrong — say, a TDS entry is missing — you should contact the deductor (employer, bank, etc.) to get it corrected. 

You might like: Income Tax Return 2025: How Many Times Can You Switch Tax Regimes While Filing ITR?

ITR Filing 2025: What is AIS?

AIS, or Annual Information Statement, is a detailed version of Form 26AS. It includes:

• Interest from banks
• Dividend income
• Stock or mutual fund transactions
• Rent received
• Foreign remittances
• High credit card spends 

AIS shows the Income Tax Department’s complete view of your financial activities. If you notice any wrong or unfamiliar entries, you can give feedback directly on the portal and ask for corrections.

AIS vs Form 26AS: What’s the Difference?

While Form 26AS focuses on taxes deducted and high-value investments, AIS provides a broader picture. AIS includes more details like rent, savings account interest, and share transactions. It also gives you the option to provide feedback — something 26AS does not. 

What Should You Do Before Filing ITR for AY 2025–26?

Before you file your return for Assessment Year 2025–26, take 10-15 minutes to go through Form 26AS and AIS. Make sure:

• All sources of income are correctly reported.
• TDS entries match your records.
• No income or major expense is wrongly listed. 

This simple step can save you from future troubles.

Conclusion 

Even though e-filing has become simpler, checking Form 26AS and AIS is a must. It’s your chance to ensure your data is correct and your return is accurate. Start now and stay stress-free before the 31 July 2025 deadline!
 
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