Form 16 is a certificate issued by your employer that shows how much salary you earned and how much tax was deducted (TDS) from it. It also includes exemptions like HRA, LTA, or deductions under sections like 80C, if you've submitted the right documents.
Form 26AS is provided by the government and gives a full record of the tax deducted on all your incomes—not just salary. It shows TDS from banks, employers, or any other source linked to your PAN. It also includes TCS (Tax Collected at Source) and any advance tax you paid.
While Form 16 shows only salary-related TDS, Form 26AS gives a broader picture. So, comparing both before filing your ITR ensures that all details are correct and complete.
If there's a mismatch between the two forms, you may face issues like wrong tax calculation, denial of credit, or even a notice from the tax department. Common issues include:
In such cases, contact your employer or deductor to correct and revise their TDS return.
Filing ITR with incorrect details can lead to penalties, delay in refunds, or defective return notices. Matching both forms helps ensure your income and TDS are reported accurately.
Read more: ITR Filing 2025: How to Report Dividend Income?
Always compare Form 16 and Form 26AS before filing your income tax return. It’s a simple but crucial step that can help you avoid errors, delays, and notices. Double-checking now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Jun 26, 2025, 12:10 PM IST
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