Form 26AS is a crucial document for taxpayers in India as it provides a comprehensive summary of their tax-related information. This article aims to explain what Form 26AS is, who needs to file it, and how individuals can view and download it online.
What is Form 26AS? Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement that contains essential information related to a taxpayer’s income tax. It serves as a comprehensive record of tax payments made by the taxpayer, tax deducted at source (TDS), tax collected at source (TCS), and other tax-related details.
Who should file Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is not filed by individuals themselves. Instead, it is generated and maintained by the Income Tax Department of India based on the data submitted by various entities, such as employers, banks, and financial institutions, who deduct taxes on behalf of the taxpayer. Therefore, it is essential for taxpayers to ensure that their deductors provide accurate information to the tax department.
How to view and download Form 26AS online?
Taxpayers can conveniently access and download their Form 26AS online by following these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department of India.
- Register or log in to the e-Filing portal using your PAN (Permanent Account Number) and password.
- After logging in, select the “View Form 26AS” option under the “My Account” tab.
- You will be redirected to the TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) website.
- Choose the assessment year for which you wish to view or download Form 26AS.
- Select the desired format for downloading the form, such as HTML, PDF, or text.
- Verify your identity by entering the required details.
- Complete the authentication process through any of the available options, including Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or Demat account details.
- Once the authentication is successful, you can view and download your Form 26AS.
Conclusion: Form 26AS plays a vital role in facilitating the income tax filing process in India. Taxpayers should regularly review their Form 26AS to ensure the accuracy of their tax-related information. By following the simple steps mentioned above, individuals can conveniently access and download their Form 26AS online, thereby staying updated on their tax liabilities and related details.
