Everything You Need to Know About Form 26AS Before Filing ITR

Everything You Need to Know About Form 26AS Before Filing ITR

Form 26AS is one of the most important documents every taxpayer in India should be familiar with. Think of it as your annual tax credit statement, issued by the Income Tax Department, that brings together all the details of taxes linked to your PAN in one place. It shows the tax deducted by your employer or bank, any advance or self-assessment tax you've paid, and even records of certain high-value transactions. 

When it's time to file your Income Tax Return (ITR), this statement becomes your go-to guide to check if all the taxes deducted or paid on your behalf have been correctly credited.

In simple terms, form 26AS acts like a summary of your tax journey for the year. Understanding it well not only makes filing easier but also helps avoid mismatches or surprises later.

Why View Form 26AS Before Filing Your ITR?

Before filing your Income Tax Return, it's essential to review Form 26AS. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the taxes associated with your PAN for the year, enabling you to file with confidence. Here's why you should always check it first:

Verify TDS details

Form 26AS shows the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) by your employer, bank, or other deductors. Reviewing it ensures the TDS mentioned in your Form 16 or 16A matches the amount actually credited.

Confirm tax payments

If you've paid advance tax or self-assessment tax, the form helps you confirm that the Income Tax Department accurately records these payments.

Track high-value transactions

It also reflects certain specified transactions, such as large investments or property purchases, giving you visibility into what has already been reported to the department.

Reduce errors and notices

Cross-checking your ITR with Form 26AS minimises mismatches and lowers the chances of receiving a notice later.

In simple terms, reviewing Form 26AS before filing your return ensures accuracy, builds trust in the process, and makes your tax filing smoother.

How to Download Form 26AS from Income Tax Portal

• Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
• Log in using your PAN (as user ID), password, and captcha.
• On the dashboard, go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > View Form 26AS.
• You'll be redirected to the TRACES portal after confirming the disclaimer.
• Select the assessment year you want to view.
• Choose the format (HTML, PDF, or text).
• Click View/Download.
• Your Form 26AS will be displayed or downloaded, ready to cross-check before filing your ITR.

How to Download Form 26AS via Net Banking

• Log in to your bank's net banking portal (ensure your PAN is linked).
• Look for the "Tax Services" or "Income Tax e-filing" option.
• Click on View Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement).
• You'll be redirected securely to the TRACES website.
• Select the assessment year and format (HTML/PDF).
• View or download your Form 26AS.

This method saves time since you don't need to log in separately to the Income Tax portal.

Understanding the Parts of Form 26AS

Form 26AS is divided into several sections, each highlighting a different aspect of your tax activity. Knowing what each part means helps you read the statement with clarity and ensures you don’t miss important details.

Together, these parts give you a complete snapshot of your tax journey for the year.

How to Read and Verify Entries in Form 26AS

Form 26AS may seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes simple to read if you know what to look for. Each entry reflects a specific tax activity and verifying them ensures your return is accurate.

• Match TDS in Part A with Form 16/16A from your employer or deductor.
• Check the advance tax or self-assessment tax in Part C against your challan receipts.
• Confirm refunds in Part D with your bank account records.
• Review high-value transactions in Part E to ensure they’re correctly reported.
• Verify demand or adjustment details in Part I.
• Flag any mismatches early for correction.

By carefully going through each part, you reduce the chance of errors and make your tax filing stress-free.

Benefits of Form 26AS

Form 26AS is more than just a statement; it’s your single source of truth for taxes. Understanding its advantages helps you see why it’s such an important document before filing your return.

• Single reference point: Brings all tax details linked to your PAN into one place.
• Accuracy check: Allows you to cross-verify TDS, TCS, and tax payments with your ITR.
• Transparency: Shows what employers, banks, or institutions have reported to the department.
• Refund tracking: Displays refund amounts, dates, and mode of credit.
• Transaction record: Reflects high-value investments or expenditures reported to the department.
• Error prevention: Helps avoid mismatches while filing.
• Notice avoidance: Lowers the chances of scrutiny or queries from the tax department.
• Financial clarity: Provides a yearly snapshot for improved planning.
• Compliance support: Ensures smooth ITR processing by aligning data and ensuring accuracy.

In short, Form 26AS simplifies the filing process, keeps you informed, and builds trust in the system.

Common Discrepancies & How to Get Them Corrected

While Form 26AS is generally reliable, errors can occur. Identifying them early helps you fix issues before they affect your return.

• TDS mismatch: Check with Form 16/16A and ask the deductor to revise if necessary.
• Missing tax payment: Verify the challan details; request correction through your bank.
• Refund not shown: Confirm your account details and update them on the portal if they are incorrect.
• Wrong PAN entry: Request the deductor to correct it in their filings.
• High-value transaction missing: Contact the reporting institution for rectification.

Always resolve discrepancies before filing. A quick review saves you from delays, mismatches, and unwanted notices.

Form 26AS for NRIs & Special Cases (e.g., Pensioners)

Form 26AS is equally important for NRIs and individuals with unique tax situations, such as pensioners. For NRIs, it reflects TDS on income earned in India—like rent, interest, or capital gains—helping them confirm that taxes deducted have been correctly reported. Pensioners can also rely on it to track TDS deducted from pension income by banks or disbursing authorities.

By reviewing Form 26AS, both groups gain clarity on their tax status, avoid mismatches, and ensure a smooth ITR filing process.

AN Sep 59/25