The ITR that you file is only as good as the source from which you update the data. Ensuring that the source data is correct is essential before starting the e-filing process. This includes the tax credit statement form 26AS.

What is Form 26AS?

Form 26AS is basically a consolidated tax credit statement that has all the details of various taxes deducted on your income at source. Form 26AS is the tax passbook which enlists the detail of taxes deposited on account of taxpayer during the financial year. These taxes can be in form of TDS (tax deducted at source), TCS (tax collected at source). You can access Form 26AS from the tax department’s website. Some banks also provide access to Form 26AS for their account holders. Earlier, details regarding advance tax and self-assessment tax were available in Form 26AS. However, this information is now reflected in the Annual Information System (AIS), which can be accessed through the Income Tax website by logging in.

What happens if there is a mismatch?

If there is a mismatch in the amount of TDS claimed in income tax return and the amount of TDS appearing in Form 26AS, the assessing officer will provide credit only for that amount which appears in Form 26AS. In this case, the taxpayer shall be issued a demand notice requiring him to deposit the tax equivalent to mismatch in the amount of TDS. However, if tax is refundable to him/her, it shall be reduced by the amount of TDS wrongly claimed in the ITR.

Reasons for Mismatch

  1. Tax deductor might have failed to submit the amount of TDS with the government
  2. Deductor failed to submit TDS return
  3. Wrong PAN was quoted by the deductor in TDS return
  4. Incorrect amount entered in the TDS return
  5. Mistake in the chosen Assessment year
  6. Incomplete details of the assessee in the TDS return
  7. Mismatch in the TDS quoted and the actual TDS deducted

Thus, in such situation, a taxpayer should contact the tax deductor to rectify the discrepancies found in Form 26AS.

Any assistance or guidance needed in relation to Income Tax E-Filing or any other matters, please reach out to us at contact@msassociates.pro

 

Form 26AS vs AIS — What Should You Check for ITR?

Aspect Form 26AS AIS (Annual Information Statement)
Purpose Shows tax credits mapped to your PAN (TDS/TCS, etc.) Comprehensive view of financial transactions reported to the department
Key Contents TDS/TCS details, deductor info, TAN, amounts credited TDS/TCS + interest/dividends, securities, mutual funds, property, high-value spends, etc.
Use in Return Primary source to validate tax credit available Helps reconcile income/transactions beyond 26AS to avoid mismatch
When to Check Before filing ITR to ensure TDS/TCS matches return claims Before filing ITR to ensure all incomes/transactions are reported correctly
If Mismatch Found Contact deductor to correct TDS return (PAN/amount/AY) Acknowledge/submit feedback in AIS; update ITR entries accordingly

Quick tip: Use 26AS to verify tax credit and AIS to ensure all incomes/transactions are captured. Together, they reduce notices and refund delays.

How to Download Form 26AS (Income Tax Portal / Net Banking)

A) From Income Tax e-Filing Portal

  1. Go to incometax.gov.in and Login with your PAN and password.
  2. From the top menu, go to e-File » Income Tax Returns » View Form 26AS (Tax Credit).
  3. Click Confirm to be redirected to the TRACES page (new tab).
  4. Select Assessment Year and choose HTML (on-screen) or PDF format.
  5. Click View/Download. Save the file for your records.

B) Via Authorized Bank Net Banking

  1. Login to your bank’s Net Banking (bank must be authorized on TRACES).
  2. Find the Tax Services / View 26AS option (location varies by bank).
  3. Proceed to TRACES without separate login (single sign-on).
  4. Select Assessment Year and View/Download Form 26AS.

Note: Net Banking access to 26AS is view only. For corrections, contact the deductor or use the portal workflow.

How Tax Credit Flows from Deductor to Your Refund

Employer/Bank/Deductor deducts TDS
↓
Deductor deposits TDS with Govt & files TDS return (PAN, AY, amount)
↓
Credit appears in your Form 26AS
↓
You file ITR matching TDS with 26AS (reconcile with AIS)
↓
Match ✔ → Smooth processing & faster Refund
Mismatch ✖ → Demand/Notice till deductor corrects return

Case Study: Fixing a TDS Mismatch in Form 26AS

Scenario

A salaried employee filed ITR claiming TDS of ₹1,20,000 based on the employer’s payslips. Form 26AS showed only ₹90,000. A demand notice was raised for the difference.

Diagnosis

  • Employer filed TDS return with incorrect PAN for Q4.
  • AIS reflected salary income correctly, but 26AS credit was short.

Resolution Steps

  1. Employee requested employer to file a revised TDS return (PAN corrected, AY validated).
  2. After processing, the corrected credit appeared in Form 26AS within the next cycle.
  3. Employee filed a Rectification u/s 154 to match ITR with updated 26AS.

Outcome

Demand was nullified and refund released. Lesson: Always reconcile ITR with both 26AS (tax credit) and AIS (reported incomes) before filing.

FAQs — Form 26AS, AIS & TDS Mismatch

What is Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is your tax credit statement that shows TDS/TCS and other tax credits reported against your PAN for a financial year. It is the primary source to verify the tax credit you can claim in ITR.
How do I check my tax credit online?
Log in to incometax.gov.in → e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Form 26AS. You can also access 26AS via authorized bank Net Banking. Cross-verify incomes with AIS to avoid mismatch.
What should I do if TDS doesn’t match between my ITR and 26AS?
First, confirm details in AIS and 26AS. Then ask the deductor (employer/bank) to file a revised TDS return correcting PAN/amount/AY. After 26AS updates, file a Rectification u/s 154 if a demand was raised.
Is AIS replacing Form 26AS?
No. AIS provides a wider view of financial transactions, while 26AS remains the core tax credit statement. Check both before filing to prevent notices or refund delays.
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