Every taxpayer in India should be familiar with Form 26AS, a consolidated annual tax statement that plays a crucial role during income tax return filing. This statement includes details of tax deducted at source (TDS), advance tax, self-assessment tax, and refunds received, among other financial activities. One of the easiest ways to access this information is by using your PAN number. Knowing how to view Form 26AS by PAN number ensures transparency, accuracy, and convenience in managing your taxes and complying with government regulations. This guide will explain the importance of Form 26AS, how to view it using your PAN, and other related information.
What Is Form 26AS?
Understanding the Statement
Form 26AS is a statement maintained by the Income Tax Department of India. It reflects all tax-related transactions linked to a PAN (Permanent Account Number). This document helps taxpayers verify whether the taxes deducted on their behalf have been correctly deposited with the government and credited to their PAN.
Key Components of Form 26AS
- TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) by employers, banks, or others
- Advance tax and self-assessment tax payments
- Refunds issued by the Income Tax Department
- High-value transactions like property purchase or mutual fund investments
- Details of Annual Information Statement (AIS) for some assessment years
Why It Is Important to View Form 26AS by PAN No
Accuracy in Filing Returns
Checking your Form 26AS helps ensure all the taxes deducted on your behalf are accurately recorded. Any mismatch in the tax amounts can cause your income tax return to be rejected or lead to notices from the department. Verifying Form 26AS by PAN number guarantees that your tax credits match what is filed.
Proof of Tax Payment
Form 26AS serves as legal proof that the tax deducted has been deposited with the government. Whether it’s salary income, bank interest, or professional income, every source that deducts TDS must report it against your PAN. This statement provides documented confirmation of those payments.
Early Identification of Errors
Accessing Form 26AS early during the financial year allows you to detect any discrepancies or missing entries. For example, if your employer deducted TDS but it does not appear in Form 26AS, the error can be corrected well before return filing deadlines.
How to View Form 26AS Using PAN Number
Via Income Tax Portal
The most direct and secure way to access Form 26AS is through the official income tax e-filing portal. Here’s how to view your tax statement using your PAN:
- Visit the official income tax e-filing website.
- Log in using your PAN as the user ID, along with your password and date of birth.
- Navigate to the e-File menu.
- Select Income Tax Returns and then click View Form 26AS.
- You’ll be redirected to the TRACES website. Agree to the terms and proceed.
- Select the relevant Assessment Year and format (HTML, text, or PDF).
- View or download your Form 26AS for reference.
Using Net Banking
You can also view Form 26AS by PAN number through internet banking, provided your PAN is linked to your bank account and the bank is authorized by the Income Tax Department.
- Log in to your bank’s net banking platform.
- Look for the Tax Services’ or Income Tax’ section.
- Select the View Form 26AS option.
- You’ll be redirected to the TRACES site where you can access the form without separate login credentials.
TRACES Portal Access
TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) is the platform where Form 26AS is hosted. Although access is usually through the income tax portal, TRACES allows viewing and downloading Form 26AS based on PAN-linked activity.
Form 26AS Format and Structure
Different Parts Explained
Form 26AS is divided into various parts to present a comprehensive tax summary:
- Part A: Details of TDS on salary, interest, commission, etc.
- Part B: Details of TCS (Tax Collected at Source)
- Part C: Information on self-assessment and advance tax paid by the taxpayer
- Part D: Refunds issued by the Income Tax Department
- Part E: AIR transactions, such as mutual funds or property purchases
- Part F: TDS on sale of immovable property
- Part G: TDS defaults, if any, identified during processing
Assessment Year Selection
It is essential to select the correct assessment year when viewing or downloading Form 26AS. For example, income earned in the financial year 2023-24 falls under the assessment year 2024-25.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Mismatch in PAN
If your PAN is not correctly linked to the bank account or employer records, your Form 26AS may not reflect the TDS entries. Always ensure accurate PAN updates in all financial documents and transactions.
Delayed Updates
There may be a delay of a few weeks between TDS deduction and its appearance in Form 26AS. If a recent transaction isn’t listed, wait until the next update cycle or follow up with the deductor.
Incorrect Entries
If you spot an incorrect entry such as TDS credited to your PAN in error you should contact the deductor or raise a grievance through the e-filing portal to get it corrected.
Tips for Better Tax Compliance
- Check Form 26AS periodically throughout the year, not just before filing returns.
- Always match your income tax return with the details in Form 26AS to avoid notices.
- Inform employers, banks, and other deductors if your PAN changes or is updated.
- Download the form before filing returns to maintain a digital copy for records.
Viewing Form 26AS by PAN number is a vital step in maintaining accurate and compliant tax records. This statement reflects your entire tax footprint and acts as a mirror of the taxes paid on your behalf. Whether accessed through the income tax portal, net banking, or TRACES, the process is straightforward, provided your PAN is correctly linked to all relevant financial activities. As a responsible taxpayer, regularly reviewing this document helps avoid discrepancies, ensures timely refunds, and simplifies the income tax return filing process. Staying informed and proactive can make your tax experience more efficient and stress-free.