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Form 16, Form 26AS and AIS: what each one shows before you file

Three documents, one purpose: making sure the income and tax in your return match what the tax department already knows.

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Before you file your income tax return, compare three documents. Mismatches between them are a common reason for notices.

What each document contains
DocumentIssued byWhat it shows
Form 16Your employerSalary paid and tax deducted at source (TDS) during the year
Form 26ASIncome Tax DepartmentTax credits against your PAN: TDS, TCS and taxes you paid
AISIncome Tax DepartmentA wider record of financial transactions, such as interest, dividends and securities sales

How to use them#

  1. Download Form 26AS and AIS from the income tax e-filing portal.
  2. Check that TDS in Form 16 matches Form 26AS.
  3. Check AIS for interest, dividends or sales you might have missed.
  4. If something in AIS is wrong, submit feedback on the portal before filing.

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