Understanding Form 26AS
Think of Form 26AS as your tax passbook. Here's how to read it, verify your TDS, and use it to file an accurate — and complete — ITR.
What is Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement linked to your PAN. It shows tax deducted on your behalf, tax collected at source, any advance tax or self-assessment tax you've paid, and refunds the Income Tax Department has already issued you.
Always check it before filing your ITR — it's the quickest way to confirm every rupee of tax deducted on your income has actually been recorded against your PAN.
Illustrative example — not real data
PAN Number
ABCDE1234F
Total TDS
₹12,450
Why Should You Check Form 26AS?
What Information Appears in Form 26AS?
Example
| Deductor | Income Paid | TDS |
|---|---|---|
| Swiggy | ₹4,00,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Zomato | ₹3,50,000 | ₹3,500 |
If your actual tax liability turns out lower than the TDS already deducted here, that difference becomes a refund once you file your ITR.
Form 26AS vs AIS
| Form 26AS | AIS |
|---|---|
| Tax credit information only | Complete financial picture |
| A short summary | A far more detailed statement |
In short: 26AS tells you what tax was deducted; AIS tells you that plus most of your other reported financial activity for the year. Check both before filing.
Common Problems to Watch For
Found TDS in Form 26AS?
You may be eligible for a refund. Let RefundBaba check your records and file your return correctly.
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