As the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) approaches, salaried employees are eagerly awaiting their Form 16—a key document summarizing salary details, tax deductions, and exemptions. But depending only on Form 16 for filing your return can be risky. Mismatches in TDS, incorrect PAN details, or missing exemptions are more common than you think.

Before filing your ITR, it’s essential to cross-check Form 16 with Form 26AS, a comprehensive tax credit statement. Here's why it matters and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why Cross-Checking with Form 26AS Is Crucial

Form 16 is divided into two parts:

• Part A: Contains TDS details, PAN, and TAN of the employer

• Part B: Includes salary breakup, deductions claimed, and taxable income

While Form 16 is a key document for salaried taxpayers, errors in PAN details, TDS figures, or omitted exemptions are not uncommon. This is where Form 26AS becomes invaluable.

Form 26AS, generated by the Income Tax Department, reflects all taxes credited to your PAN, including TDS deducted by employers, banks, or other entities. It also shows advance tax, self-assessment tax, and high-value transactions. Comparing it with Form 16 helps you spot discrepancies early—and avoid future tax troubles.

Common Errors in Form 16 and How to Fix Them

If you discover any inconsistencies between Form 16 and Form 26AS, don’t panic—act swiftly:

• For errors in Part A (like wrong PAN or incorrect TDS): Contact your employer immediately. They may need to file a revised TDS return on the TRACES portal.

• For mistakes in Part B (e.g., incorrect salary breakup or missed deductions): Ask HR or payroll to issue a revised Form 16.

Ensuring accurate information in your ITR not only prevents errors but also reduces the chances of receiving a tax notice later.

Form 16 May Not Reflect the Whole Picture

Sometimes, employers make additional mistakes that go unnoticed:

• Wrong tax slab applied

• Failure to include income from a previous employer

• Missed deductions due to lack of proof submission

Remember, just because an exemption isn’t reflected in Form 16 doesn’t mean you can’t claim it. If you forgot to submit proof for deductions (like HRA, 80C, or 80D), you can still claim them while filing your ITR—just keep the documents safely stored in case of future scrutiny.

What is Form 26AS and Where to Get It?

Form 26AS is an annual tax credit statement linked to your PAN. It reflects:

• TDS deducted and deposited by employers and others

• Advance and self-assessment tax paid

• Refunds issued by the Income Tax Department

• High-value financial transactions

You can download Form 26AS via the Income Tax Department’s official website or through net banking of authorized banks. Verifying that the tax deducted from your income has been properly deposited with the government helps prevent unwanted surprises during assessment.

Final Thoughts: Form 16 is Not the Final Word

While Form 16 is an important document, it’s not foolproof. Errors and omissions can occur, especially in companies with large workforces or manual payroll processing. Relying solely on it can cost you—either in the form of missed deductions or tax notices due to mismatches.

Always cross-check your Form 16 with Form 26AS. Make it a routine part of your tax filing process. If you find any mismatch or error, connect with your HR or payroll team without delay and ensure corrections are made.

Filing your ITR with accurate and verified data is the key to stress-free tax compliance and avoiding legal hassles later.