Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a critical element of the Indian taxation system, designed to collect taxes at the source of income generation. It ensures a steady flow of revenue to the government and makes it easier for taxpayers to fulfil their annual tax obligations. However, various taxpayers are often left wondering about the status of their TDS claims after filing their returns. With the advancement of digital platforms, checking the status of TDS claims online has become much easier, smoother, and more accessible. This article will deal with and discuss the comprehensive guide on how to check your TDS claim status online, ensuring that you stay informed and updated.
What is TDS and Why is It Important?
Before we go into the steps to check TDS claim status, it’s essential to understand what TDS is. TDS is the amount of tax that is deducted by the payer (such as an employer, bank, or other entity) before making payments like salaries, interest, commissions, or rent to the payee. The deducted tax is then deposited with the government on behalf of the payee, and it reflects in the payee’s tax credit.
TDS helps reduce tax evasion by ensuring that tax liabilities are met at the source. However, sometimes taxpayers may notice discrepancies in their TDS credits, which is why regularly checking the TDS claim status is crucial.
How to Check TDS Claim Status Online?
The Indian Income Tax Department offers multiple online tools to track TDS claim status. The primary portals are:
- TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
- Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Let’s go through both methods step-by-step.
1. Checking TDS Claim Status via TRACES
TRACES is a dedicated and official portal that is managed by the Income Tax Department to facilitate the management of TDS processes you need to follow. Here’s how you can use TRACES to check your TDS claim status:
Step 1: Access the TRACES Portal
- Visit the TRACES website: https://contents.tdscpc.gov.in.
Step 2: Login as a Taxpayer
- Click on the ‘Login’ button.
- Select ‘Taxpayer’.
- Enter your User ID (PAN), Password, and Captcha code.
- Click ‘Login’.
If you are not registered, you will need to complete a one-time registration using your PAN and personal details.
Step 3: View Form 26AS
- After logging in, click on ‘View / Download Form 26AS’.
- Form 26AS is a consolidated annual tax statement showing details of TDS, TCS (Tax Collected at Source), advance tax, and other tax credits.
- Select the Assessment Year (e.g., for FY 2024-25, select AY 2025-26).
- Choose the format (HTML, PDF, or text) and click ‘View / Download’.
Step 4: Review TDS Details
- Form 26AS will show:
-
- TDS is deducted and deposited by various deductors (e.g., employer, bank).
-
- TAN of the deductor, the amount of payment, the date of deduction, and the amount credited.
- Verify if all TDS claims reflect correctly.
2. Checking TDS Claim Status via Income Tax e-Filing Portal
The Income Tax e-Filing portal also provides a simple method to view TDS status.
Step 1: Access the e-Filing Portal
- Visit the e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
Step 2: Login to Your Account
- Click ‘Login’ and enter your User ID (PAN or Aadhaar), Password, and Captcha.
- After logging in, you’ll be directed to your Dashboard.
Step 3: Access Form 26AS
- Navigate to ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘View Form 26AS’.
- You’ll be redirected to the TRACES portal within the e-Filing platform.
- Agree to the usage terms and select the Assessment Year.
- Choose the viewing format (HTML/PDF) and download the Form 26AS.
Step 4: Verify TDS Credits
- Check if the TDS amounts mentioned match the entries on your payslips, bank interest certificates, or other income documents.
- Discrepancies could be due to incorrect TAN, non-filing of TDS returns by the deductor, or clerical errors.
How to Resolve TDS Discrepancies?
If you notice that your TDS claim status does not reflect expected credits:
- Contact the Deductor: Reach out to your employer, bank, or the deducting entity to ensure they have filed their TDS returns correctly (Form 24Q/26Q/27Q) and mentioned your correct PAN.
- File a Grievance: If the deductor has filed correctly and the problem still exists, then you can raise a grievance on the Income Tax portal by following the ‘Grievances’ section
- Rectification Request: In case the discrepancy leads to a demand notice or reduced refund, consider filing a rectification request under Section 154.
Key Points to Remember
- Form 26AS is the primary document for checking TDS claims. It consolidates all TDS credits under your PAN.
- TRACES and Income Tax e-Filing portals are both linked; Form 26AS can be accessed from either.
- Always ensure the deductor files TDS returns on time and correctly mentions your PAN.
- Verify TDS details before filing your income tax return to avoid discrepancies.
- You can also use the option of AIS (Annual Information Statement) for additional tax-related information, which also includes high-value transactions.
Conclusion
Checking your TDS claim status online is an important and useful practice for every taxpayer. With the help of official digital portals like TRACES and the Income Tax e-Filing platform, it has become easier and smoother than ever to track your TDS credits and ensure that your tax payments are accurately and properly accounted for. Regularly verifying your TDS status can help you avoid future hassles and discrepancies and ensure timely tax refunds.
Stay proactive and informed about your TDS status to ensure a smooth tax filing experience.
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