What is 26AS & How to Download ? ( Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners )
What Is Form 26AS? Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement linked to your PAN (Permanent Account Number). It shows all the taxes paid to the government on your behalf during a financial year. In simple words, Form 26AS is your tax passbook . It records how much tax has been deducted, collected, or paid by you and reported to the Income Tax Department. Why Is Form 26AS Important? Form 26AS is important because it helps you: • Verify tax deducted by employer or banks • Match tax details before filing ITR • Avoid tax notices due to mismatch • Track advance tax or self-assessment tax paid The Income Tax Department uses Form 26AS to cross-check your Income Tax Return. Who Can View Form 26AS? Any person who has a PAN can view Form 26AS. This includes salaried employees, freelancers, business owners, and investors. It is available online through the Income Tax portal and does not require any physical document. What Details Are Shown in Form 26AS? F...