Question
I need Form 16 to file my income tax return and want to understand what it contains and the deadline.
Answer
Form 16 is the annual TDS-on-salary certificate your employer issues, confirming the tax deducted from your salary and deposited with the government. It has two parts: Part A (employer and employee PAN-TAN details and a summary of TDS, downloaded from the TRACES portal) and Part B (the detailed salary breakup, exemptions, deductions and tax computation). For FY 2025-26, employers must issue Form 16 by 15 June 2026. Late issue attracts a penalty of Rs 100 per day under Section 272A(2)(g). Use it as the base document when filing your ITR.
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