🇮🇳 India · Guide

What is Form 16?

Form 16 is the single most important document for salaried employees filing their ITR — here's what's in it and how to use it.

FY 2025-26Last reviewed 24 Jul 2026

What it is

Form 16 is a TDS certificate issued by your employer, confirming the salary paid to you and the tax deducted at source (TDS) on your behalf during the financial year. Employers must issue it by 15 June each year, for the previous financial year.

Part A vs Part B

Part	Contains
Part A	Employer and employee PAN/TAN details, summary of tax deducted and deposited each quarter. Generated and downloaded from the TRACES portal.
Part B	Detailed salary breakup — gross salary, exemptions (HRA, etc.), deductions claimed (80C, 80D), and total taxable income.

How to use it

Cross-check the TDS shown in Form 16 against your Form 26AS / AIS — they should match
Use the Part B breakdown to fill in your salary details accurately when filing your ITR
If you switched jobs during the year, you'll have a Form 16 from each employer — combine both when filing

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GENERAL GUIDANCE

If your Form 16 doesn't match your bank credits or Form 26AS, raise it with your employer's payroll team before filing.