Form 26AS vs AIS: Which One to Trust for ITR Filing
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Form 26AS | AIS (Annual Information Statement) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | TDS/TCS credit tracking | Comprehensive financial profile |
| Covers | TDS, TCS, advance tax, refunds | TDS + SFT + interest + dividends + property + MF |
| Source | Tax deductors (employers, banks) | Multiple reporting entities + SFTs |
| Since | Available for years | Introduced in 2021 |
| Feedback | No feedback mechanism | Can submit feedback if data is incorrect |
What AIS Covers That 26AS Doesn't
- Interest from savings accounts and FDs (not just TDS on them)
- Dividend income from stocks and mutual funds
- Securities transactions (buy/sell of shares, MF units)
- Property purchase/sale transactions
- Foreign remittances
- Cash deposits and withdrawals above thresholds
- Credit card payments above Rs 10 lakh
How to Use Both for Filing
- Download both from the e-filing portal (AIS is under 'Services' → 'AIS')
- Use Form 26AS to verify all TDS credits — this is your primary source for claiming TDS
- Use AIS to cross-check ALL income sources — ensure nothing is missed
- If AIS shows transactions you didn't report, either include them or submit feedback if incorrect
- Download TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary) which aggregates AIS data for easier review
Pro tip: The Income Tax department uses AIS to cross-check your return. If AIS shows income you didn't report, you'll likely get a notice. Review AIS before filing, not after.
Submitting Feedback on AIS
If AIS contains incorrect information (duplicate entries, transactions not belonging to you, wrong amounts), you can submit feedback directly on the portal. Mark the transaction as 'Information is not fully correct' or 'Information relates to other person' and provide details. The department reviews the feedback and may update the record.