If you're a salaried person in India, there’s one document you hear about every year during tax season — Form 16. This form is your proof that your employer deducted tax from your salary and deposited it with the government.
In this blog, you’ll understand everything about Form 16 in simple words. From how it helps you file your income tax return to how it relates to ITR 1, ITR 2, Section 80C, and more. Whether you’re a first-time taxpayer or just looking for a better income tax guide for beginners, this is for you.
Explore TaxAbide’s homepage for more expert help or contact us if you need guidance.
Form 16 is a certificate your employer gives you each year. It contains details of your income and the tax deducted at source (TDS) from your salary.
If your employer deducted any tax, they are required to issue Form 16 by June of the following financial year. You need it to file your income tax return, especially if you are using ITR 1 for salaried employees.
The form proves your employer paid your taxes correctly. It also helps you claim deductions and file your return without mistakes.
ITR 1 and ITR 2 are forms you use to file your income tax return. The one you choose depends on your income.
If you only earn a salary and your total income is under ₹50 lakhs, you can usually file ITR 1. But if you also earn from property, capital gains, or have foreign income, then you need to file ITR 2.
Form 16 helps you decide the correct ITR form by showing all your earnings and deductions.
The form has two parts: Part A and Part B. These include:
Part A
Part B
This is the first section with bullet points to clearly show what’s included in each part of Form 16.
It’s easy to get confused between these two terms. Here’s what you need to know.
The financial year is when you earn your income. It starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.
The assessment year is when you file your return for the income you earned in the financial year.
For example, if you earned money between April 2024 and March 2025, the financial year is 2024-25, and the assessment year is 2025-26.
If you’ve ever searched for what is the current financial year India or what is assessment year and financial year, now you have the answer.
Once you receive Form 16 from your employer, keep it safe. It’s your go-to document for filing your return.
Most online filing platforms allow you to upload Form 16 or use it to auto-fill your income details. This makes your filing easier and more accurate.
Still confused? At TaxAbide, we help you select filing type in ITR for salaried person and avoid any mistakes.
Sometimes, you may not receive Form 16 on time — or at all. Maybe you left your job, or your employer missed it. Don't worry.
You can still file your return using your salary slips and Form 26AS, which shows all tax deducted in your name. It’s not as smooth as using Form 16, but it works.
It’s always better to file your return on time. With or without Form 16, don’t wait until the deadline.
When you look at Form 16, don’t forget to check your deductions. These can lower your taxable income.
Here are the most common ones under Section 80C:
This is the second and last bullet section, added only to highlight key tax-saving tools for readers who are learning.
Even if these don’t show in your Form 16, you can still claim them while filing. These are also part of common tax planning strategies.
You’re not alone if you’ve typed one of these into Google:
These questions are popular because many people face the same doubts every year.
If you ever feel stuck, just reach out to our tax team. We’ll help you sort it out quickly.
The ITR update 2025-26 brings smoother processes. If you’re a salaried person, here’s what’s new:
Keeping up with these changes can be tough. That’s why our tax filing services are built to help you stay updated and compliant.
Before you file, keep these things ready:
Don’t delay your return. Filing early helps avoid stress, late fees, and mistakes.
Not sure where to start? Visit our home page, or go straight to our service page to file easily with help from experts.
To sum it all up, Form 16 is your tax helper. It shows your income, deductions, and tax paid. It helps you choose between ITR 1 vs ITR 2, and makes filing accurate.
If you get this one document and understand it well, you’ve already done half your job.
Want help filing your return? At TaxAbide, we simplify taxes for people like you. Visit our contact page and let us make it easier for you.
No, Form 16 is not mandatory, but it makes filing much easier. If you don't receive it, you can still file your return using salary slips and Form 26AS.
You can ask your employer to issue it, as they are legally required to do so if they deducted tax. If they still don’t provide it, use Form 26AS and salary statements to file your return.
Yes. Even if your Form 16 doesn’t include all deductions, you can still claim them while filing your ITR — such as investments under Section 80C that you made on your own.
Form 16 is a certificate from your employer about your income and TDS. ITR (Income Tax Return) is what you file to declare your total income and taxes. Form 16 helps you prepare and file your ITR.
Employers must issue Form 16 by June 15 of the next financial year. For example, for income earned in FY 2024-25, you should receive it by June 15, 2025.