Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a big part of how taxes work in India. It’s when a fixed amount gets cut from your income—like salary, rent, or interest—before you get the money. This tax goes straight to the government, managed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Income Tax Act 1961. But how do you know if the TDS deducted from your earnings is correct or properly credited? Checking your TDS status online is the answer! It helps you stay on top of your taxes, avoid mistakes, and file your Income Tax Return (ITR) without any hassle.
In 2025, with everything going digital, tracking your TDS is super easy. You can use your PAN card, Form 26AS, or even your net banking account to see the details. Whether you’re a salaried person, a freelancer, or a business owner, knowing your TDS status keeps you stress-free. Let’s walk through the simplest ways to check it, step-by-step, with some extra tips to make it even smoother!
What Exactly Is a TDS Return?
Before we jump into the “how,” let’s quickly understand what a TDS return is. It’s a quarterly report that the person or company cutting your TDS (called the deductor) files with the Income Tax Department. This report includes details like:
- The deductor’s PAN and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number)
- How much tax was deducted from your income
- When and how it was paid to the government
For you, checking this ensures the tax deducted matches what’s recorded. If there’s a mismatch, it could mess up your ITR or refund claims. Now, let’s see how you can check it yourself!
Method 1: Check TDS Status Using Your PAN Card
Your PAN card is like a magic key to unlock your tax details. Here’s how you can use it to check your TDS status online in 2025:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the TRACES Website: Open your browser and go to the official TDS Central Processing Cell (TRACES) site at www.tdscpc.gov.in.
- Enter the Verification Code: You’ll see a code on the screen—type it in to prove you’re not a robot.
- Click ‘Proceed’: Hit the button to move forward.
- Fill in Your Details: Enter your PAN number and the deductor’s TAN (ask your employer or bank if you don’t know it).
- Pick the Time Period: Choose the financial year (like 2024-25) and the quarter (Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4) you want to check. Also, select the return type—salary or non-salary.
- Hit ‘Go’: Click this, and boom—your TDS details will pop up on the screen!
Why It’s Handy
This method shows you exactly how much TDS was deducted and if it’s been sent to the government. If something looks off, you can talk to your employer or deductor right away.
Extra Tip
Keep your PAN handy and double-check the TAN to avoid errors. If you don’t have the TAN, skip to the Form 26AS method—it’s easier!
Method 2: Check TDS Credit with Form 26AS
Form 26AS is your annual tax statement—it’s like a report card for all the TDS deducted under your PAN. Here’s how to see it:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal: Visit www.incometax.gov.in and log in. If you’re new, sign up with your PAN and basic details.
- Log In: Use your username (usually your PAN) and password.
- Head to ‘My Account’: After logging in, find the ‘My Account’ tab at the top.
- Choose ‘View Form 26AS’: Click this option—it’ll take you to the TRACES portal automatically.
- Select the Year and Format: Pick the financial year (say, 2024-25) and choose ‘PDF’ to download it.
- Download and Open: Hit download. The file is password-protected—use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format (e.g., 15081990 for 15 August 1990) to open it.
What You’ll See
Form 26AS lists:
- TDS deducted from salary, interest, rent, etc.
- Advance tax or self-assessment tax you’ve paid
- High-value transactions linked to your PAN
Why It’s Awesome
It’s a one-stop document to cross-check everything before filing your ITR. If your employer gave you Form 16, match it with Form 26AS to spot any differences.
Extra Tip
Save the PDF on your phone or laptop—it’s handy for tax filing or loan applications!
Method 3: Check TDS via Net Banking
Got a bank account linked to your PAN? You can check TDS through net banking too! Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log In to Your Bank Account: Open your bank’s net banking portal and sign in.
- Find the Tax Section: Look for options like ‘Tax Services,’ ‘Form 26AS,’ or ‘TDS Statement’ under the services menu.
- Select the Year: Choose the financial year you want to check (e.g., 2024-25).
- View or Download: Your TDS details will show up, or you can download Form 26AS.
Which Banks Offer This?
Most big banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis let you do this. Check with your bank if they’re authorised for it.
Why It’s Convenient
No need to visit extra websites—just use your regular banking login. It’s quick and perfect if you’re already managing money online.
Extra Tip
If your PAN isn’t linked to your account, visit your branch or update it online to unlock this feature.
Method 4: Check TDS Through the TDSCPC Portal
The TRACES portal (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) is another easy way to track your TDS. Here’s the process:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit TRACES: Go to www.tdscpc.gov.in again.
- Click ‘Taxpayer’ Tab: Find this at the top of the page.
- Select ‘View TDS/TCS Credit’: It’s under the quick links section on the left.
- Enter the Code: Type the verification code shown on the screen.
- Fill Details: Add your PAN, the deductor’s TAN, financial year, and quarter.
- Click ‘Go’: Your TDS credit details will appear instantly.
What’s Special Here
This method gives you a detailed breakdown—great for spotting errors or missing credits.
Extra Tip
If you’re a deductor (like an employer), TRACES also lets you download Form 16 or 16A for your employees.
Method 5: TDS Status via Income Tax E-Filing Portal
Already registered on the e-filing site? This one’s for you:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log In: Head to www.incometax.gov.in and sign in with your PAN and password.
- Go to ‘My Account’: Click this tab after logging in.
- Pick ‘View Form 26AS’: You’ll be redirected to TRACES.
- Choose the Year: Select the assessment year (e.g., 2025-26 for FY 2024-25) and file format (PDF or HTML).
- Check the Details: Your TDS info will load up on the screen or in the downloaded file.
Why It’s Useful
It’s tied to your ITR account, so you can check TDS and file returns in one place.
Extra Tip
New user? Registering takes 5 minutes—just use your PAN, name, and date of birth.
Bonus Tips to Make TDS Checking Super Easy
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your PAN, TAN (if needed), and date of birth handy to avoid delays.
- Check Quarterly: Don’t wait till ITR season—peek at your TDS every few months to catch issues early.
- Fix Mistakes Fast: If TDS isn’t showing or looks wrong, contact your employer or deductor with Form 26AS as proof.
- Use Mobile Apps: Some banks and tax apps (like ClearTax) also show Form 26AS—try them for quick access.
- Stay Updated: TDS rules change—keep an eye on Budget 2025 for any new tweaks!
Why You Should Check TDS Regularly in 2025
Checking your TDS isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting your money. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
- Avoid ITR Rejections: Mismatched TDS details can flag your return, delaying refunds.
- Claim Refunds: If too much TDS was deducted, you can get it back—but only if you know it’s there!
- Track Income: Form 26AS shows all taxed income—handy for planning finances or loans.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your tax status is correct keeps you stress-free.
For example, let’s say your bank deducted TDS on FD interest but didn’t credit it to your PAN. Without checking, you’d miss out on that refund. A quick look at Form 26AS fixes that!
Common Questions Answered
- What If I Don’t Have TAN? No worries—Form 26AS via e-filing or net banking doesn’t need it.
- Can I Check Old Years? Yes, both TRACES and e-filing let you pick any past financial year.
- Is It Free? Absolutely—all these methods are free on official portals.
Make 2025 Your Year of Smart Tax Tracking
With these five easy methods—PAN on TRACES, Form 26AS, net banking, TDSCPC, and e-filing—you’ve got no excuse to skip checking your TDS status. It’s fast, free, and keeps your tax life sorted. Whether you’re prepping for ITR filing or just curious about your deductions, these steps work like a charm in 2025. So, grab your PAN, log in, and take control of your taxes today!
