FORM 16 ISSUANCE CHECKLIST
TDS certificate for salary · Due by 15 June following the financial year · FY 2025-26
Prerequisites
- ☐ File all four quarters of Form 24Q for the year
- ☐ Ensure all salary TDS challans are deposited and matched
- ☐ Validate PAN of every employee to avoid rejection
- ☐ Confirm the deductor’s TAN and details on TRACES
Part A (from TRACES)
- ☐ Download Part A directly from the TRACES portal only
- ☐ Verify quarter-wise TDS deducted and deposited
- ☐ Check the challan and BSR details reflect correctly
Part B (Annexure)
- ☐ Report gross salary, allowances and perquisites
- ☐ Apply exemptions under Section 10 (HRA, LTA) as declared
- ☐ Give effect to the regime chosen by the employee
- ☐ Allow Chapter VI-A deductions on verified proofs
- ☐ Show standard deduction and net tax payable / refundable
Issuance
- ☐ Merge Part A and Part B into a single Form 16
- ☐ Digitally sign each certificate
- ☐ Issue to every employee on or before 15 June
- ☐ Retain records and reconcile with the employee’s 26AS
Part A must be downloaded from TRACES, not typed manually; late issuance attracts Rs. 100 per day penalty under Section 272A(2)(g).