Important Update: Income Tax e-Filing Portal Now Supports Form 26AS and Form 168


The Income Tax Department continues to modernize its digital ecosystem to make tax compliance more efficient and transparent. One of the latest updates to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal is the availability of both Form 26AS (under the Income-tax Act, 1961) and Form 168 (under the Income Tax Act, 2025). This enhancement is aimed at helping taxpayers transition smoothly while ensuring compliance under the appropriate tax law.

Although the update appears simple, choosing the wrong form can lead to confusion, incorrect tax reporting, delays in return processing, or compliance issues. Therefore, taxpayers must understand the significance of each form and ensure they access the correct one based on the applicable Income Tax Act and the relevant tax period.

In this blog, we explain the importance of this portal update, the difference between Form 26AS and Form 168, why selecting the correct form matters, and how professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding the Latest Portal Update

The Income Tax e-Filing Portal has introduced a new feature allowing users to access two different tax credit statements:

  • Form 26AS – Applicable under the Income-tax Act, 1961
  • Form 168 – Applicable under the Income Tax Act, 2025

Since India is transitioning to the new Income Tax framework introduced under the Income Tax Act, 2025, taxpayers may need to access different statements depending on the financial year or assessment year for which they are filing returns.

This update ensures that historical tax records remain available while also supporting compliance under the new legislation.

What is Form 26AS?

Form 26AS has traditionally served as the consolidated annual tax statement under the Income-tax Act, 1961. It provides taxpayers with a detailed summary of taxes deducted, taxes collected, advance tax payments, self-assessment tax payments, refunds, and other tax-related information.

Typically, Form 26AS includes:

  • Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)
  • Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
  • Advance Tax payments
  • Self-Assessment Tax
  • Refund details
  • High-value financial transactions
  • Demand and refund information

For many years, taxpayers have relied on Form 26AS to verify whether taxes deducted by employers, banks, or clients have been correctly credited before filing their Income Tax Returns.

What is Form 168?

With the introduction of the Income Tax Act, 2025, Form 168 serves as the corresponding tax statement under the new legislation.

It is designed to provide taxpayers with tax-related information applicable under the provisions of the new Act. As the transition progresses, taxpayers filing returns under the new law may need to refer to Form 168 instead of Form 26AS.

The objective remains the same:

  • Display tax credits
  • Verify tax deductions
  • Confirm tax payments
  • Help taxpayers file accurate returns

Why Has the Portal Introduced Both Forms?

The Government is ensuring a smooth transition between the old and new Income Tax laws.

Many taxpayers may still need records governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961, while others may be required to comply with provisions under the Income Tax Act, 2025.

Providing both forms allows taxpayers to:

  • Access historical records
  • Avoid confusion during the transition
  • File returns correctly
  • Maintain continuity in tax reporting

Why Selecting the Correct Form Is Important

Choosing the correct form is more important than many taxpayers realize.

Using the wrong statement may result in:

Incorrect Tax Credit Claims

If taxpayers refer to the wrong form, tax deducted at source may not match the return being filed.

Errors in Income Reporting

Tax credits, tax payments, and deductions should always match the applicable tax records.

Processing Delays

Any mismatch between the return and tax records may delay processing or refund issuance.

Income Tax Notices

Discrepancies in reported income or tax credits may trigger notices seeking clarification.

Refund Delays

Incorrect tax details often result in delayed or reduced refunds.

Who Should Pay Special Attention?

This update is particularly important for:

  • Salaried employees
  • Business owners
  • Professionals
  • Freelancers
  • Partnership firms
  • Companies
  • NRIs
  • Tax consultants
  • Chartered Accountants
  • Financial advisors

Anyone filing an Income Tax Return should verify that they are using the appropriate tax statement.

Best Practices Before Filing Your ITR

Before submitting your Income Tax Return, ensure you:

Verify Personal Information

Check:

  • PAN
  • Aadhaar linkage
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Bank details

Match Tax Credits

Verify:

  • TDS
  • TCS
  • Advance tax
  • Self-assessment tax

Review Income Details

Confirm income from:

  • Salary
  • Business
  • House property
  • Capital gains
  • Other sources

Cross-Check AIS

Compare your Annual Information Statement (AIS) with your tax statement to identify any discrepancies.

Select the Correct Tax Statement

Use:

  • Form 26AS where applicable under the Income-tax Act, 1961
  • Form 168 where applicable under the Income Tax Act, 2025

Common Mistakes Taxpayers Should Avoid

Many taxpayers unintentionally make errors such as:

  • Filing without checking tax credits
  • Using outdated information
  • Ignoring TDS mismatches
  • Claiming incorrect deductions
  • Choosing the wrong return form
  • Filing without professional review
  • Selecting the incorrect tax statement

Avoiding these mistakes can save significant time and prevent future complications.

How Professional Assistance Makes a Difference

Income tax compliance has become increasingly complex with frequent legislative changes and digital updates. Professional tax guidance ensures:

  • Correct selection of applicable forms
  • Accurate tax credit verification
  • Proper disclosure of income
  • Timely filing
  • Compliance with current tax laws
  • Faster refund processing
  • Reduced risk of notices and penalties

Professional assistance also helps taxpayers understand changes introduced under the Income Tax Act, 2025 and adapt smoothly to the new compliance requirements.

Stay Updated with Tax Law Changes

Tax laws continue to evolve, and digital systems are updated regularly to improve compliance and taxpayer convenience. Staying informed about portal updates, filing requirements, and statutory changes helps taxpayers avoid errors and maintain a strong compliance record.

Whether you are filing your first return or managing business taxes, reviewing the correct tax statement before filing can make the process smoother and more accurate.

Conclusion

The introduction of both Form 26AS and Form 168 on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal is an important step in supporting taxpayers during the transition to the Income Tax Act, 2025. While the portal now provides access to both forms, it is the taxpayer's responsibility to choose the one applicable to the relevant tax period and governing law.

Taking a few extra minutes to verify your tax statement before filing can help you avoid reporting errors, processing delays, notices, and unnecessary stress. If you are unsure which form applies to your return or need assistance with accurate tax filing, consulting a qualified tax professional is always the safest approach.

At Taxla Services Pvt. Ltd., we are committed to helping individuals, professionals, and businesses file their Income Tax Returns accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with the latest regulations.

📞 Contact Taxla Services Pvt. Ltd.

📞 Contact us today: +91 7305701454
🌐 Website: www.taxlaservices.com

#IncomeTax #IncomeTaxPortal #EFiling #Form26AS #Form168 #TaxUpdates #IncomeTaxIndia #TaxCompliance #TaxConsultant #TaxProfessional #TaxAwareness #ITR2026 #TaxlaServices #BestAuditorInTamilnadu

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