TRACES TDS Login & Registration: Step-by-Step Guide

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) is the official portal by the Income Tax Department for all TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) related services. Through tdscpc.gov.in, deductors, taxpayers, and PAO (Pay & Accounts Officers) can view Form 26AS, download TDS certificates, file correction statements, and track TDS returns.

This guide covers registration, login, and all key services on the TRACES portal.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department or NSDL.

What is TRACES?

TRACES is managed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and provides online services for:

• Deductors: File TDS/TCS returns, download Form 16/16A, view challans, file corrections
• Taxpayers: View Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement), download TDS certificates, raise disputes
• PAO/DDO: Manage government deductors' TDS compliance

Who Needs TRACES?

• Employers/Deductors who deduct TDS from salary, rent, contractor payments, etc.
• Taxpayers/Employees who want to view their TDS credits, download Form 26AS, or verify Form 16/16A
• CA/Tax Professionals managing TDS compliance for clients
• Government offices (PAO/DDO) handling TDS for government employees

Step-by-Step: Register on TRACES as a Taxpayer

1. Visit tdscpc.gov.in
2. Click "Register as New User"
3. Select user type: Taxpayer
4. Enter your PAN number
5. Verify your PAN details
6. Enter personal details (name, date of birth, contact info)
7. Provide TDS details for verification — you'll need:
   • TAN of a deductor who has deducted your TDS
   • Assessment year
   • Amount of TDS as per Form 26AS
8. Set your User ID, Password, and Security Questions
9. An activation link is sent to your registered email
10. Click the activation link within 24 hours to complete registration

Step-by-Step: Register on TRACES as a Deductor

1. Visit tdscpc.gov.in
2. Click "Register as New User"
3. Select user type: Deductor
4. Enter your TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number)
5. Provide details from a recently filed TDS return for verification:
   • Token number of a TDS statement
   • Challan details (BSR code, date, amount)
   • PAN of a deductee in that return
6. Enter contact details and set User ID and Password
7. Activate via email link within 24 hours

Step-by-Step: Login to TRACES

1. Visit tdscpc.gov.in
2. Select your user type: Deductor, Taxpayer, or PAO
3. Enter your User ID (PAN for taxpayers, TAN for deductors)
4. Enter your Password
5. Enter the captcha
6. Click "Log In"

Forgot Password? Click "Forgot Password" and verify your identity using PAN/TAN details, date of birth, and registered email/mobile to reset.

How to View/Download Form 26AS

Form 26AS is your Tax Credit Statement showing all TDS/TCS deducted against your PAN.

1. Log in to TRACES as a Taxpayer
2. Go to "View Tax Credit (Form 26AS)"
3. Select the Assessment Year
4. Choose format: HTML (view online) or PDF (download)
5. For PDF, enter a verification code
6. Download and review your Form 26AS

Alternative: You can also view Form 26AS through the Income Tax e-Filing portal or through your net banking (many banks provide this service).

How to Download TDS Certificate (Form 16/16A)

For Taxpayers

1. Log in to TRACES as Taxpayer
2. Go to "Download" > "Form 16/16A"
3. Select the TAN of the deductor and financial year
4. Download the TDS certificate

For Deductors

1. Log in as Deductor
2. Go to "Downloads" > "Form 16/16A"
3. Select the financial year and quarter
4. Submit the request — the system generates certificates for all deductees
5. Download the zip file once ready

Key Services for Deductors

• File TDS Correction Statement: Correct errors in previously filed TDS returns
• View Challan Status: Check if TDS challans have been matched to your statements
• Download Justification Report: Identify mismatches between challans and deductions
• Request for Conso File: Download consolidated TDS statement for correction filing
• View Defaults: Check outstanding demands or short deductions
• Download NSDL Conso File: Needed for filing correction returns via software

Key Services for Taxpayers

• View Form 26AS: See all TDS/TCS credited to your PAN
• View TDS Defaults: Check if any deductor has short-deducted TDS
• Download TDS Certificate: Get Form 16/16A issued by deductors
• Aggregate TDS Compliance Report: View overall TDS credits across multiple deductors
• Raise a Dispute: If TDS credit shown is incorrect, raise a dispute with the deductor

Fee Structure

All services on TRACES are free of charge.

Important Tips

1. Check Form 26AS before filing ITR — ensure all TDS credits match your records to avoid refund delays
2. Keep your TRACES password updated — passwords expire periodically for security
3. Register your PAN on TRACES even if you're only a salaried employee — it helps you verify TDS deductions
4. Deductors must file corrections promptly — mismatched challans can cause demands
5. Use the e-Filing portal as an alternative — Form 26AS is also available at incometax.gov.in under "View Filed Returns" > "View Form 26AS"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Form 26AS and AIS?

Form 26AS shows TDS/TCS credits and tax payments. AIS (Annual Information Statement) is a newer, more comprehensive statement that also includes interest, dividends, mutual fund transactions, and other financial details. Both are available on the e-Filing portal.

Q2: I cannot register on TRACES. What should I do?

Ensure you have the correct TDS details for verification. Taxpayers need a valid TAN and TDS amount from a deductor. If issues persist, contact the TRACES helpdesk at 1800-103-0344 (toll-free).

Q3: How do I reset my TRACES password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Verify using your PAN/TAN, date of birth, and registered email or mobile number. A reset link will be sent to your email.

Q4: Can I view Form 26AS without registering on TRACES?

Yes, you can view it through the Income Tax e-Filing portal by logging in with your PAN. Many banks also offer Form 26AS access through net banking.

Q5: How often is Form 26AS updated?

Form 26AS is updated after every quarter when deductors file their TDS returns. Typically updated within 1–2 weeks after the quarterly TDS filing deadline.

Q6: What if TDS shown in Form 26AS doesn't match my records?

Contact your deductor (employer/bank) to verify. If the deductor filed incorrect details, they need to file a correction statement. You can also raise a dispute on TRACES.

For income tax filing, see our Income Tax e-Filing guide. For PAN card services, check our PAN card guide.