How to Download and Check Your AIS Before Filing ITR 2026 — Step by Step Guide

Most Indian taxpayers file their ITR without ever checking if the government's records match their own. In 2026 under the new Income Tax Act that mismatch can now trigger an automatic notice. Here is how to check your AIS before filing.

Before you file your taxes under the new 2026 rules, you must download this to ensure your "books of account" match the government's records.

What is the AIS?

The AIS is a comprehensive view of all financial transactions associated with your PAN. In 2026, it covers:

  • TDS/TCS details (now reflecting the new STT hikes for traders).

  • SFT Information: Large cash deposits, property purchases, and credit card spends.

  • Taxes Paid: Advance tax and self-assessment tax.

  • Demand/Refund: Any active issues with the department.

How to Download Your AIS: The 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log in to the New e-Filing Portal

Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website. Use your PAN as your User ID and enter your secure password.

  • Pro Tip: Ensure your PAN-Aadhaar linking is "Validated" in your profile, or the AIS tab might be restricted.

Step 2: Navigate to Services

On the top dashboard, click on the 'Services' tab. From the dropdown menu, select 'Annual Information Statement (AIS)'.

Step 3: The "Compliance" Handshake

You will see a pop-up informing you that you are being redirected to a secure compliance portal. Click 'Proceed'. This is a separate, high-security server managed for data privacy.

Step 4: Choose AIS or TIS

On the new dashboard, you will see two tiles:

  1. TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary): A simplified, category-wise summary.

  2. AIS (Annual Information Statement): The detailed, "raw data" version.

  • Recommendation: Download the AIS for a full audit of your transactions.

Step 5: Download the PDF

Click on the Download icon (usually a blue arrow). You can choose between a JSON format (for tax software) or a PDF (for your personal records).

Step 6: Opening the File (The Password)

The AIS PDF is encrypted for your security.

  • Password Format: Your PAN (in CAPS) + Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY).

  • Example: If your PAN is ABCDE1234F and your DOB is 01-Jan-1984, your password is ABCDE1234F01011984.

Why You Must Audit Your AIS for 2026

The new Income-tax Act, 2025, allows the department to use Faceless Assessment. If your AIS shows a transaction that you didn't include in your return, the system might flag an "arithmetical error" or an "incorrect claim" automatically.

Common Things to Check:

  • Interest Income: Did your bank record your SB interest correctly?

  • Dividends: All mutual fund and stock dividends are now meticulously tracked.

  • STT on Trades: STT on F&O derivatives has been hiked significantly in Budget 2026 — futures from 0.02% to 0.05% and options to 0.15%. If you trade F&O ensure your trading volumes match what your broker reported. Note — regular SIP and equity delivery investors are not affected by this hike.

Disclaimer — I am not a SEBI registered investment advisor. This article is for educational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional before making tax or investment decisions.

Found a discrepancy in your AIS? In my next post I will walk you through exactly how to raise a correction request and what happens after you submit it. Follow and Subscribe to India SIP Tracker so you don't miss it
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to apply for PAN Card in India - In Simple Language

Image
If you live in India, a  PAN Card  is no longer optional. Whether you want to open a bank account, start investing, file income tax returns, or even apply for a job, PAN has become a basic financial identity. In this guide, I’ll walk you through  how to apply for a PAN card in India , explained step by step in plain language—no jargon, no confusion. What Exactly Is a PAN Card? PAN stands for  Permanent Account Number . It is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the  Income Tax Department  to track financial transactions of individuals and entities. Once issued, your PAN number  never changes , even if you move cities, change jobs, or switch banks. Why PAN Card Is Important? You need a PAN card for: Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) Investing in mutual funds, SIPs, and shares Opening a savings or Demat account Receiving salary above basic exemption limits Buying or selling property Avoiding higher TDS deductions In short,  no PAN = limited...
Read more

Lost PAN Card OR details incorrect? How to Get a Duplicate

Image
Misplacing your PAN card or spotting an error on it often happens at the worst possible time—when you’re opening a bank account, starting an SIP, or filing taxes.  Your address is changed and you want to update in PAN Card or photograph in PAN Card is not matching real you? The panic is understandable, but the situation is far easier to fix than most people think. You don’t need a new PAN number. You only need a  reprint or correction of your existing PAN , and today this can be done  online, paperless, and quickly . Let me explain how it actually works. Situations Where You Should Apply for a Duplicate or Updated PAN You should go for a  PAN reprint or correction  if any of the following apply to you: Your PAN card is lost, damaged, or unreadable The photograph on the card is unclear or very old You’ve changed your residential address There is a spelling mistake in your name or your father’s name Your date of birth is incorrect You want a fresh physical PAN car...
Read more

Market Is Falling — Should You Stop Your SIP? Here's the Honest Answer (April 2026)

 Look, I get it. Opening your investment app lately feels like a punch to the gut. Everywhere you look in April 2026—whether it's the news or your WhatsApp groups—people are talking about "corrections" and "market crashes." It’s natural to want to hit the pause button. You think, "I’ll just stop my SIP for a bit, wait for things to settle down, and then jump back in." But as someone who’s been tracking SIP journeys on India SIP Tracker for years, I want to give you the straight talk. No jargon, just the reality of how wealth is actually built. 1. You’re literally running away from a "Sale" Think about it. If your favorite brand of shoes or a phone you wanted went on a 20% discount, would you walk out of the store and say, "I'll come back when the price goes up"? Of course not. But that’s exactly what people do with their SIPs. When the market is down, your ₹10,000 isn't "losing value"—it’s buying more . Last year,...
Read more