You’re ready to file your Income Tax Return. But wait—your Form 16 isn’t in your inbox yet.
June is ticking, and without it, you can’t fill in crucial salary and TDS details in your ITR.
If you’re a salaried employee, this form is not a favor—it’s your right.
And your employer must issue Form 16 by June 15, 2025 — no delays allowed.
Let’s break down what this form means, why the deadline matters, and what you can do if your employer doesn’t issue it on time.
What is Form 16?
Form 16 is a certificate issued by employers that provides a detailed breakup of your:
- Salary paid during the financial year
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on your salary
- PAN of both the employee and the employer
- TAN of the employer
- Section-wise deductions (under 80C, 80D, etc.)
This form is essential for salaried individuals when filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), especially when claiming TDS credits or deductions.
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What is the Form 16 Deadline in 2025?
According to the Income Tax Act (Section 203) and CBDT rules, the Deadline to issue Form 16 is June 15, 2025, for the FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26). It applies to all employers who deduct TDS on salaries.
Timeline of Form 16 Issuance
April 2024 – March 2025 ➜ Salary Earned
March 31, 2025 ➜ Financial Year Ends
May 31, 2025 ➜ Employer must file TDS return (Form 24Q)
June 15, 2025 ➜ Deadline to issue Form 16 to employees
Why is Form 16 So Important for You?
Form 16 is more than a form—it’s proof of your income and tax deductions. Here’s what it helps you with:
- Auto-filling salary and TDS details in ITR
- Verifying actual deductions claimed vs. allowed
- Filing accurate returns to avoid notices or refund delays
- Claiming credit for TDS deducted by your employer
Without it, you may struggle to file ITR accurately or risk losing tax benefits.
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What If the Employer Doesn’t Give Form 16 by June 15?
If your employer fails to issue it, you can file a complaint with the company's HR or payroll department. Remind them of the mandatory June 15 deadline.
Without it, you are still allowed to file ITR using Form 26AS and payslips as backup proof. You can contact the Income Tax helpline or lodge a grievance on the e-filing portal.
Employers may face a penalty of ₹100/day for not issuing Form 16 on time under Section 272A(2)(g).
Form 16 vs Form 26AS vs AIS
| Feature | Form 16 | Form 26AS | AIS (Annual Info Statement) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Issues? | Employer | Income Tax Dept (TRACES) | Income Tax Dept (Portal) |
| What does it show? | Salary and TDS | All TDS, refunds, and high-value transactions | Interest, dividend, share sale, more |
| Needed for ITR? | Yes (for salaried) | Yes (cross-check) | Yes (validation) |
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How to Download Form 16 (If Your Employer Gives Access)?
- Log in to your company HR/payroll portal (e.g., Keka, Zoho Payroll, ADP)
- Navigate to ‘Tax Documents’ or ‘Salary Documents’
- Download FY 2024–25 Form 16 PDF (Part A & B)
If it is not available, ask HR to send it via email.
Can I File ITR Without Form 16?
Yes, you can file ITR without Form 16, by using these alternative methods -
- Use Form 26AS from the Income Tax portal
- Refer to the monthly salary slips for breakup
- Match TDS entries and deductions manually
- File ITR-1 or ITR-2 based on your income profile
FAQs:
Q1. Is Form 16 mandatory for ITR filing?
No, but it makes the process easier. You can still file using Form 26AS and salary slips.Q2. What happens if I don’t get Form 16 by June 15?
Remind HR. If still not received, file a complaint or proceed with alternate documentsQ3. Can Form 16 be reissued if lost?
Yes, your employer can generate and resend it on request.
Q4. What is the penalty on employers for delay?
₹100/day per employee as per Section 272A(2)(g).Final Thoughts – Don’t Let the Deadline Slip!
Form 16 is your key to stress-free, mistake-free tax filing. The June 15, 2025, deadline is fixed, and your employer must meet it.
If you haven’t received it yet, follow up today. Stay Ahead of Tax Season!
Bookmark this page, share it with colleagues, and don’t miss your Form 16 this year.
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