Form 26AS vs AIS
vs ITR Computation
Which One Do You Need?
CA Sagar Batra
Chartered Accountant · 10+ Years Experience
Updated: October 2026
Form 26AS vs AIS vs ITR Computation: The Difference in One Minute
Form 26AS helps verify TDS and TCS. AIS shows a broader range of financial information reported to the Income Tax Department. ITR Computation explains how your taxable income and income-tax liability are calculated. Each document serves a different purpose.
Form 26AS
Form 26AS is an annual tax statement that primarily shows Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) information linked to your PAN.
From AY 2023–24 onward, other details such as advance-tax payments and several financial transactions are generally reflected through AIS.
Checking TDS/TCS credits before filing your return.
Annual Information Statement (AIS)
AIS provides a broader view of financial information reported about a taxpayer.
Depending on available reporting, it may include salary, interest, dividends, securities transactions, TDS/TCS, tax payments and refund information.
Reviewing reported financial transactions, identifying mismatches and reconciling income before filing.
ITR Computation Statement
An ITR computation statement explains the calculation behind your income-tax return.
It normally summarises income, eligible deductions, taxable income, applicable taxes, tax credits and the resulting tax payable or refund.
Where you need a detailed tax calculation for your records or a financial application, see how to download your ITR computation statement.
Understanding the tax calculation and supporting income verification where requested.
Preparing or Checking Your ITR?
Review Form 26AS + AIS together with salary records, broker statements, bank records and other relevant income documents.
Applying for a Loan or Visa?
Keep your filed ITR, ITR-V and computation statement ready where applicable. Submit the documents specifically requested by the lender or visa authority.
Important: AIS reflects information available to the Income Tax Department and may not contain every transaction. Likewise, a computation statement is a tax calculation document, not a substitute for the officially filed ITR or its acknowledgement. Always reconcile your documents before submitting them.
Form 26AS, AIS and ITR Computation: Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Three important tax documents, three different purposes. Learn which one helps with tax filing, income verification and financial applications.
If you've ever downloaded your income-tax documents, you've probably come across three familiar names: Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS) and ITR Computation.
Although these documents may contain overlapping financial details, they are not interchangeable. Form 26AS helps you check tax deducted or collected against your PAN. AIS provides a broader picture of financial information reported to the Income Tax Department. An ITR computation statement explains how your taxable income and tax liability were calculated.
Understanding these differences can help you identify mismatches before filing your ITR, prepare the right documents for loan or visa applications, and respond more accurately when additional income information is requested.
This guide explains what each document contains, where it comes from, when to use it and how to reconcile the details, with practical examples for Indian taxpayers.
Who Is This Guide For?
Quick reminder: Form 26AS and AIS are government-provided tax information statements, while an ITR computation is a calculation document generally prepared through tax software or by a tax professional. For loans and visas, submit the documents specifically requested by the relevant lender or authority.
What Is Form 26AS?
Form 26AS is an official annual tax statement associated with your PAN. For recent assessment years, it is primarily used to review TDS and TCS information before filing your income-tax return.
Form 26AS is commonly known as the Annual Tax Statement. It helps taxpayers check the details of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) reported against their PAN.
For example, when your employer deducts TDS from salary or your bank deducts TDS from interest, the relevant deductions should generally be reflected in the tax-credit records after the deductor's reporting has been processed.
Important for AY 2023–24 onward: Form 26AS primarily displays TDS/TCS-related information. Other tax-payment and financial information is available through the Annual Information Statement (AIS).
What Form 26AS Includes
- TDS reported by employers, banks, clients and other deductors.
- TCS reported by applicable collectors.
- Relevant tax-deduction and collection details linked to your PAN.
- Other details available under the Form 26AS format applicable to the selected assessment year.
What Form 26AS Does Not Fully Show
- Your complete taxable income from every source.
- All bank, investment and securities transactions.
- Your full income-tax computation and deduction calculation.
- For recent assessment years, broader tax-payment and reported transaction details available in AIS.
Example: ₹50,000 Salary TDS in Form 26AS
Suppose your employer deducts ₹50,000 as TDS from your salary during the year.
After the employer deposits the tax and correctly reports the deduction, the corresponding ₹50,000 TDS credit should generally appear against your PAN in the relevant tax-credit statement.
You can compare this with your employer's salary TDS certificate, such as Form 16 ( Now Form 130 ) where applicable to the tax year.
This helps verify the tax already deducted before you claim the eligible TDS credit while filing your ITR.
Form 26AS and Form 168: What Changed in 2026?
The Income-tax Act, 2025 introduced a new Tax Year framework effective from 1 April 2026.
Applicable to tax periods governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961, including FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27.
Introduced for Tax Year 2026–27 onward as the evolved Annual Information Statement under the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
Important distinction: Form 168 under the new framework brings together a broader range of taxpayer information, including TDS/TCS, tax payments, specified financial transactions and available demand/refund information.
It should not be described merely as a renamed copy of the old TDS/TCS-focused Form 26AS.
The Income Tax Department's current guidance explains how to access the annual tax statement under the applicable Form 26AS or Form 168 procedure.
Missing TDS entry? If an expected deduction does not appear, check the deductor's PAN reporting, TDS statement status, payment details and possible processing delays. A missing entry does not always mean that the deductor failed to deposit tax. Reconcile the records and contact the deductor for correction where necessary.
What Is AIS (Annual Information Statement)?
AIS provides a broader view of income and financial transaction information reported to the Income Tax Department against your PAN.
AIS (Annual Information Statement) is a taxpayer information statement available through the Income Tax Department's e-Filing services. It brings together information reported by banks, employers, brokers, mutual fund houses and other reporting entities.
Unlike Form 26AS under the earlier framework, which primarily shows TDS/TCS details for recent assessment years, AIS can also include reported financial transactions, tax payments and other information.
AIS is not a complete record of everything you earned or spent. It reflects information available to the Income Tax Department, so you must still review your own bank statements, investments and other relevant records.
What Information Does AIS Include?
The following categories may appear depending on your financial transactions and information reported to the department.
Salary and Pension Information
Salary-related information and applicable pension receipts reported through available information sources.
Savings and Deposit Interest
Interest reported by banks and other financial institutions, including eligible savings and fixed-deposit interest.
Dividend Income
Dividend-related information reported by companies, mutual funds and relevant reporting entities.
Shares and Mutual Fund Transactions
Reported securities transactions, mutual fund purchases or redemptions, and related transaction details.
Foreign Remittance Information
Specified outward foreign remittances and foreign-currency transactions reported under applicable information requirements.
Specified Financial Transactions
Reportable transactions submitted by banks, brokers, property registrars and other entities under SFT rules.
Example: AIS Transaction Value vs Actual Capital Gain
Suppose you redeem mutual fund units for ₹5,00,000 that originally cost ₹4,00,000.
AIS may show the ₹5 lakh redemption transaction, rather than simply the ₹1 lakh difference.
The actual taxable capital gain must be calculated using applicable capital-gains rules, which can depend on fund type, holding period, eligible cost, exemptions and other adjustments.
Never assume the full AIS transaction value is taxable income. Equally, do not assume the simple price difference is always the final taxable gain.
What If Your AIS Contains Incorrect Information?
The AIS service allows taxpayers to submit feedback about eligible reported entries. For example, you may identify duplicate information, an incorrect amount or a transaction that does not relate to you.
Submit feedback using the available AIS functionality and retain the acknowledgement. Where necessary, also contact the reporting institution to correct its records.
Important: AIS feedback does not automatically eliminate your obligation to declare taxable income correctly. Your return should reflect the actual facts and applicable law.
AIS and Form 168: What Changed in 2026?
For income relating to FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, the earlier AIS framework remains relevant.
For Tax Year 2026–27 onward, Form 168 (Annual Information Statement) applies under Rule 245 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
Form 168 includes categories for TDS/TCS, specified financial transactions, tax payments, demand and refund information, proceedings and other prescribed information.
Both statements can be relevant during the transition period, so select the correct Assessment Year or Tax Year.
For more information, consult the Income Tax Department's official AIS FAQs.
What Is TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary)?
TIS is a category-wise summary of information available in AIS. It helps taxpayers review reported values and supports pre-filling of eligible income-tax return fields.
TIS stands for Taxpayer Information Summary. It provides an aggregated view of information from the Annual Information Statement (AIS), such as salary, interest, dividends and other reported income categories.
Instead of reviewing every transaction separately, TIS helps you see category-wise totals derived from the information available to the Income Tax Department.
It generally displays the value processed by the system, calculated using predefined aggregation and deduplication rules, alongside the value accepted by the taxpayer or confirmed by the reporting source.
TIS Is Not Edited Directly
Corrections to reported information are generally initiated through AIS feedback on the underlying information rather than directly changing the TIS summary.
Supports Pre-Filled ITR Values
Accepted or source-confirmed values from TIS may be used for pre-filling eligible ITR fields, wherever the pre-fill functionality applies.
AIS Feedback Can Affect TIS
Where feedback is submitted on an eligible AIS entry, the information may be updated or reflected in the relevant accepted or confirmed value.
How AIS, TIS and Pre-Filled ITR Work Together
Detailed financial information reported to the department.
Category-wise processed and accepted or source-confirmed values.
Applicable values may populate supported fields in the return.
Example: How Interest Income Appears in TIS
Suppose two banks report savings or deposit interest of ₹18,000 and ₹12,000 against your PAN.
AIS may display the underlying reported information, while TIS can show an aggregated ₹30,000 interest figure, assuming both entries are correct and the applicable aggregation rules do not require further adjustment.
If one entry is duplicated or incorrect, you can submit appropriate feedback through AIS. The relevant values may then be updated in the summary according to the system's feedback process.
Important: TIS Is Not Your Final Tax Computation
TIS is a processed summary of reported information. It is not a complete calculation of your taxable income or final tax liability.
A TIS figure can differ from the amount that must legally be reported in your ITR. For example, a reported transaction value should not automatically be treated as taxable capital gains.
Always reconcile TIS with your actual financial records, including bank statements, salary details, broker records and other supporting documents before filing.
2026 tax-year note: For FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, the earlier AIS/TIS framework remains relevant. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Income-tax Rules, 2026, Form 168 (Annual Information Statement) applies from Tax Year 2026–27 onward. The Income Tax Department's Form 168 FAQs also explain the TIS summary.
What Is ITR Computation?
An ITR computation statement explains how your income, deductions, taxable income and income-tax liability are calculated for the relevant tax year.
ITR Computation, also called a Computation of Income and Tax, is a supporting statement that summarises the calculations behind an income-tax return.
Unlike Form 26AS, which mainly helps reconcile TDS/TCS information, or AIS, which shows information reported to the Income Tax Department, an ITR computation explains how taxable income and the resulting tax liability were determined.
A computation can be prepared through appropriate tax software or by a tax professional. It should be reconciled with the income-tax return actually filed and supported by the taxpayer's records.
Income from Different Sources
Salary, house-property income, business or professional income, capital gains, interest, dividends and other applicable income.
Eligible Deductions
Applicable deductions such as those under Sections 80C and 80D of the earlier Income-tax Act, subject to the taxpayer's tax regime, tax year and statutory conditions.
Exemptions and Adjustments
Eligible exemptions, permitted loss set-offs, brought-forward losses and other adjustments reflected in the taxable income calculation.
Total Taxable Income
The income remaining after applying eligible exemptions, adjustments and deductions under the applicable tax law.
Income-Tax Liability
Tax calculated using applicable slab rates, special tax rates, rebate, surcharge, cess and other relevant provisions.
Final Tax Payable or Refund
Eligible TDS/TCS credits, advance tax, self-assessment tax and the resulting tax payable or refund claimed, subject to processing and assessment.
Why Do Banks Ask for ITR Computation?
When reviewing a home loan, personal loan or business loan application, a lender may ask for more than just the ITR-V acknowledgement.
A computation of income and tax can help the lender understand the composition of income, deductions, taxable income and tax calculation in a single document.
Some lenders or other institutions may request a CA-prepared or CA-certified computation. However, certification must genuinely be performed by an authorised professional, and it does not guarantee loan or visa approval.
Important: A prepared computation statement is not the same as the officially filed ITR, ITR-V acknowledgement or an Income Tax Department assessment order. Always provide the documents specifically requested by your bank, lender or visa authority.
Need a Detailed ITR Computation Statement?
Get assistance with preparing or accessing a computation of income and tax based on your relevant financial records. Any professional review or certification depends on the services actually provided and applicable requirements.
ITR Computation vs ITR Acknowledgement (ITR-V)
Both documents relate to your income-tax return, but they serve different purposes. ITR-V identifies the return you filed, while an ITR computation explains how your income and tax were calculated.
| Comparison Point | ITR Acknowledgement (ITR-V) | ITR Computation |
|---|---|---|
| What Is It? | An official acknowledgement of the income-tax return submitted to the department. | A supporting statement explaining how taxable income and the income-tax liability were calculated. |
| Main Purpose | Provides filing details and acknowledgement information. | Provides a tax-calculation breakdown for review and supporting documentation. |
| Level of Detail | Summary of filing-related information; not a complete return computation. | Detailed income, deductions, tax calculation and tax credits, depending on its format. |
| Deductions | Not a detailed schedule of deductions. | Normally includes eligible deductions considered in the computation. |
| Taxable Income | May contain summary income or tax figures, depending on the acknowledgement format. | Explains the derivation of taxable income and tax liability. |
| Document Source | Generated through the Income Tax Department's e-Filing system. | Generally prepared using tax software or by a tax professional. |
| Bank Loan Use | May be requested as evidence of filing. | May be requested for an additional breakdown of income and tax. |
| Visa Application Use | May support proof of filing where the relevant authority accepts it. | May support income documentation where a computation is specifically requested. |
ITR Acknowledgement (ITR-V)
Official filing acknowledgement.
Provides filing details and acknowledgement information.
Summary details, not a complete tax computation.
Does not provide a full deduction calculation.
Summary figures may be present depending on the format.
Income Tax Department e-Filing system.
May support proof of filing where accepted.
ITR Computation Statement
Supporting income and tax-calculation statement.
Explains how income and tax were calculated.
Income categories, adjustments, deductions, tax and credits.
Normally includes deductions considered in the calculation.
Shows the calculation of taxable income and tax liability.
Prepared using tax software or by a tax professional.
May be useful when detailed income calculations are requested.
Which Document Should You Submit?
ITR-V answers: "Was an income-tax return filed?" It provides official acknowledgement information associated with the filing.
ITR Computation answers: "How was the income and tax calculated?" It provides a more detailed explanation of the reported income and tax calculation.
For loan or visa applications, you may be asked for the complete filed ITR PDF, ITR-V, computation statement or a combination of these. Always follow the receiving institution's specific document checklist.
Important: Receiving an ITR-V does not necessarily confirm that the return has been successfully e-verified or processed. Check the current verification and processing status through the Income Tax Department's official e-Filing portal before relying on the acknowledgement as evidence of a completed return.
Form 26AS vs AIS vs ITR Computation: Full Comparison
Compare what each document contains, who provides it, how it is used for tax compliance and when it may be requested for loans or visas.
| Feature | Form 26AS | AIS | ITR Computation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Checking tax deducted or collected against PAN. | Reviewing a broader range of reported financial information. | Explaining income, deductions and tax calculations. |
| Source | Income Tax Department / TRACES. | Income Tax Department e-Filing / AIS service. | Prepared through tax software or by a tax professional. |
| Income Details | Limited information associated with TDS/TCS; not complete income. | Available reported income and transaction values, not necessarily taxable income. | Income considered in the computation, including applicable adjustments. |
| TDS/TCS Details | Primary tax-credit reconciliation purpose. | Includes reported TDS/TCS information. | Includes eligible TDS/TCS credits used in calculation. |
| Tax Calculation | Does not calculate final income-tax liability. | Does not calculate the complete return liability. | Explains taxable income, applicable rates, rebates and tax payable. |
| Deductions | Does not provide complete claimed deduction schedules. | Not a final record of eligible deductions. | Generally lists deductions applied under the relevant tax regime. |
| Bank Loan Use | May support tax-credit reconciliation. | May support financial information checks where requested. | May support income assessment when the lender asks for a computation. |
| Visa Use | Only where specified by the relevant authority. | Only where specified by the relevant authority. | May be useful when detailed income calculations are requested. |
| Income Proof | Not a complete standalone record of income. | Reported information is not equivalent to a filed ITR. | Supporting income calculation document, not an official replacement for ITR. |
| Tax Filing Use | Reconcile TDS/TCS before claiming credits. | Cross-check reported financial transactions and submit feedback on errors. | Calculate and review taxable income, credits and final tax position. |
Form 26AS
Check TDS and TCS reported against PAN.
Income Tax Department / TRACES.
Limited; not a complete income statement.
Primary use is tax-credit reconciliation.
Does not calculate final taxable income or total liability.
Does not provide full deduction schedules.
May be requested for supporting tax-credit information.
Not complete standalone income proof.
Useful for checking tax-credit entries before filing.
Annual Information Statement (AIS)
Review broader reported financial information.
Income Tax Department e-Filing / AIS service.
Reported income and transaction values, not always taxable amounts.
Includes reported deduction and collection information.
Not a complete tax-liability calculation.
Not a final deduction computation.
May support information checks where requested.
Not a replacement for the officially filed return.
Useful for reconciling reported transactions and identifying mismatches.
ITR Computation Statement
Explain calculation of income and tax.
Prepared through tax software or by a tax professional.
Shows income included in tax computation.
Reflects eligible tax credits used in calculation.
Explains taxable income, tax rates and resulting liability.
Includes applicable deductions reflected in the computation.
Useful when detailed income computations are requested.
Supporting document; not a substitute for filed ITR.
Useful for reviewing income, deductions and tax calculations.
Which Document Should You Use?
For income-tax filing: Use Form 26AS to check TDS/TCS credits and AIS to review reported financial information. Reconcile both against your own financial records.
For detailed tax calculation: An ITR computation statement can explain income, eligible deductions, tax credits and resulting tax liability.
For loans or visas: Keep your filed ITR, ITR-V acknowledgement and computation statement ready where applicable. The lender or visa authority decides which documents are required.
2026 tax-year clarification: For FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, the earlier AIS and Form 26AS framework applies. From Tax Year 2026–27, the Income-tax Rules, 2026 provide Form 168 (Annual Information Statement). The applicable statement depends on the tax year being reviewed.
Which Tax Document Should You Use? ITR Filing, Loans and Visas
Form 26AS, AIS and an ITR computation statement serve different purposes. Choose the documents that support your task, while following the exact requirements of the receiving institution.
For Filing Your Income Tax Return
Use Form 26AS and AIS alongside your actual income records. These statements help identify tax credits and financial transactions, but they do not replace the tax calculation.
Form 26AS
Review reported TDS and TCS against your PAN, especially before claiming eligible tax credits.
AIS / TIS
Reconcile available reported income, interest, dividends, securities transactions and other relevant information. Do not treat every gross transaction value as taxable income.
ITR Computation
Calculate the applicable income, deductions, loss adjustments, tax liability, credits and resulting tax payable or refund.
Tax-year reminder: For FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, the earlier Form 26AS/AIS framework remains relevant. Under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, Form 168 (Annual Information Statement) applies from Tax Year 2026–27 onward.
For Home, Personal and Business Loans
Lenders may request filed ITRs, tax computations, bank statements and other evidence of income. The number of years required depends on the loan product, lender policy and applicant profile.
| Loan Type | ITR History to Prepare | Other Documents Commonly Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Home Loan | Consider keeping 2–3 available years ready, if applicable. | Salary slips, bank statements, employment records and property documents. |
| Personal Loan | One or more available ITRs, if requested. | Salary or business income evidence and bank statements. |
| Business Loan | Consider keeping up to 3 available years, if requested. | Financial statements, profit-and-loss account, GST records where applicable and bank statements. |
| Loan Against Property | Prepare available recent-year returns, as required by the lender. | Property title documents, valuation records, income proof and bank statements. |
Home Loan
ITRs: Consider 2–3 available years if relevant.
Other: Salary slips, bank statements and property records.
Personal Loan
ITRs: One or more recent years if requested.
Other: Income proof and bank statements.
Business Loan
ITRs: Up to 3 available years may be useful.
Other: Financial statements, GST records and bank details.
Loan Against Property
ITRs: Recent years according to lender instructions.
Other: Ownership documents, valuation and income proof.
Important: A bank may ask for a computation prepared or certified by a Chartered Accountant, depending on its policy. There is no universal rule that a loan exceeding ₹25 lakh automatically requires CA-certified computation.
For Visa and Immigration Applications
Visa authorities assess financial capacity using evidence relevant to the particular visa category. ITRs and tax computations may help, but neither is universally mandatory for every visa.
| Visa Category | Income-Tax Documents | Other Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Canada PR / Study | Tax returns or income evidence may support financial documentation, depending on the program. | Proof of funds, bank statements, employment or sponsor records, as applicable. |
| Schengen Tourist | Recent ITRs may be requested under the relevant consulate's checklist. | Bank statements, employment details, itinerary and other prescribed financial evidence. |
| US B1/B2 Visitor | ITRs may be useful as additional financial evidence if requested. | Travel purpose, employment or personal ties and ability to fund the trip. |
| UK Standard Visitor | ITRs or computation may support evidence of earnings where relevant. | Bank statements, employment or business evidence and funding details. |
| Australia Tourist | Income-tax records may support the application where relevant or requested. | Financial resources, employment or business evidence and travel details. |
Canada PR / Study
Tax records: Where required or relevant to financial support.
Other: Funds, bank statements, sponsor or employment evidence.
Schengen Tourist
Tax records: Follow the specific consulate's checklist.
Other: Bank statements, employment and travel documents.
US B1/B2 Visitor
Tax records: Additional evidence if requested.
Other: Travel purpose, ties and financial capability.
UK Standard Visitor
Tax records: May support employment or income evidence.
Other: Bank statements and source-of-funds documentation.
Australia Tourist
Tax records: If applicable to the applicant's circumstances.
Other: Income evidence, funds and travel details.
Verify visa requirements with official sources: Use the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration department's current checklist rather than assuming that two or three years of computation statements or CA certification are always required.
For example, consult UK visitor supporting-document guidance or the applicable official country portal.
For Freelancers and Consultants
If you earn income through freelancing, consulting or self-employment, you may not have regular salary slips.
A filed ITR together with a computation statement can help present your business or professional income in a structured format.
Supporting documents, such as invoices, business bank statements, GST records where applicable and financial statements, may also be necessary. A computation by itself is not automatically conclusive or independently verified income proof.
How Many Years of ITR Should You Prepare?
There is no universal number of ITR years that satisfies every loan or visa application. Having recent returns organised can make the process easier.
Practical Preparation Tip
As a convenience, consider organising up to three available recent assessment years, along with the corresponding acknowledgements and tax computations.
This is a document preparation suggestion, not a statutory minimum or a guarantee that those records will satisfy a lender or visa authority.
Pre-Filing ITR Checklist for FY 2025–26
Before filing your income-tax return for FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, complete these checks to reconcile reported income, TDS credits and your final tax calculation.
How to use this checklist: Tick each step after completing it. Your selections are for your own convenience and are not submitted to the Income Tax Department.
Download and Review AIS
Open your Annual Information Statement through the Income Tax Department's e-Filing portal. Review reported income, interest, dividends, securities transactions and other relevant entries.
Submit Feedback on Incorrect AIS Entries
If an AIS entry is duplicated, incorrect or unrelated to you, use the available AIS feedback option. Also contact the reporting institution when a source-level correction is necessary.
Download Form 26AS and Match TDS Credits
Reconcile Form 26AS with available salary TDS certificates, bank TDS details and other deductor records. For this financial year, the earlier Form 16 salary certificate framework applies.
Resolve Missing or Incorrect TDS Entries
Where expected TDS does not appear, verify the deductor's reporting details, PAN, deposit status and possible processing delays. Follow up with the deductor for necessary corrections.
Check Your TIS Summary
Review the Taxpayer Information Summary for category-wise processed and accepted values. If information is incorrect, consider AIS feedback and compare the final pre-filled figures with your own records.
Calculate Your Actual Taxable Income
Prepare your income-tax calculation using actual income, eligible expenses, exemptions, deductions and applicable tax rates. Do not copy gross AIS transaction values directly as taxable income without reconciliation.
File the Correct ITR and Verify It
Choose the correct return form, review all applicable income schedules, submit the return and complete e-verification within the prescribed time.
The general e-verification window is 30 days from filing. Delayed verification can affect the effective filing date and return validity.
Save Your Tax Computation Statement
After filing, retain the computation prepared through your tax software or tax professional, where available. Check that the figures are consistent with the actual filed ITR. The computation is a supporting calculation document, not a substitute for the official filed return.
Keep Your ITR Documents Together
Save the filed ITR PDF, acknowledgement, e-verification record, computation statement, Form 26AS, AIS and supporting financial documents in a secure, year-wise folder.
Retain the records for the period relevant to your legal and financial circumstances.
Final Check Before You Finish
AIS and Form 26AS reconciliation helps identify differences, but it does not guarantee a notice-free ITR.
Accurate income reporting, correct tax credits, timely filing, successful verification and properly retained supporting documents are all important.
Tax-year applicability: This checklist is for FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, which remains governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961. For income earned from 1 April 2026 onward, the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the applicable Income-tax Rules, 2026 provisions should be used.
6 Common Mistakes Taxpayers Make With Form 26AS, AIS and ITR Computation
Using the wrong tax document or overlooking reported information can create filing errors, incorrect tax credits or unnecessary documentation delays.
Confusing AIS With Form 26AS
Form 26AS and AIS contain different types of information. For recent assessment years, Form 26AS primarily supports TDS/TCS reconciliation, while AIS includes a broader range of financial information reported to the Income Tax Department.
How to avoid: Check both statements alongside your own financial records before filing. Do not treat one as a complete substitute for the other.
Submitting ITR-V Instead of the Requested Computation
ITR-V generally provides filing acknowledgement information. An ITR computation provides the breakdown of income, deductions, taxable income and tax calculation.
How to avoid: Ask the lender or receiving authority which document it requires. Submit ITR-V, the complete filed ITR or a computation as requested.
Treating Gross AIS Values as Taxable Income
AIS may report transaction values, including securities sales or mutual fund redemptions. These amounts do not necessarily equal taxable income or capital gains.
How to avoid: Reconcile transaction proceeds with acquisition costs, eligible expenses and applicable tax provisions before reporting taxable income.
Ignoring Missing or Incorrect TDS
A missing or incorrect TDS entry can create a mismatch between the credit claimed in your ITR and the deduction information reported to the department.
How to avoid: Compare Form 26AS with your applicable TDS certificates, verify PAN details and contact the deductor if a correction is required.
Using the Wrong Year's Documents
A lender may ask for the latest available ITRs, while a visa authority may request documents for a different period. Sending an older computation without checking the requested year can lead to further queries.
How to avoid: Match the correct Assessment Year or Tax Year to the document checklist. Check taxpayer details and filing status before submission.
Assuming CA Certification Is Always Mandatory
Some lenders and institutions may request a CA-prepared or CA-certified computation statement. Others may accept the filed ITR and supporting income documents without certification.
How to avoid: Confirm the actual documentation requirements. Obtain a professionally reviewed or certified computation only where required or beneficial.
The Most Important Rule
Form 26AS, AIS and ITR Computation are not interchangeable. Form 26AS helps reconcile TDS/TCS, AIS helps review reported financial information, and an ITR computation explains the tax calculation.
Before filing or submitting documents for a loan or visa, confirm the applicable year, cross-check the figures and follow the receiving institution's document requirements.
Common Questions About Form 26AS, AIS and ITR Computation
These practical scenarios reflect the types of questions taxpayers may ask when preparing income-tax returns, responding to financial documentation requests or applying for loans.
My Bank Says Form 26AS Is Not Enough. What Should I Submit?
Form 26AS primarily helps verify tax deducted or collected against your PAN. It does not provide a complete breakdown of your income, deductions and tax calculation.
If your lender needs detailed income information, it may ask for your complete filed ITR, computation of income, salary slips, financial statements or bank statements.
What to do: Ask the loan officer for the exact document checklist. Submit the computation statement together with your filed ITR and other requested income records.
My AIS Shows ₹9 Lakh, but My Actual Income Is ₹5.5 Lakh. Should I Report ₹9 Lakh?
No, not automatically. AIS may contain gross transaction amounts as well as reported income items. These amounts should not be copied into your ITR without checking their nature and tax treatment.
Suppose you redeem mutual fund units for ₹9 lakh that originally cost ₹7 lakh.
The simple difference is ₹2 lakh, but the final taxable capital gain depends on the fund type, holding period, applicable cost rules and other relevant adjustments.
Therefore, the full ₹9 lakh redemption value is not automatically taxable income.
Your total taxable income must still include all other relevant taxable income, calculated under the applicable tax provisions.
What to do: Reconcile AIS with bank statements, capital-gain reports and your income records. If an AIS entry is factually incorrect, use the available AIS feedback facility.
My Loan Officer Wants ITR Computation, but I Only Have ITR-V. Are They the Same?
No. ITR-V is an official acknowledgement associated with your filed income-tax return. An ITR computation statement explains how your income, deductions, tax liability and eligible tax credits were calculated.
You can generally download your filed ITR PDF and ITR-V separately through the Income Tax Department's View Filed Returns service.
If you do not already have a computation statement, it may need to be prepared separately using the relevant filed ITR and supporting records.
What to do: Confirm whether your lender requires a standard computation or a computation specifically reviewed or certified by a Chartered Accountant. Certification is not universally mandatory based only on the loan amount.
Important: These are illustrative taxpayer questions, not verified case histories or evidence that a particular bank, embassy or tax authority will accept a document. Always check your actual income records, applicable tax rules and the document requirements of the receiving institution.
5 Practical Examples: When Do You Need ITR Computation?
From home loans to visa applications, these illustrative situations explain how Form 26AS, AIS and ITR computation may be used for different financial documentation needs.
Home Loan Application
Ravi is a salaried employee applying for a home loan. His lender requests income-tax records along with employment and income evidence. Form 26AS alone may not provide the income details needed for the loan assessment.
- Filed ITR and ITR-V acknowledgement
- ITR computation statement, if requested
- Applicable salary TDS certificate, such as Form 16
- Salary slips and bank statements
Key takeaway: A computation can help explain Ravi's taxable income, but the bank still evaluates eligibility using its own lending criteria.
Business Loan Application
Meena owns a boutique and applies for a business loan. She wants to demonstrate business profitability using her filed tax returns and financial records.
- Filed ITRs for the years requested by the lender
- Corresponding income-tax computations
- Profit-and-loss statements and balance sheets, where applicable
- Business bank statements and GST records, where applicable
Key takeaway: Several years of consistent business records may help a lender assess repayment capacity. They do not guarantee loan approval.
Canada Study Permit
Arjun plans to study in Canada. He needs to demonstrate that sufficient financial resources are available to support his studies and living expenses.
- Proof of available education and living-expense funds
- Relevant bank statements and source-of-funds records
- Sponsor's income records, if applicable
- ITRs or computation statements where useful or requested
Key takeaway: An ITR computation may help explain a sponsor's income, but it does not replace the required proof of funds. Three years of computation are not universally mandatory.
Schengen Tourist Visa
Priya is preparing documents for a Schengen tourist visa application. She wants to demonstrate her financial circumstances using appropriate supporting evidence.
- Bank statements covering the period required
- Employment or business income proof
- Filed ITRs, where requested by the consulate
- ITR computation or CA certification only where applicable
Key takeaway: ITR computation can be supporting evidence, but the relevant consulate's checklist determines which financial documents are required.
Freelancer or Consultant Applying for a Personal Loan
Sana provides freelance services to multiple clients, including overseas customers. Because she does not receive regular salary slips, she needs an organised record of her professional income for a personal loan application.
- Filed ITRs and ITR acknowledgements
- Computation of business or professional income
- Client invoices and bank statements
- Financial statements and other records required by the lender
Key takeaway: A properly prepared computation can organise Sana's taxable professional income into a readable statement. The lender may still independently verify the income, business activity and supporting records.
Important: Ravi, Meena, Arjun, Priya and Sana are fictional examples used for explanation. Actual loan and visa documentation requirements vary by institution, application category and individual circumstances. ITR computation is a supporting tax-calculation document; it does not by itself guarantee approval, establish available funds or replace an officially filed ITR.
How to Download Form 26AS, AIS and ITR Computation
Find the correct documents for tax filing, income verification and financial applications using the official e-Filing portal and your available tax records.
Download Form 26AS
Use Form 26AS to review tax deducted or collected against your PAN for the applicable assessment year.
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal and sign in.
- Open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Form 26AS, where available for the selected assessment year.
- Follow the portal prompts to open the linked TRACES / TDS-CPC service.
- Select the relevant assessment year and available statement format.
- View or download the statement using the options provided by TRACES.
Tip: The financial year and assessment year are different. For income earned in FY 2025–26, select AY 2026–27.
Download AIS and TIS
AIS helps you review reported financial information, while TIS provides a category-wise summary of that information.
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Open AIS / Annual Information Statement from the available portal menu. Depending on the interface, it may appear under AIS or Services.
- Proceed to the AIS service and select the correct assessment year or tax year.
- Review the AIS information and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS).
- Download available statement formats. AIS is generally available in PDF, JSON and CSV formats, subject to portal options.
Tip: Check the statement for duplicate or incorrect entries and use AIS feedback where appropriate. Do not assume every transaction value is taxable income.
Obtain ITR Computation
An ITR computation explains the calculation of income, deductions, tax liability and final tax position.
- Gather your relevant income documents and tax records for the year.
- If your ITR is already filed, open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns to download the available filed ITR PDF and ITR-V acknowledgement.
- Check whether your tax software or tax professional has prepared a corresponding Computation of Income and Tax.
- If the computation is unavailable, it may need to be prepared separately using your return data and supporting records.
- Reconcile the calculation with your actual filed ITR before submitting it to any institution.
Important: Downloading your filed ITR PDF does not automatically mean you have a separately prepared computation statement.
ITR-V, Filed ITR PDF and ITR Computation: Know the Difference
The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to access their ITR-V acknowledgement and complete filed ITR PDF through the relevant View Filed Returns service.
An ITR computation is a supporting tax-calculation statement. It may be generated through tax software or prepared by a tax professional using the applicable information.
If a bank, lender or visa authority asks for a computation, confirm whether a standard calculation statement is sufficient or a professionally certified document is required.
Need Help With Your ITR Computation?
Access Easy Return to explore available income-tax services and assistance with tax documentation. Any professional preparation or CA certification depends on the service provided and your specific documentation requirements.
2026 transition: For FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27, use the applicable Form 26AS and AIS services. For Tax Year 2026–27 onward, the Income-tax Rules, 2026 introduce Form 168 (Annual Information Statement). Always select the correct tax period and use the relevant portal options.
Frequently Asked Questions: Form 26AS vs AIS vs ITR Computation
Clear answers to common questions about tax-credit statements, reported income, ITR computation and documents requested for loans or visas.
01 Is AIS the Same as Form 26AS?
No. For AY 2023–24 onward, Form 26AS primarily shows TDS and TCS information associated with your PAN.
AIS provides a broader range of information, which may include reported income, specified financial transactions, tax payments and refunds. The two statements should be checked together when preparing a return.
02 Which Is Better — AIS or Form 26AS?
Neither document is universally better because they serve different purposes.
Use Form 26AS to reconcile reported TDS/TCS credits. Use AIS to check a broader range of financial information reported to the Income Tax Department.
You should also reconcile both with your own income and financial records.
03 Is ITR Computation Accepted as Proof of Income?
An ITR computation statement can be supporting evidence of income because it explains income categories, deductions, taxable income and tax calculations.
However, it is not automatically accepted by every bank, lender or visa authority. Institutions may also require filed ITRs, bank statements, salary records or additional financial evidence.
A CA-certified computation should be described as certified only when a Chartered Accountant has actually reviewed and certified it.
04 Can I Use Form 26AS for a Home Loan?
Form 26AS may be useful as a supporting tax-credit document, but it does not provide a complete record of income.
A home-loan lender may instead request your complete filed ITR, computation statement, salary slips, bank statements or business financial records.
Follow the lender's specific checklist rather than assuming Form 26AS alone will be sufficient.
05 Can I Use AIS for a Visa Application?
AIS may serve as supplementary information where relevant, but it is not a substitute for the financial evidence required by a visa authority.
Depending on the destination and visa category, applicants may need bank statements, income-tax returns, employment records or proof of available funds.
An ITR computation can help explain income where requested, but its acceptance is not guaranteed.
06 Why Do Banks Ask for ITR Computation?
A computation statement can help a bank understand how the applicant's income and tax were calculated.
It may show salary or business income, deductions, taxable income, tax liability and eligible tax credits in a structured format.
The bank may use it alongside filed returns and independent income-verification documents when assessing a loan.
07 Is ITR Acknowledgement (ITR-V) Enough for Loans?
It depends on the lender. ITR-V provides acknowledgement information about a filed return.
It does not contain the same detailed tax calculation as a separately prepared ITR computation.
Some lenders may ask for the complete filed ITR and supporting financial documents in addition to ITR-V.
08 Does AIS Show All My Income?
Not necessarily. AIS reflects financial information available to the Income Tax Department through reporting and other sources.
It may not contain every income item or transaction. Some entries may also show gross transaction amounts rather than taxable income.
You remain responsible for correctly reporting all taxable income, even if a particular amount is missing from AIS.
09 What Is TIS in Income Tax?
TIS means Taxpayer Information Summary. It presents a category-wise summary derived from AIS.
TIS can show processed values and values accepted by the taxpayer or confirmed by reporting sources.
These values may be used to pre-fill supported fields of an ITR. Always verify the pre-filled figures before submitting your return.
10 What Is the Difference Between an ITR and ITR Computation?
An ITR (Income Tax Return) is the prescribed return submitted to the Income Tax Department.
An ITR computation statement is a supporting calculation document explaining how income, deductions and taxes were determined.
The computation should agree with the corresponding return when it is presented as a computation of filed income.
11 Which Income Document Should Freelancers Use?
Freelancers and consultants can use their filed ITRs and corresponding tax computations to explain professional income.
Depending on the purpose, they may also need client invoices, bank statements, financial statements and GST records where applicable.
CA certification is only necessary where specifically required or appropriately obtained.
12 How Many Years of ITR Computation Are Needed for Loans or Visas?
There is no single requirement covering every bank, lender, embassy or visa category.
Some financial institutions may request multiple recent years of income-tax returns and computations. Visa requirements depend on the destination, application category and applicant's circumstances.
For convenient preparation, consider organising up to three available recent years, but provide only the specific years and documents requested.
13 Can I Prepare ITR Computation Before Filing My Return?
Yes. A draft computation can be prepared before filing, using available income and tax information.
This helps you calculate estimated taxable income, deductions, tax liability and tax payable or refundable.
However, a draft computation is not proof that an ITR has been filed. If the document is needed as a computation of filed income, reconcile it with the actual submitted return.
Important for 2026: Form 26AS and the earlier AIS framework remain relevant for FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Income-tax Rules, 2026, Form 168 (Annual Information Statement) applies from Tax Year 2026–27 onward. Choose the statement corresponding to the correct tax period.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It should not be treated as personalised tax, legal, financial or immigration advice.
Income-tax provisions, applicable forms and filing procedures may differ by Financial Year, Assessment Year or Tax Year. Bank, lender, embassy and immigration document requirements may also vary and change over time.
ITR computation statements and CA certification do not guarantee loan approval, visa approval, acceptance as income proof or any particular tax outcome. Consult a qualified Chartered Accountant or other appropriate professional for advice relevant to your circumstances.
CA Sagar Batra
ICAI Registered Chartered Accountant · 10+ Years of Professional Experience · 12,000+ Tax Filings
Chartered Accountant with experience in taxation, compliance and business advisory. His work covers Income Tax, GST, TDS, tax notices, business compliance and financial documentation for individuals and businesses across India.