TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) is an online platform offered by the Income Tax Department. It simplifies your TDS tasks and provides access to related data. 

 

It allows you to view challan status and download Form 16/16A and annual tax credit statements (Form 26AS). It enhances transparency in your TDS compliance and helps you verify credits and file your taxes accurately. As a deductor, you can file returns, correct errors, and track payments efficiently.

Understanding TRACES and Its Importance

TRACES is a platform you can use to manage TDS-related activities. It optimises tax compliance for deductors and taxpayers and ensures transparency and efficiency in the tax deduction process.

 

simplifying various TDS tasks while enhancing user experience. Its key functions include:

  • Ensuring timely identification of defaults through efficient TDS statement processing

  • Offering accurate support to deductors and taxpayers for resolving grievances

  • Building a scalable and sustainable ecosystem with comprehensive online services

  • Continuously upgrading technology to meet the evolving needs of the TDS system

  • Enhancing user satisfaction with reliable service delivery

  • Empowering taxpayers and deductors to achieve full compliance with income tax regulations

 

The key services offered by TRACES for taxpayers and deductors are:

  • Registration for Deductors/Collectors and Taxpayers

Deductors/collectors and taxpayers can register on TRACES to create an account, manage their TAN/PAN, and access relevant services.

  • Online TDS/TCS Statement Corrections

TRACES allows deductors/collectors to submit and process online correction statements for TCS/TDS returns.

  • View Statement Processing Status and Defaults

Deductors/collectors can track the status of filed statements and download notices for defaults from CPC (TDS).

  • View Tax Credit Statement (Form 26AS)

Taxpayers can view and download their 26AS/Annual Tax Statement in various formats from TRACES.

  • Digital TDS/TCS Certificates (Forms 16/16A/16B/16C/16D/27D)

Deductors/collectors download TDS/TCS certificates for taxpayers, which align with 26AS for tax filing.

  • Justification Report for TDS/TCS Defaults

This report summarises defaults in statements, aiding deductors/collectors in submitting corrections.

  • Consolidated File for TDS/TCS Corrections

Deductors/collectors can download a consolidated file from TRACES to submit corrected TDS/TCS returns.

  • Aggregated Compliance Report

Provides an overview of TDS/TCS defaults for deductors/collectors managing multiple TANs under one PAN.

  • TDS/TCS Refunds

Deductors/collectors can request refunds through the TRACES platform.

Prerequisites for Accessing TDS Login on TRACES

To successfully access the TRACES portal for TDS management, deductors and taxpayers need to meet the following requirements:

PAN and TAN Requirements

To access the TRACES portal, you need a valid PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number). Ensure your TAN is registered with the Income Tax Department for filing TDS statements. 

 

You will also need your PAN to view Form 26AS and tax credit details, so proper linkage between your PAN and TAN is crucial for smooth operation.

Registered User Credentials

You will have to register on TRACES by creating an account with your PAN or TAN, including your contact details. After successful registration, you will receive a unique username and password for secure access to TDS-related services.

How to Register for TRACES (For New Users)

Registering for TRACES is your first step to accessing the platform’s services. This process allows you to create an account for your needs, whether you are a taxpayer or a deductor. Follow the steps below to get started.

Registration for a Taxpayer

1. Go to TRACES homepage (https://www.tdscpc.gov.in/en/home.html) and click on 'Register as New User'.

 

 

2. Choose 'Type of User' as ‘Taxpayer’.

 

 

3. Enter the required details from Step 1 to Step 4, such as your PAN, date of birth, full name, and proceed.

 

 

4. Review and confirm the details on the confirmation screen.

 

5. Upon successful registration, an activation link will be sent to the registered email ID, and separate activation codes will be sent to both the registered email ID and mobile number.

 

6. Click on the activation link and enter your User ID (PAN of the taxpayer) along with the activation codes.

 

7. Once activated, you can log in to TRACES using your credentials.

Registration for a Deductor

1. Go to TRACES homepage (https://www.tdscpc.gov.in/en/home.html) and click on 'Register as New User'.

 

 

2. Select 'Type of User' as ‘Deductor’.

 

 

3. Enter the required details from Step 1 to Step 5, which includes your TAN, contact details, address, and proceed.

 

 

4. Review and confirm the details on the confirmation screen.

 

5. Upon successful registration, an activation link will be sent to your registered email ID, along with separate activation codes sent to both your registered email ID and mobile number.

 

6. Click on the activation link and enter your User ID and activation codes.

 

7. Once activated, you can log in to TRACES.

Log in to the TRACES Portal (Existing Users)

You can get income tax-related information by logging into your TRACES account. If you are an existing user, follow these steps to access your account:

Step-by-Step Login Process

1. Visit https://contents.tdscpc.gov.in/

 

 

2. You will be greeted with a ‘Caution’ pop-up; click on continue.

 

3. Hover on ‘Login’ at the left side of the page and choose from ‘Deductor’, ’Taxpayer’, or ’PAO’; click on the one that applies to you.

 

 

4. You will be redirected to the login page.

 

5. Once on the page, fill in your login credentials like ‘User Id’, ‘Password’, and ‘PAN for Taxpayer’ or ‘TAN for Deductor’.

 

How to Recover Forgotten Password for TRACES Login

If you have forgotten your TRACES login password, recovering it is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to reset your password and regain access to your account:

 

1. Click on the 'Forgot Password' link on the TRACES homepage or login page.

 

 

2. Fill in the details required in Step 1 and Step 2 of the form, like user ID, personal dates and captcha.

 

 

3. In Step 3, the registered mobile number of the Deductor/Taxpayer from the TRACES profile will be displayed.

 

4. Click 'Proceed' to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on the mobile number.

 

5. Enter the OTP and submit.

 

6. In Step 4, create a new password and submit. Your account password will be updated.

 

7. An email notification will be sent to your registered email ID confirming the password change.

 

To ensure the safety of your online accounts, manage your login credentials with care. Here are some general security tips for securing this information:

  • Never share your passwords with anyone.

  • Use unique passwords for each account.

  • Prioritise longer passwords over complex ones without overlooking the complexity.

  • Create passwords that are tough to guess but easy for you to remember.

  • Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.

Common Issues While Logging into TRACES and How to Solve Them

While logging into TRACES, you might face some common issues that can prevent access. Here are the typical problems and their solutions to help you resolve them quickly.

Login Issue

Possible Causes

Solution

Account Locked

If you make five consecutive incorrect login attempts in 24 hours

Wait for an hour to attempt login again

Account Disabled or Deactivated

If you do not login to your TRACES account for two consecutive quarters

Contact the admin to recreate your account

If you are still unable to log in, contact their customer care on 1800 103 0344/0120 4814600.

Key Features Available After Logging Into TRACES

Once you've successfully logged into the TRACES portal, you'll gain access to a range of essential features that simplify tax-related tasks. You can get the following services:

View or Download Form 16/16A

You can get Form 16/16A on the TRACES portal by following these steps:

 

1. Log into TRACES as a deductor.

 

2. Submit your download request for Form 16/16A under the 'Downloads' tab.

 

3. Find the file under 'Requested Downloads' in the same tab.

 

4. Download the text file containing details of all requested PANs.

 

5. Open the 'TRACES PDF Generation Utility' to convert the text file into PDFs.

 

6. The utility will create individual PDF files for each PAN.

 

7. Optionally, digitally sign the PDFs during the conversion process.

 

8. Access your completed PDFs for use.

File TDS Returns

Follow these steps to file TDS returns on the TRACES portal: 

 

1. Log into the TRACES website; the landing page will be displayed.

 

 

2. Click on ‘Request for Refund (For Forms 26QB/26QC/26QD)’ under the ‘Statements / Forms’ tab.

 

3. Review the checklist and click ‘Proceed’.

 

4. Select at least one reason for the refund request, then click ‘Add Challan’ to continue.

 

5. Enter the challan details for which you want to claim a refund.

 

6. Check the challan consumption details, agree to the declaration, and click ‘Proceed’.

 

7. Enter your bank details and click ‘Proceed’.

 

8. The verification page will be displayed; click ‘Proceed’.

 

9. On the confirmation page, click ‘Submit Refund Request’ to continue with the TDS refund request.

 

10. After submitting, a pop-up will prompt you to validate the request through DSC or Aadhaar. A success message will appear; click ‘Preview and Print Form 26B acknowledgement’ to print it.

 

11. Track your refund request under ‘Track Refund Request (For Forms 26QB/26QC/26QD)’ using Search Option 1, Search Option 2, or View All.

View Challan Status and Justification Report

Follow these simple steps to track your challan status and get a justification report:

 

1. Register on TRACES to view the challan status.

 

2. Log into your account.

 

3. Click on 'Challan Status' under the 'Statements / Payments' menu.

 

4. Search for a challan by entering the challan details.

 

5. View challan consumption details and available balance for a specified financial year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TRACES Login

What should I do if I am unable to log in?

In case you are unable to log in to the TRACES platform, please ensure the following:

  • Re-check your details to ensure accuracy.

  • Ensure the captcha details you enter are correct; consider that they are case-sensitive.

  • Click on the 'Forgot Password' option to reset your password.

 

If you are still unable to log in, contact customer care on 1800 103 0344/0120 4814600

Can I access TRACES without a digital signature?

Yes, you can access TRACES without a digital signature. You can log in using your user ID and password.

How long does it take to register on TRACES?

Registering on the TRACES platform is a quick and easy procedure. You will have to click on the activation link sent to your registered email ID and submit the activation code within 48 hours.

How can I access my TDS certificate?

You can access your TDS certificate by following these steps:

  1. Visit the website www.tdscpc.gov.in. The TRACES homepage will appear. Click on ‘Continue’ to proceed further.

  2. Log in to the TRACES website with your ‘User ID,’ ‘Password,’ and the ‘Verification code.’ The landing page will be displayed on your screen.

  3. Click on the ‘Verify TDS Certificate’ option available under the ‘View / Verify Tax Credit’ tab.

  4. Enter the ‘TAN of Deductor,’ ‘TDS Certificate Number,’ ‘Total amount deducted as per Certificate,’ select ‘Assessment Year,’ and ‘Source of Income,’ then click the ‘Validate’ button

  5. After clicking the Validate’ button, the details of the TDS Certificate will appear on your screen

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