Form 16 Issuance Deadline: What Salaried Employees Need to Know Before June 15, 2025
By Aaerm Law Associates | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | June 2, 2025
As the deadline approaches, salaried employees across India are preparing to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26). One crucial document required for this process is Form 16, a certificate issued by employers detailing the salary paid and the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) during the year.
📌 Understanding Form 16
Form 16 serves as proof of income and tax deductions for salaried individuals. It is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Contains details of the employer and employee, including PAN and TAN numbers, and the TDS deducted and deposited quarterly.
- Part B: Provides a detailed breakdown of the salary paid, exemptions, deductions under various sections (like 80C, 80D), and the final taxable income.
Employers are required to issue Form 16 within 15 days after filing the TDS return for the last quarter (January–March) of the financial year, which is due by May 31. Therefore, the latest date for issuing Form 16 is June 15, 2025.
📅 Importance of Receiving Form 16 by June 15
Receiving Form 16 by June 15 is essential for several reasons
- Accurate Filing: It provides the necessary details to accurately file your ITR.
- Avoiding Errors: Filing without Form 16 can lead to discrepancies, potentially delaying refunds or causing penalties.
- Compliance: Ensures compliance with the Income Tax Department’s requirements.
Tax experts advise against filing ITR before June 15, as Form 16 and other documents like Form 26AS may not be updated in the tax portal until then.
🔐 Security Features of Form 16
Form 16 is typically issued as a password-protected PDF file. The password is often a combination of your PAN and date of birth in a specific format (e.g., DDMMYYYY). Ensure you follow the format provided by your employer to access the document.
✅ What to Do If You Haven’t Received Form 16
If you haven’t received Form 16 by June 15:
- Contact HR/Payroll Department: Reach out to your employer’s HR or payroll department to inquire about the status.
- Verify Details: Ensure that your PAN and other details are correctly updated in the employer’s records.
- Request Duplicate: If the original is lost, request a duplicate copy.
Remember, Form 16 is crucial for filing your ITR accurately and on time.
📝 Final Thoughts
Receiving Form 16 by June 15 is vital for timely and accurate ITR filing. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and information before proceeding with your tax return.
For personalized assistance or if you encounter issues with your Form 16, consider consulting a tax professional or legal advisor.
