Didn’t Receive Form 16 Yet? Here’s What You Can Do to File ITR on Time

Many employees — especially in startups, contract roles, or mid-sized firms — don’t receive Form 16 on time, or sometimes don’t receive it at all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t file your ITR correctly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to file your return without Form 16 — and avoid refund delays or penalties.

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1. What Is Form 16?

• A TDS certificate issued by your employer
• Summarizes your salary, deductions, and tax deducted (TDS)
• Helps pre-fill ITR — but not mandatory for return filing

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2. How to File ITR Without Form 16:

a. Use Your Payslips or Salary Statement

• Calculate gross salary, allowances (HRA, LTA), deductions (PF, NPS, etc.)

b. Download Form 26AS and AIS

• Go to https://incometax.gov.in
• Match your salary TDS with what’s reported by your employer

c. Claim Deductions Separately

• Manually enter 80C (LIC, ELSS), 80D (health insurance), and other deductions
• Keep receipts ready in case of scrutiny

d. Calculate Total Tax & Pay Self-Assessment Tax (if needed)

• Use an online calculator or portal
• If TDS is short, pay balance tax before filing

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3. What If Employer Refuses to Share Form 16?

• Raise a grievance via TRACES or the Income Tax Portal
• Your TDS is still valid if reflected in 26AS — ITD goes by portal data, not employer delay

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Pro Tip:
Always match salary credited in bank vs. salary declared in ITR — avoid underreporting even if Form 16 is missing.