TRACES Login & Registration Process Guide

Are you unable to login to TRACES website? Check out this step by step guide by H&R Block India to know how you can register and login to the TRACES website to access your TDS account.

What is TRACES?

TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System also known as Traces is a web-based application of the Income Tax department. It is an interface to all stakeholders associated with Tax Deducted at source administration. It facilities viewing of challan status, downloading of Conso File, Justification Report and Form 16 / 16A as well as viewing of annual tax credit statements (Form 26AS).

This undertaking also enables in an easy filing of TDS/TCS correction statements by the deductor. A deductor is the one who deducts the Tax and deposits it with the government.

How to Login to TRACES?

TRACES enables tax deductors to log in and easily file online correction statements and for taxpayers, it helps in viewing and downloading Form 26AS. In order to access TDS login on the website you need to follow the following steps:

• Step 1: Go to the Traces Website (1) where you will see a pop-up window like the one shown below. Click on the Continue button at the bottom of the pop-up window.

• Step 2: Once, when you reach the home page, click on the Login link at the top of the left navigation bar as shown in the image below if you already have a TRACES account and if not, don’t worry you can any time Click on Register as New User and Register yourself.

• Step 3: And now ultimately, you will be taken to a page where you need to fill out the login credentials as shown below:

*Note: All the options are mandatory to be filled.

• Step 4: In case you want to register as a new user, then you have to follow the steps as shown below:
  1. If you are a deductor, you need to click on the “Deductor” tab and follow the on-screen instructions.

Or, if you are a taxpayer, you need to click on the “Tax payer” tab and follow the on-screen instructions.

• Or, if you are a PAO i.e. Pay and Account officer, you need to click on the “Deductor” tab and follow the on-screen instructions

TRACES Helpline

For any assistance with TRACES website you can call on the Toll Free No: 1800 103 0344 or use this Phone Number 0120-4814600

Frequently Asked Questions around TRACES Website

• What is TRACES Third Party Management System?

  The TRACE TPMS is a single online interface that allows a company or individual to order and track TRACE due diligence reports online 24/7.

•  Why is it necessary to have TAN?

  The provisions of Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 require all persons who deduct or collect tax at source to apply for the allotment of TAN. The section also makes it mandatory to quote TAN in all TDS / TCS / Annual Information Returns, payment challans and certificates to be issued. Deductor cannot file TDS / TCS statements and deposit challans for TDS / TCS payments in banks without TAN. Failure to apply for TAN or not quoting the same in the specified documents attracts a penalty of Rs 10,000.

• Can I make a correction on the basis of Default Summary available on TRACES?

  Yes, you can make the correction online on the basis of default summary. However, it is advised to download updated Justification Report from TRACES. Justification Report provides detailed information about the defaults / errors that need to be rectified by filing correction statement.

• Can deductor apply for online correction prior to FY 2012-13?

  Yes, deductor can file online correction from Financial Year 2007-08 onwards. However, deductor has to ensure that the latest correction for the relevant statement should be processed through TDSCPC.

• Is it mandatory to file correction statement if I have deposited my Default Account?

  Yes, In order to remove the default, deductor has to file Correction Statement after depositing the default amount. This is a standard procedure that needs to be followed.

• Can I download Form 16B without acknowledgement number?

  No, you cannot download it without the acknowledgement number.