TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Authentication Code Question and Answer // SUNIL RAJAI // MONARCH

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Authentication Code Question and Answer

Question (1) : What is Authentication Code?
Answer : Authentication code is generated when you clear validation details for a statement for certain functionalities such as Download Form 16 / 16A, Download NSDL Conso File, Download Justification Report, etc. Authentication code generated for a particular statement will be valid for the calendar day (i.e., an authentication code generated on 10-Dec-2012 can be used only on 10-Dec-2012 to clear validation details for the same statement. It will not be valid the next day).

Question (2) : Why does TRACES have different types of Authentication Codes?
Answer : There are two types of validations after which Authentication Code will be generated.
• Statement Specific Validation – On this screen, details about a particular statement will be asked.
For e.g., If you want to download NSDL Conso File for Financial Year 2010-11, Quarter 2 and Form Type 24Q, you have to provide challan details and PAN-Amount details for this statement. The Authentication Code generated will be for that particular statement
• Generic Validation – On this screen, details about a generic statement will be asked.
For e.g., If you want to update your profile, you have to provide challan details and PAN-Amount details about a generic statement will be asked. The Authentication Code generated will be for the FY, Quarter and Form Type displayed on the validation screen
It is advised to copy and save the Authentication Code so that you can reuse it for that day for the same statement.

Question (3) : Should I enter Authentication Code if I am trying to clear validation details for the first time during a day?
Answer : No. While trying to clear validation details for first time, you will not have the Authentication Code, hence you are not required to enter this value. You can proceed by entering other details for validation on this screen (i.e., Token Number, CIN / BIN Details and PAN-Amount). On completion of validation, Authentication Code will be generated and displayed when you proceed to next page.

Question (4) : Is it mandatory to enter Authentication Code?
Answer : No. If Authentication Code has been generated for the statement for which you are filling up validation details, you can enter it in the field provided for the same. It will facilitate users to avoid filling up validation details repeatedly in case user logs in again at different time of the day. If it has not been generated or if you have not saved it, you can proceed by entering other details on this screen (i.e., Token Number, CIN / BIN Details and PAN-Amount).

Question (5) : What is the advantage of Authentication Code?
Answer : Authentication Code is generated to facilitate users to avoid filling up of validation details repeatedly in case user logs in again at different time of the day.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI