TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Question and Answer of Conso File Download // MONARCH // SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Question and Answer of Conso File Download

Question (1) : How can I download conso file?
Answer : Login to TRACES as deductor and submit download request for the conso file under ‘Request for Conso File’ in ‘Statements / Payments’ tab. File will be available under ‘Requested Downloads’ in ‘Downloads’ tab.

Question (2) : Is it mandatory to download a conso file while filing correction statement?
Answer : Yes. It is mandatory, as it enables accuracy during correction filing.

Question (3) : What is the password for opening Conso file?
Answer : The password for opening Conso file will be your TAN_Request Number in capital letters.

Question (4) : I want to submit request to download the conso file, will system allow me to pass through validation screen without any challan and deductee detail?
Answer : Yes, you can download the conso file even if you have zero challan detail and no deductee record for the statement.

Question (5) : I have filed a paper return, and want to download the consolidated file for the same on TRACES. How should I proceed?
Answer : Conso file will not be available in case of paper return. Refer e–Tutorials for more details.

Question (6) : While entering validation details for submitting request to download conso file, I have entered details correctly in Part 1 and Part 2 of the validation screen, yet it shows error as 'Invalid Details' in Part 1 or Part 2. What should I do?
Answer : Details to be filled in validation screen should be exactly the same as reported in the TDS statement. If you have filed any correction statement, Token Number and other details should be as per the latest correction statement.

Question (7) : While entering validation details for submitting request to download conso file, I am getting an error, 'More than one PAN in the challan'. What should I do?
Answer : In such case, CIN of that challan should be entered which has been claimed for at least two, three or more PANs.

Question (8) : While entering validation details for submitting request to download conso file, I am getting an error, 'Invalid Token Number'. How do I rectify the error?
Answer : Enter Token Number for latest accepted statement (regular or correction) for the statement for which conso file is being requested.

Question (9) : While submitting request to download conso file, I am getting an error message that request has failed. What should I do?
Answer : In such cases, request for downloading conso file needs to be resubmitted.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Question and Answer of Conso File // SUNIL RAJAI // MONARCH

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Question and Answer of Conso File

Question (1) : What is a conso file?
Answer : It is the consolidated data of the statements processed (regular & correction) for the relevant Financial Year, Quarter and Form Type.

Question (2) : Why is a conso file required?
Answer : While filing correction for a particular Financial Year, Quarter and Form Type, conso file provides details about all the previous corrections made in the relevant statement. This conso file can be uploaded to the RPU to enable correction. This file gets updated each time a correction is filed for the particular Financial Year, Quarter and Form Type. Hence, each time a correction statement is to be filed for the given combination, a fresh conso file is required.

Question (3) : From which year is conso file available on TRACES?
Answer :Conso file is available on TRACES from FY 2007-08.

Question (4) : What would be the file extension for the consolidated file?
Answer : The file extension would be in ".tds" format.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Question and Answer of Form 16 / 16A // MONARCH // SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Question and Answer of Form 16 / 16A

Question (1) : What is Form 16 / 16A?
Answer : It is the certificate of deduction of tax at source by any person in accordance with Chapter XVII-B of IT Act.
Form 16 is issued on deduction of tax by the employer on behalf of the employee under section 192 of IT Act, 1961.
Form 16A is issued if the deduction of tax is under any other provision of Chapter XVII-B of IT Act.
These certificates provide details of TDS / TCS for various transactions between deductor and deductee. It is mandatory to issue these certificates to Tax Payers u/s 203 of IT Act, 1961.

Question (2) : Is there any format for these certificates?
Answer : Form 16 / 16A are issued as per the provisions of Rule 31(1).

Question (3) : How are these forms generated?
Answer :These forms shall be generated by TDS CPC on processing the quarterly TDS / TCS statements filed by deductor. Deductor will have to raise a request for the same on TRACES. Deductor shall have the option to digitally sign the certificates.

Question (4) : Due to non availability of PAN, tax has been deducted at higher rate. How can deductor provide Form 16 (Part A) / Form 16A without availability of PAN?
Answer : Valid PAN is mandatory for issuing Form 16 from TRACES. Correction statement is required to be filled to report the valid PAN for downloading Form 16 (Part A) / Form 16A.

Question (5) : What are the different matching statuses in Form 16 / Form 16A?
Answer : Following are different matching statuses in Form 16 / Form 16A:
• U – Unmatched (Deductor has not deposited taxes or has furnished incorrect particulars of tax payment. Final credit will be reflected only when payment detail in bank matches with details of deposit in TDS/TCS statement)
• P – Provisional (Provisional tax credit is effected only for TDS / TCS statement filed by Government deductor. 'P' status will be changed to Final (F) on verification of payment details submitted by Pay and Account Officer (PAO))
• F – Final (In case of non-government deductors, payment details of TDS / TCS deposited in bank by deductor have matched with the payment details mentioned in the TDS / TCS statement filed by deductors. In case of government deductors, detail of TDS / TCS booked in Government accounts have been verified by Pay and Account Officer (PAO))
• O – Overbooked (Payment details of TDS / TCS deposited in bank by deductor have matched with details mentioned in the TDS / TCS statement but the amount is over claimed in the statement. Final (F) credit will be reflected only when deductor reduces claimed amount in the statement or makes new payment for excess amount claimed in the statement)

Question (6) : Tax has been deducted at the rate of 20% due to non-availability of PAN. How can I issue Form 16A?
Answer : PAN is mandatory to issue Tax deduction certificates.

Question (7) : What should I do if I am not getting Form 16 from TRACES?
Answer : Ensure that you have filed Form 24Q for Quarter 4 with Annexure II. It is mandatory to file Annexure II giving actual particulars for the entire financial year, as Form 16 is generated on the basis of information provided in Annexure – II.

Question (8) : How are the particulars of those employees who are employed with more than one employer in a financial year to be shown in Form 16?
Answer : The employee should declare previous salary and TDS details, if any, with the current employer and the same should be considered by the current employer while deducting TDS on salary and issuing Form 16.

Question (9) : I have worked with different branch offices during the financial year. How will information for Part B appear in my Form 16?
Answer : Part B information will be issued by the employer. TDS CPC will provide Form 16 containing only Part A details.

Question (10) : What are the guidelines for an employer to deduct TDS and issue Form16?
Answer : Following are the guidelines for an employer to deduct TDS and issue Form 16:
• Make mandatory for all the employees to declare previous salary, investment proofs and TDS details, if any
• Employer has to consider the declaration before deducting TDS from salary
• Fill Annexure II for all employees who work or worked for any period of time during the current financial year
• Issue Form 16 to all the employees
• It is the duty of an employee to provide valid PAN. If employee has worked with more than one employer in a financial year, employee should declare previous salary and TDS detail, if any, with the current employer

Question (11) : What are the details available in TDS certificate (Form 16 / 16A)?
Answer : The details available are as below:
• Name / address / TAN of Deductor
• Name / address / PAN of Tax Payer
• Certificate Number
• Summary of payment made by deductor
• Summary of tax deducted at source in respect of tax payer
• Details of tax deducted and deposited in Central Government account through challan / Book Adjustment (in case of Government deductor)
• Details of tax deducted and deposited in Central Government account through challan (in case of Non-Government deductor)


Question (12) : What can I do if I am unable to get the TDS certificate (Form 16 / 16A)?
Answer : It is the duty of every person deducting tax to issue a TDS certificate. In spite of your request, if you are denied the certificate then there is a chance that the tax deducted has not been deposited by the deductor to the government account. Please inform the department (PRO or TDS section) which will then do the needful.

Question (13) : I have not received TDS certificate from my employer. Can I claim TDS deducted from my salary?
Answer : Yes. The claim can be made in your return. Department, however, will raise a demand which will not be enforced on you but on your employer.

Question (14) : If a deductee comes back stating that the original TDS certificate is lost, can a duplicate certificate be issued?
Answer : Yes. Deductor will have to issue the duplicate certificate.

Question (15) : Even if no taxes have been deducted from salary, is there any need for my employer to issue Form 16 to me?
Answer :Form 16 is a certificate of TDS and in your case it will not apply. However your employer must issue a salary statement.

Question (16) : If I am receiving my pension through a bank who will issue Form 16 or pension statement to me - the bank or my former employer?
Answer : The bank will issue Form 16.

Question (17) : What is a certificate number?
Answer : Certificate number is present in Form 16 / Form 16A issued by Deductor.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Question and Answer of AIN & Receipt Number // MONARCH // SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Question and Answer of AIN & Receipt Number

Question (1) : What is AIN?
Answer : Accounts Office Identification Number (AIN) is a seven-digit unique identification number issued by the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems), Delhi, to each Accounts Office. It is mandatory for an AO to have an AIN for submitting the Form 24G.

Question (2) : How to obtain AIN?
Answer : Application for AIN has to be made in the form 'Application for allotment of Accounts Office Identification Number' (AIN application form).

Question (3) : How intimation of AIN allotment will be given to the Accounts Officer?
Answer : Income Tax Department will send a letter to the Accounts Officer giving details of AIN allotted to the officer.

Question (4) : What is AIN Registration Number?
Answer :AIN Registration Number is a 12-digit alpha-numeric number provided by TIN when AIN is registered on TIN.

Question (5) : What is Receipt Number?
Answer : Receipt Number of Form 24G is a 7-digit number generated when a Form 24G statement is filed by PAO.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // Question and Answer Of Taxpayers Login / Forgot Userid and Password and Account Lockout // SUNIL RAJAI // MONARCH

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
Question and Answer Of Taxpayers Login / Forgot Userid and Password and Account Lockout

Question (1) : How can I login to TRACES?
Answer : Click on 'Login' on TRACES home page, enter your User Id and password and submit.

Question (2) : Sometimes when I login to TRACES, I always get the message, "Application is down for planned maintenance". What may be the reason?
Answer : The cookies on your browser may be using the cached data to display this message and you may need to clear the cookies and reload the website. Steps to clear cookies are given below. You can clear cookies by pressing 'Ctrl+Shift+Del' (Control+Shift+Delete) keys on your keyboard together.
Step-by-step instructions for different browsers are given below:
Internet Explorer
• Click on 'Tools' option from your browser toolbar
• Go to 'Internet Options'
• Under 'General' Tab, 'Browsing History' section, click on 'Delete'
• In the dialog box that appears, select 'Cookies and Website Data' and click on 'Delete'
Firefox
• Click on 'Tools' option from your browser toolbar
• Click on 'Clear Recent History' option • In the dialog box that appears, there is a 'Time Range' dropdown. Select 'Everything'
• Click on 'Clear Now' to delete the cookies
Chrome
• Click the Chrome menu (the icon with three vertical lines) on the browser toolbar
• Select 'Tools'
• Select 'Clear Browsing Data'
• In the dialog box that appears, select checkboxes for the types of information that you want to remove
• Use the menu at the top to select the amount of data that you want to delete. Select beginning of time to delete everything
• Click 'Clear Browsing Data'

Question (3) : I am a registered user on TRACES. However whenever I am trying to login into TRACES, I am always getting the message 'Invalid details'. What may be the reason?
To login and use the functionalities of TRACES, you are required to enable Java Script in your web browser. Please refer to below mentioned step-by-step instructions for different browsers to enable java script:
Internet Explorer
Click on 'Tools' option from your browser toolbar
Go to 'Internet Options'
Select the 'Security Tab', click on 'Custom Level'
In the 'Security Setting-Internet Zone', look for the 'Scripting'
In the 'Active Scripting', select 'Enable'
When the 'Warning!' window pops out asking "Are you sure you want to change the settings for this zone?" select 'Yes'
In the 'Internet Options' window, click on 'OK' button to close it
Firefox
On the web browser click 'Firefox' menu and then select 'Options'
In the 'Options' window, select the 'Content' tab
Mark the 'Enable JavaScript' checkbox
In the opened 'Options' window, click on 'OK' button to close it
Click on the 'Reload Current Page' button of the web browser to refresh the page
Chrome
Click the Chrome menu, select 'Options'
Select 'Under the Hood'
Under 'Privacy', click on 'Content settings...'
When the dialog window opens, look for the 'JavaScript' section and select 'Allow all sites to run JavaScript (recommended)'
Click on 'OK' button to close it
Close the 'Settings' tab
Click on the 'Reload This Page' button of the web browser to refresh the page

Question (4) : What if I forgot my User Id?
Answer : User Id is same as your PAN, so login using your PAN and Password generated during registration. If you are a new user, register in TRACES.

Question (5) : What if I forget my password for logging in to TRACES?
Answer : Password can be reset by using Forgot Password process. Follow the steps as given below:
• Click on 'Forgot Password?' link in TRACES home page or login page
• Select 'Type of User' as Tax Payer and proceed
• Enter details in Step-1 and Step-2 of the form
• Enter new password in Step-3 and submit. Password will be changed for your account
• Email notification will be sent to registered email Id intimating change in password

Question (6) : How many login attempts do I have if I forget my password?
Answer : Account will be locked after five consecutive unsuccessful attempts within a span of 24 hours.

Question (7) : How will my account get unlocked?
Answer : Account will be unlocked after one hour of lockout.

Question (8) : I know my password but accidentally entered wrong values for five consecutive times so my account is locked. What should I do now?
Answer : Account will be unlocked after one hour of lockout. Please wait and try logging again after one hour.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) // General Question and Answer Of Taxpayers // SUNIL RAJAI // MONARCH

TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System)
General Question and Answer Of Taxpayers

Question (1) : Who can register on TRACES?
Answer : As of now, Deductors and Tax Payers can register on TRACES.

Question (2) : I am a Tax Payer. Why should I register on TRACES?
Answer : Tax Payers can view their annual tax statement (Form 26AS) by register on TRACES.

Question (3) : What are the activities that a Tax Payer can perform through TRACES?
Answer : Tax Payer can perform the following activities through TRACES:
• Registration and Login
• View Form 26AS
• View and edit profile
• Provide Feedback

Question (4) : What are the functionalities that a Tax Payer can access after logging into their account on TRACES?
Answer : The following functionalities are available to a Tax Payer after logging in to TRACES:
• Landing page
• View Form 26AS
• Manage Profile

Question (5) : What are the details that I need to enter in the registration form?
Answer : For Deductors
• Step–1
1) TAN of Deductor
• Step–2
1) Token Number of the regular statement corresponding to the Financial Year, Quarter and Form Type displayed on screen
2) Challan details of one particular CIN which has been mapped to at least three deductee rows. If there is no such challan, please enter details of challan having maximum number of deductee rows
• Step–3
1) PAN of Deductor
2) PAN of Authorised Person (person responsible for deduction of tax at source)
3) Date of Birth of Responsible Person as in PAN database
4) Designation of Responsible Person
5) Communication Address
6) Mobile Number
7) Email Id
For Tax Payers
• Step–1
1) PAN of Tax Payer
2) Date of Birth as on PAN Card
3) Name as in PAN database
4) Option 1 – Details from Form 26AS or salary slip (in case of salaried persons). Provide TAN of deductor who has deducted TDS / TCS, month & year of deduction and amount of tax deducted
5) Option 2 – Details of any tax paid by you. Provide Assessment Year for which payment was made by you, Challan Serial Number of the challan using which payment was made and amount as per the challan
• Step–2
1) Communication Address
2) Mobile Number
3) Email Id

Question (6) : How do I register as a Tax payer on TRACES?
Answer :
Steps to be followed for registering on TRACES as a Tax Payer:
• Click on 'Register as New User' in TRACES home page
• Select 'Type of User' as 'Tax Payer' from drop-down and proceed
• Enter details from Step-1 to Step-3 and proceed
• Confirm details in confirmation screen
• On successful registration, activation link will be sent to registered email id and separate activation codes will be sent to registered email id and mobile number
• Click on activation link and enter User Id and activation codes
• After activation, user can login to TRACES

Question (7) : I have registered as a Tax Payer on TIN. Do I need to register again on TRACES?
Answer : Yes. Tax Payers registered on TIN must register as new user on TRACES. They cannot login to TRACES using their User Id and Password as in TIN.

SOURCE : TDSCPC
Best Regards,
- SUNIL RAJAI

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