If you’ve ever tried to download your Form 26AS or check your TDS details and got stuck on “What the heck is TRACES?”, don’t worry — you’re not alone 😅
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TRACES is basically that one government portal where all your tax deduction info is stored. Whether you’re a taxpayer, deductor, or CA, this site comes in handy, especially during ITR filing season.
Let’s make things simple and walk you through how to log in to TRACES, what you can do there, and how to fix common login issues too.
🌐 What is TRACES?
TRACES stands for TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System. It’s managed by the Income Tax Department of India and helps with everything related to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
The official portal is 👉 https://www.tdscpc.gov.in
Through TRACES, you can:
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Check and download Form 26AS
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Download TDS Certificate (Form 16 / 16A)
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Submit TDS correction requests
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View your TDS status if you’re a deductee
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Generate consolidated TDS files
🔐 How to Do TRACES Login (For Taxpayers)
Here’s how you can log in as a taxpayer (deductee):
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Visit 👉 https://www.tdscpc.gov.in
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Click on “Login” under the “Taxpayer” section
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Enter your PAN, password, and captcha
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Hit “Login” — and you’re in!
If it’s your first time, you’ll have to click “Register as new user”, set your password, and activate via OTP/email.
📄 What You Can Do After Login
Once you’re in the portal, here’s what’s available for you:
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✅ Download Form 26AS (very useful for ITR)
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📄 View and download Form 16/16A (if your employer has uploaded it)
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🔧 Raise TDS correction requests (if some data is wrong)
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📆 Check TDS deducted date-wise
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🧾 Request refund (in rare cases if applicable)
💼 TRACES Login for Deductors (Employers/CA)
If you’re a deductor (like an employer or accountant), you’ll have more options:
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Submit TDS returns
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Generate TDS certificates for employees
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Do corrections online
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Download conso file, justification report, etc.
Login process is same — just choose “Deductor” on homepage and enter your TAN and password.
🤷♂️ Forgot Password or TRACES Login Not Working?
It happens — don’t panic.
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Click on “Forgot Password” link
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Enter your PAN or TAN
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You’ll get an OTP on your registered mobile/email
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Reset and you’re good to go!
If that doesn’t work, try clearing your browser cache or using Internet Explorer / Microsoft Edge (TRACES is kinda old-school 🫣).
Tips for TRACES Users
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Always check your Form 26AS before filing ITR
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If TDS is not reflecting — contact your deductor ASAP
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Use the same PAN that was used to deduct tax
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TRACES works best on desktop, not great on mobile
Final Thoughts
The TRACES portal might feel a little technical at first, but it’s actually super helpful once you figure it out. Whether you’re filing your own taxes or just want to download your Form 26AS, learning how to use TRACES login is a must.
And hey — the earlier you check your TDS details, the smoother your ITR filing goes. So log in, download your stuff, and be done with it. 💼✅