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Understanding the New Form 168: A Comprehensive Guide for Taxpayers

The Income Tax Department has introduced Form 168, a new annual tax information statement that consolidates various tax-related records into one document. This change raises questions about the future of Form 26AS, as Form 168 provides a more comprehensive overview of a taxpayer's financial and tax information. Taxpayers will not need to file this form themselves, as it is automatically generated and available through their e-filing accounts. The new format aims to enhance transparency and accuracy in tax reporting, making it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax profiles. Learn more about the key features and updates of Form 168 in this detailed guide.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 17:58 IST

Introduction to Form 168


The Income Tax Department has introduced Form 168 as part of the Income-tax Rules, 2026, which offers a more detailed annual tax information statement for taxpayers. This change has raised inquiries among both individuals and businesses, especially regarding the status of the well-known Form 26AS. Historically, Form 26AS has been essential for monitoring tax credits and deductions, but Form 168 broadens the range of information available by merging various tax-related records into a single document.


What is Form 168?

Form 168 serves as an annual tax information statement associated with a taxpayer’s Permanent Account Number (PAN). It aims to provide a thorough overview of tax payments, income disclosures, financial transactions, refunds, tax demands, and compliance-related details. This initiative is designed to give taxpayers a clearer understanding of their tax profile while allowing the Income Tax Department to verify information submitted through various channels.


Key Features of Form 168

The Statement Includes Details Related To:



  • Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)


  • Tax Collected at Source (TCS)


  • Advance tax, self-assessment tax, and regular tax payments


  • Specified Financial Transactions (SFTs)


  • Tax refunds and outstanding demands


  • Ongoing and completed tax proceedings


  • Other information as per Rule 245 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026



Does Form 168 Replace Form 26AS?

Form 168 marks a significant advancement in annual tax reporting. Unlike its predecessor, which focused solely on tax deductions and collections, it integrates a wider array of financial and tax-related information into one comprehensive document. Consequently, taxpayers can now obtain a more complete view of their tax records without depending exclusively on Form 26AS. This new format formalizes the expanded Annual Information Statement (AIS) framework under the Income-tax Rules, 2026.


Who is Required to File Form 168?

Taxpayers do not need to file Form 168 themselves. The document is automatically generated and accessible through the taxpayer’s registered e-filing account by:



  • Principal Director General of Income-tax (Systems)


  • Director General of Income-tax (Systems)


  • Any authorized officer designated by them



Since the statement is produced by the department, taxpayers only need to review the information for accuracy.


Components of Form 168

Form 168 is structured into two main sections:


Part A – Taxpayer Details


This section includes personal and identification information such as:



  • Full name


  • Date of birth or incorporation


  • Residential or registered address


  • PAN


  • Email address


  • Contact numbers



Part B – Information Nature


This section encompasses various tax and financial records, including:



  • TDS and TCS details


  • Specified Financial Transactions


  • Tax payments


  • Refund and demand information


  • Pending proceedings


  • Completed proceedings


  • Other information as per Rule 245



Frequency of Updates for Form 168

Unlike tax returns, Form 168 does not have a filing schedule since taxpayers do not submit it. The statement is updated continuously throughout the year as new information is processed by the department. Updates are contingent on the timely submission of TDS and TCS returns, SFT reports, and other statutory disclosures by reporting entities. The data in Form 168 is compiled from various sources, including:



  1. TDS and TCS returns submitted by deductors and collectors.


  2. Tax payment records generated through challans and online payment systems.


  3. Specified Financial Transaction reports filed by banks, mutual funds, registrars, and other institutions.


  4. Refund and demand information maintained through the CPC-ITR system.


  5. Details related to assessments and proceedings from assessment units and faceless assessment centres.