Income Tax Forms to Be Renumbered from April 1, 2026

Kokila Chokkanathan
Form 16 to Become Form 130, Form 26AS to Be Renamed Form 168

In a major administrative overhaul, the Income Tax Department has announced that several commonly used income tax forms will be renumbered effective April 1, 2026. As part of the restructuring, Form 16 will be renamed Form 130, and Form 26AS will be redesignated as Form 168.

The move is aimed at streamlining tax documentation and data-aligning form numbers with a revised internal classification system.

Why Are the Forms Being Renumbered?

The renumbering exercise is reportedly part of a broader modernization initiative undertaken by the Income Tax Department. Officials have indicated that the new numbering structure will:

  • Standardize form categories
  • Reduce duplication and confusion
  • Align wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital filing systems with backend processes
  • Improve integration with automated compliance systems
The content and purpose of the forms are expected to remain largely unchanged; only the numbering system will be updated.

What Is Changing?

Form 16 → Form 130

Currently, Form 16 is the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) certificate issued by employers to salaried employees. From april 1, 2026, it will be known as Form 130.

Employees will continue to use this form while filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR), but they must refer to it by the new form number in official documentation.

Form 26AS → Form 168

Form 26AS, which provides a consolidated tax statement including:

  • TDS details
  • TCS (Tax Collected at Source)
  • Advance tax payments
  • Refunds
  • High-value transactions
will be renamed Form 168. Taxpayers can still access it through the income tax e-filing portal, but under the updated designation.

Impact on Taxpayers

For most taxpayers, the change will be procedural rather than functional. However:

  • Taxpayers must ensure they reference the correct form numbers in official correspondence.
  • Employers and financial institutions will need to update payroll and reporting systems.
  • Tax consultants and chartered accountants may need to revise documentation templates.
The transition period may involve awareness campaigns and updated guidelines to prevent confusion during the first assessment year under the new system.

Digital Integration and Compliance Push

The renumbering data-aligns with the government’s broader push toward digitization and data-faceless tax administration. Over the past few years, the Income Tax Department has implemented reforms such as:

  • Online assessment systems
  • Pre-filled income tax returns
  • AIS (Annual Information Statement) integration
The form renumbering is expected to complement these reforms by improving backend automation and data mapping.

What Taxpayers Should Do

  • Stay updated with official notifications from the Income Tax Department.
  • Ensure payroll and tax filing software is updated before april 1, 2026.
  • Carefully verify form numbers during ITR filing for Assessment Year 2026–27 onwards.
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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