Can Employees Request Form 16 for Zero ITR? Navigating Mid-Year Job Changes and HR Needs

Hi Folks,

Please provide the answers to the below-mentioned queries. Can the employee ask the employer to issue Form 16 in case he/she is filing the ITR for a nil/zero amount? Form 16 can only be issued at the end of the financial year and not in the middle of the financial year. Is this correct? Please reply.

Suppose a person joins a new company in the middle of the financial year, and the new company's HR asks for Form 16. What should be done? Will a salary certificate suffice the needs and requirements of the HR Department?

Thanks & Regards

The new company has nothing to do with Form 16. Form 16 is a TDS certificate and not proof of CTC or the like.

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1. Form-16 is merely a financial statement by the employer regarding your income/deductions during the financial year. Hence, no matter whether you are filing a nil return or otherwise, Form-16 is to be issued, and you have every right to receive Form-16.

2. An employer has the right to ask for your Form-16 to verify your claim of CTC.

3. If you join during the middle of a financial year, the employer will ask for your declaration in Form-12B regarding your income/deductions during the period before joining the duty. The employer has to make deductions for the balance period based on your declaration.