Confused About Receiving a Manual Form 16? Here's What to Do Next When Filing Returns

Hi All, When I asked for my Form 16, the department said they cannot provide it as I am not taxable. I insisted that it is their duty to provide Form 16 and that it is the employee's duty to ask for it. Even with zero tax, I still have to file my return. They initially denied it, but the next day, they provided me with Form 16 manually. However, it is a simple form without any logos like TDS, and on the right side where the national emblem should be, there is nothing. In Part A, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are all blank.

Steps to Take Next

Please advise on what steps I should take next. When I am trying to file my return, they are asking for the TDS Certificate Number, which I do not have as it was provided to me manually. What could be the reason for this?

Thank you.

Dear Manoj,

Since no TDS was deducted from your salary, the employer is not obliged to issue Form 16. Just to clear your confusion regarding the TDS certificate, you don't need to have a TDS certificate to file your return without quoting a certificate number. Even an IT return can be filed without a TDS certificate.

Thanks & Regards,

Devesh Chauhan Practicing in Accounts, Finance, Taxation, Labour Laws

If you need the Form 16 even though there is no TDS deducted, in such a case, the employer would not be able to issue Part-A (generated from TRACE); however, they would be able to issue Form 16 (Part A & Part B) manually for your compliance. In case of generating Form 16 (Part A & B), you may refer to the following link: [Manage your MIS Report - Advanced Excel Tips](http://getmis.weebly.com/my-blog/generate-form-16-part-a-b-for-ay-2016-17)