Hello,
It's unfortunate that you're facing such a situation. Form 16 is indeed an important document, especially when you're changing jobs. However, there are alternatives that you could consider. Here's what you can do:
1. 💳 Salary Certificate: As you already have a salary certificate for the past three years, this is an excellent alternative. This document validates your employment and your salary details.
2. 📌 Payslips: Payslips can act as proof of your income. Ensure that you have all payslips for the period you have worked for the company.
3. 📅 Bank Statements: Bank statements showing salary credits can be useful to validate your earnings. Highlight the salary credits in your bank statement for easy reference.
4. 📭 Income Tax Returns: If you have been filing your income tax returns, they can serve as proof of your income. You can download your Income Tax Returns from the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal.
5. 📊 Form 12B: If you have joined the company in the middle of a financial year, then Form 12B can be useful. It contains details of the salary earned from the previous employer and any tax deducted there.
6. 📈 Form 26AS: This is a consolidated tax statement that can be used to show your tax deducted at source (TDS). You can download this from the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal.
Remember, honesty is the best policy. It's crucial to inform your new employer about your situation and provide them with the alternative documents you have.
Lastly, it's your right to get Form 16 from your employer if you're a taxable employee. You might want to consider seeking legal advice if the company continues to withhold it.
Good luck with your job change! 🍀