AIS (Annual Information Statement)
A broader financial summary than Form 26AS, covering not just TDS/TCS but also interest, dividends, securities transactions, and other information reported to the tax department.
AIS extends well beyond what Form 26AS covers: alongside TDS and TCS, it pulls in interest from savings and fixed deposits, dividend income, mutual fund and securities transactions, foreign remittances, and several other categories reported to the tax department by banks, registrars, and other institutions. It's meant to give taxpayers, and the department, a fuller picture of financial activity, not just tax already deducted.
AIS includes a feedback mechanism: if an entry looks incorrect or doesn't belong to you, you can flag it directly on the portal, and that feedback is recorded alongside the original entry. Since AIS data increasingly feeds into pre-filled return details and into what the department cross-checks against a filed return, reviewing it before filing, not just Form 26AS, has become a genuinely useful step, especially for anyone with investment income beyond a salary.
This glossary entry is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.