How to Download Form 16B from TRACES Portal
- Dipali Waghmode
- Nov 18, 2025
- 9 min read
Form 16B is a crucial TDS certificate issued to property sellers when tax is deducted at source under Section 194IA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It confirms that the buyer has deducted and deposited TDS on the sale of property with the government. This document is downloaded from the TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) portal by the buyer and shared with the seller. The process requires basic details like PAN, acknowledgment number of Form 26QB, and assessment year to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.
Table of Contents
What Is Form 16B and Why It Matters
Form 16B is a TDS certificate issued under Section 194IA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. When a buyer purchases a property worth more than ₹50 lakh, they are required to deduct 1% TDS from the sale consideration before making payment to the seller. This deducted amount must be deposited with the government, and Form 16B acts as proof of this deduction. It ensures transparency between the buyer and seller and confirms that the tax has been duly deposited. The seller can use this form while filing their Income Tax Return to claim TDS credit.
Understanding the TRACES Portal and Its Role
TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) is an online platform managed by the Income Tax Department. It allows taxpayers to view and download TDS certificates, file correction statements, and track TDS transactions. The portal plays a key role in ensuring that TDS deducted by the buyer is accurately reflected in the seller’s Form 26AS. Through TRACES, buyers can generate Form 16B after filing Form 26QB and verifying payment details. This system ensures accuracy, reduces manual errors, and simplifies the process of TDS compliance for property transactions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download Form 16B from TRACES
Downloading Form 16B involves a few simple but important steps. The buyer must first register on the TRACES portal using their PAN details. Once registered, they can log in using their credentials and navigate to the ‘Downloads’ section. Under the ‘Form 16B/16C (For Buyer/Tenant)’ option, the user must enter details like Form 26QB acknowledgment number, assessment year, and seller’s PAN. After submission, a request number will be generated. The buyer can then check the ‘Requested Downloads’ tab to see when the form is available for download. Once available, it can be downloaded as a ZIP file, which is password-protected.
Registration Process for New Users on TRACES
If a buyer is using the TRACES portal for the first time, registration is mandatory. To register, the buyer must provide their PAN, acknowledgment number of Form 26QB, and details of tax payment. The registration form also requires email and mobile verification. After submission, an activation link is sent to the registered email ID. Once activated, the user can log in using their PAN as the User ID. If the buyer is already registered, they can skip this step and proceed directly to login.
How to Log In and Navigate to the Form 16B Download Section
After registration, log in to the TRACES portal using the PAN (User ID), password, and captcha. Once on the dashboard, locate the ‘Downloads’ tab in the top menu. Click on ‘Form 16B/16C (For Buyer/Tenant)’. This section allows the buyer to initiate a request for downloading Form 16B related to TDS on property transactions. The layout is straightforward, ensuring even first-time users can follow it easily.
Entering the Required Details to Download Form 16B
The buyer must fill out the download form with accurate details. These include:
Form Type: Select ‘Form 26QB’.
Assessment Year: Choose the year corresponding to the transaction.
Acknowledgment Number: Enter the number generated while filing Form 26QB.
Seller’s PAN: Provide the PAN of the property seller. Once these details are entered, verify that all fields match the data submitted in Form 26QB. Incorrect information may delay the download request.
Submitting the Request and Tracking Status
After entering all the required details, click on the ‘Submit Request’ button. A request number will appear on the screen confirming that the request has been successfully submitted. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the form to be processed. The buyer can return to the ‘Requested Downloads’ section under the ‘Downloads’ tab to track the status. If the status shows ‘Submitted’, it means processing is ongoing. When it changes to ‘Available’, the form can be downloaded immediately.
Downloading and Accessing Form 16B (ZIP File Instructions)
Once the form status is ‘Available’, the buyer can click on the HTTP Download button to obtain Form 16B. The file will download in a ZIP format. To open the file, use the buyer’s date of birth in DDMMYYYY format as the password. For example, if the buyer’s date of birth is 15th May 1990, the password would be 15051990. After extracting the file, Form 16B can be saved or printed as a PDF. It is advisable to store the certificate securely for future tax filing and compliance use.
Key Points to Remember While Downloading Form 16B
Only the buyer can download Form 16B; the seller cannot access it directly.
The certificate must be issued within 15 days from the due date of filing Form 26QB.
Always cross-check PAN details and acknowledgment numbers to avoid mismatches.
If the download status remains ‘Submitted’ beyond 48 hours, recheck the Form 26QB details or contact TRACES support.
Keep the downloaded certificate safely, as it serves as official proof of TDS deduction on property sale.
Penalties for Delay in Issuing Form 16B
Failure to issue Form 16B within the prescribed time limit may attract penalties under the Income Tax Act. A buyer who delays issuing the certificate can face a fine of ₹100 per day under Section 272A(2)(g), subject to the maximum TDS amount deducted. Non-compliance can also lead to interest charges and further scrutiny by the tax authorities. Timely issuance of Form 16B helps maintain compliance and avoids unnecessary penalties or complications during tax filing.
Importance of Form 16B for Property Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, Form 16B is a legal record confirming that the TDS has been deducted and paid to the government. For sellers, it serves as proof of TDS deduction and allows them to claim credit while filing their ITR. The form ensures transparency in high-value property transactions and strengthens the audit trail for tax purposes. It also prevents discrepancies between the TDS deposited and the seller’s Form 26AS statement, ensuring smooth reconciliation.
How TaxBuddy Simplifies Form 16B and Tax Filing Compliance
TaxBuddy offers a streamlined experience for managing all tax filing and TDS-related requirements. Users can track their Form 26QB, download Form 16B, and ensure compliance through the TaxBuddy platform and mobile app. The app provides step-by-step guidance for tax compliance, helping users handle property-related TDS efficiently. It also assists in filing returns and claiming TDS credit accurately, making it a convenient option for both buyers and sellers involved in property transactions.
Conclusion
Downloading Form 16B from the TRACES portal ensures compliance with Section 194IA and maintains transparency in property transactions. Buyers must issue this form to sellers within the prescribed period to avoid penalties. With an organized process and clear instructions on TRACES, obtaining Form 16B is simple and efficient. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is advisable to download theTaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options? TaxBuddy provides both self-filing and expert-assisted plans to suit different types of taxpayers. The self-filing plan uses AI-driven automation that simplifies data entry, pre-fills income and deduction details, and ensures real-time error checks during the process. This is ideal for individuals with straightforward income sources. The expert-assisted plan connects users directly with certified tax professionals who handle everything—from document review to final submission—making it ideal for complex cases involving multiple incomes, property sales, or capital gains. Both plans are designed to deliver accurate, compliant, and stress-free filing experiences.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR? The official Income Tax Department portal (incometax.gov.in) is the government’s primary platform for filing tax returns. However, for those who prefer a guided and user-friendly experience, platforms like TaxBuddy stand out. TaxBuddy’s AI-assisted system automatically imports details from Form 16, PAN, and AIS/TIS data, reducing manual effort and potential errors. It also provides expert validation and post-filing support for notices or corrections, making it one of the best alternatives for secure, accurate, and convenient income tax return filing in India.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return? Taxpayers can file their income tax return through the official government portal or through trusted online platforms. The government portal is suitable for those who understand tax laws and want to file manually. For everyone else, online platforms such as TaxBuddy provide an easier approach. They combine automation, expert assistance, and compliance tracking to ensure timely and error-free filing. This helps users avoid mistakes and maximize eligible deductions without worrying about technical glitches or compliance delays.
Q4. Who can download Form 16B from TRACES? Only the buyer (also known as the deductor) who has deducted TDS while purchasing an immovable property valued at ₹50 lakh or above can download Form 16B from the TRACES portal. The seller (deductee) cannot access it directly. The buyer must log in to TRACES using their PAN and registered credentials, generate a download request for Form 16B, and then provide the certificate to the seller as proof of TDS deduction. This process ensures compliance under Section 194IA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Q5. What details are required to download Form 16B? To download Form 16B, the buyer must enter several key details accurately. These include:
Form Type: Select ‘Form 26QB’.
Acknowledgment Number: The unique number generated after filing Form 26QB.
Assessment Year: Corresponding to the financial year of the property transaction.
PAN of Seller: The seller’s Permanent Account Number. These details ensure that the correct TDS certificate is retrieved. Any mismatch between PAN or acknowledgment numbers may delay access or result in download errors.
Q6. What is the password to open the downloaded Form 16B file? The downloaded Form 16B is provided in a ZIP format and is password-protected for security. The password is the buyer’s date of birth entered in DDMMYYYY format. For example, if the buyer’s date of birth is 12th March 1991, the password would be 12031991. This simple format ensures that only the authorized user can access the file and helps safeguard sensitive tax information from unauthorized access.
Q7. Can the seller download Form 16B on their own? No, the seller cannot download Form 16B directly from the TRACES portal. Since Form 16B is generated based on the TDS deducted by the buyer, only the buyer has the authority and credentials to access it. After downloading, the buyer must provide the certificate to the seller. This document helps the seller claim the TDS credit in their income tax return. The process maintains transparency and prevents unauthorized access to another taxpayer’s records.
Q8. How long does it take for Form 16B to become available after request? Once a buyer submits the download request for Form 16B on TRACES, it typically takes around 24 to 48 hours for the system to process and make the form available. During this time, the status will show as ‘Submitted’. When it changes to ‘Available’, the buyer can proceed to download it. Delays may occur if there are discrepancies in Form 26QB or network-related issues on the TRACES portal, so it’s advisable to check the status periodically.
Q9. What is the due date to issue Form 16B after filing Form 26QB? The buyer is required to issue Form 16B to the seller within 15 days from the due date of filing Form 26QB. For example, if Form 26QB was filed on 10 August, Form 16B should be issued by 25 August. This timely issuance ensures compliance under Section 194IA and allows the seller to claim the TDS credit while filing their return. Late issuance may attract penalties or delay the seller’s refund claim during ITR filing.
Q10. What happens if Form 16B is not issued on time? If the buyer fails to issue Form 16B within the prescribed period, a penalty of ₹100 per day may be levied under Section 272A(2)(g) of the Income Tax Act. The penalty continues until the certificate is issued, up to the total TDS amount deducted. Additionally, repeated delays or non-compliance may invite scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. Timely issuance of Form 16B not only prevents penalties but also helps maintain transparency in property transactions.
Q11. Can TaxBuddy help with Form 16B downloads and TDS compliance? Yes, TaxBuddy assists users throughout the Form 16B process—from filing Form 26QB to downloading and verifying the TDS certificate. The platform helps buyers avoid errors in PAN details, acknowledgment numbers, or assessment years, ensuring smooth access to Form 16B. Moreover, TaxBuddy provides reminders for issuing the certificate within the due date and assists sellers in claiming the TDS credit while filing their income tax returns. This makes compliance simpler, faster, and entirely digital.
Q12. Is Form 16B required while filing ITR for the property seller? Yes, Form 16B is an essential document for the seller when filing their income tax return. It acts as official proof that TDS has been deducted and deposited with the government. The seller can use this certificate to claim the TDS credit against their total tax liability. Without Form 16B, the seller might face difficulties in reconciling TDS entries shown in Form 26AS or AIS/TIS. Keeping the certificate ensures smooth filing and accurate tax computation during the return submission process.
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