Major changes are on the horizon for taxpayers as the government prepares to implement the new income tax framework from April 1, 2026. Under the proposed Income Tax Act, 2025 and Draft Income Tax Rules, 2026, several commonly used income tax forms will be assigned new identification numbers.

The move is aimed at simplifying the tax structure, improving digital compatibility, and modernizing compliance processes. While the core purpose of these forms will remain the same, their numbering system will change significantly, which may initially create confusion among salaried employees, pensioners, and other taxpayers.

Form 16 and 26AS to Get New Numbers

One of the most notable changes is that Form 16, widely used as a TDS certificate for salaried employees, will now be known as Form 130. Similarly, Form 26AS, the annual tax statement reflecting tax deducted, collected, and other financial information, will be renamed Form 168.

Other TDS-related forms will also be renumbered under the new matrix proposed in the draft rules.

When Will the New Forms Apply?

Reports suggest that from April 1, 2026, all notices, certificates, and employer communications related to the financial year 2026–27 may be issued using the revised form numbers—subject to final approval of the rules and technical updates on the income tax portal.

During the transition phase, both old and new form numbers may be referenced simultaneously to help taxpayers adjust. Since terms like Form 16 and Form 26AS are deeply familiar to taxpayers, authorities are expected to ensure a smooth shift to the updated system.

List of Old and New Income Tax Form Numbers

Below is a comparison of existing forms (as per the 1962 framework) and their proposed new numbers under the 2026 draft rules:

What Remains Unchanged?

It is important to note that only the form numbers are being revised. The underlying purpose of these forms—such as reporting tax deducted at source (TDS), filing audit reports, or tracking annual tax credits—will continue as before.

Taxpayers will still receive salary TDS certificates, quarterly TDS statements, and annual tax summaries. The structural change primarily concerns form identification and alignment with the updated legislative framework.

Government’s Objective Behind the Change

The government’s broader goal is to make the tax system more structured, digital-friendly, and future-ready. A simplified numbering mechanism is expected to improve clarity, reduce duplication, and integrate more efficiently with evolving digital compliance platforms.

Officials believe that standardizing and rationalizing form numbers will enhance transparency and reduce administrative complexity over time.

Approval and Public Feedback

The draft rules have been released for public consultation. Final implementation will depend on parliamentary approval and the completion of technological upgrades on the income tax portal.

Tax experts suggest that while the renumbering may cause short-term adjustment challenges, taxpayers are likely to adapt gradually once official guidelines and updated documentation are issued.

For now, salaried individuals and businesses are advised to stay informed about official notifications to avoid confusion during the transition period beginning April 2026.