Understanding Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement
An outline of what Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) show, and why they are compared with books of account before a return is filed.
(Heading) Why records matter
Periodic GST returns are prepared from the books of account. Complete and organised records reduce the need for corrections after filing.
(Heading) Records commonly required
- Sales invoices, including credit and debit notes
- Purchase invoices and expense bills
- E-way bills, where goods were moved
- Bank statements for the period
- Details of any advances received
(Heading) Matching input tax credit
Input tax credit is claimed with reference to the auto-drafted statement available on the GST portal (Form GSTR-2B). It is usual to reconcile purchase records with that statement before the summary return is filed, so that differences are identified in time.
(Normal, last paragraph) Due dates for each return are listed on the compliance calendar on this website. This note is general information and not advice on any specific matter.