Introduction
The Challan Status Inquiry (CSI) file is a crucial document required for validating Payment Challans in quarterly TDS/TCS returns. It helps ensure that tax payments are correctly matched with return filings. The CSI file includes essential details such as payment amount, date, section, and challan type. Below are the step-by-step methods to download the CSI file.
Procedure to Download CSI File
Option A: Without Logging into the Income Tax Portal
Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to www.incometax.gov.in.
Select ‘e-Pay Tax’: Under the ‘Quick Links’ section on the left-hand side, click on ‘e-Pay Tax.’
Enter TAN Details: Provide the Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) of the deductor.
Enter Any Mobile Number & Validate with OTP: Enter any mobile number. An OTP will be sent to the provided number, which must be entered for validation.
Access and Download: After OTP validation, the system will display the challans paid under the entered TAN. Select the date range and click on ‘Download’ to get the CSI file.
Option B: With Login to the Income Tax Portal
Visit the Income Tax Portal: Go to www.incometax.gov.in.
Login: Enter your User ID (TAN) and password.
Navigate to ‘e-Pay Tax’: Under the ‘e-File’ tab, select ‘e-Pay Tax.’
Download CSI File: Click on ‘Challan Status Inquiry (CSI) File,’ choose the relevant payment date, and click ‘Download.’
Note: Avoid selecting all four filters (Type of Tax Payment, Assessment Year, Period To, Period From) simultaneously, as it may prevent the download.
Option C: Downloading CSI File via NSDL (For Payments Before 01-July-2022)
If you need a CSI file for payments made before 01-July-2022, download it from the Protean (NSDL) portal:
Visit TIN NSDL Portal: Go to https://www.protean-tinpan.com.
Select ‘TAN-Based View’: Click on ‘OLTAS – Challan Status Query for Taxpayer.’
Enter Details: Provide TAN and select the relevant date range.
Enter Captcha & Download: Fill in the captcha, submit the request, and download the CSI file.
At a Glance: CSI File Download Methods
Method | Steps |
---|---|
Without Login | Go to e-Filing portal → Select ‘e-Pay Tax’ → Enter TAN → Enter any mobile number → Validate OTP → Access challan details → Download CSI file. |
With Login | Log in to e-Filing portal → Go to ‘e-Pay Tax’ → Click ‘Challan Status Inquiry’ → Select date → Download CSI file. |
Through NSDL (Pre-2022) | Visit NSDL portal → Select ‘TAN-Based View’ → Enter TAN & date → Solve Captcha → Download CSI file. |
Understanding the CSI File
The CSI file contains essential payment details like amount, date, section, and challan type for TDS return filing.
It ensures that tax payments are correctly matched with return filings.
It serves as a verification tool for taxpayers and tax authorities.