Form 26QB not visible on TRACES is a common problem faced by property buyers after paying TDS on purchase of immovable property. When Form 26QB does not reflect on the TRACES portal, buyers are unable to generate Form 16B, which leads to complaints from sellers and unnecessary panic.
This article explains why Form 26QB does not appear on TRACES, how long it normally takes, and the exact steps to fix the issue.
What Is Form 26QB and Why It Matters
Form 26QB is a challan-cum-statement used for depositing TDS deducted on purchase of immovable property under section 194-IA. Once Form 26QB is successfully processed, the buyer can download Form 16B from TRACES and issue it to the seller as proof of TDS deduction.
If Form 26QB is not visible on TRACES:
- Form 16B cannot be generated
- Seller cannot claim TDS credit
- Buyer may face repeated follow-ups and disputes
Normal Processing Time for Form 26QB
In most cases:
- Form 26QB becomes visible on TRACES within 3 to 7 working days from the date of payment
- During peak periods or technical issues, it may take up to 10 days
If Form 26QB is not visible even after this period, the issue usually lies in data mismatch or processing errors.
Common Reasons Why Form 26QB Is Not Visible on TRACES
1. PAN Mismatch
The most common reason is incorrect PAN details:
- Buyer PAN entered incorrectly
- Seller PAN entered incorrectly
- PAN not active or not linked properly
Even a single character error can block visibility on TRACES.
2. Payment Not Linked Correctly
Sometimes:
- Challan is paid successfully
- CIN is generated
- But payment does not get mapped to Form 26QB due to backend issues
In such cases, the payment reflects in the bank account but not on TRACES.
3. Processing Delay at CPC
Form 26QB is processed by CPC (TDS). During heavy filing seasons, processing may be delayed, even if all details are correct.
4. Wrong Assessment Year Selected
Selecting the wrong assessment year while filing Form 26QB is a frequent mistake. If the assessment year does not match the financial year of transaction, TRACES will not display the challan correctly.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix Form 26QB Not Visible on TRACES
Step 1: Verify Challan Status
- Check bank statement for successful debit
- Note CIN (BSR code, date, challan number)
- Ensure no failed or reversed transaction
Step 2: Recheck PAN Details
- Verify buyer and seller PAN on the income-tax portal
- Ensure PAN used in Form 26QB matches PAN database
- Confirm PAN status is “Active”
Step 3: Wait for the Processing Window
If payment is recent:
- Wait at least 7 working days
- Avoid repeated logins and attempts to generate Form 16B during this period
Premature attempts often cause confusion.
Step 4: Raise Grievance on TRACES
If Form 26QB is not visible even after 7–10 days:
- Log in to TRACES
- Raise a grievance mentioning:
- CIN details
- Buyer PAN
- Seller PAN
- Assessment year
- Date of payment
In most cases, TRACES resolves the issue within a few working days.
What Not to Do (Very Important)
Many buyers worsen the problem by taking incorrect steps.
Avoid the following:
- ❌ Re-filing Form 26QB blindly
- ❌ Making duplicate TDS payments
- ❌ Filing correction statements without confirmation
- ❌ Assuming the issue will auto-fix without follow-up
- ❌ Ignoring seller complaints
Wrong corrective steps can create multiple mismatches and delay resolution further.
When Professional Help Is Advisable
You should consider professional assistance if:
- Seller is facing difficulty claiming TDS credit
- Multiple buyers or sellers are involved
- Wrong PAN or assessment year was selected
- TRACES grievance remains unresolved
Early correction avoids future litigation and departmental notices.
Conclusion
Form 26QB not visible on TRACES is usually a procedural or technical issue, not a compliance failure. In most cases, the problem is resolved by verifying PAN details, allowing sufficient processing time, or raising a grievance on TRACES.
Buyers should act methodically, avoid panic-driven mistakes, and ensure proper documentation. A disciplined approach ensures timely generation of Form 16B and smooth closure of TDS compliance.
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