Challan Status Inquiry (CSI) file is a file format used in India for the verification of tax payments made by employers on behalf of their employees. The CSI file is used by employers to verify that the taxes they have deposited have been credited to the relevant employee accounts. The file contains information such as the employer's name and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), the tax period for which the payment was made, and the amount of tax paid.

The Challan Status Inquiry or CSI file is required to validate data while preparing the TDS return. You can download the CSI file from the Tax Information Network page. Click here to open the Tax Information Network page.

Download CSI file

To download the CSI file, on the Tax Information Network page of the Income Tax Department, click the TAN Based View tab. The Challan Status Query for Tax Payer page opens.

In the Tax Deduction/Collection Account Number text box, enter your TAN number.
In the Challan Tender Date/Date of Deposit field, using the From and To dropdown, calendars select the required dates.
In the Enter text as in above image text box, enter the valid captcha.
Click Download Challan file once the captcha is analyzed and accepted. The file downloads in the required format.
Note: You can also view the challan details by clicking the View Challan details button.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Challan Status Inquiry (CSI) file?

The Challan Status Inquiry (CSI) file is a file provided by the Income Tax Department that contains details of TDS challans deposited by the employer. It is used to verify that tax payments have been successfully credited.

Why is the CSI file required?

The CSI file is required to:

Validate challan details while preparing TDS returns
Ensure there is no mismatch between tax deducted and tax deposited
Generate the FVU file for statutory filing

Where can I download the CSI file from?

You can download the CSI file from the Tax Information Network (TIN) page of the Income Tax Department using the TAN-based view option.

What details are required to download the CSI file?

To download the CSI file, you must provide:

TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number)
Challan Tender Date / Date of Deposit (From and To dates)
Valid captcha as displayed on the screen

Is there any restriction on the date range while downloading the CSI file?

Yes. The CSI file can be downloaded only for challans paid within the last 24 months, as per Income Tax Department guidelines.

Can I view challan details before downloading the CSI file?

Yes. You can click View Challan Details on the TIN page to review challan information before downloading the CSI file.

In which format is the CSI file downloaded?

The CSI file is downloaded in a text (.txt) format, which is compatible for upload while generating the FVU file.

Can I download the CSI file without a valid captcha?

No. Entering the correct captcha is mandatory to download the CSI file.

Is the CSI file required for every quarter?

Yes. A CSI file is required for each quarter in which TDS challans are deposited and Form 24Q is generated.

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