Form 56 Income Tax Rules 2026 pdf download and Key points

FORM NO. 56
[See rule 123]
MASTER FILE
Information and document to be furnished by the person who is a constituent entity under section 171(4)

Under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, Form No. 56 is the statutory Master File. It is governed by Section 171 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, read with Rule 123 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026.

Here are all the key points regarding Form No. 56:

1. Purpose of the Form Form 56 is an income-tax reporting document whose primary purpose is to enhance tax transparency and compliance with transfer pricing regulations for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs).

2. Applicability (Who Should File) The form must be filed by every person being a constituent entity of an international group if they satisfy the following specific financial thresholds:

The consolidated group revenue of the international group, as per its consolidated financial statements, exceeds INR 500 crore for the accounting year.
AND the aggregate value of international transactions as per the books of account exceeds INR 50 crore during the accounting year, OR the aggregate value of international transactions involving intangible property exceeds INR 10 crore.
Note on Exception: Even if the above financial thresholds are not met, the constituent entity is still mandated to furnish Part A of Form No. 56.

3. Due Date The due date for filing Form No. 56 aligns with the due date for filing the return of income as specified under Section 263(1)(c) of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

4. Structure of the Form The Master File is divided into two parts:

Part A (Particulars of the Person): Captures basic identification details such as the name, address, Permanent Account Number (PAN), email ID, and contact number of the constituent entity.
Part B (Other Information): Captures the Accounting Year, details of the international group, details of all constituent entities operating in India, and the complete list of all constituent entities of the group globally. It also encompasses separate enclosures Annexures A-1 to A-11.

5. Mandatory Documents and Information Filing Form 56 requires extensive documentation and information relating to the international group, which must be attached or utilized, including:

A list of all entities of the international group along with their geographical locations.
A chart depicting the legal status of the constituent entity and the group’s ownership structure.
A written description of the group’s business, including its supply chain and important business drivers.
A description of the overall strategy for the development, ownership, and exploitation of intangible property.
A detailed description of the transfer pricing policies related to financing arrangements among the group entities.
A copy of the annual consolidated financial statement of the international group.
A list and brief description of any existing unilateral advance pricing agreements and other tax rulings for the allocation of income among countries.

6. Mode of Filing and Verification

Online Only: Form 56 is strictly an e-Form and must be filed online through the Income Tax e-Filing portal (under the ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax forms’ menu).
Process: The filer must fill in all necessary details, attach the required documents, preview the information, and formally e-Verify the submission before finally submitting it.

Form 56 Income Tax Rules 2026 pdf download and Key points

Form 56 Income Tax Rules 2026 pdf download

Guidance Note on Form 56