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FY 2025-26 · AY 2026-27
Updated June 2026

All About Tax Deducted At Source – TDS Meaning, Filing, Return & Due DatesUnderstand TDS applicability, filing, and compliance for FY 2025-26

Explore the intricacies of TDS, including its applicability, filing process, due dates, and penalties for FY 2025-26. Stay compliant with the latest tax regulations.

Contents
1

Applicability of TDS


2

Time of TDS Deduction


3

Example of TDS


4

TDS Due Dates


5

TDS Returns


6

What is a TDS Certificate?


7

TDS Credits in Form 26AS


8

Penalty for Late Filing of TDS Returns


9

Difference between TDS and Income Tax


10

FAQs on TDS

Applicability of TDS

TDS is applicable to various types of payments under the Income Tax Act.

  1. Salaries

    TDS on salaries is governed by Section 192.

    • Employers must deduct TDS at the applicable slab rates.

    • Form 16 is issued annually to employees.

    • TDS is calculated after considering deductions under Chapter VI-A.

  2. Interest Income

    TDS on interest income is covered under Section 194A.

    • Applicable for interest exceeding ₹10,000 from banks.

    • TDS rate is 10% if PAN is provided.

    • Form 15G/15H can be submitted to avoid TDS if eligible.

  3. Rent Payments

    Section 194I covers TDS on rent payments.

    • TDS is applicable if annual rent exceeds ₹2.4 lakh.

    • Rate is 10% for land/building and 2% for plant/machinery.

    • TDS must be deducted at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.

  4. Professional Fees

    Section 194J applies to TDS on professional fees.

    • TDS rate is 10% for fees exceeding ₹30,000 annually.

    • Applicable to fees for technical, professional services, etc.

    • TDS is deducted at the time of credit or payment.

Time of TDS Deduction

TDS must be deducted at specific times to ensure compliance.

  1. Salaries

    TDS on salaries is deducted monthly.

    • Deducted at the time of payment.

    • Consider tax-saving investments declared by the employee.

    • Adjust for any previous months' shortfall.

  2. Interest Income

    TDS on interest is deducted annually or at maturity.

    • Deducted at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.

    • Applicable even if interest is reinvested.

    • Ensure PAN is provided to avoid higher TDS.

  3. Rent Payments

    TDS on rent is deducted monthly.

    • Deducted at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.

    • Ensure timely deduction to avoid penalties.

    • Applicable to both residential and commercial properties.

  4. Professional Fees

    TDS on professional fees is deducted at the time of payment.

    • Deducted at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.

    • Ensure compliance with the threshold limit.

    • Applicable to both individuals and companies.

Example of TDS

Understanding TDS through a practical example.

  1. Salary Income

    Example of TDS deduction on salary.

    • Annual salary: ₹6,00,000.

    • Deductions under Section 80C: ₹1,50,000.

    • TDS deducted: ₹45,000 after considering deductions and slab rates.

  2. Interest Income

    Example of TDS deduction on interest income.

    • Interest earned: ₹50,000.

    • TDS rate: 10% (₹5,000).

    • Net interest received: ₹45,000 after TDS.

  3. Rent Payments

    Example of TDS deduction on rent.

    • Annual rent: ₹3,00,000.

    • TDS rate: 10% (₹30,000).

    • Net rent paid: ₹2,70,000 after TDS.

  4. Professional Fees

    Example of TDS deduction on professional fees.

    • Fees paid: ₹1,00,000.

    • TDS rate: 10% (₹10,000).

    • Net fees paid: ₹90,000 after TDS.

These examples illustrate the practical application of TDS across different income types.

TDS Due Dates

Timely compliance with TDS due dates is crucial to avoid penalties.

  1. Monthly TDS Payments

    Due dates for monthly TDS payments.

    • 7th of the following month for most payments.

    • 30th April for March deductions.

    • Ensure timely payment to avoid interest and penalties.

  2. Quarterly TDS Returns

    Due dates for filing quarterly TDS returns.

    • 31st July for Q1 (April-June).

    • 31st October for Q2 (July-September).

    • 31st January for Q3 (October-December).

  3. Annual TDS Certificate

    Due dates for issuing annual TDS certificates.

    • 31st May for Form 16 (salaries).

    • 15th June for Form 16A (non-salaries).

    • Ensure timely issuance to avoid penalties.

  4. TDS on Property

    Due dates for TDS on property transactions.

    • 30th of the following month for TDS on property.

    • Use Form 26QB for payment.

    • Issue Form 16B to the seller.

TDS Returns

Filing TDS returns is mandatory for all deductors.

  1. Form 24Q

    TDS return for salaries.

    • Filed quarterly by employers.

    • Includes details of salary paid and TDS deducted.

    • Ensure accuracy to avoid notices.

  2. Form 26Q

    TDS return for non-salary payments.

    • Filed quarterly for payments like interest, commission, etc.

    • Includes details of payments and TDS deducted.

    • Ensure correct PAN details to avoid mismatches.

  3. Form 27Q

    TDS return for payments to non-residents.

    • Filed quarterly for payments to non-residents.

    • Includes details of payments and TDS deducted.

    • Ensure compliance with DTAA provisions.

  4. Form 27EQ

    TCS return for tax collected at source.

    • Filed quarterly for TCS transactions.

    • Includes details of tax collected and deposited.

    • Ensure timely filing to avoid penalties.

What is a TDS Certificate?

TDS certificates are proof of tax deducted and deposited.

  1. Form 16

    TDS certificate for salary income.

    • Issued annually by employers.

    • Includes details of salary, deductions, and TDS.

    • Essential for filing ITR.

  2. Form 16A

    TDS certificate for non-salary income.

    • Issued quarterly for payments like interest, rent, etc.

    • Includes details of payments and TDS.

    • Ensure receipt for accurate ITR filing.

  3. Form 16B

    TDS certificate for property transactions.

    • Issued by the buyer to the seller.

    • Proof of TDS deducted on property sale.

    • Essential for seller's tax records.

  4. Form 16C

    TDS certificate for rent payments by individuals.

    • Issued by individuals/HUFs for rent exceeding ₹50,000.

    • Proof of TDS deducted on rent.

    • Ensure timely issuance to landlord.

TDS Credits in Form 26AS

Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement.

  1. TDS Details

    Includes details of TDS deducted by all deductors.

    • Verify TDS credits before filing ITR.

    • Ensure all TDS is reflected for accurate tax calculation.

    • Discrepancies can be rectified by contacting the deductor.

  2. Tax Payment Details

    Includes details of advance tax and self-assessment tax.

    • Verify tax payments for accurate tax liability calculation.

    • Ensure all payments are reflected in Form 26AS.

    • Discrepancies can be rectified by contacting the bank/IT department.

  3. Refund Details

    Includes details of tax refunds received.

    • Verify refund details for accuracy.

    • Ensure bank account details are updated for refund processing.

    • Contact IT department for any discrepancies.

  4. High-Value Transactions

    Includes details of high-value transactions reported to IT department.

    • Verify transactions for accuracy.

    • Ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

    • Contact IT department for any discrepancies.

Penalty for Late Filing of TDS Returns

Late filing of TDS returns attracts penalties under the Income Tax Act.

  1. Late Filing Fee

    Section 234E imposes a late filing fee.

    • ₹200 per day of delay.

    • Maximum fee is the amount of TDS.

    • Ensure timely filing to avoid fees.

  2. Interest on Late Payment

    Section 201(1A) imposes interest on late payment of TDS.

    • 1% per month for delay in deduction.

    • 1.5% per month for delay in payment.

    • Interest is calculated from the due date to the actual payment date.

  3. Penalty for Non-Filing

    Section 271H imposes a penalty for non-filing of TDS returns.

    • Minimum penalty of ₹10,000.

    • Maximum penalty of ₹1,00,000.

    • Penalty is in addition to late filing fee and interest.

  4. Consequences of Non-Compliance

    Non-compliance can lead to further actions.

    • Prosecution for willful default.

    • Disallowance of expenses in the deductor's income tax return.

    • Increased scrutiny by the IT department.

Difference between TDS and Income Tax

Understanding the distinction between TDS and Income Tax is crucial for taxpayers.

  1. Nature of Tax

    TDS is a form of advance tax.

    • Deducted at the source of income.

    • Ensures regular inflow of revenue to the government.

    • Income Tax is the final tax liability calculated annually.

  2. Applicability

    TDS is applicable to specific payments.

    • Applicable to salaries, interest, rent, etc.

    • Income Tax is applicable to total income.

    • TDS is deducted by the payer, Income Tax is paid by the taxpayer.

  3. Filing Requirements

    TDS requires filing of returns by deductors.

    • Quarterly TDS returns are mandatory.

    • Income Tax requires annual filing by taxpayers.

    • TDS returns ensure credit to the deductee.

  4. Impact on Cash Flow

    TDS impacts cash flow for deductees.

    • Reduces immediate cash inflow for deductees.

    • Income Tax impacts cash flow at the end of the financial year.

    • TDS ensures tax compliance throughout the year.

FAQs on TDS

What is the TDS rate for salary income?

The TDS rate for salary income is based on the applicable income tax slab rates after considering deductions under Chapter VI-A. Employers must deduct TDS monthly and issue Form 16 annually.


How can I avoid TDS on interest income?

To avoid TDS on interest income, you can submit Form 15G or 15H to your bank if your total income is below the taxable limit. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for these forms.


What is Form 26AS?

Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement that includes details of TDS deducted, tax payments, and refunds. It is essential to verify Form 26AS before filing your income tax return to ensure all TDS credits are reflected accurately.


What happens if TDS is not deducted?

If TDS is not deducted, the deductor may face penalties, interest, and disallowance of expenses in their income tax return. The deductee may also face issues in claiming TDS credit while filing their return.


Can I claim a refund of excess TDS?

Yes, you can claim a refund of excess TDS by filing your income tax return. Ensure that all TDS credits are accurately reflected in Form 26AS and provide the necessary bank details for refund processing.


What is the penalty for late filing of TDS returns?

The penalty for late filing of TDS returns includes a fee of ₹200 per day under Section 234E, subject to a maximum of the TDS amount. Additionally, a penalty under Section 271H may be levied, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000.


How is TDS on property transactions handled?

TDS on property transactions is applicable if the sale value exceeds ₹50 lakh. The buyer must deduct 1% TDS and deposit it using Form 26QB. The buyer must also issue Form 16B to the seller as proof of TDS deduction.


Is TDS applicable to non-residents?

Yes, TDS is applicable to payments made to non-residents under Section 195. The rate of TDS depends on the nature of the payment and any applicable Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) provisions.


What is the difference between TDS and TCS?

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted by the payer from payments like salaries, interest, etc., while TCS (Tax Collected at Source) is collected by the seller from the buyer on transactions like sale of goods. Both require filing of returns to the tax authorities.


How can discrepancies in Form 26AS be rectified?

Discrepancies in Form 26AS can be rectified by contacting the deductor to revise the TDS return or by contacting the bank/IT department for tax payment discrepancies. Ensure all details are accurately reflected before filing your return.

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