Proposed changes in Budget 2023 in Section 194N of Income Tax Act, 1961
Cash dealings have always been an eye on the regulatory authorities. With many Regulatory changes coming up frequently, there have been efforts made by the Government to trace the cash transactions and also to reduce the cash transactions so that India can be an active part of Digital Era. One such way to trace the Cash transactions is by introducing the applicability of Tax Deduction at Source on Cash withdrawals. Section 194N under Income Tax Act have been introduced detailing the provisions of TDS on Cash withdrawals.
Banking company, Co-operative bank and a Post office paying more than 1 crore from one or more accounts maintained by the recipient shall deduct tax at the rate of 2% on the amount exceeding rupees 1 crore. Further changes in Budget 2023 have introduced changes for co-operative bank or societies, the threshold limit for annual cash withdrawals has been increased to Rupees 3 crores from Rupees 1 crore.
Exceptions to TDS under Section 194N:
1) No section 194N TDS is applicable to Cash replenishment Agencies.
2) Also, no TDS on cash withdrawn by commission agents operating under Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee.
3) Authorised money exchange dealers who withdraw cash for purchase of Foreign currency not covered u/s 194N.
If the returns are not Filed by a person who is withdrawing Cash then,
1) The limit shall be reduced to Rupees 20 lakhs for the recipient who has not filed IT returns for all the last 3 previous years.
2) The rate of TDS shall be 2% for above Rupees 20 lakhs and upto 1 crore and 5% on amounts above 1 Crore.
Frequently Asked question on TDS under section 194N
Following Frequently Asked questions have been framed to ease out the explanation:-
1) To whom TDS under Section 194N is applicable?
Ans: Section 194N is applicable to Banking company, Co-operative bank and a post office.
2) What is the Threshold limit for Banking company or Post Office to deduct tax under section 194N?
Ans: Banking company or Post office paying more than 1 crore rupees is required to deduct TDS from one or more accounts maintained by the recipient.
3) What is the Threshold limit for Co-operative bank or societies to deduct TDS under section 194N?
Ans: Co-operative bank paying more than 3 crore rupees is required to deduct TDS from one or more accounts maintained by the recipient. Earlier the limit was 1 crore rupees.
4) What is the rate of TDS to be deducted by Banking company and Post office under section 194N?
Ans: The TDS should be deducted at the rate of 2% above rupees 1 crore in case of Banking company and Post office.
5) What is the rate of TDS to be deducted by Co-operative bank or societies under section 194N?
Ans: The TDS should be deducted at the rate of 2% above rupees 3 crore in case of Co-operative bank or societies.
6) Is it mandatory to file the Income Tax returns to claim the TDS deduction under section 194N?
Ans: Yes, it is mandatory to file the Income Tax returns to claim the TDS deduction.
7) Impact on TDS under section 194N What if the Income Tax returns has not been Filed?
Ans: If the Income Tax return has not been filed the limit shall be reduced to 20 lakh rupees from rupees 1 crore in case of Banking company and post office whereas from 3 crore rupees in case of Co-operative bank or Societies.
8) What is the rate of TDS under section 194N in case Income Tax returns are not filed?
Ans: The rate of TDS in case Income Tax returns are not filed is 2% for above Rupees 20 lakhs and upto rupees 1 crore and 5% on amounts above 1 crore.