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Q.1 What is tax deducted at source?​

Ans. For quick and efficient collection of taxes, the Income-tax Law has incorporated a system of deduction of tax at the point of generation of income. This system is called as “Tax Deducted at Source”, commonly known as TDS. Under this system tax is deducted at the origin of the income. Tax is deducted by the payer and is remitted to the Government by the payer on behalf of the payee.

The provisions of deduction of tax at source are applicable to several payments such as salary, interest, commission, brokerage, professional fees, royalty, contract payments, etc. In respect of payments to which the TDS provisions apply, the payer has to deduct tax at source on the payments made by him and he has to deposit the tax deducted by him to the credit of the Government.

Q.2 What are the payments covered under the TDS mechanism and the rates for deduction of tax at source?

Ans.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tax is deductible at source at the rates given in table (infra). If PAN of the deductee is not intimated to the deductor, tax will be deducted at source by virtue of section ​206AA e​ither at the rate given in the table or at the rate or rates in force or at the rate of 20 per cent, whichever is higher. Further, under section 94A(5), if payment or credit is made or given to a deductee who is located in a notified jurisdictional area, tax is deductible at the rate given in the table or at the rate of 30 per cent, whichever is higher. TDS rates for the financial year 2020-21 are as follows—

CATEGORY A – WHEN RECIPIENT IS RESIDENT
Nature of payment TDS (SC : Nil, EC : Nil, SHEC : Nil)
• Sec. ​192 – Payment of salary Normal or Special Tax Rate plus surcharge and education cess
Surcharge: 10% (if total income exceeds Rs. 50 lakh but doesn’t exceed Rs. 1 crore), 15% (If total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore but doesn’t exceed Rs. 2 crore), 25% (If total income exceeds Rs. 2 crore but doesn’t exceed Rs. 5 crore), 37% (If total income exceeds Rs. 5 crore)
HEC : 4%
• Sec. ​192A – Payment of taxable accumulated balance of provident fund 10
• Sec. 193 – Interest on securities—
 a.  interest on (a) debentures/securities for money issued by or on behalf of any local authority/statutory corporation, (b) listed debentures of a company [not being listed securities in demat form], (c) any security of the Central or State Government [i.e., 8% Savings (taxable) Bonds, 2003 or 7.75% savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018, but not any other Government security] 10
 b.  any other interest on securities (including interest on non-listed debentures) 10
• Sec. 194 – Dividend— 10
• Sec. 194A – Interest other than interest on securities 10
• Sec. 194B – Winnings from lottery or crossword puzzle or card game or other game of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature whatsoever. 30
​• Sec. 194BA – Income by way of winnings from any online game 30
​​• Sec. 194BB – Winnings from horse races 30
• Sec. 194C – Payment or credit to a resident contractor/sub-contractor—
 a.  payment/credit to an individual or a Hindu undivided family 1
 b.  payment/credit to any person other than an individual or a Hindu undivided family 2
• Sec. 194D – Insurance commission 10
 –  if recipient is a resident (other than a company) 5
 –  if recipient is a domestic company 10​
​• Sec. 194DA – Payment in respect of life insurance policy 1
• Sec. 194EE – Payment in respect of deposits under National Savings Scheme, 1987 10
• Sec. 194F – Payment on account of repurchase of units of MF or UTI 20
• Sec. 194G – Commission on sale of lottery tickets 5
• Sec. 194H – Commission or brokerage 5
• Sec. 194-I – Rent—
 a.  rent of plant and machinery 2
 b.  rent of land or building or furniture or fitting 10
• Sec. 194-IA​ – Payment/credit of consideration to a resident transferor for transfer of any immovable property (other than rural agricultural land) 1
• Sec. 194-IB​ – Payment of rent by an individual or HUF not subjected to tax audit under Section 44AB 5
• Sec. 194-IC​ – Payment under Joint Development Agreement to a resident individual or HUF who transfers land or building as per such agreement 10
• Sec. 194J – Fees for professional or technical services.
Note: 2% if payee is engaged in the business of operation of call center
10
1.  sum paid or payable towards fees for technical services 2
 ii.  sum paid or payable towards royalty in the nature of consideration for sale, distribution or exhibition of cinematographic films; 2
iii.  Any other sum 10
Note: 2% if payee is engaged in the business of operation of call center
• Sec. 194LA – Payment of compensation on acquisition of certain immovable property 10
• Sec. 194LBA(1) – Payment of the nature referred to in section 10(23FC) or section 10(23FC)(a) or section 10(23FCA) by business trust to resident unit holders 10
• Sec. 194LBB – Payment in respect of units of investment fund specified in section 115UB 10
• Sec. 194LBC(1) – Payment in respect of an investment in a securitisation trust specified in clause (d) of the Explanation occurring after section 115TCA (with effect from June 1, 2016)
section 194M – Payment of contractual work, commission (not being insurance commission referred to in section 194D), brokerage or professional fees, by an individual or a HUF not covered under section 194C, section 194H and 194J 5
section 194N – Payment in cash by banking company or co-op. bank or post office 2/5
section 194K – Income in respect of units payable to resident 10
Section 194P – Deduction of tax by specified bank in case of senior citizen having age of 75 or more Tax on total income as per rate in force
Section 194Q – Payment to resident for purchase of goods of the aggregate value exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs 0.1 % exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs
Section 194R – Deduction of tax in case any benefit or perquisite is provided and aggregate value of such benefit/perquisite exceeds Rs. 20,000

Note: Benefit or perquisite should be arising from business or the exercise of a profession by such resident.

10%
Section 194S – Payment on transfer of Virtual Digital Asset 1%

CATEGORY B – WHEN RECIPIENT IS NON-RESIDENT OR FOREIGN COMPANY

Aggregate payment or credit subject to TDS during the financial year 2020-21 
If recipient is non-resident Individual/HUF/AOP/BOI/Artificial juridical person 
If recipient is non-resident co-operative society/ firm
If recipient is non-domestic company
Rs.50 lakh or less
More than Rs. 50 lakh but not more than Rs. 1 crore
More than Rs. 1 crore
Rs. 1 crore or less
More than Rs. 1 crore
Rs. 1 crore or less
More than Rs. 1 crore but not more than Rs. 10 crore
More than Rs. 10 crore
Nature of payment
TDS (inclusive of SC:  Nil, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC:  10%, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC:  15%, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC: Nil, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC: 12%, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC: Nil, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC: 2%, Health & Education cess: 4%)
TDS (inclusive of SC: 5%, Health & Education cess: 4%)
• Sec. 192 – Payment of salary
Normal/Special Tax Rate
Normal Tax Rate  plus SC, EC and SHEC
Normal Tax Rate  plus SC, EC and SHEC
o    • Sec. 192A– Payment of taxable accumulated balance of provident fund
10.4
11.44
11.96
• Sec. 194B – Winnings from lottery or crossword puzzle or card game or other game of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature whatsoever.
31.2
34.32
35.88
31.2
34.944
31.2
31.824
32.76
• Sec. 194BB – Winnings from horse races
31.2
34.32
35.88
31.2
34.944
31.2
31.824
32.76
• Sec. 194BA – Income by way of winnings from any online game
31.2
34.32
35.88
31.2
34.944
31.2
31.824
32.76
• Sec. 194E – Payment to a non-resident foreign citizen sportsman/entertainer or non-resident sports association
20.8
22.88
23.92
20.8
23.296
20.8
21.216
21.84
• Sec. 194EE – Payment in respect of deposits under National Saving Scheme, 1987
10.4
11.44
11.96
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
• Sec. 194F – Re-purchase of units of MF or UTI
20.8
22.88
23.92
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
• Sec. 194G – Commission on sale of lottery tickets
5.2
5.72
5.98
5.2
5.824
5.2
5.304
5.46
• Sec. 194LB – Payment/credit by way of interest by infrastructure debt fund
5.2
5.72
5.98
5.2
5.824
5.2
5.302
5.46
• Sec. 194LBA(2) – Payment of the nature referred to in Section 10(23FC)(a)
5.2
5.72
5.98
5.2
5.824
5.2
5.304
5.46
• Sec. 194LBA(2) – Payment of the nature referred to in  Section 10(23FC)(b) 
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.65
10.4
10.61
10.92
• Sec. 194LBA(3) – Payment of the nature referred to  in section 10(23FCA) by business trust to unit holders
31.2 or 20.8*
* In case of distribution of dividend received from specified domestic company.
34.32
22.88
35.88
23.92
31.2
20.8
34.944
23.30
41.6
20.8
42.432
21.22
43.68
21.84
• Sec. 194LBB – Payment in respect of units of investment fund specified in Sec. 115UB              
31.2 or 20.8*
* In case of distribution of dividend received from specified domestic company.
34.32
22.88
35.88
23.92
31.2
20.8
34.944
23.30
41.6
23.8
42.432
21.22
43.68
21.84
• Sec. 194LBC(2) – Payment in respect of an investment in a securitisation trust specified in clause (d) of the Explanation occurring after section 115TCA (with effect from June 1, 2016)
31.2
34.32
35.88
31.2
34.944
41.6
42.432
43.68
• Sec. 194LC – Payment/credit of interest by an Indian specified company on foreign currency approved loan/long-term infrastructure bonds (with effect from October 1, 2014, any bond) from outside India
5.2
or
4.16 or 9.36***
* In case where interest is payable in respect of Long-term Bond or Rupee Denominated Bond listed on recognised stock exchange located in IFSC​
** Where money borrowed from a source outside India by issuing a long-term bond or rupee-denominated bond on or after 01-04-2023, which is listed only on a recognised stock exchange located in an IFSC
5.72
4.58 or 10.30
5.98
4.78 or 10.76
5.2
4.16 or 9.36
5.824
4.66 or 10.48
5.2
4.16 or 9.36
5.304
4.24 or 9.55
5.46
4.37 or 9.83
• Sec. 194LD – Interest on a rupee denominated bond of an Indian company or Government security (from June 1, 2013)
5.2
5.72
5.98
5.2
5.824
5.2
5.304
5.46
• Sec. 195 – Payment/credit of other sum to a non-resident —
a. income of foreign exchange assets payable to an Indian citizen
20.8
22.88
23.92
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
b. income by way of long-term capital gains referred to in  section 115E or  section 112(1)(c)(iii)
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
c. income by way of long-term capital gains referred to in section 112A
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
d. short-term capital gains under • Sec. 111A
15.6
17.16
17.94
15.6
17.472
15.6
15.912
16.38
e. any other long-term capital gains [not being covered by  Section 10(33),  10(36) and  112A]
20.8
22.88
23.92
20.8
23.296
20.8
21.216
21.84
f. income by way of interest payable by Government/Indian concern on money borrowed or debt incurred by Government or Indian concern in foreign currency (not being interest referred to in • Sec. 194LB or• Sec. 194LC 
20.8
22.88
23.92
20.8
23.296
20.8
21.216
21.84
g. royalty [see Note 5]
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
h. royalty [not being royalty of the nature referred to in (fsupra] [see Note 6] –
□ where the agreement is made after March 31, 1961 but before April 1, 1976
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
52
53.04
54.6
□where the agreement is made on or after April 1, 1976
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
i. fees for technical services [see Note 7] –
□ where the agreement is made after February 29, 1964 but before April 1, 1976
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
51.52
53.04
54.6
□ where the agreement is made on or after April 1, 1976
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
j. any other income
31.2
34.32
35.88
31.2
34.944
41.6
42.432
43.68
• Sec. 196B – Payment/credit of income from units (including long-term capital gains on transfer of such units) to an offshore fund
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
• Sec. 196C – Payment/credit of interest of foreign currency bonds or GDR (including long-term capital gains on transfer of such bonds)
10.4
11.44
11.96
10.4
11.648
10.4
10.608
10.92
• Sec. 196D – Payment/credit of income from securities (not being dividend, short-term or long-term capital gain) to Foreign Institutional Investors
20.8
22.88
23.92
20.8
23.296
20.8
21.216
21.84

Notes :

1. Under sections 192​ tax is deductible from salary. The payer shall calculate salary taxable in the hands of recipient. The amount so determined is subject to tax deduction under sections 192. Under sections 192A, tax is deductible on taxable accumulated balance of provident fund. Under section 195, tax is deductible only if income is taxable in the hands of recipient in India. In any other case, gross payment or credit (without GST, if GST is shown separately) is subject to tax deduction.

2. In Category B, tax is deductible at the above rates or the rates specified in ADT agreements entered into by the Central Government under section 90(whichever is lower) [ section 2(37A)(iii)].

3. Tax is not deductible under section 192A, section 193, 194, 194A, with effect from 1/6/2017 194D, 194DA, 194-I, or 194EEif the recipient makes a declaration in Form No. 15G/15H under the provisions of section 197A.

4. Under section 197the recipient can apply to the Assessing Officer in Form No. 13 to get a certificate of lower/no tax deduction. This benefit is, however, not available if tax is deductible under section 192A, section 194B, 194BB, 194E, 194EE, 194F, 194-IA, 194LBA, 194LB, 194LC, 196B, 196C or​196D​.

5. Royalty payable by Government or an Indian concern in pursuance of an agreement made by non-resident with the Government or the Indian concern after March 31, 1976, where such royalty is in consideration for the transfer of all or any rights (including the granting of a licence) in respect of copyright in any book on a subject referred to in the first proviso to​section 115A(1A)to the Indian concern or in respect of computer software referred to in the second proviso to​section 115A(1A), to a person resident in India.

6. Not being royalty of the nature referred to above, payable by Government or an Indian concern in pursuance of an agreement made by non-resident with the Government or the Indian concern and where such agreement is with an Indian concern, the agreement is approved by the Central Government or where it relates to matter included in the industrial policy, the agreement is in accordance with that policy.

7. Fees for technical services payable by Government or an Indian concern in pursuance of an agreement made by non-resident with the Government or the Indian concern and where such agreement is with an Indian concern, the agreement is approved by the Central Government or where it relates to matter included in the industrial policy, the agreement is in accordance with that policy.​

Q.3 Is there any minimum amount upto which tax is not deducted?

Ans.  ​​​​The Income-tax Act has prescribed a different threshold limit for deduction of tax at source under various sections. If the expenditure incurred/payment made during the year is below the threshold limit, then there is no requirement to deduct tax at source.

The threshold limit for deduction of tax at source under various sections is as follows: 

S.No. Particulars Section Threshold limit
1. No deduction of tax at source from salaries 192 If net taxable income is less than the maximum amount which is not chargeable to tax (i.e. Rs. 2,50,000 for an individual other than senior citizen, Rs. 3,00,000 for Senior Citizens and Rs. 5,00,000 for Super Senior Citizens)
1A. No TDS from payment of accumulated balance of provident fund account due to an employee 192A If taxable premature withdrawal amount is less than Rs. 50,000.
2. No TDS from interest paid on debentures issued by a company in which public are substantially interested. Provided interest is paid by account payee cheque to resident individual or HUF 193 If amount of interest paid during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000
3. No TDS from interest paid on 8% Saving (Taxable) Bonds 2003 or 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 (applicable from A.Y 2019-20) to resident persons 193 If amount of interest  paid or likely to be paid during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 10,000
3A. No TDS from interest on 6.5% Gold bonds, 1977 or 7% Gold bonds, 1980 paid to resident individual 193 If bonds held by other than non-resident individual (or behalf of any other person) and makes declaration to the payer that the nominal value of such bonds does not exceed Rs. 10,000 at any time during the period to which interest relates.
4. No TDS from dividend paid by Indian company by an account payee cheque to individual 194 If aggregate amount of dividend paid or credited during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5000.
5. No TDS from interest other than on securities paid by a banking company or co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking 194A If amount of interest paid or credited on time deposit during the financial year exceeds Rs 10,000 (*) (for all type of payee)/Rs 50,000 (from 01/04/2018 if payee is resident senior citizen)
(*) w.e.f. 01/04/2019, the threshold limit is increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000.
6. No TDS from interest on any deposit with a post office under Senior Citizens Saving Scheme Rules, 2004( Notified scheme) 194A If amount of interest  paid or credited on time deposit during the financial year exceeds Rs 10,000 (*) (for all type of payee)/Rs 50,000 (from 01/04/2018 if payee is resident senior citizen)
(*) w.e.f. 01/04/2019, the threshold limit is increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000.
7. No TDS from interest other than on securities if payer is any other person other than post office or banking company or co-operative society engaged on the banking. 194A If amount of interest paid or credited on time deposit during the financial year exceeds Rs 5,000.
8. No TDS from Lottery / Cross Word Puzzles /Card game/ gambling/betting of any form or nature 194B If amount paid during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 10,000.
9. No TDS from winnings from horse races 194BB If amount paid during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 10,000.
10. No TDS to contractor to resident person 194C a) If sum paid/credited to a contractor in a single payment does not exceed Rs. 30,000

b) If sum paid/credited  to contractor in aggregate does not exceed Rs. 1,00,000 during the financial year (Rs. 1,00,000 w.e.f. 01/06/2016)

11. No TDS from insurance commission paid or payable during the financial year to resident person 194D If amount paid or credited  during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 15,000
12 No TDS from sum payable under a life insurance policy (including bonus) to a resident person (w.e.f. 01-10-2014) 194DA If amount paid or payable during the financial year is less than Rs. 1 lakh.
13. No TDS from payments made out of deposits under NSS 194EE If amount of payment or aggregate amount of payments in financial year is less than Rs. 2,500. In case of payment is received by legal heirs no tax shall be deducted.
14. No TDS from commission paid on sale of lottery tickets 194G If amount of income  the financial year does not exceed Rs. 15,000
15. No TDS from payment of commission or brokerage 194H If amount paid or credited during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000 (Rs. 15,000 w.e.f. 01/06/2016). Further no tax to be deducted from commission payable by BSNL/ MTNL to their Public call office franchisees.
16. No TDS on payment of rent in respect of any land or building, furniture or fittings or plant and machinery to a resident person 194-I If amount paid or credited during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 1,80,000 (Rs. 2,40,000 w.e.f. 01/04/2019).

No tax deductions shall be made under this section if rent is paid to a business trust, being a real estate investment trust, in respect of any real estate asset, referred to in 10(23FCA), owned directly by such business trust.

17. No TDS on payment of consideration for purchase of an immovable property(other than agriculture land) to a resident transferor 194-IA If consideration paid or payable for transfer of an immovable property is less than Rs. 50 Lakhs.
17A. No TDS on payment of rent of any land or building or both by an individual/HUF [whose books of account are not required to be audited under section 44AB to resident person. 194-IB If amount of rent does not exceed Rs. 50,000 for a month or part of a month.
18. No TDS on payment of fee for professional services, fee for technical services, royalty, any sum referred to in section 28(va) to a resident person 194J If amount paid or credited  during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 30,000

.

19. No TDS from income in respect of units payable to resident 194K If the amount of income paid or payable exceeds Rs. 5,000 during the financial year

.

20. No TDS on payment of compensation/enhanced compensation  on compulsory acquisition of immovable property (other than Agricultural Land) to a resident person 194LA​ If such sum amount does not exceed Rs. 2​,50,000  during a financial year.
21. No TDS is required to be deducted on sum payable to a person with respect to contractual work, commission, brokerage or for professional services 194M If the aggregate amount paid or credited during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 50 lakhs
22. No TDS is required to be deducted on the amount withdrawn in cash from any account 194N If the aggregate amount withdrawn does not exceed Rs. 1 crore during the previous year.
Note:
(a) The threshold limit shall be Rs. 20 lakh if the person, has not filed return of income (ITR) for three previous years immediately preceding the previous year in which cash is withdrawn, and the due date for filing ITR under 139(1) has expired.
(b) The threshold limit of Rs. 1 crore is increased to Rs. 3 crores for the deduction of tax under Section 194N from the withdrawal of cash made by co-operative society.
​23. No TDS from payment to participants of e-commerce 194-O If amount paid or payable Resident Individual or HUF during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5 Lakhs
24. No TDS on sum paid to seller for purchase of goods 194Q If sum paid to seller for purchase of goods doesn’t exceeds Rs. 50 lakh
25. No TDS in case any benefit or perquisite is provided to a resident 194R If aggregate value of benefit/perquisite provided during the Financial Year doesn’t exceed Rs. 20,000
26. No TDS from payment on transfer of Virtual Digital Asset 194S No tax shall be deducted under this provision in the following circumstance:

• If the consideration is payable by any person (other than a specified person) and its aggregate value does not exceed Rs. 10,000 during the financial year.

• If the consideration is payable by a specified person and its aggregate value does not exceed Rs. 50,000 during the financial year.

Specified person means:

(a) An individual or a HUF, whose total sales, gross receipts or turnover does not exceed Rs. 1 crore in case of business or Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession, during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which virtual digital asset is transferred;

(b) An individual or a HUF who does not have any income under the head profits and gains of business or profession.

Q. 4 Can the payee request the payer not to deduct tax at source and to pay the amount without deduction of tax at source?

Ans.  ​​​​​​​​A payee can approach to the payer for non-deduction of tax at source but for that they have to furnish a declaration in Form No. 15G/15H, as the case may be, to the payer to the effect that the tax on his estimated total income of the previous year after including the income on which tax is to be deducted will be nil.

Form No. 15G is for the individual or a person (other than company or firm) and Form No. 15H is for the senior citizens.

Q.5 What are the consequences a deductor would face if he fails to deduct TDS or after deducting the same fails to deposit it to the Government’s account?

Ans.  ​​​​​​​​​A deductor would face the following consequences if he fails to deduct TDS or after deducting the same fails to deposit

it to the credit of Central Government’s account:-

a) Disallowance of expenditure

As per section 40(a)(i) of the Income-tax Act, any sum (other than salary) payable outside India or to a non-resident, which is chargeable to tax in India in the hands of the recipient, shall not be allowed to be deducted if it is paid without deduction of tax at source or if tax is deducted but is not deposited with the Central Government till the due date of filing of return.

​However, if tax is deducted or deposited in subsequent year, as the case may be, the expenditure shall be allowed as deduction in that year.

Similarly, as per section 40(a)(ia), any sum payable to a resident, which is subject to deduction of tax at source, would attract 30% disallowance if it is paid without deduction of tax at source or if tax is deducted but is not deposited with the Central Government till the due date of filing of return.

However, where in respect of any such sum, tax is deducted or deposited in subsequent year, as the case may be, the expenditure so disallowed shall be allowed as deduction in that year.

As per Section 58(1A) (as amended with effect from the assessment year 2018-19), the provisions of section 40(a)(ia) and 40(a)(iia) shall also apply in computing the income chargeable under the head “Income from other sources”.

b) Levy of interest

As per section 201 of the Income-tax Act, if a deductor fails to deduct tax at source or after the deducting the same fails to deposit it to the Government’s account then he shall be deemed to be an assessee-in-default and liable to pay simple interest as follows:-

(i) at one per cent for every month or part of a month on the amount of such tax from the date on which such tax was deductible to the date on which such tax is deducted; and

(ii) at one and one-half per cent for every month or part of a month on the amount of such tax from the date on which such tax was deducted to the date on which such tax is actually paid.​

c) Levy of Penalty

Penalty of an amount equal to tax not deducted or paid could be imposed under section 271C​.

Q.6 Under what circumstances a deductor would not be deemed as an assessee-in-default even after he fails to deduct TDS or after deducting the same fails to deposit it to the Government’s account?

Ans.  ​​​​​​​​​​A deductor who fails to deduct the whole or any part of the tax on the sum paid to a resident or on the sum credited to the account of a resident shall not be deemed to be an assessee-in-default in respect of such tax if such resident—

(i) has furnished his return of income under section 139​;

(ii) has taken into account such sum for computing income in such return of income; and

(iii) has paid the tax due on the income declared by him in such return of income, and the deductor furnishes a certificate to this effect in Form No.26A from a chartered accountant.

​Q.7 However, w.e.f. 01-09-2019, sum paid to non-resident will be covered by above provisions.

Ans.  In such a case, the payee can claim the refund of entire/excess amount of TDS (as the case may be) by filing the return of income.

Q.8 However, w.e.f. 01-09-2019, sum paid to non-resident will be covered by above provisions.

Ans.  ​​In such a case, the payee can claim the refund of entire/excess amount of TDS (as the case may be) by filing the return of income.​​

Q.9 If the payer does not deduct tax at source, will the payee face any adverse consequences by means of action taken by the Income-tax Department?

Ans.  ​It is the duty and responsibility of the payer to deduct tax at source. If the payer fails to deduct tax at source, then the payee will not have to face any adverse consequences. However, in such a case, the payee will have to discharge his tax liability. Thus, failure of the payer to deduct tax at source will not relieve the payee from payment of tax on his income. ​

Q.10 What are the duties of the person deducting tax at source?

Ans.  ​Following are the basic duties of the person who is liable to deduct tax at source.

  • He shall obtain Tax Deduction Account Number and quote the same in all the documents pertaining to TDS.
  • He shall deduct the tax at source at the applicable rate.
  • He shall pay the tax deducted by him at source to the credit of the Government (by the due date specified in this regard*).
  • He shall file the periodic TDS statements, i.e., TDS return (by the due date specified in this regard*).
  • He shall issue the TDS certificate to the payee in respect of tax deducted by him (by the due date specified in this regard*).

*Refer tax calendar for the due dates.​

Q.11 How can I know the quantum of tax deducted from my income by the payer?​​

Ans.  To know the quantum of the tax deducted by the payer, you can ask the payer to furnish you a TDS certificate in respect of tax deducted by him. You can also check Form 26AS​ from your e-filing account at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal

You can also use the “View Your Tax Credit” facility available at www.incometaxindia.gov.in

​Q.12 At what rate the payer will deduct tax if a taxpayer doesn’t furnish return of income?

Ans.  ​As per section 206AB, the tax shall be deductible at the higher rates prescribed under this provision if the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) Deductee has not filed the return of income for assessment years relevant to the previous year immediately prior to the previous year in which tax is required to be deducted;

(b) The due date to file such return of income, as prescribed under section 139(1), has expired; and

(c) The aggregate amount of tax deducted and collected at source is Rs. 50,000 or more in said previous years.

Tax is required to be deducted at higher rates in respect of every sum or income or amount from which tax is deductible under any provision of Chapter XVII-B except the sum or income or amount on which tax is deductible under any of the following provisions:

However, a non-resident person who does not have permanent establishment in India or a person who is not required to furnish return of income and is notified by the Central Government shall be out of the scope of deductee for the purpose of section 206AB.

Q.13 What to do if the TDS credit is not reflected in Form 26AS?

Ans.  ​​​Non-reflection of TDS credit in Form 26AS can be due to several reasons like non-filing of TDS statement by the payer, quoting incorrect PAN of the deductee in the TDS statement filed by the payer. Thus, in case of non-reflection of TDS credit in Form 26AS, the payee has to contact the payer for ascertaining the correct reasons for non-reflection of the TDS credit in Form 26AS.​

Q.14 At what rate the payer will deduct tax if I do not furnish my Permanent Account Number to him?

Ans.  ​​As per section 206AA​, if you do not furnish your Permanent Account Number to the payer (i.e., deductor), then the deductor shall deduct tax at the higher of the following rates :

  • At the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Act.
  • At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
  • At the rate of 20%.​

However, the provisions of section 206AA shall not apply in the following cases:-

In respect of payment of interest on long-term bonds to a non-resident under section 194LC.

1. Where deductee being a non-resident or a foreign company, shall in respect of payments in the nature of interest, royalty, fees for technical services and payments on transfer of any capital asset, furnish the following details and documents to the deductor, namely:—

ii. name, e-mail id, contact number;

iii. address in the country or specified territory outside India of which the deductee is a resident;

​iv. a certificate of his being resident in any country or specified territory outside India from the Government of that country or specified territory if the law of that country or specified territory provides for issuance of such certificate;

v. Tax Identification Number of the deductee in the country or specified territory of his residence and in case no such number is available, then a unique number on the basis of which the deductee is identified by the Government of that country or the specified territory of which he claims to be a resident. ​

Q.15 However, the provisions of section 206AA shall not apply in the following cases:-

​​​​​​Ans.

1. In respect of payment of interest on long-term bonds to a non-resident under section 194LC.

2. Where deductee being a non-resident or a foreign company, shall in respect of payments in the nature of interest, royalty, fees for technical services and payments on transfer of any capital asset, furnish the following details and documents to the deductor, namely:—

i. name, e-mail id, contact number;

ii. address in the country or specified territory outside India of which the deductee is a resident;

iii. a certificate of his being resident in any country or specified territory outside India from the Government of that country or specified territory if the law of that country or specified territory provides for issuance of such certificate;

iv. Tax Identification Number of the deductee in the country or specified territory of his residence and in case no such number is available, then a unique number on the basis of which the deductee is identified by the Government of that country or the specified territory of which he claims to be a resident.

Q.16 I do not have PAN. Can I furnish Form 15G/15H for non-deduction of TDS from interest?

Ans.  ​​​​​​As per section 206AA​​, a declaration in Form No. 15G or Form No. 15H is not a valid declaration, if it does not contain PAN of the person making the declaration. If the declaration is without the PAN, then tax is to be deducted at higher of following rates :

  • At the rate specified in the re​levant provision of the Act.
  • At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
  • At the rate of 20%.​

Q.17 Would I face any adverse consequences if instead of depositing TDS in the government’s account I use it for my personal needs?

Ans.  ​​​Yes, failure to remit tax deducted by you in the government’s account within stipulated time-limit would attract interest, penalty and rigorous imprisonment of upto seven years.

Q.18 I have not received TDS certificate from the deductor. Can I claim TDS in my return of income?

Ans.  ​​​Yes, the tax credit in your case will be reflected in your Form 26AS and, hence, you can check Form 26AS and claim the credit of the tax accordingly. However, the claim of TDS to be made in your return of income should be strictly as per the TDS credit being reflected in Form 26AS. If there is any discrepancy in the tax actually deducted and the tax credit being reflected in Form 26AS then you should intimate the same to the deductor and should reconcile the difference. The credit granted by the Income-tax Department will be as per Form 26AS. ​

Q.19 If I buy any land/building then is there any requirement to deduct tax from the sale proceeds to be paid by me to the seller?

​​​​​​​​Ans.  Yes, Finance Act, 2013 has introduced section 194-IA which provides for deduction of tax at source in case of payment of sale consideration of immovable property (other than rural agricultural land) to a resident. S​ection 194-IA is not applicable if the seller is a non-resident. Tax is to be deducted @ 1%. No tax is to be deducted if the consideration is below Rs. 50,00,0​00. If the sale consideration exceeds Rs. 50,00,000, then tax is to be deducted on the entire amount and not only on the amount exceeding Rs. 50,00,000.

If the seller is a non-resident then tax is be deducted under section 195 and not under section 194-IA. Thus, in case of purchase of property from non-resident TDS provisions of section 195​ will apply and not of section 194-IA

Q.20 What is the difference between PAN and TAN?

​​​​​​​​​Ans.  P​AN stands for Permanent Account Number and TAN stands for Tax Deduction Account Number. TAN is to be obtained by the person responsible to deduct tax, i.e., the deductor. In all the documents relating to TDS and all the correspondence with the Income-tax Department relating to TDS one has to quote his TAN.

PAN cannot be used for TAN, hence, the deductor has to obtain TAN, even if he holds PAN.

However, in case of TDS on purchase of land and building (as per section 194-​IA) as discussed in previous FAQ, the deductor is not required to obtain TAN and can use PAN for remitting the TDS.​

Further in case of TDS on rent (as per section 194-​IB) TDS on payment of certain sums by Individuals of HUFs (as per section 194M), and TDS on payment made for transfer of virtual digital asset by specified person (as per section 194S), the deductor can use PAN instead of TAN for remitting TDS​

Q.21 FAQs from TDS – Centralized Processing C​ell

​​​​​​​​​​Ans.  To see the FAQs from TDS – Centralized Processing C​ell, please visit at ​ http://contents.tdscpc.g​ov.in/en​/top-faq.html​​

Q.22 What is the amount of TDS if property belongs to NRI?

Ans.  ​Yes, u/s 195. In case you have any doubt regarding the amount on which TDS is to be made, you may file an application with the officer handling non-resident taxation who will pass an order determining the TDS to be made. Alternatively, if the recipient feels that the TDS is more he may file an application with his Assessing Officer for non-deduction.​

Q.23 Whether limit of Rs. 50,000 per month under section 194-IB is applicable to each of the co-owners separately in case rent is paid individually to co-owners?

​​​​​Ans.  As per the section 194IB, an individual or HUF whose books of account are not liable for audit u/s 44AB, paying rent to a resident exceeding Rs. 50,000 per month or part of the month for land or building, liable to deduct tax @ 5% at the time of credit of rent, for the last month of the previous year or last month of the tenancy in case property is vacated during the year, as the case may be, to the account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof in cash or by cheque or draft or any other mode, whichever is earlier.

Therefore, limit of Rs. 50,000 is applicable for each co-owner separately, if rent is paid to co-owners of the property.

For Example: Mr. A is making payment of rent of Rs. 1,00,000 per month to Mr. B &Mr. C who are co-owners of the property, where in rent paid to Mr. B is Rs. 70,000 and to Mr. C is Rs. 30,000 ; A is liable to deduct tax @ 5% under section 194IB on rent paid to Mr. B as the amount of rent paid exceeds Rs. 50,000 and is not required to deduct tax on rent paid to Mr. C as the amount of rent paid does not exceed Rs. 50,000.

Q.24 Who is required to file Form 15CA ?

​​​​​​Ans.  As per Rule 37BB, any person responsible for paying to a non-resident, not being a company, or to a foreign company, any sum chargeable to tax under the provisions of Income tax Act, 1961, shall furnish such information in Form 15CA and Form 15CB​:

  • In case the payment or the aggregate of such payments made during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh rupees, such information is to be furnished in Part A of Form No.15CA.
  • In case the payment exceeds Rs. 5 lakh such information is required to be furnished in Part B of Form No. 15CAafter obtaining a certificate from the Assessing Officer under section 197; or an order from the Assessing Officer under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 195.
  • In case the payment exceeds Rs. 5 lakh such information is required to be furnished in Part C of Form 15CAafter obtaining certificate in Form No.​15CB from an accountant as defined in the Explanation to sub-section (2) of sectio​n 288.
  • In case the payment other than the payment referred in sub-rule (3) of Rule 37BBwhich is not chargeable to tax under the provisions of Income tax Act,1961, such information is required to be furnished in Part D of Form No. 15CA.

Q.25 When Form 15CA is not required to be furnished?

Ans.  In accordance with sub-rule (3) of Rule 37BB, Form 15CA and Form 15CB are not required to be furnished in case of following transactions:

Remittance is made by an individual and it does not require prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India as per the provisions of section 5 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999), read with Schedule III to the Foreign Exchange (Current Account Transaction) Rules, 2000; or

Remittance is of the nature specified as follows:

Sl. No. Purpose code as per RBI Nature of payment
1 S0001 Indian investment abroad – in equity capital (shares)
2 S0002 Indian investment abroad – in debt securities
3 S0003 Indian investment abroad – in branches and wholly owned subsidiaries
4 S0004 Indian investment abroad – in subsidiaries and associates
5 S0005 Indian investment abroad – in real estate
6 S0011 Loans extended to Non-Residents
7 S0101 Advance payment against imports
8 S0102 Payment towards imports – settlement of invoice
9 S0103 Imports by diplomatic missions
10 S0104 Intermediary trade
11 S0190 Imports below Rs.5,00,000 – (For use by ECD offices)
12 SO202 Payment for operating expenses of Indian shipping companies operating abroad
13 SO208 Operating expenses of Indian Airlines companies operating abroad
14 S0212 Booking of passages abroad – Airlines companies
15 S0301 Remittance towards business travel
16 S0302 Travel under basic travel quota (BTQ)
17 S0303 Travel for pilgrimage
18 S0304 Travel for medical treatment
19 S0305 Travel for education (including fees, hostel expenses, etc.)
20 S0401 Postal services
21 S0501 Construction of projects abroad by Indian companies including import of goods at project site
22 S0602 Freight insurance – relating to import and export of goods
23 S1011 Payments for maintenance of offices abroad
24 S1201 Maintenance of Indian embassies abroad
25 S1202 Remittances by foreign embassies in India
26 S1301 Remittance by non-residents towards family maintenance and savings
27 S1302 Remittance towards personal gifts and donations
28 S1303 Remittance towards donations to religious and charitable institutions abroad
29 S1304 Remittance towards grants and donations to other Governments and charitable institutions established by the Governments
30 S1305 Contributions or donations by the Government to international institutions
31 S1306 Remittance towards payment or refund of taxes
32 S1501 Refunds or rebates or reduction in invoice value on account of exports
33 S1503 Payments by residents for international bidding.

Q.26 Whether TCS can be collected on amount inclusive of GST?

Ans.  ​As per section 206C (1)​ every person, being a seller shall, at the time of debiting of the amount payable by the buyer to the account of the buyer or at the time of receipt of such amount from the said buyer in cash or by the issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode, whichever is earlier, collect from the buyer. Hence, amount debited to the account of buyer or payment shall be received by seller inclusive of VAT/ excise/GST. TCS to be collected on inclusive of GST.

Q.27 How much TDS will be deducted in case of payment of Remuneration to company’s director?

​​​​​Ans.  Sec 194J levies TDS on technical and professional services. As per the provisions of the Companies Act, director of the company is also a manager and thus, a technical personnel. As per Section 194J(1)(ba), any payment made to director in the nature of sitting fees, remuneration or any other sum other than those on which tax deductible under section 192 is to be considered for deduction of tax at source @ 10% under secti​on 194J. Further, there is no threshold limit for deduction of tax at source.

Q.28 What is the procedure of filing Form 15CA?

Ans.  Form 15CA shall be furnished electronically online. Procedure for filing of Form 15CA at e-filing portal is given below-

Step 1 – Log on to ” E-filing ‘ portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal by assessee by using his credentials

Step 2 – Go to the ” E-file” menu located at the upper side of the page, select “Income Tax Forms” and click on “File Income Tax Forms”.

Step 3 – Search Form 15CA under “Persons not dependent on any Source of Income (Source of Income not relevant)” and select Form 15CA.

Step 4 – Select “Submission Mode” and “Financial Year” and continue.

Step 5 – Fill Form 15CA of selected part and click on “submit” button.

Step 6– Fill up the verification part of relevant part of Form 15CA.

Note– It is mandatory to upload Form 15CB prior to filling Part C of Form 15CA. To  fill up the details in Part C of Form 15CA, the acknowledgment number of e-Filed Form 15CB will be required.

If Form is submitted successfully, a message “successfully submitted” will appear on screen and a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the registered email account.

Q.29 What is the procedure of filing Form 15CB?

Ans.  To file Form 15CB, taxpayer is required to Add CA in his account. CA can be added by using the following steps:

  • Firstly Login to e-Filing Portal, click on “Authorised Partners”tab and select “My Chartered Accountant (CA)” option.
  • Click on “+Add CA” and enter “membership number”.
  • Once CA has been added by the taxpayer, afterwards CA can file Form 15CB in behalf of the taxpayer.
  • However, the C.A. must be registered as C.A. on his e-filing portal. Process for Registration as Chartered Accountant is as follows:
  • User can registered as “Chartered Accountant” in the e-filing portal. If not already registered, user is required to click on “Register Yourself” in the homepage.
  • Select “Chartered Accountants” from “Tax Professional” and click on “Continue“.
  • Enter the mandatory details and complete the registration process.

Q.30 Whether TDS required to be deducted on payment made to Government?

Ans.  ​​​​No tax required to be deducted by any person from any sum payable to-

1. the Government, or

2. the Reserve Bank of India, or

3. a corporation established by or under a Central Act which is, under any law for the time being in force, exempt from income-tax on its income, or

4. a Mutual Fund specified under clause (23D) of section 10,

where such sum is payable to it by way of interest or dividend in respect of any securities or shares owned by it or in which it has full beneficial interest, or any other income accruing or arising to it.

[As amended by Finance Act, 2023]

(Republished with Amendment, Source -Income Tax Website)

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205 Comments

  1. Parmod Kumar Mehtani says:

    I have purchased plot from a corporate for over Rs 50 lacs.The amount is to be paid in instalments. I deposited the TDs through e-filing for the first instalments clearly mentioning both instalments in 26 QB. to my strange the TDS is shown for the current instalment in form 16 B. T balance TDS is shown as Unutilized portion. I tried to go for corrections in the Traces site but the error is shown as ‘ Buyer PAN is mismatched Tax Applicability’. As the buyer is individual and the seller is corporate, the traces is showing as Corporate Tax. Earlier the form 16 B is also showing Tax Applicability as Corporate.
    Would you please guide in resolving the issue.

  2. NC Gupta says:

    For AY 2023-24 I have to file rectification in TDS. IT asks TDS deduction year in four digits ie 2022 or 2023 0r 2024. In this case what year is to be filled please

  3. Rajesh says:

    I am working in a car finance company. If customer paid full EMI including interest and he is eligible for TDS under section 194A. He filed his return over and above the eligible TDS amount and claims full value filed to Government. Should I pay full amount basis 26 AS or can I pay only eligible TDS as per my repayment schedule

  4. Suresh M says:

    one of our textiles manufacturing company has paid to labour wages to single person of 500000 per month without deducting TDS.That person share the wages 10 to 15 members. whether TDS is applicable or not

  5. Ajay Joshi says:

    In case of one of my relatives, employer did not deduct TDS from his salary for FY 2021-22 but deducted same from salary paid in April 2022, i.e. FY 2022-23. How to take credit because it is not appearing in Form 26AS also. Otherwise since his income is reflected in return, he will be required to pay tax unnecessarily for FY 2021-22 before filing return. Pl. suggest remedy.

  6. Nasir says:

    Ours is a partnership firm. We have to pay rs.70000 per month as rent of the premises we are using to 5 co-owners of the building. These 5 co-owners being a family have opened up a joint account with the bank and asked us to deposit the amount in that account without deducting tds, as each share is around ₹ 15000/-. Is it legally okay to do so or should we deposit in each co-owners bank account seperately ?

  7. alok says:

    An Company has two TAN for different work location. The Company booked expenses after TDS in one location and transferred that TDS liability to its another work location for deposit the same. The TDS liability was deposited under another location TAN of the company. Is there any default or penalty?

  8. J L Joshi says:

    We have purchased/installed Solar Power Plant at the factory after 01.07.2021, please advise, for which rate do we have to deduct TDS under U/s 194Q for purchase or U/s 194C Works Contract?

  9. Naman says:

    in an agreement , there is clause of rebate for early payment. The services receiver on receiving the bill creates provision for TDS on the same day or within the period of rebate days. Can receiver claim the rebate on that TDS amount from service provider. Please Comment

  10. Nitin anand says:

    If a property is owned by 3 brothers ,A is owner of 50% B is owner of 25% and C owner of rest of 25%.property is sold for 1,1650000/- . C is a NRI what will be the TDS computation for 3 brothers .

  11. Vijay Raturi says:

    I have received LDC (Lower deduction certificate) from Make my trip for the F.Y 2019-20 but amount of commission paid is excess to the given criteria and i deduct TDS on normal rate. Should i deduct TDS on lower rate for given criteria then after that TDS deduct on normal rate or TDS deduct on whole amount on normal rate. Kindly suggest.

    Thank you

  12. Saahil says:

    My owner shifted out of India in Jan 20. Now from apr20 onwards I was depositing rent in his account without deducting tds as I was not aware that he is going to stay for longer duration so he will be NRI. Now his plan is for longer period. Pls suggest how to go about it now . Do I need to pay any penalty or interest. Also due to lockdown TAN creation is also taking time.

    Pls suggest on following
    1: can I deduct tds on half year rent and pay it at once at the end of sep20 , by that time I hope I will get tan also.
    2. What all documents are required to pay tds and then file tds return

  13. K G NAGAR says:

    My relative could not submit Form 15 H due to lock down with the bank. TDS deducted on 15th july 2020. On same date she submitted Form 15H and requested the bank to refund the amount as it is lying with them and to be deposited in Government A/c by 7/08/2020..her total income is below Rs.3 lac and she do not file return. Can bank refund the amount.

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