Understanding the crucial dates for TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) compliance is essential for businesses and taxpayers. Adherence to these timelines ensures smooth financial operations and statutory compliance. The basic compliance related to TDS/TCS revolves around the following:
- Correct amount of Deduction / Collection
- Timely Deposit of TDS / TCS
- Time Filing of TDS / TCS Returns
TDS / TCS – Deposit & Filing of Returns
Tax Deductions (TDS) / Tax Collections (TCS) during the month needs to be deposited by 7th of the following month. This implies that deductions done in April needs to be deposited by 7th May. This applies to all months from April to February. However, as March is the last month for the financial year, for TDS, the date of deposit is 30th April. For TCS deposits for March, it remains as 7th April similar to other months.
TDS & TCS Returns are to be filed on completion of the quarter within the last date of the following month. This implies that for the first quarter, April – Jun, the Return needs to be filed within 31st July. This applies to the first three quarters. However, for the last quarter (Jan – Mar), the last date for filing TCS Return is 15th May and TDS Return is 31st May.
This is applicable to both Government & Non-Government Deductors / Collectors making deposits through the banking channels (Challan).
The dates for both TDS / TCS is similar with a few exceptions. Refer the table below:
| Quarter | Deduction / Collection Month | Due Date for Deposit | Return Filing – Due Date |
| Quarter 4 | April | 7th May | 31st July |
| May | 7th June | ||
| June | 7th July | ||
| Quarter 1 | July | 7th August | 31st October |
| August | 7th September | ||
| September | 7th October | ||
| Quarter 2 | October | 7th November | 31st January |
| November | 7th December | ||
| December | 7th January | ||
| Quarter 3 | January | 7th February | 31st May – TDS
15th May – TCS |
| February | 7th March | ||
| March | 7th April – TCS
30th April – TDS |
Govt. Deductors – making deposits through Transfer Voucher / Book Entry
This should be done on the same day of Deduction / Collection. However, for March deductions, the deposit date is extended till 7th April.
Issue of TDS & TCS Certificates
Following types of Certificates needs to be issued within the stipulated time frame:
- Form 16 – Certificate for TDS of Salary (issued to Employees)
- Form 16A – Certificate for TDS other than Salary
- Form 27D – Certificate for TCS
Form 16A & Form 27D are to be issued each quarter within 15 days from the due date of return filing. Form 16 is to be issued annually (once in a year) within 15 days from the due date of return for the March quarter.
It should be noted that the certificates may be issued in physical form duly signed or as a digitally signed PDF file.
Refer to the table below for compliance dates:
| Quarter | TDS / TCS Certificate | Last Date of Issue |
| April – June (Q1) | Form 16A (TDS)
Form 27D (TCS) |
15th August |
| Jul – Sep (Q2) | Form 16A (TDS)
Form 27D (TCS) |
15th November |
| Oct – Dec (Q3) | Form 16A (TDS)
Form 27D (TCS) |
15th February |
| January – March (Q4) | Form 16 (TDS)
Form 16A (TDS)
Form 27D (TCS) |
15th June
15th June
30th May
|
Hope this article is helpful. It is authored by the team at PDS Infotech Pvt Ltd, one of the pioneers and has been serving the TDS eco-system for 19+ years with its software TDSMAN. You may download the trial copy and experience the simplicity and convenience. Visit www.tdsman.com.
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Author Bio
Please check quarter numbers are not in order.