Article discusses about Tax deducted at source from interest other than interest on securities (Section-194A), from fees for professional services/technical services/royalty (Section-194J) and from interest on securities (section 193)
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 “Tax Deducted at Source” commonly known as TDS. Under this system, tax is deducted at the point of origination of income. Tax is deducted by the payer and the same is directly remitted to the Government by the payer on behalf of the payee.
Introduction
The provisions of tax deducted at source presently apply to several payments like salary, interest, commission, brokerage, professional fees, royalty, etc. In this part, you can gain knowledge on three major payments covered under the TDS mechanism viz. (1) TDS on interest other than interest on securities; (2) TDS on interest on securities and (3) TDS on fees for professional/technical services/royalty.
Tax deducted at source from interest other than interest on securities (Section-194A)
Section 194A deals with the provisions relating to TDS on interest other than on securities. Tax is to be deducted under section 194A, if interest (other than interest on securities) is paid to a resident. Thus, the provisions of section 194A are not applicable in case of payment of interest to a non-resident. Payments made to non-residents are also covered under TDS mechanism, however, tax in such a case is to be deducted as per section 195.
Illustration – 1
Essem Enterprises, a partnership firm took a loan of Rs. 8,40,000 from a person resident in India. Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should the firm deduct tax at source from the interest?
**
Tax is to be deducted under section 194A on interest (other than interest on securities). Tax is to be deducted if the interest is paid to a resident. In this case, the firm has paid interest (other than interest on securities) to a resident and hence, the firm has to deduct tax under section 194A from interest of Rs. 84,000 paid by it.
Illustration – 2
Essem Enterprises, a partnership firm took a loan of Rs. 8,40,000 from a non-resident. Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should the firm deduct tax at source from the interest?
**
Tax is to be deducted under section 194A on interest (other than interest on securities). Tax is to be deducted if the interest is paid to a resident. In this case, the firm has paid interest (other than interest on securities) to a non-resident and hence, the firm is not liable to deduct tax at source under section 194A. However, section 195 requires deduction of tax at source from payment made to a non-resident. Hence, the firm is not required to deduct tax at source under section 194A but it is required to deduct tax at source under section 195.
Who must deduct tax at source?
Every person (i.e. the payer) other than an individual or a Hindu undivided family (HUF), who is responsible to pay interest (interest other than on securities) to a resident, is liable to deduct tax at source under section 194A.
However, an individual or a HUF, whose total sales, gross receipts or turnover from the business or profession carried on by him/it exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession1 during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the aforesaid amount is credited or paid, shall be liable to deduct tax under section 194A.
Illustration – 1
Mr. Kumar is running a plastic factory under proprietorship. The total turnover of the factory during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 84,00,000. On 1-4-2022, he took a loan from his friend who is residing in Mumbai (the funds were used in business). Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 50,000. Should Mr. Kumar deduct tax from interest of Rs. 50,000?
**
As per section 194A, an individual or a HUF has to deduct tax from interest (other than interest on securities) if his turnover or gross receipts, during the preceding
financial year exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession. Thus, if in the financial year 2021-22, turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Kumar exceeds this limit, then he will be liable to deduct tax at source on interest of Rs. 50,000 to be paid by him in the financial year 2022-23. In this case, the turnover of Mr. Kumar for the financial year 2021-22 was Rs. 84,00,000 which was below Rs. 1,00,00,000.
As the turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Kumar doesn’t exceed the prescribed limit of Rs. 1 crore, he is not liable to deduct tax at source in respect of interest paid by him during the financial year 2022-23.
Illustration – 2
Mr. Rajat is running a garment factory. The total turnover of the factory during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 1,84,00,000. On 1-4-2022, he took a loan from his relative residing in Delhi (the funds were used in business). Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should Mr. Rajat deduct tax from the interest of Rs. 84,000?
**
As per section 194A, an individual or a HUF has to deduct tax from interest (other than interest on securities) if his turnover or gross receipts, during the preceding financial year exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a
profession. In this case, interest pertains to the financial year 2022-23. Thus, if in the financial year 2021-22, turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Rajat exceeds this limit, then he will be liable to deduct tax on interest of Rs. 84,000 to be paid by him in the financial year 2022-23. In this case, the turnover of Mr. Rajat for the financial year 2021-22 is Rs. 1,84,00,000 which is above Rs. 1,00,00,000.
As the turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Rajat during the financial year 2021-22 exceeds the prescribed limit of Rs. 1 crore, he is liable to deduct tax in respect of interest paid by him during the financial year 2022-23.
Illustration – 3
Kumar & Co. a partnership firm is engaged in the business of trading of food grains. The total turnover of the firm during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 84,00,000. On 1-4-2022, it took a loan from a friend of one of its partners (resident of Agra). Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 75,000. Should the firm deduct tax from interest of Rs. 75,000?
**
As per section 194A, any person other than an individual or a HUF has to deduct tax from interest (other than interest on securities) irrespective of turnover or gross receipts during the preceding financial year. Hence, the firm has to deduct tax from interest paid by it.
When tax is to be deducted?
As per section 194A, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit of interest (to any account by whatever name called), whichever is earlier.
In case of interest on compensation awarded by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment (TDS applies only if interest exceeds Rs. 50,000). Illustration
Essem Industries, a partnership firm has taken a loan of Rs. 8,40,000 from Mr. Kumar residing in Mumbai (friend of one of its partners). Interest on loan for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 84,000. The interest is credited to the account of Mr. Kumar in the month of March 2023, but the same is actually paid in the month of May 2023. When is the firm liable to deduct tax, in March 2023 or in May 2023?
**
As per section 194A, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit of interest (to any account by whatever name called), whichever is earlier. In this case, interest is credited to the account of the payee in March 2023 and the same is actually paid in the month of May 2023. In other words, the time of credit is March 2023 and the time of payment is May 2023, hence, the liability to deduct tax will arise in the month of March 2023.
When no tax is to be deducted?
No tax is required to be deducted if aggregate amount of interest credited or paid to the payee in respect of time deposit during the financial year doesn’t exceed the following limit:
| Payer | Threshold limit if Payee is | |
| Senior Citizen | Others | |
| Banking Co. | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Co-operative Society engaged in banking business | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Post Office | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| In any other case | 5,000 | 5,000 |
The ceiling limit as specified above shall not be computed branch-wise if such banking company or co-operative society or public company has adopted Core Banking Solutions (CBS). For the above purposes “time deposits” means deposits including recurring deposits repayable on the expiry of fixed periods.
Illustration – 1
Essem Enterprise., a partnership firm took a loan of Rs. 8,400 from Mr. Kumar residing in Mumbai (friend of one of its partners). Interest on this loan for the year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 840. Is the firm required to deduct tax at source from interest paid by it?
**
As per section 194A, no tax is to be deducted if the aggregate amount of interest during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000. In this case, the amount of annual interest is Rs. 840 i.e. below Rs. 5,000 and hence, the firm is not liable to deduct tax from the amount of interest of Rs. 840.
Illustration – 2
SM & Co.., a partnership firm took a loan of Rs. 84,000 from Mr. Kamal residing at Delhi (friend of one of its partners). Interest on this loan for the year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 8,400. Is the firm required to deduct tax at source from interest paid by it? If yes, then should it deduct tax on Rs. 8,400 or on Rs. 3,400 (i.e. excess over Rs. 5,000)?
**
As per section 194A, no tax is to be deducted if the aggregate amount of interest during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000. Once the amount of interest exceeds Rs. 5,000, then tax is to be deducted on the entire amount. In this case, the amount of annual interest is Rs. 8,400 i.e. above Rs. 5,000 and hence, the firm is liable to deduct tax from entire amount of Rs. 8,400.
Illustration – 3
Mr. Kumar has made a fixed deposit with XYZ Bank. The annual interest on deposit will amount to Rs. 34,000.Should the bank deduct tax at source from the interest to be paid to Mr. Kumar?
**
As per section 194A, no tax is to be deducted if the aggregate amount of interest during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000. However, the limit of Rs. 5,000 is increased to Rs. 40,000 in case of interest paid/payable by banking company or co-operative society carrying on banking business and post office. Hence, in this case, the applicable limit will be Rs. 40,000.
The annual interest is below Rs. 40,000 and hence, the bank will not deduct tax from the interest of Rs. 34,000.
Illustration – 4
Mr. Kapoor (Age 54 Years) has made a fixed deposit with ABC Bank. The annual interest on deposit will amount to Rs. 55,000.Should the bank deduct tax at source from the interest to be paid to Mr. Kapoor? If yes, then should it deduct tax on Rs. 55,000 or on Rs. 15,000 (i.e. on excess over Rs. 40,000)?
**
As per section 194A, no tax is to be deducted if the aggregate amount of interest during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000. However, the limit of Rs. 5,000 is increased to Rs. 40,000 in case of interest paid/payable by banking company or co-operative society carrying on banking business and post office. Once the interest exceeds the above limit, tax is to be deducted on the entire amount of interest. The annual interest in this case exceeds Rs. 40,000 and hence, bank has to deduct tax on the total interest of Rs. 55,000.
Illustration – 5
Mr. Kapoor (Age 64 Years) has made a fixed deposit with ABC Bank. The annual interest on deposit will amount to Rs. 44,000.Should the bank deduct tax at source from the interest to be paid to Mr. Kapoor?
**
As per section 194A, no tax is to be deducted if the aggregate amount of interest during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 5,000. However, the limit of Rs. 5,000 is increased to Rs. 50,000 in case of interest paid/payable to a resident senior citizen by banking company or co-operative society carrying on banking business and post office. Once the interest exceeds the above limit, tax is to be deducted on the entire amount of interest. The annual interest in this case does not exceed Rs. 50,000 and hence, bank shall not deduct tax on the total interest of Rs. 44,000.
2. No deduction of tax shall be made under this section in the case of an individual, who is resident in India, if such individual furnishes to the payer, a declaration in writing in Form 15G/15H, as the case may be, to the effect that his income is below exemption limit. The provisions in this regard are as follows:
> Declaration (in duplicate) is to be made in Form No. 15H when the recipient is a senior citizen and in Form No. 15G when the recipient is other than senior citizen.
> Declaration in Form No. 15G/15H can be made only by an individual resident in India.
> Declaration in Form No. 15G/15H can be made, if the annual interest does not exceed the exemption limit (i.e. Rs.2,50,000 or Rs. 3,00,000 or Rs. 5,00,000, as the case may be). However, this condition is not applicable in case of a senior citizen (i.e. resident individual of at least 60 years of age) i.e. a resident senior citizen can furnish declaration in form 15H even if annual interest likely to be paid to him exceeds the exemption limit of Rs. 2,50,000 or Rs. 5,00,000, as the case may be, provided the tax payable on his total income after considering the rebate under section 87A is nil.
> The tax payable on total income of the year should be “Nil”.
The payer who receives declaration in Form No. 15G/15H shall be required to upload details of such declarations on quarterly basis on the e-filing site (www.incometax.gov.in) under his digital signature within:
1. 15 days from the end of first, second and third quarter
2. 30 days from the end of fourth quarter.
Illustration – 1
Mr. Kumar, the proprietor of Kumar & Co., has taken a loan from Mr. Raman (a resident and aged 35). Interest for the year amounted to Rs. 84,000. Mr. Raman did not have any other income apart from interest income received from Kumar & Co. Mr. Raman furnished Form 15G. Should Mr. Kumar deduct tax from the interest to be paid to Mr. Raman?
**
As per section 197A, the person paying interest is not required to deduct tax from the interest, if the payee has furnished a declaration in Form No. 15G/15H to the effect that his income is below the exemption limit. In this case, Mr. Raman has furnished Form No.15G and hence, no tax is to be deducted by Mr. Kumar. The payer who receives declaration in Form No. 15G/15H shall be required to upload details of such declarations on quarterly basis on the e-filing site (www.incometax.gov.in) under his digital signature within:
1. 15 days from the end of first, second and third quarter
2. 30 days from the end of fourth quarter.
Illustration – 2
Mr. Kumar proprietor of Kumar & Co, has taken a loan from Mr. Raja (resident and aged 70). Total amount of interest for the year amounts to Rs. 3,65,000.. Mr. Raja intimated to Mr. Kumar that apart from interest income he had no other income and he has invested Rs. 70,000 in PPF entitled for deduction under section 80C. As his total income is below exemption limit, he furnishes Form No. 15H to Mr. Kumar for non-deduction of tax at source. Mr. Kumar argued that he could not accept Form No. 15H, since the amount of interest to be paid during the year would exceed the basic exemption limit. Is the contention of Mr. Kumar correct?
**
As per section 197A, the person paying the interest other than interest on securities to an individual is not required to deduct tax from the interest, if such individual issues a declaration in Form No. 15G. Form No. 15G can be accepted only if the amount of interest for the year does not exceed the exemption limit.
It should be noted that if the person receiving the interest is a resident senior citizen, then the declaration is to be given in Form No. 15H and not in Form no. 15G. Form No. 15H can be given by the resident senior citizen even if the amount of interest exceeds the exemption limit provided tax on his total income after considering rebate under section 87A is nil. Mr. Raja is a senior citizen and his total income is below exemption limit, therefore, he can furnish a declaration in Form No. 15H even though interest exceeds the basic exemption limit and Mr. Kumar has to accept the declaration. Hence, the argument of Mr. Kumar is not correct.
Suppose in the given case, if the age of Mr. Raja is 56 years (i.e. below 60 years) then he is not a senior citizen and in that case the discussed benefit will not apply. In other words, if the age of Mr. Raja is 56 years then he cannot issue Form 15G because the amount of annual interest exceeds the basic exemption limit.
3. When the payee has obtained a certificate from the Assessing Officer for no deduction or lower deduction of tax.
The payee may file online application in Form No. 13 for issuance of certificate for no deduction of tax or lower deduction of tax at source.
On receiving such an application, the AO may issue appropriate certificate in this regard if he is satisfied that the total income of the payee justifies the deduction of income-tax at any lower rate or nil deduction of income tax.
As per Income-tax (eleventh amendment) Rules, 2017, Certificate for lower or nil deduction of tax shall be issued directly to the person responsible for deducting the tax under advice to the person who made an application for issue of such certificate. However, if number of persons responsible for deducting the tax is likely to exceed 100 and the details of such persons are not available with the person making such application, the certificate may be issued to the applicant authorizing him to receive income after deduction of tax at lower rate.
If AO has issued certificate for no deduction of tax or lower deduction of tax, as the case may be, then payer should deduct tax accordingly.
4. No tax is to be deducted under section 194A in respect of interest credited or paid by the firm to its partners.
Illustration
Mr. Khushal and Mr. Mangal are partners of Essem Trading Co. (a partnership firm). The firm has paid interest on capital of Rs. 84,000 to Mr. Khushal and Rs. 90,000 to Mr. Mangal. Should the firm deduct tax at source under section 194A from interest paid to its partners?
**
The provisions of section 194A do not apply to interest credited or paid by a partnership firm to its partners. Thus, in this case, the firm is not liable to deduct tax from interest paid to partners.
5. Apart from above discussed instances, few other instances where no tax is to be deducted are as follows:
> Interest paid to any banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, applies, or any co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking (including a co-operative land mortgage bank).
> Interest paid to any financial corporation established by or under a Central, State or Provincial Act.
> Interest paid to the Life Insurance Corporation of India established under the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956.
> Interest paid to the Unit Trust of India established under the Unit Trust of India Act, 1963.
> Interest paid to any company or co-operative society carrying on the business of insurance.
> Interest paid to any other institution, association or body or class of institutions, associations or bodies which the Central Government may notify on or before 3103-2021.
> Interest paid by a co-operative society (other than a co-operative bank) to a member thereof or to such income credited or paid by a co-operative society to any other co-operative society.
> Interest credited or paid in respect of deposits notified by the Central Government. Interest credited or paid in respect of deposits with a primary agricultural credit society or a primary credit society or a co-operative land mortgage bank or a co-operative land development bank.
> Interest credited or paid by the Central Government under any provision of Income-tax Act, 1961 or Wealth-tax Act, 1957.
> Interest which is paid or payable by an infrastructure capital company or infrastructure capital fund or infrastructure debt fund or a public sector company or scheduled bank in relation to a zero coupon bond issued on or after the 1st day of June, 2005
> Interest paid by special purpose vehicle to business trust as given in section 10(23FC) [from 1-10-2015].
However, where interest is paid or payable by a co-op. bank or society specified above, the tax shall be deducted under this provision if the following conditions are satisfied:
a) total sales, gross receipts or turnover of the payer exceeds Rs. 50 crores during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the interest is credited or paid;
b) the amount of interest credited or paid during the financial year exceeds Rs. 50,000 (if payee is a senior citizen) or Rs. 40,000 (in any other case).
The provision has been summarized in the below table:
|
Interest paid or payable by |
Nature of interest |
Threshold limit | When to be deducted? |
|
| Payee is a senior citizen |
Payee is any other person |
|||
| Co-operative society engaged in the banking business | Interest on time deposits | 50,000 | 40,000 | Always |
| Co-operative society engaged in the banking business | Any other interest | 50,000 | 40,000 | Refer Note |
| Primary Agricultural Credit Society | Any Interest | 50,000 | 40,000 | Refer Note |
| Co-op. Land Mortgage Bank | Any Interest | 50,000 | 40,000 | Refer Note |
| Co-op. Land Development Bank | Any Interest | 50,000 | 40,000 | Refer Note |
| Note: The tax shall be deducted only if total sales, gross receipts or turnover of the payer exceeds Rs. 50 crores during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the interest is credited or paid. | ||||
Further, the Central Government is empowered2 to issue notification to provide for no deduction of tax or deduction of at lower rate in respect of certain payments or certain persons. Thus, tax is respect of such persons or payment shall not be deducted or deducted at such rate as may be notified by the Central Government.
Illustration
Kamal Enterprises, a partnership firm has taken a business loan from XYZ bank. Interest for the year amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should the firm deduct tax under section 194A from the interest to be paid to the bank?
**
No tax is to be deducted under section 194A from interest paid to any banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, applies. Thus, no tax is to be deducted by Kamal Enterprises from interest paid to bank.
Rate of TDS
As per section 194A read with Part II of First Schedule to Finance Act, tax is to be deducted @ 10% from the amount of interest. However, if the payee does not furnish his Permanent Account Number (PAN), then the payer has to deduct tax at the higher of following:
> At the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Income-tax Act.
> At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
> At the rate of 20%.
Illustration – 1
SM Traders, a partnership firm has taken a loan from Mr. Kumar residing in Delhi (friend of one of its partners). The annual interest on the loan amounted to Rs. 84,000. Mr. Kumar has furnished the copy of his PAN card. At what rate the firm has to deduct tax from the interest?
**
In respect of interest other than interest on securities, tax is to be deducted @ 10%. Tax is to be deducted at a higher rate if the payee does not furnish his PAN. In this case, Mr. Kumar has furnished his PAN and hence, tax is to be deducted @ 10%. The firm has to deduct tax of Rs. 8,400 (10% of Rs. 84,000) from interest to be paid to Mr. Kumar.
Illustration – 2
Essem Builders, a partnership firm has taken a loan from Mr. Mangal residing in Mumbai (friend of one of its partners). The annual interest on the loan amounted to Rs. 55,200. The firm requested Mr. Mangal to provide his Permanent Account Number, however he informed that he does not hold Permanent Account Number and hence, he cannot provide the same. At what rate the firm has to deduct tax from the interest?
**
In respect of interest other than interest on securities, tax is to be deducted @ 10%. However, if the payee does not furnish his Permanent Account Number, then the payer has to deduct tax at the higher of following:
- At the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Income-tax Act.
- At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
- At the rate of 20%.
In this case, Mr. Mangal does not hold Permanent Account Number and, hence, the firm has to deduct tax @ 20%. The firm has to deduct tax of Rs. 11,040 (20% of Rs. 55,200) from interest to be paid to Mr. Mangal.
Payment of tax to the credit of the Central Government
Tax deducted from interest by the non-Government deductor is to be paid to the credit of the Central Government by the following due dates:
> Tax deducted during the month of April to February should be paid to the credit of the Government on within 7 days from the end of the month in which the tax is deducted.
> Tax deducted during the month of March should be paid to the credit of the Government on or before 30th day of April.
Illustration
Essem Traders, a partnership firm has taken a loan from Mr. Kaushal residing in Agra (friend of one of its partner). It is paying interest on monthly basis. Monthly interest amounted to Rs. 5,000 and is paid on the last day of each month. The firm deducts tax @ 10% from the monthly interest and pays the net interest to Mr. Kaushal. The tax deducted by the firm is deposited to the credit of Government by the following dates :
| Month | Date of deposit with the Government |
| Tax deducted during the month of April 2022 | 03/05/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of May 2022 | 07/06/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of June 2022 | 18/07/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of July 2022 | 02/08/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of August 2022 | 04/09/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of September 2022 | 09/10/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of October 2022 | 06/11/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of November 2022 | 11/12/2022 |
| Tax deducted during the month of December 2022 | 02/01/2023 |
| Tax deducted during the month of January 2023 | 05/02/2023 |
| Tax deducted during the month of February 2023 | 05/03/2023 |
| Tax deducted during the month of March 2023 | 25/04/2023 |
Had the firm paid the tax to the credit of the Government within the prescribed time? **
In respect of non-Government deductor, tax deducted during the month of April to February should be paid to the credit of the Government within 7 days from the end of the month in which the deduction is made and tax deducted during the month of March should be paid to the credit of the Government on or before 30th day of April. Thus, the due dates for payment of tax to the credit of the Government and the comparison of the due date with actual date of payment will be as per table given below:
|
TDS for the Month of |
Due date of deposit with Government | Date of deposit with Government | Whether deposited within the due date? |
| April, 2022 | 07/05/2022 | 03/05/2022 | Yes |
| May, 2022 | 07/06/2022 | 07/06/2022 | Yes |
| June, 2022 | 07/07/2022 | 18/07/2022 | No |
| July, 2022 | 07/08/2022 | 02/08/2022 | Yes |
| August, 2022 | 07/09/2022 | 04/09/2022 | Yes |
| September, 2022 | 07/10/2022 | 09/10/2022 | No |
| October, 2022 | 07/11/2022 | 06/11/2022 | Yes |
| November, 2022 | 07/12/2022 | 11/12/2022 | No |
| December, 2022 | 07/01/2023 | 02/01/2023 | Yes |
| January, 2023 | 07/02/2023 | 05/02/2023 | Yes |
| February, 2023 | 07/03/2023 | 05/03/2023 | Yes |
| March, 2023 | 30/04/2023 | 25/04/2023 | Yes |
Interest for delay in payment of TDS
As per section 201, if any person who is liable to deduct tax at source does not deduct tax at source, or after so deducting fails to pay the whole or any part of the tax to the credit of the Government, then such person shall be liable to pay simple interest at following rates:
> Interest shall be levied @ 1% 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. Interest shall be levied @ 1.5% 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 to the credit of the Government.
In other words, interest will be levied @ 1% for delay in deduction and @ 1.5% for delay in payment after deduction.
Note: The Finance Act, 2022 has amended section 201 to provide that if the Assessing Officer has passed an order treating assessee in-default, then the interest shall be paid by the assessee in accordance with the said order. [Effective from Assessment Year 2022-23]
Issuance of TDS certificate
Every deductor has to furnish a TDS certificate to the deductee in Form No. 16A (for tax deducted on payments other than salary). The certificate should be issued on quarterly basis by following dates:
| Quarter | Due date for Non-Government deductor |
| April to June | 15th August |
| July to September | 15th November |
| October to December | 15th February |
| January to March | 15th June |
The certificate should be downloaded from http://contents.tdscpc.gov.in
Furnishing the TDS return
Every deductor who has deducted tax at source has to furnish the details of tax deducted by him to the Government. These details are to be furnished to the Government in the prescribed form. These details are to be furnished on quarterly basis. In other words, every deductor has to furnish the details of tax deducted by him by filing quarterly TDS return in the prescribed form. The due dates for filing the quarterly TDS return by a non-Government deductor are as per table given below :
| Quarter | Due date of filing of TDS return |
| April to June | 31stJuly |
| July to September | 31st October |
| October to December | 31st January |
| January to March | 31st May |
Default in any prescribed procedure
The deductor will be liable to fee/penalty/persecution in respect of following defaults:
1. Default in obtaining Tax Deduction Account Number (*)
2. Default in deduction of tax
3. Default in payment of tax to the credit of the Government
4. Default in furnishing the TDS return
5. Default in furnishing the TDS certificate to the payee
(*) As per section 203A(1), every person liable to deduct tax at source has to obtain Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN), except person liable to deduct tax under section 194IA (TDS on purchase of land/building), 194-IB (TDS on payment of rent by certain Individual or HUF), 194M (TDS on payment of commission, contractual free or professional fee by certain Individual or HUF) and such person, as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.
Disallowance of expenses while computing business income due to non-deduction of tax at source under section 194A
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 while computing income chargeable to tax under the head “Profits and gains of business or profession”:
> If tax is deductible at source but is not deducted.
> If tax is deducted during the year, and the same is not paid on or before the due date of filing of return of income specified under section 139(1).
In other words, if tax is deducted during the year and the same is paid on or before the due date of filing the return as specified in section 139(1), then the concerned expenditure will be deductible in the year in which such expenditure is incurred.
However, any payment disallowed by aforesaid provision, shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the income of the year in which such tax deducted has been paid to the Government.
However, no disallowance shall be made even if assessee has not deducted the tax at source from any sum paid to a payee, if following conditions are satisfied:
a) The recipient has furnished his return of income.
b) He has taken into account the above income in such return of income
c) He has paid the tax due on the income declared in such return of income; and
d) Payer obtains a certificate from Chartered Accountant in Form No. 26A and electronically furnishes it to the Income-tax Dept.
Illustration
Essem Traders a partnership firm has taken a loan from Mr. Varun residing at Agra. The annual interest for the financial year 2022-23 amounted to Rs. 84,000. In March 2023, the firm deducted tax of Rs. 8,400 from the interest and paid the same to the credit of the Government on 30th July, 2023. The due date of filing the return of income is 30th September, 2023. Can the firm claim deduction of interest of Rs. 84,000 while computing its taxable business income?
**
In this case, the tax deduction pertains to the month of March 2023, hence, it should be deposited to the credit of Government by 30th April 2023. The firm has deposited the tax to the credit of Government by 30th July, 2023, hence, there is a delay by the firm in payment of TDS amount to the credit of Government. For this delay, the firm will be liable to pay interest @ 1.5% per month or part of the month. However, this delay will not impact the deductibility of the interest while computing taxable business income.
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 while computing income chargeable to tax under the head “Profits and gains of business or profession”:
> If tax is deductible at source but is not deducted.
> If tax is deducted during the year, and the same is not paid on or before the due date of filing of return of income specified under section 139(1).
In other words, if tax is deducted during the year and the same is paid on or before the due date of filing the return as specified in section 139(1), then the concerned expenditure will be deductible in the year in which such expenditure is incurred.
In this case, the due date of filing the return of income is 30th September and the firm has deposited the tax deducted by it to the credit of Government by 30th July, 2023 (i.e. before the due date of filing the return), hence, the firm can claim deduction of interest of Rs. 84,000 while computing its taxable business income.
Suppose in the given case, if instead of 30th July, the tax is deposited to the credit of the Government on 1st November, 2023, then the firm cannot claim deduction of interest to the tune of 30% i.e. of Rs. 25,200 while computing its taxable business income of the financial year 2022-23. In this case, it can claim deduction of Rs. 25,200 while computing its taxable business income of the financial year 2023-24.
Tax deducted at source from fees for professional services/technical services/Royalty (Section-194J)
As per section 194J, tax is to be deducted in respect of the following payments to a resident:
a) Fees for professional services, or
b) Fees for technical services, or
c) Director’s fees (not in the nature of salary), or
d) Royalty, or
e) Any sum referred to in clause (va) of section 28 [i.e. non-compete fee].
The provisions of section 194J are not applicable in case of payment of fees, royalty, etc. to a non-resident. Payments made to non-residents are also covered under TDS mechanism, however, tax in such a case is to be deducted as per section 195.
Illustration – 1
Essem Enterprises, a partnership firm took consultancy from a Chartered Accountant located at Delhi. The firm has paid fees of Rs. 84,000 to a Chartered Accountant. Should the firm deduct tax at source from the professional fees?
**
Tax is to be deducted under section 194J on the following payments to a resident:
(a) Fees for professional services, or
(b) Fees for technical services, or
(c) Director’s fees (not in the nature of salary), or
(d) Royalty, or
(e) any sum referred to in clause (va) of section 28.
In this case, the professional fees are paid to a resident and hence, the firm has to deduct tax under section 194J from the fees of Rs. 84,000.
Illustration – 2
SM Trading Co., a partnership firm took consultancy from an engineer located at New York. The firm has paid fees of Rs. 84,000 to the engineer. Should the firm deduct tax at source under section 194J from the fees paid to the engineer?
**
Tax is to be deducted under section 194J on following payments to a resident:
(a) Fees for professional services, or
(b) Fees for technical services, or
(c) Director’s fees (not in the nature of salary), or
(d) Royalty, or
(e) any sum referred to in clause (va) of section 28.
In this case, the professional fees are paid to a non-resident and hence, tax is not to be deducted under section 194J. However, section 195 requires deduction of tax at source from payment made to a non-resident if such payment is chargeable to tax. Hence, the firm may require to deduct tax at source under section 195. For such purpose provisions of tax treaty was to be considered.
Tax to be deducted by whom?
Every person (i.e. payer) other than an individual or a Hindu undivided family (HUF), who is responsible to make payments covered under section 194J to a resident, is liable to deduct tax at source under section 194J.
An individual or HUF shall be liable to deduct tax under this provision if his turnover or gross receipts, during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which sum is paid or credited, exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession3. An individual or HUF, not liable for deduction of tax under this provision, shall deduct tax in accordance with provisions of Section 194M.
Illustration – 1
Mr. Kumar is running a plastic factory. The total turnover of the factory during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 34,00,000. On 8-4-2022, he took consultancy of a Delhi based Company Secretary. The consultancy fees amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should Mr. Kumar deduct tax from consultancy fees of Rs. 84,000?
**
As per section 194J, an individual or a HUF has to deduct tax while making payments covered under section 194J if his turnover or gross receipts, during the preceding financial year exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession. In this case, professional fees pertain to the financial year 2022-23 and the immediately preceding financial year is 2021-22. Thus, if in the financial year 2021-22,
turnover or gross receipts of Mr, Kumar exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession, then he will be liable to deduct tax on professional fees of Rs. 84,000 to be paid by him in the financial year 2022-23. In this case, the turnover of Mr. Kumar for the financial year 2021-22 is Rs. 34,00,000 which is below Rs. 1,00,00,000.
As the turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Kumar doesn’t exceed the prescribed limit of Rs. 1 crore, he will not be liable to deduct tax in respect of professional fees paid by him during the financial year 2022-23
Illustration – 2
Mr. Rajat is running a garments factory and he opts for presumptive tax scheme under section 44AD. The total turnover of the factory during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 1,84,00,000. On 8-4-2022, he took consultancy of a Delhi based Chartered Accountant . The consultancy fees amounted to Rs. 1,84,000. Should Mr. Rajat deduct tax from consultancy fees of Rs. 1,84,000?
**
As per section 194J, an individual or HUF has to deduct tax while making payments covered under section 194J if his turnover or gross receipts, during the preceding financial year exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a
profession. In this case, professional fees pertain to the financial year 2022-23 and immediately preceding financial year will be 2021-22. Thus, if in the financial year 202122, turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Rajat exceeds Rs. 1 crore in case of business and Rs. 50 lakhs in case of a profession then he will be liable to deduct tax on professional fees of Rs. 1,84,000 to be paid by him in the financial year 2022-23. As the turnover or gross receipts of Mr. Rajat exceeds the prescribed limit of Rs. 1 crore, he shall be liable to deduct tax in respect of professional fees paid by him during the financial year 2022-23.
Illustration – 3
Kumar & Co., a partnership firm is engaged in the business of trading of food grains. The total turnover of the firm during the financial year 2021-22 amounted to Rs. 84,00,000. On 8-4-2022, it took consultancy of a Delhi based Chartered Account firm. The consultancy fees amounted to Rs. 84,000. Should the firm deduct tax from interest of Rs. 84,000?
**
As per section 194J, any person other than an individual or HUF has to deduct tax from payment covered under section 194J irrespective of its turnover or gross receipts during the preceding year. Hence, the firm has to deduct tax from interest paid by it.
When tax shall be deducted?
As per section 194J, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit (to any account by whatever name called), whichever is earlier.
Illustration
Essem Publications, a partnership firm has to pay royalty of Rs. 1,84,000 to Mr. Kumar residing in Delhi. The royalty is credited to the account of Mr. Kumar in the month of March 2022, but the same is actually paid in the month of May 2022. When is the firm liable to deduct tax, in March 2022 or in May 2022?
**
As per section 194J, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit (to any account by whatever name called), whichever is earlier. In this case, royalty is credited to the account of the payee in March 2022 and the same is actually paid in the month of May 2022. In other words, the time of credit is March 2022 and the time of payment is May 2022, hence, the liability to deduct tax will arise in the month of March 2022.
When no tax shall be deducted?
Following are few important instances in which there is no requirement of deduction of tax at source under section 194J.
No tax is to be deducted if the amount of professional fees or technical fees or royalty or non-compete fee during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 30,000. However, there is no such limit in case of director’s fees.
Illustration – 1
Kumar & Co., a partnership firm is engaged in the business of trading of food grains. During the financial year 2022-23, it took consultancy of a Delhi based Chartered Accountant firm. The consultancy fees for the year amounted to Rs. 24,000. Should the firm deduct tax from fees of Rs. 24,000?
**
As per section 194J, no tax is to be deducted from professional fees if the aggregate fees for the year do not exceed Rs. 30,000. In this case, the aggregate fees for the year amounted to Rs. 24,000 which is below Rs. 30,000 and hence, the firm is not liable to deduct tax from the professional fees of Rs. 24,000.
Illustration – 2
Ratan & Co., a partnership firm is engaged in the business of trading of clothes. During the financial year 2022-23, it took consultancy of a Delhi based software engineer. The consultancy fees for the year amounted to Rs. 31,000. Should the firm deduct tax from fees of Rs. 31,000?
**
As per section 194J, no tax is to be deducted from professional fees if the aggregate fees for the year do not exceed Rs. 30,000. In this case, the aggregate fees for the year amounted to Rs. 31,000. Once the fees for the year exceeds Rs. 30,000, tax is to be deducted from the entire fees and not from fees in excess of Rs. 30,000. Hence, the firm will be liable to deduct tax on total fees of Rs. 31,000.
2. No tax is to be deducted by a payer being an individual or a HUF in respect of fees for professional service, if such fees are paid for any personal service of such individual or any member of the HUF.
3. When the payee has obtained a certificate from the Assessing Officer for non – deduction or lower deduction of tax.
The payee may approach the Assessing Officer by making an application in Form No. 13 for issuance of certificate for non-deduction of tax at source or lower deduction of tax.
On receiving such an application, the AO may issue appropriate certificate in this regard if he is satisfied that the total income of the payee justifies the deduction of income-tax at any lower rate or nil deduction of income tax.
As per Income-tax (eleventh amendment) Rules, 2018, Certificate for lower or nil deduction of tax shall be issued directly to the person responsible for deducting the tax under advice to the person who made an application for issue of such certificate. However, if number of persons responsible for deducting the tax is likely to exceed 100 and the details of such persons are not available with the person making such application, the certificate may be issued to the applicant authorizing him to receive income after deduction of tax at lower rate.
If AO has issued certificate for no deduction of tax or lower deduction of tax, as the case may be, then payer should deduct tax accordingly.
Rate of TDS
As per section 194J, tax shall be deducted at the following rate:
a) 2%4 from the sum paid or payable towards fees for technical services;
b) 2%4 from the sum paid or payable towards royalty in the nature of consideration for sale, distribution or exhibition of cinematographic films;
c) 10% from the sum paid or payable towards royalty, fees for professional services, non-compete fees or director’s
However, if payee is engaged only in the business of operation of call center tax shall be deducted at the rate of 2%.
Further, if the payee does not furnish his Permanent Account Number (PAN) then the payer has to deduct tax at the higher of following:
> At the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Income-tax Act.
> At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
> At the rate of 20%.
Payment of tax to the credit of the Government
The time limit for payment of tax to the credit of Government in respect of tax deducted at source under section 194J is same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Interest for delay in payment of TDS
Provisions relating to interest for delay in payment of TDS in respect of tax deducted at source under section 194J are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Issuance of TDS certificate
The provisions relating to issuance of TDS certificate in respect of tax deducted at source under section 194J are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Furnishing the TDS return
The provisions relating to furnishing of TDS return in case of tax deducted at source under section 194J are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Default in any prescribed procedure
The provisions relating to various defaults are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Disallowance of expenses while computing business income due to non-deduction of tax at source under section 194J
The provisions relating to disallowance are same as discussed in case of section 194A. Tax deducted at source from interest on securities(section 193)
Section 193 deals with the provisions relating to TDS on interest on securities. Tax is to be deducted under section 193 if any person pays any income by way of interest on securities to a resident. Thus, the provisions of section 193 are not applicable in case of payment of interest on securities to a non-resident. Payments made to non-residents are also covered under TDS mechanism, however, tax in such a case is to be deducted as per section 195.
Who shall deduct tax at source?
Every person who is responsible to pay interest on securities to a resident, is liable to deduct tax at source under section 193.
When tax shall be deducted?
As per section 193, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit of interest (to any account by whatever name called), whichever is earlier.
When no tax shall be deducted?
In the following cases tax is not to be deducted under section 193 :
1. Any interest payable on 4.25 per cent National Defence Bonds, 1972, where the bonds are held by a resident individual.
2. Any interest payable to an individual on 4.25 per cent National Defence Loan, 1968, or 4.75 per cent National Defence Loan, 1972.
3. Any interest payable on National Development Bonds.
4. Any interest payable on 7-year National Savings Certificate (IV Issue).
5. With effect from 1-7-2012, any interest payable to a resident individual or resident HUF on any debenture issued by a company in which the public are substantially interested, if the following conditions are satisfied :
- the amount of interest or, as the case may be, the aggregate amount of such interest paid or likely to be paid on such debenture by the company to such individual or HUF does not exceed Rs. 5000; and
- such interest is paid by the company by an account payee cheque.
6. Any interest payable on any security of the Central Government or State Government, other than 8 per cent Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 and 7.75% Saving (Taxable) Bonds, 2020. However, no tax to be deducted from interest on 8 per cent Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 and 7.75% Saving (Taxable) Bonds, 2020, if interest payable on such bonds does not exceeds Rs. 10,000 for the financial year.
7. Interest payable on certain notified debentures issued by any institution or authority, or any public sector company, or any co-operative society (including co-operative land mortgage bank or a co-operative land development bank).
8. Any interest payable to LIC/GIC/4 companies formed under General Insurance Business Act/any other insurer in respect of any securities owned by it or in which it has beneficial interest.
9. From 1-6-2008, any interest payable on any security issued by a company, where such security is in dematerialised form and is listed on a recognised stock exchange in India in accordance with the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and the rules made thereunder.
10. Interest payable on 6.5 percent Gold Bonds, 1977 or 7 per cent Gold Bonds, 1980 held by a resident individual provided total nominal value of such bonds do not exceed Rs. 10000 at any time during the period to which the interest relates.
11. No tax is to be deducted if the payee (not being a company or a firm) furnishes Form No. 15G/15H (provisions relating to form 15G/15H have already been discussed in section 194A).
12. When the payee has obtained a certificate from the Assessing Officer for no deduction or lower deduction of tax.
The payee may approach the Assessing Officer by making an application in Form No. 13 for issuance of certificate for no deduction of tax or lower deduction of tax at source.
If the payee has obtained such a certificate from the Assessing Officer, then on production of such certificate to the payer will not deduct tax or will deduct tax at lower rate (as provided in the certificate issued by the Assessing Officer).
Rate of TDS
As per section 193 read with Part II of First Schedule of Finance Act, tax is to be deducted @ 10% from the amount of interest. However, if the payee does not furnish his Permanent Account Number (PAN), then the payer has to deduct tax at the higher of following:
> At the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Income-tax Act.
> At the rate or rates in force, i.e., the rate prescribed in the Finance Act.
> At the rate of 20%.
Payment of tax to the credit of the Government
The time limit for payment of tax to the credit of Government in respect of tax deducted at source under section 193 is same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Interest for delay in payment of TDS
Provisions relating to interest for delay in payment of TDS in respect of tax deducted at source under section 193 are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Issuance of TDS certificate
The provisions relating to issuance of TDS certificate in respect of tax deducted at source under section 193 are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Furnishing the TDS return
The provisions relating to furnishing of TDS return in case of tax deducted at source under section 193 are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Default in any prescribed procedure
The provisions relating to various defaults are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Disallowance of expenses while computing business income due to non-deduction of tax at source under section 193
The provisions relating to disallowance are same as discussed in case of section 194A.
Notes:-
1 Amended by the Finance Act, 2021 with effect from 01-04-2021. The threshold limit has now been specified in the provision itself, previously the threshold limit was specified in reference to clause (a) and clause (b) of Section 44AB.
2 Inserted by the Finance Act, 2021, with effect from 01-04-2021
3 Amended by the Finance Act, 2020 with effect from 01-04-2020. The threshold limit has now been specified in the provision itself, previously the threshold limit was specified in reference to clause (a) and clause (b) of Section 44AB.
4 Inserted by the Finance Act, 2020, with effect from 01-04-2020
[As amended by Finance Act, 2022]
Pl clarify the applicability of 194j with regard to payment of stipend to articled clerk s by Ca firms.
Please let me know about treating income received under 194j and 194h by the receiver. Is it treated as salary/wages and thus eligible for benefits under sec 89c/89cc etc and sec 87 ?
Please also inform if the limit of Rs.3,00,00 (for senior citizens) can be availed under zero% Tax.
Hi, I am employed in public sector corporation and my salary is assessed under sec 92B. Now there is a TDS u/s sec 94A, @ 10%. Can I combine this while filing returns with my salary income? Since my Income tax comes under 20% slab, should I pay 10% more in addition to TDS u/s 94A?