Quick Summary
TDS is a method of collecting income tax at the point of payment. The person making the payment deducts tax at prescribed rates and deposits it with the government on behalf of the recipient.
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a mechanism introduced by the Income Tax Department where the person responsible for making specified payments is required to deduct a certain percentage of tax before making the payment to the recipient.
Common TDS Rates
| Nature of Payment | TDS Rate | Threshold Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Salary (Section 192) | As per tax slab | Basic exemption limit |
| Interest on FD (Section 194A) | 10% | ₹40,000 (₹50,000 for seniors) |
| Rent (Section 194I) | 2% (plant)/10% (property) | ₹2,40,000 per year |
| Professional Fees (Section 194J) | 10% | ₹30,000 per transaction |
| Contract Payments (Section 194C) | 1% (individual/HUF)/2% (others) | ₹30,000 per transaction/₹1 lakh annually |
TDS Compliance Requirements
- Obtain TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number)
- Deduct TDS at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier
- Deposit TDS by 7th of next month (April for March deductions)
- File quarterly TDS returns (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q)
- Issue TDS certificates (Form 16, 16A) to deductees
Benefits of TDS
- Regular flow of revenue to the government
- Reduces tax evasion
- Taxpayer gets credit for TDS when filing returns
- Spreads tax collection throughout the year
- Eases taxpayer burden by collecting in installments
Key Points
- Tax deducted at the point of payment
- Deductor must have TAN
- Rates vary by nature of payment
- Threshold limits apply for deduction
- Monthly deposit and quarterly returns required
- TDS credit available to deductee