What is TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)?
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a system introduced by the Income Tax Department of India to collect tax at the very source of income. Under this mechanism, the person making a payment (deductor) is required to deduct a certain percentage of tax before making the payment to the recipient (deductee). This ensures that the government receives tax revenue throughout the year, rather than waiting for the end of the financial year.
TDS applies to various types of income including salary, interest from banks, rent payments, professional fees, commission, dividends, and lottery winnings. The deducted amount is then deposited with the government on behalf of the taxpayer, and the taxpayer can claim credit for the TDS while filing their income tax return.
Why is TDS Important?
TDS serves multiple purposes in the Indian tax system:
- Prevents Tax Evasion: By collecting tax at the source, TDS reduces the possibility of taxpayers evading their tax obligations
- Regular Revenue Flow: The government receives tax revenue continuously throughout the year, ensuring steady cash flow for public services
- Reduces Compliance Burden: For salaried individuals, TDS simplifies tax compliance as their employer handles most of the tax deduction
- Wide Tax Net: TDS brings various transactions under the tax net that might otherwise go unreported
- Traceability: All TDS transactions are traceable through PAN, making the tax system more transparent
TDS Rates for Different Income Types (FY 2024-25)
The TDS rate depends on the nature of income and the applicable section of the Income Tax Act. Here are the key TDS rates:
Section 192 - TDS on Salary
TDS on salary is deducted based on the employee estimated annual income and applicable income tax slab rates. Employers calculate the total tax liability for the year and deduct TDS proportionately from each month salary.
Section 194A - TDS on Interest (other than securities)
Banks and financial institutions deduct TDS at 10% on interest payments exceeding Rs. 40,000 per year (Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens). This applies to FD interest, RD interest, and other bank deposits.
Section 194I - TDS on Rent
- Rent on plant, machinery, or equipment: 2%
- Rent on land, building, or furniture: 10%
- Threshold: Rs. 2,40,000 per year
Section 194J - TDS on Professional/Technical Services
TDS at 10% is applicable on payments for professional services, technical services, royalty, and non-compete fees. The threshold limit is Rs. 30,000 per year.
Section 194H - TDS on Commission/Brokerage
TDS at 5% is deducted on commission or brokerage payments exceeding Rs. 15,000 per year.
Section 194 - TDS on Dividend
TDS at 10% is applicable on dividend payments exceeding Rs. 5,000 per year from domestic companies.
Section 194B - TDS on Lottery/Game Winnings
TDS at 30% is deducted on winnings from lottery, crossword puzzles, horse races, and other games of chance exceeding Rs. 10,000.
How to Calculate TDS?
The TDS calculation formula is straightforward:
TDS Amount = (Payment Amount x TDS Rate) / 100
For example, if you receive a professional fee of Rs. 50,000 and the TDS rate is 10%, the TDS deducted will be Rs. 5,000, and you will receive Rs. 45,000 as net payment.
TDS Without PAN (Section 206AA)
If the deductee (person receiving payment) does not provide their PAN to the deductor, TDS is deducted at a higher rate. According to Section 206AA, TDS will be deducted at:
- The rate specified in the relevant provision of the Act, OR
- At the rate of 20%, whichever is higher
This provision encourages taxpayers to quote their PAN in all financial transactions to avoid higher TDS deductions.
TDS Due Dates and Compliance
Deductors must deposit the TDS with the government within specified timelines:
- Government Deductors: Same day (through book entry or challan)
- Non-Government Deductors: Within 7 days from the end of the month (except March, where it is April 30)
TDS Return Filing Deadlines:
- Q1 (April-June): July 31
- Q2 (July-September): October 31
- Q3 (October-December): January 31
- Q4 (January-March): May 31
How to Claim TDS Refund?
If TDS deducted during the year exceeds your actual tax liability, you can claim a refund by filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). The refund process involves:
- Verify TDS deductions in Form 26AS (Annual Tax Statement)
- Calculate your total taxable income and actual tax liability
- File ITR mentioning TDS credits and claiming the refund
- The Income Tax Department processes the refund after verification
Form 15G and Form 15H
If your total income is below the basic exemption limit, you can submit Form 15G (for individuals below 60 years) or Form 15H (for senior citizens) to the deductor to avoid TDS deduction on interest income from banks.
Lower TDS Deduction Certificate
If you believe that your tax liability is lower than the TDS being deducted, you can apply for a Lower Deduction Certificate under Section 197. This allows the deductor to deduct TDS at a lower rate or NIL rate as specified in the certificate.
Common TDS Mistakes to Avoid
- Not quoting PAN: Always provide your PAN to avoid 20% TDS
- Ignoring Form 26AS: Regularly verify TDS credits in your tax statement
- Missing refund claims: File ITR even if income is below taxable limit to claim TDS refund
- Not submitting Form 15G/15H: Submit these forms at the beginning of the financial year to avoid unnecessary TDS