Understanding TDS Compliance for FY 2023-24

Understanding TDS Compliance for FY 2023-24

Mar 14, 2024

15 Mins

Introduction to TDS Regulations

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a crucial aspect of income tax compliance, ensuring timely deduction and payment of taxes by deductors. The fiscal year 2023-24 introduces notable updates and amendments to TDS regulations, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements.

Key Budget Updates

The budgetary amendments for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 bring significant changes to TDS regulations:

  • Introduction of TDS on income from online gaming under Section 194BA.

  • Provision for non-residents earning income from Indian mutual funds to provide Tax Residency Certificates for TDS benefits under Section 196A.

  • Reduction of TDS rate on PF withdrawals for individuals without PAN under Section 192A.

  • Removal of exemption from TDS on interest from listed debentures under Section 193.

  • Increase in TDS threshold on cash withdrawals by co-operative societies under Section 194N.

Forms for Filing TDS Returns

Various forms cater to different TDS filing requirements:

  • Form 24Q: Quarterly TDS statement for tax deducted on salary payments.

  • Form 27Q: Quarterly TDS statement for tax deducted on payments other than salary to non-residents and foreign companies.

  • Form 26Q: Quarterly TDS statement for other cases such as TDS on professional fees and interest payments.

  • Form 26QB and Form 26QC: Challan-cum-statement for TDS deducted under Sections 194-IA and 194-IB, respectively.

TDS Payment Due Dates and Penalty Framework

Due Dates for TDS Payment

Ensuring timely deposit of tax deducted at source is paramount for compliance. The following table outlines the due dates for TDS deposit and return filing for the financial year 2023-24:

Penalties for Late Filing of TDS Returns
Quarter Ending: 30th June 2023

  • Month of Deduction: April 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th May 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st July 2023

  • Month of Deduction: May 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th June 2023

  • Month of Deduction: June 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th July 2023

Quarter Ending: 30th September 2023

  • Month of Deduction: July 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th August 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st October 2023

  • Month of Deduction: August 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th September 2023

  • Month of Deduction: September 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th October 2023

Quarter Ending: 31st December 2023

  • Month of Deduction: October 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th November 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st January 2024

  • Month of Deduction: November 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th December 2023

  • Month of Deduction: December 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th January 2023

Quarter Ending: 31st March 2024

  • Month of Deduction: January 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th February 2024

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st May 2024

  • Month of Deduction: February 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th March 2024

  • Month of Deduction: March 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th April 2024 (for tax deducted by govt. office)

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 30th April 2024 (for other deductors)

Late filing of TDS returns attracts penalties as per the Income Tax Act. The penalty framework includes:

  • Late Filing Fee (Sec 234E): A fine of Rs 200 per day is imposed until the TDS return is filed, with the total penalty not exceeding the TDS amount.

  • Penalty (Sec 271H): The Assessing Officer may levy a penalty ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 for failure to file TDS returns within the due date, in addition to the late filing fee under Section 234E.

  • Interest on Late Deposit of TDS (Sec 201(1A)): Interest at a rate of 1.5% per month is charged for delayed deposit of TDS after deduction, calculated from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

Interest Implications and Prosecution Provisions

Interest on Late Deposit of TDS

Late deposit of TDS attracts interest as per Section 201(1A) of the Income Tax Act. Here's how it works:

  • Nature of Default: If TDS is not deducted (fully/partly), or if deducted but not deposited to the government after deduction.

  • Interest Rate: 1.5% per month.

  • Period for Interest Payment: Interest accrues from the date on which tax was deductible to the date of actual deduction, and from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

It's crucial to note that interest must be paid before filing the TDS return.

Prosecution Provisions (Sec 276B)

Failure to pay TDS to the Central Government as required by law can lead to severe penalties:

  • Penalty: Rigorous imprisonment for a term ranging from three months to seven years, along with a fine.

This provision underscores the gravity of TDS compliance and emphasizes the importance of adhering to statutory requirements.

Penalty Provisions during COVID-19 Lockdown

During the COVID-19 lockdown period from 20th March 2020 to 30th June 2020, penalty provisions for TDS non-compliance were waived off as per Ordinance 2020. However, under normal circumstances, penalties equivalent to the shortfall in TDS collection may apply.

Penalty for Late Payment or Non-Payment of TCS

Non-compliance with TCS provisions also carries penalties:

  • Interest Rate: 1% per month or part thereof on the TCS amount.

  • Period for Interest Payment: Interest accrues from the date on which tax was collectible to the date of actual payment.

Ensuring timely TDS and TCS compliance not only avoids penalties but also fosters financial discipline and regulatory adherence.

By understanding and fulfilling TDS obligations diligently, businesses and individuals contribute to the smooth functioning of the tax ecosystem and uphold fiscal integrity.

Stay informed with Pluto Money for more insights on tax compliance and financial management.

Introduction to TDS Regulations

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a crucial aspect of income tax compliance, ensuring timely deduction and payment of taxes by deductors. The fiscal year 2023-24 introduces notable updates and amendments to TDS regulations, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements.

Key Budget Updates

The budgetary amendments for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 bring significant changes to TDS regulations:

  • Introduction of TDS on income from online gaming under Section 194BA.

  • Provision for non-residents earning income from Indian mutual funds to provide Tax Residency Certificates for TDS benefits under Section 196A.

  • Reduction of TDS rate on PF withdrawals for individuals without PAN under Section 192A.

  • Removal of exemption from TDS on interest from listed debentures under Section 193.

  • Increase in TDS threshold on cash withdrawals by co-operative societies under Section 194N.

Forms for Filing TDS Returns

Various forms cater to different TDS filing requirements:

  • Form 24Q: Quarterly TDS statement for tax deducted on salary payments.

  • Form 27Q: Quarterly TDS statement for tax deducted on payments other than salary to non-residents and foreign companies.

  • Form 26Q: Quarterly TDS statement for other cases such as TDS on professional fees and interest payments.

  • Form 26QB and Form 26QC: Challan-cum-statement for TDS deducted under Sections 194-IA and 194-IB, respectively.

TDS Payment Due Dates and Penalty Framework

Due Dates for TDS Payment

Ensuring timely deposit of tax deducted at source is paramount for compliance. The following table outlines the due dates for TDS deposit and return filing for the financial year 2023-24:

Penalties for Late Filing of TDS Returns
Quarter Ending: 30th June 2023

  • Month of Deduction: April 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th May 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st July 2023

  • Month of Deduction: May 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th June 2023

  • Month of Deduction: June 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th July 2023

Quarter Ending: 30th September 2023

  • Month of Deduction: July 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th August 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st October 2023

  • Month of Deduction: August 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th September 2023

  • Month of Deduction: September 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th October 2023

Quarter Ending: 31st December 2023

  • Month of Deduction: October 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th November 2023

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st January 2024

  • Month of Deduction: November 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th December 2023

  • Month of Deduction: December 2023

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th January 2023

Quarter Ending: 31st March 2024

  • Month of Deduction: January 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th February 2024

    • TDS Return Due Date: 31st May 2024

  • Month of Deduction: February 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th March 2024

  • Month of Deduction: March 2024

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 7th April 2024 (for tax deducted by govt. office)

    • Due Date for TDS Deposit: 30th April 2024 (for other deductors)

Late filing of TDS returns attracts penalties as per the Income Tax Act. The penalty framework includes:

  • Late Filing Fee (Sec 234E): A fine of Rs 200 per day is imposed until the TDS return is filed, with the total penalty not exceeding the TDS amount.

  • Penalty (Sec 271H): The Assessing Officer may levy a penalty ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 for failure to file TDS returns within the due date, in addition to the late filing fee under Section 234E.

  • Interest on Late Deposit of TDS (Sec 201(1A)): Interest at a rate of 1.5% per month is charged for delayed deposit of TDS after deduction, calculated from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

Interest Implications and Prosecution Provisions

Interest on Late Deposit of TDS

Late deposit of TDS attracts interest as per Section 201(1A) of the Income Tax Act. Here's how it works:

  • Nature of Default: If TDS is not deducted (fully/partly), or if deducted but not deposited to the government after deduction.

  • Interest Rate: 1.5% per month.

  • Period for Interest Payment: Interest accrues from the date on which tax was deductible to the date of actual deduction, and from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

It's crucial to note that interest must be paid before filing the TDS return.

Prosecution Provisions (Sec 276B)

Failure to pay TDS to the Central Government as required by law can lead to severe penalties:

  • Penalty: Rigorous imprisonment for a term ranging from three months to seven years, along with a fine.

This provision underscores the gravity of TDS compliance and emphasizes the importance of adhering to statutory requirements.

Penalty Provisions during COVID-19 Lockdown

During the COVID-19 lockdown period from 20th March 2020 to 30th June 2020, penalty provisions for TDS non-compliance were waived off as per Ordinance 2020. However, under normal circumstances, penalties equivalent to the shortfall in TDS collection may apply.

Penalty for Late Payment or Non-Payment of TCS

Non-compliance with TCS provisions also carries penalties:

  • Interest Rate: 1% per month or part thereof on the TCS amount.

  • Period for Interest Payment: Interest accrues from the date on which tax was collectible to the date of actual payment.

Ensuring timely TDS and TCS compliance not only avoids penalties but also fosters financial discipline and regulatory adherence.

By understanding and fulfilling TDS obligations diligently, businesses and individuals contribute to the smooth functioning of the tax ecosystem and uphold fiscal integrity.

Stay informed with Pluto Money for more insights on tax compliance and financial management.

FAQs 🤔

What is TDS and why is it deducted?

  • TDS stands for Tax Deducted at Source. It is a mechanism wherein tax is deducted by the payer at the time of making specified payments such as salary, interest, rent, etc., and remitted to the government. TDS ensures a steady source of revenue for the government and facilitates the collection of taxes.

What are the due dates for TDS payment and return filing?

  • TDS payment and return filing have specific due dates based on the quarter ending and the month of deduction. The due dates vary for each quarter, and it's essential to adhere to them to avoid penalties.

What are the penalties for late filing of TDS returns?

  • Late filing of TDS returns attracts penalties under Section 234E and Section 271H of the Income Tax Act. Section 234E imposes a late filing fee, while Section 271H empowers the Assessing Officer to levy penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 for non-compliance.

What is the interest implication for late deposit of TDS?

  • Late deposit of TDS incurs interest under Section 201(1A) of the Income Tax Act. The interest rate is 1.5% per month, calculated from the date on which tax was deductible to the date of actual deduction, and from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

Are there any relaxations during exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 lockdown?

  • Yes, during the COVID-19 lockdown period from 20th March 2020 to 30th June 2020, penalty provisions for TDS non-compliance were waived off as per Ordinance 2020. However, it's crucial to stay updated with any regulatory changes and comply with TDS requirements to avoid penalties and interest charges.

What is TDS and why is it deducted?

  • TDS stands for Tax Deducted at Source. It is a mechanism wherein tax is deducted by the payer at the time of making specified payments such as salary, interest, rent, etc., and remitted to the government. TDS ensures a steady source of revenue for the government and facilitates the collection of taxes.

What are the due dates for TDS payment and return filing?

  • TDS payment and return filing have specific due dates based on the quarter ending and the month of deduction. The due dates vary for each quarter, and it's essential to adhere to them to avoid penalties.

What are the penalties for late filing of TDS returns?

  • Late filing of TDS returns attracts penalties under Section 234E and Section 271H of the Income Tax Act. Section 234E imposes a late filing fee, while Section 271H empowers the Assessing Officer to levy penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 for non-compliance.

What is the interest implication for late deposit of TDS?

  • Late deposit of TDS incurs interest under Section 201(1A) of the Income Tax Act. The interest rate is 1.5% per month, calculated from the date on which tax was deductible to the date of actual deduction, and from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

Are there any relaxations during exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 lockdown?

  • Yes, during the COVID-19 lockdown period from 20th March 2020 to 30th June 2020, penalty provisions for TDS non-compliance were waived off as per Ordinance 2020. However, it's crucial to stay updated with any regulatory changes and comply with TDS requirements to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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