The online procedure for filing TDS returns is a simple and time-saving mode of filing returns. Online mode was introduced by the Income Tax department to ease the difficulties faced by taxpayers in the filing of TDS returns. Offline mode of filing had become tedious after a point of time. With the introduction of online mode, a large number of taxpayers have shifted base from offline mode to online mode. TDS returns can be filed both ways – offline or online.
Step – I : The data structure or file format in which the e-TDS / e-TCS return is to be prepared has been notified in the TIN NSDL website
Step – II : E-TDS/E-TCS return, which is in accordance with the file formats, needs s to be prepared in clean text ASCII format. It shall be with 'txt' as filename extension. E-TDS/E-TCS return can be prepared using Return Preparation Utility. This utility is provided by NSDL or any other third party software.
Step – III : After preparation of file as per the file format, the file should be verified using the File Validation Utility (FVU) provided by NSDL.
*Note: Registration of organization at incometaxindiaefiling.
Depending on the purpose of deduction, forms shall be used for TDS return filing. These forms shall be signed and verified by the authorized signatory in Form 27A.
| TDS Return Forms | Applicability |
|---|---|
| Form 24Q | TDS on salaries |
| Form 26Q | TDS other than salaries |
| Form 26QB | TDS on transfer of immovable property |
| Form 27Q | TDS for non-residents |
Step – III : After preparation of file as per the file format, the file should be verified using the File Validation Utility (FVU) provided by NSDL.
Step – IV: The FVU will generate a report of errors in case any error has been found in the report.
Rectify the errors. Verify the file again through the FVU.
Each TDS return shall be saved in a pen drive/CD and shall be submitted along with Form 27A. It shall be duly signed by the authorized signatory.
TDS Return shall be filed quarterly. It means there shall be four original TDS returns in a year.
| Period | TDS Return due date |
|---|---|
| 1st April to 30th June | 31st July |
| 1st July to 30th September | 30th October |
| 1st October to 31st December | 31st January |
| 1st January to 31st March | 31st May |
Section 234E attracts late filing fees where the return is not filed on time or in other words within the due date. Late filing fees shall be Rs. 200 per day of default. Amount of fees charged under this section shall not exceed the amount of TDS. A return cannot be filed without payment of late fees.
The penalty shall be charged u/s 271H where a person has not filed his TDS statements or has failed to file TDS returns on or before the prescribed due date. Assessing officer has the right to impose such a penalty.
The minimum penalty levied shall be equal to Rs. 10,000 which can go up to Rs. 1, 00,000. Such penalty will be in addition to late filing fees u/s 234E. However, no such penalty shall be levied if he proves that -
It is to be noted that all three conditions should be satisfied. They are not independent of each other.
Before uploading TDS return, one must ensure the following:
Following is the procedure to upload TDS returns on Income Tax Portal
Post submission of return, if any error is found, then the tax payer can revise TDS return. Revision can be done n number of times. There is no limit on number of times to file a revised return.
The following are the benefits of filling TDS
A person making the following specified payments is required to deduct tax at source and file TDS return:
To view already filed TDS statement:
The quarterly statement of TDS i.e. TDS return for the first quarter of the financial year 2018-19 is filed by Mr. K on 4-4-2019. Tax deducted at source amounted to Rs. 84,000.
TDS return for the first quarter of the year 2018-19 is filed by KL Sharma LTD on 4-4-2019. Tax deducted at source amounted to Rs. 8, 40,000. Before filing the TDS return the company has paid the TDS, interest and late filing fees to the credit of the Government. Will the company be liable to penalty under section 271H for delay in filing the TDS return?
Penalty under section 271H can be levied by assessing officer for delay in filing the TDS return. In this case, the due date of filing the TDS return for the first quarter of the year 2018-19 is 31st July, 2018.
The return is furnished on 4th April; 2019. Thus, there is a delay of 247 days.
No penalty under Section 271H will be levied in case of delay in filing the TDS/TCS return if following conditions are satisfied:
Thus, penalty will not be levied under section 271H.
TDS return for the first quarter of the year 2018-19 is filed by KL Sharma LTD on 4-4-2019. Tax deducted at source amounted to Rs. 8, 40,000. Before filing the TDS return the company has paid the TDS, interest and late filing fees to the credit of the Government. Will the company be liable to penalty under section 271H for delay in filing the TDS return?
Penalty under section 271H can be levied by assessing officer for delay in filing the TDS return. In this case, the due date of filing the TDS return for the first quarter of the year 2018-19 is 31st July, 2018.
The return is furnished on 4th April; 2019. Thus, there is a delay of 247 days.
No penalty under Section 271H will be levied in case of delay in filing the TDS/TCS return if following conditions are satisfied:
Thus, penalty will not be levied under section 271H.
TDS refund depends on when you have paid your TDS. If the TDS was paid, before or on the due date, then the refund can be expected within 3 to 6 months period from the Income Tax department.
