TDS Return Filing and Due Dates – Complete Guide | By CA Amit Kumar
📌 What is TDS Return Filing?
A TDS return is a quarterly statement submitted by deductors to the Income Tax Department. It includes details such as:
The amount of TDS deducted
PAN details of the deductee
Challan details of tax deposited
Filing TDS returns ensures that the deducted tax is reflected in the taxpayer’s Form 26AS and credit is available at the time of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).
📌 TDS Return Forms
Different forms are used depending on the type of payment:
Form 24Q – For TDS on salaries
Form 26Q – For TDS on payments (other than salary) made to residents
Form 27Q – For TDS on payments to non-residents
Form 27EQ – For Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
📌 TDS Return Filing Due Dates (Quarterly)
April – June → 31st July
July – September → 31st October
October – December → 31st January
January – March → 31st May
📌 Penalty for Late Filing
Failing to file TDS returns within the due date attracts penalties under the Income Tax Act:
₹200 per day under Section 234E until return is filed (capped at the total TDS amount).
Additional penalties and prosecution may apply for prolonged default.
📌 Why Timely TDS Filing Matters
✔️ Helps employees and vendors get proper credit of TDS in Form 26AS
✔️ Avoids penalties, late fees, and interest
✔️ Maintains business compliance and trust
📌 Conclusion
TDS return filing is not just a compliance requirement but also a responsibility. Businesses and individuals must ensure timely filing of returns to avoid penalties and maintain smooth tax credit flow.
For professional assistance in TDS return filing and compliance, consult a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA).