TDS Return Form

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) return is a statement you file with the tax department that shows all the tax you’ve deducted from payments made to others during a certain period. It helps the government keep track of the tax collected in advance.
OPEN DEMAT ACCOUNT
TDS Return Form
OPEN DEMAT ACCOUNT
3 min
17-December-2025

Tax Deducted at Source is an important part of India’s tax collection framework, ensuring that tax is collected in real time directly from the income source. Filing a TDS return is mandatory for all deductors, including employers, landlords, banks, and individuals making specified payments. These returns record every deduction and allow the Income Tax Department to track payments and credits accurately. The process involves different TDS forms, timelines, and filing requirements depending on the type of transaction. For individual taxpayers, accurate filing ensures proper tax credit, while for deductors, it helps avoid penalties and legal issues. This guide covers everything from return types to filing methods, due dates, benefits, and consequences of late submission.

What is a TDS Return

A Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) return is a quarterly statement that deductors must submit to the Income Tax Department. It details the TDS collected and deposited on specific payments such as salaries, interest, rent, and professional fees. This mechanism ensures tax collection at the source of income, promoting timely compliance and reducing tax evasion. Employers, banks, and other entities deduct TDS before making payments and are responsible for filing these returns. Accurate and timely filing is crucial, as it reflects in the deductee's Form 26AS, enabling them to claim credit for the tax deducted. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and interest charges. Therefore, understanding and adhering to TDS return filing requirements is essential for both deductors and deductees in India.

Pro tip

Invest in equities, F&O, and upcoming IPOs effortlessly by opening a Demat account online. Enjoy a free subscription for the first year with Bajaj Broking.

demat

What are the different TDS Return Forms

Different TDS return forms cater to various types of payments and deductees. The table below outlines the primary TDS form list for easy reference.

Form Purpose
Form 24Q TDS on salaries paid to resident employees
Form 26Q TDS on payments other than salaries to resident Indians
Form 27Q TDS on payments to non-resident Indians and foreign companies
Form 26QB TDS on payment for the purchase of immovable property
Form 26QC TDS on rent payments exceeding Rs. 50,000 per month
Form 27EQ TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on specified goods and services


Each form, including 24Q and 26Q, serves a specific purpose and must be filed within the stipulated deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

What is FORM 24Q

Form 24Q is used for filing TDS returns on salaries paid to resident employees under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act. It is a quarterly statement that employers must submit, detailing the amount of salary paid and the TDS deducted. The form comprises two annexures: Annexure I, which includes details of the deductor, deductee, and challan information; and Annexure II, which provides salary details of each employee. Timely and accurate filing of Form 24Q ensures that employees receive their Form 16, which is essential for filing their income tax returns. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and affect the employees' tax filings.

What is FORM 26Q

Form 26Q, also known as form no 26Q of income tax, is used for filing TDS returns on payments other than salaries made to resident Indians. This covers payments such as interest, commissions, professional fees, and rent. The form must be submitted quarterly and includes details such as the PAN of the deductee, amount paid, TDS deducted, and challan information. Proper and accurate filing ensures that deductees can claim credit for the TDS in their income tax returns. Any delay or incorrect filing may lead to penalties and interest charges.

What is FORM 27Q

Form 27Q is used for filing TDS returns on payments made to non-resident Indians and foreign companies. This includes payments such as interest, dividends, royalties, and technical fees. The form must be filed quarterly and includes details like PAN of the deductee, amount paid, TDS deducted, and the challan details. Accurate filing of Form 27Q ensures compliance with the Income Tax Act and helps avoid penalties. It also ensures that non-resident deductees can claim credit for the TDS deducted.

What is FORM 26QB

Form 26QB is a challan-cum-statement used for reporting TDS on the purchase of immovable property. Under Section 194-IA of the Income Tax Act, the buyer must deduct TDS at 1% on property transactions exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs. This form must be filed within 30 days from the end of the month in which the TDS was deducted. Timely filing of Form 26QB is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure that the seller can claim credit for the TDS deducted. It also facilitates the issuance of Form 16B to the seller.

What is FORM 26QC

Form 26QC is a challan-cum-statement used for reporting TDS on rent payments exceeding Rs. 50,000 per month. Under Section 194-IB of the Income Tax Act, individuals or HUFs not subject to tax audit must deduct TDS at 5% on such rent payments. This form must be filed within 30 days from the end of the month in which the TDS was deducted. Timely filing of Form 26QC is essential to avoid penalties and ensure that the landlord can claim credit for the TDS deducted. It also facilitates the issuance of Form 16C to the landlord.

What is FORM 27EQ

Form 27EQ is used for filing TCS (Tax Collected at Source) returns. It is applicable to sellers who collect tax at source on specified goods and services under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act. The form must be filed quarterly and includes details like PAN of the collectee, amount collected, TCS collected, and the challan details. Accurate filing of Form 27EQ ensures compliance with the Income Tax Act and helps avoid penalties. It also ensures that collectees can claim credit for the TCS collected.

TDS Return due dates and timelines

Timely filing of TDS returns is important to avoid penalties and ensure proper tax credit for deductees.

Form Type

Description

Frequency

Due Date

Form 24Q

TDS on salary payments

Quarterly
  • Apr–Jun Quarter – 31st July
  • Jul–Sep Quarter – 31st October
  • Oct–Dec Quarter – 31st January
  • Jan–Mar Quarter – 31st May

Form 26Q

TDS on payments other than salary

Quarterly
  • Apr–Jun Quarter – 31st July
  • Jul–Sep Quarter – 31st October
  • Oct–Dec Quarter – 31st January
  • Jan–Mar Quarter – 31st May

Form 26QB

TDS on sale of property

As the property sale happens

Within 30 days from end of the month of deduction

Form 26QC

TDS on certain rent payments

Monthly (as rent is paid)

Within 30 days from end of the month of deduction

Form 26QD

TDS under Section 194M (works contract, commission, professional and technical services)

As applicable when payment happens

Within 30 days from end of the month of deduction

Form 26QE

TDS on crypto transactions

As crypto transactions occur

Within 30 days from end of the month of deduction

Form 27Q

TDS on payments made to non-residents

Quarterly
  • Apr–Jun Quarter – 31st July
  • Jul–Sep Quarter – 31st October
  • Oct–Dec Quarter – 31st January
  • Jan–Mar Quarter – 31st May

Form 27EQ

TCS collected from suppliers

Quarterly
  • Apr–Jun Quarter – 31st July
  • Jul–Sep Quarter – 31st October
  • Oct–Dec Quarter – 31st January
  • Jan–Mar Quarter – 31st May

 

How can I download TDS return forms

TDS return forms can be downloaded from the official Income Tax Department website. Visit the Income Tax Forms page, where you can find various forms required for TDS return filing. Select the appropriate form based on your requirement and download it. Ensure that you have the necessary utility software installed to fill and validate the forms before submission. It is essential to use the latest versions of the forms to comply with current regulations.

  • Visit the official TIN NSDL website.

  • Click on the provided link to proceed.

  • On the top menu bar, navigate to “Downloads”.

  • Select “e-TDS/e-TCS” from the dropdown list.

  • Under Quarterly Returns, click on “Regular”.

  • A list of TDS return forms will appear—choose the required form.

  • Click the PDF link to download the selected form.

What are the ways in which TDS Returns can be filed?

File TDS returns on time or pay a minimum penalty of Rs. 10,000 if delayed beyond one year from the due date. TDS returns can be filed both online and offline. For online filing, deductors can use the TIN NSDL or UTIITSL portals. They must prepare the return using the Return Preparation Utility (RPU) and validate it using the File Validation Utility (FVU). Once validated, the return can be uploaded to the portal. For offline filing, the return can be submitted at TIN-Facilitation Centres. It is crucial to ensure that the returns are filed accurately and within the due dates to avoid penalties.

What are the consequences of filing late TDS return?

Late filing of TDS returns can lead to financial penalties, interest charges, and compliance complications for taxpayers.

  • Late filing fee under Section 234E: A mandatory late fee of Rs. 200 per day applies until the TDS return is submitted. However, this fee cannot exceed the total amount of TDS that was required to be deducted and deposited.
  • Penalty for non-filing under Section 271H: If the TDS return is not filed within one year from the due date, the Assessing Officer may impose a penalty ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, depending on the delay and compliance behaviour.
  • Interest Charges: Interest under Section 201(1A) may apply—1% per month for late deduction and 1.5% for late deposit.
  • Disallowed Expenses: Related expenses may be disallowed while computing business income until TDS is paid and return is filed.
  • Delayed TDS Certificates: Employees or vendors may not receive Form 16/16A on time, causing inconvenience.
  • Reputational Impact: Delayed compliance may affect the credibility of the deductor in audits and business evaluations.
  • Legal Action: In severe cases, prosecution under Section 276B may be initiated for wilful non-payment.

Advantages of filing the TDS return on time

Timely filing of TDS returns offers several benefits:

  • Avoid Penalties: Prevents Rs. 200/day penalty under Section 234E for late filing and potential Section 271H fines.

  • Avoid Interest: Timely filing helps avoid interest on delayed tax deductions or deposits.

  • Ensure Compliance: Maintains adherence to Income Tax laws, reflecting good financial discipline and credibility.

  • Business Continuity: Promotes uninterrupted tax compliance, aiding in seamless financial planning and decision-making.

  • Faster Processing: Enables quicker generation of TDS certificates and refunds for employees or deductees.

  • Less Hassle: Reduces the stress and time associated with delayed or corrective filings.

  • Minimise Revisions: Timely and accurate filing minimises the need for amendments or error corrections.

  • Better Control: Provides up-to-date financial data for budgeting, cash flow, and financial management.

What is the TDS certificate and due date for issuing TDS certificate

TDS certificates are documents issued by the deductor to the deductee, confirming the amount of tax deducted and deposited. The primary forms are:

Form Purpose Due Date for Issuance
Form 16 TDS on salary payments 15th June
Form 16A TDS on non-salary payments Within 15 days of the due date for filing the TDS return


Issuing these certificates on time is essential for deductees to file their income tax returns accurately and claim the TDS credit. Timely issuance also strengthens transparency and trust between deductors and deductees. Non-issuance or delays can lead to notices from the tax department and dissatisfaction among payees.

Conclusion

Filing TDS returns is not just a compliance measure but a financial discipline that benefits both deductors and taxpayers. Timely and accurate submission of these returns ensures seamless credit to the deductee and helps avoid unnecessary penalties and interest charges. With digital systems like TRACES and the Income Tax portal, the process has become more transparent and efficient. Each form—whether 24Q, 26Q, or 27EQ—serves a specific purpose and must be submitted as per the prescribed due dates. Following the guidelines, downloading forms, and staying updated with the due dates can save individuals and organisations both time and money. Staying compliant with TDS return filing is an essential step towards responsible financial and tax management in India.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the various income tax related forms?

Key TDS and TCS forms include:

 

  • Form 24Q – for salary payments
  • Form 26Q – for non-salary resident payments
  • Form 27Q – for non-resident payment
  • Form 26QB – for property transaction TDS
  • Form 26QC – for TDS on rent
  • Form 27EQ – for Tax Collected at Source (TCS)

These forms ensure proper tax tracking and credit allocation.

How is Form 24Q different from Form 26Q?
Form 24Q is used to report TDS deducted from an employee’s salary under Section 192. It includes salary details and PAN of employees. In contrast, Form 26Q covers TDS on non-salary payments like contractor fees, interest, or commissions to Indian residents. It does not include employee salary data or deductions.

What is the penalty for late filing of Form 27Q?

A fee of Rs. 200 per day applies under Section 234E until the return is filed. Additionally, a penalty between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 may be imposed under Section 271H for non-filing or inaccurate returns, making timely submission critical.

How can I return my TDS?

You can file your TDS return online via the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. Prepare the return using Return Preparation Utility (RPU), validate it using File Validation Utility (FVU), and upload the final file after logging in with your TAN credentials.

Who is eligible for a TDS refund?

Any individual or entity from whom excess TDS has been deducted is eligible for a refund. The refund claim must be made through the income tax return, and it will be credited after processing by the Income Tax Department.

What are the forms for TDS return?

There are different TDS return forms depending on the nature of payment. Form 24Q is used for salary TDS, Form 26Q for non-salary payments, Form 27Q for payments to non-residents, and Form 27EQ for TCS filings. Each form ensures correct reporting and compliance.

Who is eligible for 2 percent TDS?

A 2% TDS is applicable when specified government departments, local authorities, or notified public sector organisations make payments for taxable supplies under GST. TDS must be deducted only when the contract value exceeds Rs. 2,50,000, excluding GST.

What is the TDS for Rs. 70,000 salary?

For a monthly salary of Rs. 70,000, TDS depends on the employee’s annual taxable income after deductions. Based on the example, the average tax rate comes to around 9.56%, resulting in an approximate monthly TDS of Rs. 6,695.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv App for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.

Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online.

Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.

Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.

Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.

Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.

Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.

Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators

Check your credit score, download loan statements, and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

GET THE APP

Disclaimer

Standard Disclaimer

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

Broking services offered by Bajaj Financial Securities Limited (Bajaj Broking). Reg Office: Bajaj Auto Limited Complex, Mumbai –Pune Road Akurdi Pune 411035. Corporate Office: Bajaj Financial Securities Limited, 1st Floor, Mantri IT Park, Tower B, Unit No 9 & 10, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014. SEBI Registration No.: INZ000218931 | BSE Cash/F&O/CDS (Member ID:6706) | NSE Cash/F&O/CDS (Member ID: 90177) | DP registration No: IN-DP-418-2019 | CDSL DP No.: 12088600 | NSDL DP No. IN304300 | AMFI Registration No.: ARN –163403.

Details of Compliance Officer: Mr. Boudhayan Ghosh (For Broking/DP/Research) | Email: compliance_sec@bajajbroking.in, for any investor grievances write to compliance_sec@bajajbroking.in for DP related to Compliance_dp@bajajbroking.in | Contact No.: 020-4857 4486.

This content is for educational purpose only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

Research Services are offered by Bajaj Broking as Research Analyst under SEBI Regn: INH000010043.

For more disclaimer, check here: https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer