A system of collecting income tax at the source of income, where the payer deducts a percentage of tax before making payment to the payee.
TDS is the Indian government's mechanism for collecting tax at the point of income generation rather than waiting for year-end filing. The person making the payment (deductor) deducts tax at prescribed rates and deposits it with the government. The deductee gets credit for TDS in their income tax return. TDS applies to salaries, interest, rent, professional fees, commission, and many other payment types.
A company pays ₹5,00,000 professional fees to a consultant. TDS at 10% (Section 194J) = ₹50,000. The consultant receives ₹4,50,000, and the company deposits ₹50,000 with the government.
Ensures accurate financial reporting and record-keeping
Helps maintain regulatory and tax compliance
Enables better-informed business decisions
Improves operational efficiency and cash flow management
Salary: As per income tax slab. Interest (194A): 10%. Rent — land/building (194I): 10%. Professional fees (194J): 10%. Contractor (194C): 1% (individual) / 2% (others). Commission (194H): 5%.
The deductor faces: disallowance of expense, interest at 1% per month on undeducted amount, and penalty equal to the TDS amount under Section 271C.
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