What is TDS Return Filing?
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is a mechanism where a person (deductor) making specified payments (salary, rent, professional fees, etc.) is required to deduct tax at source and remit it to the government. TDS filing refers to the process of submitting quarterly returns to the Income Tax Department with details of all TDS deductions made.
Key aspects of TDS filing include:
- Quarterly filing of Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q or 27EQ as applicable
- Reporting all TDS deductions made during the quarter
- Depositing the deducted amount with the government
- Issuing TDS certificates to deductees
Quarterly TDS returns filed accurately and on time
- Form 24Q, 26Q and 27Q returns prepared
- PAN and challan details validated before filing
- Correction statements for earlier returns
Why is TDS Filing Important?
Timely and accurate TDS filing is crucial for both deductors and deductees:
Legal Compliance
Avoid penalties of ₹200/day (up to TDS amount) for late filing and other legal consequences.
Input Tax Credit
Deductees can claim credit only when deductor files TDS returns on time.
Business Reputation
Maintain good standing with vendors, employees and tax authorities.
Audit Avoidance
Proper TDS filing reduces chances of income tax scrutiny.
Refund Processing
Deductees get faster refunds when TDS filings are accurate and timely.
Who Should File TDS Returns?
TDS filing is mandatory for:
- All companies making specified payments
- Partnership firms and LLPs deducting TDS
- Individuals/HUFs whose accounts require audit
- Government offices making payments
- Any entity required to deduct TDS under Income Tax Act
Common TDS Deduction Scenarios:
- Salary payments (Section 192)
- Contractor payments (Section 194C)
- Professional/technical service fees (Section 194J)
- Rent payments (Section 194I)
- Interest payments (Section 194A)
Documents Required for TDS Filing
To file TDS returns, you'll need these documents:
TAN Details
Tax Deduction Account Number
Payment Details
All payments subject to TDS
TDS Challans
Proof of TDS deposits made
Deductee Details
PAN, name, amount paid
Additional Requirements:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for companies
- Previous quarter's TDS filing details
- Any correction statements if applicable
Our Simple 5-Step TDS Filing Process
We make TDS filing quick and accurate:
1. Data Collection
We collect all payment details, TDS challans and deductee information.
2. TDS Calculation
Our experts verify TDS calculations as per applicable rates.
3. Return Preparation
We prepare the correct TDS return form (24Q/26Q/27Q) with all details.
4. Verification
You review and approve the return before filing.
5. Filing & Certification
We file returns and provide Form 16/16A to your deductees.
Transparent Pricing
Our TDS filing packages include:
| Service | Government Fee | Our Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly TDS Return (Form 24Q - Salary) | ₹0 | ₹1,999 | ₹1,999 |
| Quarterly TDS Return (Form 26Q - Non-Salary) | ₹0 | ₹2,499 | ₹2,499 |
| TDS Correction Statement | ₹0 | ₹1,499 | ₹1,499 |
| Annual TDS Compliance Package (4 Quarters) | ₹0 | ₹6,999 | ₹6,999 |
TDS Filing Due Dates
Quarterly due dates for TDS returns:
Quarter 1 (Apr-Jun)
Due Date: 31st July
Form: 24Q/26Q/27Q
Quarter 2 (Jul-Sep)
Due Date: 31st October
Form: 24Q/26Q/27Q
Quarter 3 (Oct-Dec)
Due Date: 31st January
Form: 24Q/26Q/27Q
Quarter 4 (Jan-Mar)
Due Date: 31st May
Form: 24Q/26Q/27Q
Common Mistakes to Avoid
TDS defaults usually come from data errors rather than unpaid tax.
- Wrong PAN of the deductee – Credit won’t reach the deductee and short-deduction demands follow.
- Challans mapped to the wrong section – Mismatched challans lead to defaults on TRACES.
- Late deposit of TDS – Interest applies for each month of delay.
- Not issuing Form 16 or 16A – Certificates must be issued within the prescribed time.
- Ignoring TRACES defaults – Unresolved defaults turn into demand notices.
The TDS Compliance Cycle
Deposit by the 7th
TDS deducted in a month is generally due by the 7th of the next month.
Quarterly returns
Forms 24Q, 26Q and 27Q filed after each quarter.
Issue certificates
Form 16 to employees and Form 16A to other deductees.
Check TRACES
Review and correct defaults before they become notices.
Helpful Guides
Free, plain-English guides from our compliance team:
Why Choose Vaidam Consultancy for TDS Return Filing
Validated before filing
PAN and challan errors are caught before they turn into notices.
All return types
Salary, non-salary and non-resident returns handled in one place.
Clear, upfront pricing
Our fees are listed on this page, and any government fee is shown separately before we start.
Corrections too
We fix past returns with correction statements when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries about TDS filing answered by our experts:
TDS payment is depositing the deducted amount with the government (due by 7th of next month). TDS filing is submitting quarterly returns with deduction details (due as per schedule above).
Yes, you can file a correction statement (Form 26A/27A) to rectify errors in original filing. There may be additional fees for late corrections.
Late filing attracts ₹200/day penalty, possible prosecution, and deductees cannot claim TDS credit. Your business may also face scrutiny.
Yes, you must file a Nil return if you're required to deduct TDS but had no applicable payments during the quarter.
Maintain all TDS related documents for at least 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
Generally 31 July, 31 October and 31 January for the first three quarters, and 31 May for the last quarter.
Form 27Q is the quarterly TDS return for payments to non-residents, other than salary.
TRACES is the income tax department’s TDS portal, used to download Form 16 and 16A, check defaults and file corrections.
The credit won’t reach the deductee and the deductor may face higher-rate or short-deduction demands, so PANs should be verified before filing.