TDS Return Filing: Forms 24Q, 26Q, and Due Dates

Every business that deducts TDS must file a quarterly return, and picking the wrong form is one of the most common — and most disruptive — errors we see, since it directly affects whether the deductee can claim credit for tax already deducted from their payment.

Which Form to Use

• Form 24Q — TDS deducted on salary payments
• Form 26Q — TDS deducted on all other domestic payments (professional fees, rent, contractor payments, interest)
• Form 27Q — TDS deducted on payments to non-residents

Quarterly Due Dates

• Q1 (Apr–Jun) — due 31 July
• Q2 (Jul–Sep) — due 31 October
• Q3 (Oct–Dec) — due 31 January
• Q4 (Jan–Mar) — due 31 May

Penalties for Delay

Late filing attracts a fee of ₹200 per day under Section 234E until the return is filed, capped at the TDS amount itself. Separately, a penalty of ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 can be levied under Section 271H for incorrect or delayed filing — and until the return is filed correctly, the deductee cannot see the credit reflected in their Form 26AS, which routinely causes friction with vendors and employees asking why their tax credit isn't showing up.