TDS Due Dates in India 

Miss a TDS deadline, and your business could bleed money in penalties!

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is one of the most important compliance requirements for businesses, freelancers, and employers in India.
Timely TDS payments and return filings protect you from legal trouble and keep your business records clean.

This guide for 2025 will help you track TDS due dates, avoid last-minute stress, and stay penalty-free.

What is TDS and Why It Matters

TDS ensures that tax is collected at the time of payment, not just at year-end.
It applies to:

• Salaries
• Contractor payments
• Rent
• Professional fees
• Interest
• Commission and brokerage

“Think of TDS like your financial reputation score — miss a payment, and the government starts charging interest like a high-interest credit card!”

TDS Payment Due Dates for 2025

Key Point:
For March deductions, the due date is 30th April, giving extra time for year-end settlements.

TDS Return Filing Due Dates for FY 2024-25

Step-by-Step Guide to Manage TDS

Step 1: Deduct TDS on Time

• Deduct tax at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.
• Verify correct deduction rates to avoid mismatch.

Step 2: Deposit TDS Before the Deadline

• Deposit the deducted tax online through the TRACES portal or authorized bank.

Pro Tip:
Don’t wait till the last day — systems often slow down, causing failed transactions.

Step 3: File TDS Returns Quarterly

• Prepare returns in the required format.
• Use the correct form:
  • Form 24Q – Salary
  • Form 26Q – Other payments
  • Form 27Q – Payments to non-residents
• File before the due date to avoid late fees.

Step 4: Issue TDS Certificates

• Provide TDS certificates to vendors, employees, and service providers:
  • Form 16 – Salary
  • Form 16A – Non-salary payments

Penalties for Late TDS Payment or Filing

“Every missed day adds to your bill like a ticking tax time bomb.”

Example Scenario

Case Study:

• A company deducted ₹50,000 TDS in May 2024.
• Due date for deposit: 7th June 2024.
• Actual payment made: 20th June 2024 (13-day delay).

Interest Calculation:

• ₹50,000 × 1.5% = ₹750 per month
• Interest charged = ₹750 × 2 months = ₹1,500

Lesson:
Delaying TDS deposit costs extra money that could easily be avoided.

Common TDS Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting the March 30th deadline for year-end payments.
2. Using incorrect TDS rates for different payment types.
3. Failing to reconcile Form 26AS with filed returns.
4. Missing quarterly filing deadlines.
5. Not issuing Form 16 and Form 16A on time.

Quick TDS Compliance Checklist

• Deduct tax before payment or credit.
• Deposit by the 7th of next month (30th April for March).
• File quarterly returns by the due date.
• Reconcile with Form 26AS regularly.
• Issue TDS certificates on time.
• Maintain records for future audits.

“This checklist is your safety net — miss one step, and penalties will catch you.”

Conclusion

Staying on top of TDS deadlines isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting your business reputation and finances.
With this guide, you can manage deductions, payments, and filings without the last-minute rush.

“Good businesses pay on time. Great businesses pay on time and file perfectly.”

Call to Action

Plan your TDS calendar now to stay compliant and stress-free throughout the financial year.
A little preparation today can save you thousands tomorrow.

Disclaimer

This article is authored by Anshul Goyal, Chartered Accountant (ICAI India).
It is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized tax advice.

FAQs – TDS Due Dates (2025)

Q1. What is the due date for TDS deposit in March?
30th April of the next financial year.

Q2. When should quarterly TDS returns be filed?
July, October, January, and May for each quarter respectively.

Q3. What happens if TDS is paid late?
Interest at 1.5% per month is charged until paid.

Q4. Do I need to issue TDS certificates?
Yes, Form 16 for salaries and Form 16A for other payments.

Q5. Can TDS be paid offline?
Yes, but online payment is faster and more secure.