Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) - Definition & Meaning

Tax Deducted at Source or TDS is a means of collecting income tax slab rates in India.

The provisions related to TDS are governed by the Income Tax Act of 1961. The law states that any permissible payment shall be paid after deducting prescribed percentage as tax – usually over a range of 1% to 10%.

The individual who receives the payment net of TDS (also known as the Assesse) is required to file return stating the TDS deducted and paid to government during over the relevant period.

TDS is applicable on the following transactions:

• Transfer of certain immovable propertyother than agricultural land
• Payment to a contractor / sub-contractor for carrying out any work
• Rent

The person deducting the TDS (deductor) is required to issue a TDS certificate to the deductee within a specified time.

Non-compliance of TDS is a grave offence and can lead to the following:

• Raising of demand (for TDS)
• Charging of interest
• Levying penalty

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