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Different Types of TDS Return Forms - A Simple Guide to Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q, and 27EQ

If you deduct TDS or have TDS deducted on your payments, it’s important to know about TDS return forms. These forms help the Income Tax Department track how much tax was deducted, from whom, and whether it was deposited on time.

 

Whether you're an employer, business owner, or professional, understanding which TDS form to use can help you stay compliant and avoid penalties. In this article, we’ll break down all the major TDS return forms like 24Q, 26Q, 27Q, and 27EQ in a simple, easy-to-follow way.

What is a TDS Return?

A TDS return is a quarterly statement that you need to file if you’ve deducted tax at source. It contains details like:

• PAN of deductee
• TDS amount
• Type of payment
• Challan details

You must file the correct TDS return form based on the nature of the payment and the recipient.

What is 24Q 26Q 27Q 27EQ? - Different Types of TDS Return Forms

There are four main TDS/TCS forms every deductor should know about:

1. Form 24Q – For TDS on Salary

Form 24Q is used when you deduct TDS from salaries paid to employees.
Who files it? Employers
When to file? Every quarter
Details included:

• Salary payments
• PAN of employees
• TDS deducted and deposited
• Other allowances and deductions under income tax

Section Covered: Section 192

2. Form 26Q – For TDS on Non-Salary Payments to Residents

Form 26Q TDS return for contractors, rent, professional fees

This is the most commonly used TDS form for all domestic non-salary payments like:

• Contractor payments
• Professional fees
• Rent
• Commission
• Interest

Who files it? Individuals, companies, or firms making payments to residents

Section Covered: Sections 193 to 194L

Important: This form does not include salary or foreign payments.

3. Form 27Q – For TDS on Payments to Non-Residents

Form 27Q TDS return for NRI payments

If you’re making payments to non-residents or foreign companies, use Form 27Q. It covers:

• Interest
• Technical service fees
• Royalty
• Dividends
• Any other payments to NRIs or foreign entities

Who files it? Indian companies, individuals, or firms paying non-residents

Section Covered: 195, 196D, etc.

4. Form 27EQ – For TCS (Tax Collected at Source)

Form 27EQ for TCS filing online

This form is used when you're collecting tax at source (TCS) instead of deducting TDS. Common for:

• Alcohol
• Scrap sales
• Parking lot and toll fees
• Sale of goods (if value exceeds ₹50 lakhs)

Who files it? Sellers or collectors of tax under TCS rules

Section Covered: Section 206C

Due Dates for TDS Returns (FY 2024-25)

Quarter	Period	TDS Return Due Date
Q1	Apr–Jun	31st July
Q2	Jul–Sep	31st October
Q3	Oct–Dec	31st January
Q4	Jan–Mar	31st May

Always ensure you file your TDS returns on time to avoid late fees and penalties.

Penalties for Late Filing of TDS Returns

• Late fee under Section 234E: ₹200 per day till the return is filed (max up to TDS amount)
• Penalty under Section 271H: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 for incorrect or late filing (if not corrected within the due date)

FAQs on TDS Return Forms

What is Form 24Q used for?

Form 24Q is filed by employers for reporting TDS deducted on salary payments under Section 192.

What is the difference between Form 26Q and 27Q?

Form 26Q is for payments to Indian residents. Form 27Q is used for payments to non-residents or foreign entities.

Do I need to file Form 24Q every month?

No. Form 24Q is filed quarterly, not monthly.

What is Form 27EQ?

Form 27EQ is used to report Tax Collected at Source (TCS) instead of TDS. It's applicable to sellers collecting tax on certain transactions.

Can I revise a TDS return if there's a mistake?

Yes. You can file a revised TDS return to correct errors like wrong PAN, incorrect amount, or challan mismatch.

Where can I file TDS return forms?

All TDS return forms can be filed online through the TIN-NSDL portal or via a TRACES-registered intermediary.

What about Form 27D?

Form 27D is a TCS certificate issued under Section 206C. When a seller collects tax at source (not TDS), they issue Form 27D to the buyer as proof of tax collection.

Final Thoughts

TDS return filing doesn’t have to be complicated once you know which form to use. Whether it’s Form 24Q for salary, 26Q for contractors, 27Q for NRIs, or 27EQ for TCS, the key is to file the right form on time with accurate details.

 

Staying compliant with TDS returns not only saves you from penalties but also builds your credibility with vendors, clients, and employees.