TDS deducted during any calendar month must be deposited into the Central Government account via Challan ITNS 281 by the 7th day of the following month (30th April for March deductions), followed by quarterly TDS return filings (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q) by the end of the month following each quarter.
TDS Compliance Calendar & Due Dates (FY 2026-27)
| Quarter | Period Covered | TDS Deposit Due Date | TDS Return Due Date | Form to File |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April – June | 7th of May, June, July | 31st July | Form 24Q / 26Q / 27Q |
| Q2 | July – September | 7th of Aug, Sep, Oct | 31st October | Form 24Q / 26Q / 27Q |
| Q3 | October – December | 7th of Nov, Dec, Jan | 31st January | Form 24Q / 26Q / 27Q |
| Q4 | January – March | 7th Feb, 7th Mar, 30th April | 31st May | Form 24Q / 26Q / 27Q |
Form 26QB, 26QC, and 26QD Exceptions
Specified non-TAN deductions have distinct monthly deadlines:
- Form 26QB (Sec 194IA Property): Due within 30 days from the end of the month of payment.
- Form 26QC (Sec 194IB Rent): Due within 30 days from the end of the month of deduction.
- Form 26QD (Sec 194M Personal): Due within 30 days from the end of the month of payment.
Interest & Late Fee Penalties for Compliance Failures
Failure to adhere to statutory TDS timelines attracts severe statutory penalties under the Income Tax Act:
- Interest for Late Deduction (Sec 201(1A)(i)): 1.0% per month or part of a month from the date tax was deductible to actual deduction date.
- Interest for Late Deposit (Sec 201(1A)(ii)): 1.5% per month or part of a month from deduction date to actual deposit date via Challan 281.
- Late Filing Fee (Sec 234E): Mandatory fee of ₹200 per day of delay in filing Form 24Q/26Q/27Q (capped at the total TDS amount in the return).
- Penalty for Non-Filing (Sec 271H): Assessing Officer can impose a discretionary penalty between ₹10,000 and ₹1,00,000 if return is delayed beyond 1 year.
Calculate your deposit due dates and return forms on NumberIQ's TDS Rate Finder tool.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly TDS deposit deadline is 7th of next month (30th April for March).
- Quarterly return deadlines are 31st July, 31st Oct, 31st Jan, and 31st May.
- Late deposit attracts 1.5% per month interest under Section 201(1A).
- Late filing of TDS returns incurs ₹200 per day fee under Section 234E.
- Check all return forms and due dates on our TDS Rate Finder.