TDS Return Filing Guide — 24Q, 26Q, 27EQ Due Dates
TDS compliance involves two recurring obligations: depositing the tax deducted and filing quarterly returns. This guide covers both — monthly TDS deposit deadlines, quarterly return due dates for Form 24Q, 26Q, and 27EQ, and the penalties for late filing or late deposit.
In this guide
Monthly TDS deposit deadlines
TDS deducted during a month must be deposited to the government by the 7th of the following month. For example, TDS deducted in April must be deposited by 7th May. The exception is March — TDS deducted in March must be deposited by 30th April (not 7th April). This gives a slightly longer window for year-end processing. Use Challan No. 281 for electronic TDS deposit through the NSDL/TIN portal.
Quarterly TDS returns — Form 24Q and 26Q
Form 24Q covers TDS on salary payments. Form 26Q covers TDS on all non-salary payments (rent, professional fees, contractor payments, etc.). Both are filed quarterly with the following due dates: Q1 (Apr-Jun) by 31st July, Q2 (Jul-Sep) by 31st October, Q3 (Oct-Dec) by 31st January, Q4 (Jan-Mar) by 31st May. Note Q4 has a later deadline to accommodate year-end reconciliation. Returns are filed electronically through the TRACES portal.
Form 27EQ — TCS returns
Form 27EQ is the quarterly TCS (Tax Collected at Source) return. Due dates: Q1 by 15th July, Q2 by 15th October, Q3 by 15th January, Q4 by 15th May. TCS applies to sellers of specified goods (scrap, minerals, forest produce, etc.) and e-commerce operators. The quarterly return reports all TCS collections and deposits for the quarter.
Late filing penalties
Late filing of TDS returns attracts a fee of ₹200 per day under Section 234E, until the return is filed. This is capped at the total TDS amount. Additionally, if TDS is deducted but not deposited, interest at 1.5% per month is charged under Section 201(1A). If TDS is not deducted at all, interest at 1% per month applies. The deductor may also face a penalty equal to the TDS amount under Section 271C. Timely deposits and filing are critical.
Practical tips for CAs
Maintain a monthly deposit calendar — the 7th of every month is non-negotiable. For quarterly returns, start collecting data from the first month of each quarter rather than rushing at the end. Reconcile Form 26AS/AIS with your return data before filing to avoid demand notices. Use CAtrak to auto-track TDS deadlines across all your clients and get reminders before each due date.
Related Compliance Deadlines
TDS Deposit Due Date
TDS deposit due date is 7th of every month (30th April for March). TDS challan payment schedule, interest on late deposit, and FY 2026-27 calendar.
Form 24Q Due Date
Form 24Q quarterly due dates: 31st May, 31st July, 31st October, 31st January. TDS return for salary payments, late fees, and FY 2026-27 calendar.
Form 26Q Due Date
Form 26Q due dates: 31st May, 31st July, 31st October, 31st January. TDS return for non-salary payments like professional fees and rent for FY 2026-27.
Form 27EQ Due Date
Form 27EQ quarterly due dates: 15th April, 15th July, 15th October, 15th January. TCS return filing calendar and late fees for FY 2026-27.
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