Section 194A TDS explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Here is a worked example of TDS under Section 194A (Interest other than on securities (e.g. bank FD interest)), along with the deposit and return due dates.
Section 194A — key details
| Section | 194A |
| Nature of payment | Interest other than on securities (e.g. bank FD interest) |
| TDS rate | 10% |
| Threshold limit | ₹50,000 (banks, senior citizens higher) / ₹10,000 others |
| Who deducts | Banks, companies and others paying interest |
Example
A bank paying ₹60,000 FD interest deducts 10% TDS.
Due dates & returns
- Deposit TDS by the 7th of the following month (April–February); by 30 April for March
- File quarterly TDS returns — Q1 31 Jul, Q2 31 Oct, Q3 31 Jan, Q4 31 May
- Issue TDS certificates (Form 16/16A) after filing the return
- Late deposit attracts 1.5% interest per month; late filing ₹200/day under Section 234E
TDS compliance essentials
Whichever section applies, the core TDS process is the same:
- Obtain a TAN before deducting any TDS
- Deduct at the correct rate at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier
- Deposit the TDS by the 7th of the next month using the right challan
- File quarterly TDS returns (24Q/26Q/27Q) and issue Form 16/16A to the payee
- Verify deductions in Form 26AS/AIS and reconcile before filing
Related Section 194A guides
- How to Deduct TDS under Section 194A
- Section 194A TDS: Rate, Threshold & Applicability
- Section 194A TDS Rate Chart
TDS compliance under Section 194A, done right
TaxClue handles TDS deduction, deposit and quarterly returns so you never miss a due date or face interest.
Talk to a tax expert →