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TDS Applicability and Rates for Startups

This guide explains TDS for Startups in India — the TDS you must deduct on payments, the TDS deducted on your own income, rates and returns. TDS Startups must deduct Like any...

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August 20, 2026
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Last updated: September 2026Verified against: Government sources

TDS Applicability and Rates 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.

This guide explains TDS for Startups in India — the TDS you must deduct on payments, the TDS deducted on your own income, rates and returns.

TDS Startups must deduct

Like any business, Startups must deduct TDS on specified payments and deposit it with the government:

SectionNature of paymentTypical rate
192Salary paid to employeesSlab rates
194CPayments to contractors1% (individual/HUF) / 2% (others)
194JProfessional or technical fees10%
194IRent of land/building (plant & machinery)10% (2%)
194HCommission or brokerage2%
194QPurchase of goods over ₹50 lakh0.1%

TDS on the income of Startups

  • Clients/buyers may deduct TDS/TCS on payments to you (194C/194J/194Q/194O)
  • You must deduct TDS on your own qualifying payments

TDS compliance

  • Obtain a TAN before deducting TDS
  • Deposit TDS by the 7th of the following month
  • File quarterly TDS returns (24Q for salary, 26Q for non-salary) and issue Form 16/16A
  • Late deduction/deposit attracts interest and fees under Sections 201/234E

Key due dates & penalties to remember

Missing deadlines is the most common — and most avoidable — compliance failure for Startups. Keep these in view:

  • GST returns: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B by their monthly/quarterly due dates; late filing attracts fees and interest
  • TDS: deposit by the 7th of the next month and file returns quarterly; delays attract interest under Section 201
  • Income tax: pay advance tax in four instalments and file the ITR by the due date to avoid 234A/234B/234C interest
  • ROC (companies/LLPs): file annual returns and financials on time to avoid heavy per-day penalties

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Quick recapKey facts & short answers

Key Facts About TDS Applicability and Rates

  • Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
  • Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
  • Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
  • Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
  • Expert help: TaxClue completes the entire process end to end for you.

What TDS must Startups deduct?

TDS on salaries (192), contractors (194C), professional fees (194J), rent (194I) and commission (194H), among others.

Is TDS deducted on the income of Startups?

Clients/buyers may deduct TDS/TCS on payments to you (194C/194J/194Q/194O)

TDS Applicability and Rates: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.

Related Services & Guides

Why This Matters

Staying compliant with Indian regulations protects your business from penalties, interest and unnecessary legal trouble. It is always wise to maintain proper records and documentation so that any future scrutiny can be handled smoothly. Rules and thresholds in industry guides are revised periodically, so it helps to review your obligations at the start of each financial year. Professional guidance from a qualified CA, CS or advocate ensures that filings are accurate and submitted well before the due date.

Small businesses and startups especially benefit from setting up a simple compliance calendar to track recurring deadlines. Government portals now allow most applications and filings to be completed online, reducing paperwork and turnaround time. Keeping your PAN, registration certificates and board resolutions organised makes every subsequent filing faster. When in doubt, it is better to seek clarification early rather than risk a notice or a late-filing penalty later.

A clear understanding of the applicable law helps you make confident, well-informed business decisions. TaxClue's experts regularly assist businesses across India with end-to-end industry guides support at transparent, affordable pricing. Timely compliance also improves your credibility with banks, investors and government authorities. Reviewing your obligations with a professional at least once a year keeps your business audit-ready and stress-free.

Staying compliant with Indian regulations protects your business from penalties, interest and unnecessary legal trouble.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal or financial advice. Laws, rates and due dates change and can vary by individual case — always verify with the relevant government source (e.g. mca.gov.in, incometax.gov.in) or consult a qualified professional before acting. TaxClue accepts no liability for decisions taken based on this content.

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Questions, answered

Short, direct answers to the 4 questions readers ask most on this topic.

TDS on salaries (192), contractors (194C), professional fees (194J), rent (194I) and commission (194H), among others.

Clients/buyers may deduct TDS/TCS on payments to you (194C/194J/194Q/194O)

Yes — a TAN is mandatory to deduct and deposit TDS and to file TDS returns.

TDS is deposited monthly (by the 7th) and returns are filed quarterly (24Q/26Q).

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