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Section 194N — TDS on Cash Withdrawal from Bank: Rates, Thresholds & Exemptions

Updated: 3 June 2026  |  Income-tax Act, 2025  |  Section 194N  |  FY 2025-26

Section 194N mandates TDS on cash withdrawals exceeding specified thresholds from banks, cooperative banks, and post offices. For ITR filers (filed returns in any of the past 3 years): 2% TDS on cash withdrawals above ₹1 crore per bank per year. For non-ITR filers: 2% TDS above ₹20 lakh and 5% TDS above ₹1 crore — from the same bank. Threshold is per bank (all accounts combined). ATM withdrawals are exempt. TDS is creditable against final tax.
5% TDS
Maximum rate for non-ITR filers withdrawing over ₹1 crore cash from one bank.
File your ITR to qualify for the lower threshold (₹1 crore). Non-filers face TDS from ₹20 lakh itself at 2%, then 5% above ₹1 crore.

Section 194N — TDS Rates: ITR Filer vs Non-Filer

CategoryAnnual Cash Withdrawal (per bank)TDS RateTDS on Excess
ITR Filer
(Filed ITR in ≥1 of last 3 years)
Up to ₹1,00,00,000Nil
Above ₹1,00,00,0002%On amount exceeding ₹1 crore
Non-ITR Filer
(No ITR in last 3 years)
Up to ₹20,00,000Nil
₹20,00,001 – ₹1,00,00,0002%On amount between ₹20L–₹1Cr
Above ₹1,00,00,0005%On amount exceeding ₹1 crore

Threshold is per bank / cooperative bank / post office, per financial year (1 April to 31 March). All accounts (savings, current, OD, CC) at the same bank combined. No cess or surcharge on 194N TDS.

Section 194N — Key Facts

ParameterDetail
Who deducts TDSBank / cooperative bank / post office (the payer)
Applicable onCash withdrawals (over the counter, cash pay orders, demand drafts in cash)
ATM withdrawalsExempt — not covered under Section 194N
Threshold calculationPer bank, per year — all accounts with that bank combined
TDS certificateForm 16A issued by bank quarterly
Reflected inForm 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS)
ITR creditTDS deducted is a credit against income tax liability
Lower TDS certificateApply in Form 13 under Section 197 if tax liability is nil/lower
Exempted personsGovernment departments, banks, cooperative banks, white-label ATM operators, NABARD
Introduced byFinance Act 2019 (original); non-filer provisions added by Finance Act 2020
PurposeDiscourage large cash transactions; promote digital payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ₹1 crore threshold for Section 194N TDS per bank or overall across all banks?
The ₹1 crore threshold under Section 194N is per bank (or per cooperative bank, or per post office), per financial year. All accounts you hold with the same bank are combined — current account + savings account + cash credit account at the same bank are added together. If you withdraw ₹60 lakh from Bank A and ₹60 lakh from Bank B in the same year, no TDS is deducted (each bank counts separately). TDS applies only on the amount exceeding the threshold at that specific institution.
Why do non-ITR filers pay higher TDS on cash withdrawals?
Section 194N prescribes higher TDS for persons who have not filed ITR for the preceding three assessment years (for which the due date has passed). Non-filers face: 2% TDS on withdrawals between ₹20 lakh and ₹1 crore, and 5% TDS on withdrawals exceeding ₹1 crore — from the same bank in a year. This higher rate (introduced by Finance Act 2020) incentivises ITR filing and deters large cash-based transactions by non-compliant taxpayers.
Does TDS under Section 194N apply on ATM withdrawals?
No, TDS under Section 194N does not apply to ATM withdrawals. The TDS is deducted by the bank at the point of payment when cash is physically withdrawn over the counter or via cash-pay orders. ATM transactions are treated as self-service cash dispensal and are not subject to TDS under Section 194N. However, the cash dispensed through ATMs still counts towards the overall annual cash withdrawal limit that the bank monitors for threshold calculation. CBDT circulars clarify ATM withdrawals are excluded.
How is Form 16A issued for TDS deducted under Section 194N?
The bank (deductor) issues Form 16A — the TDS certificate for non-salary deductions — for TDS deducted under Section 194N. It is issued quarterly, within 15 days from the due date for filing the quarterly TDS return (Form 26Q). The deductee (account holder) can view TDS credit in Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) on the income-tax portal. The TDS deducted is eligible as a credit against final income tax liability when filing the ITR for that financial year.
What is the impact of Section 194N TDS on business cash withdrawals?
Businesses that routinely withdraw large cash amounts (e.g., for payroll, petty cash, cash purchases) may face TDS deduction reducing their working capital. However, TDS is not a final tax — it is a credit adjustable against the business's income tax liability. If total tax payable is lower than TDS deducted, a refund can be claimed via ITR. Businesses are encouraged to use banking channels (NEFT/RTGS/UPI) to avoid TDS. Genuine cash-intensive businesses (e.g., cash-and-carry traders) can apply for lower deduction certificate (Form 13) under Section 197.

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