TDS RETURN FILING CHECKLIST
Quarterly returns – 24Q (salary), 26Q (residents), 27Q (non-residents), 27EQ (TCS) · FY 2025-26
Before the Quarter Ends
- ☐ Verify TAN is active and correctly quoted everywhere
- ☐ Apply correct TDS section and rate to each payment
- ☐ Collect valid PAN of every deductee (avoid higher 20% rate)
- ☐ Check lower / nil deduction certificates under Section 197
Deposit of Tax
- ☐ Deposit TDS by the 7th of the following month (30 April for March)
- ☐ Pay TDS on property (26QB) / rent (26QC) within 30 days
- ☐ Add interest for late deduction (1%) or late payment (1.5%)
- ☐ Preserve all challan CINs for return preparation
Return Preparation & Filing
- ☐ Map each challan to the correct deductee deductions
- ☐ Validate the file through the latest RPU and FVU utility
- ☐ File the return by the due date (31 July / 31 Oct / 31 Jan / 31 May)
- ☐ Note Rs. 200 per day late fee under Section 234E
After Filing
- ☐ Download the consolidated file and check for PAN errors
- ☐ File correction statements for any defaults or short deductions
- ☐ Download and issue Form 16 (salary) and Form 16A (non-salary)
Reconcile the TDS deposited with Form 26AS of the deductees; unmatched challans and PAN errors are the most common cause of default notices.