Form 26Q is used to report TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) when you deduct tax on payments other than salaries.
In simple words:
If you’re a business or deductor paying someone like a contractor, consultant, or professional, and you deduct TDS, you must report it to the Income Tax Department using Form 26Q.
What Payments Are Covered Under Form 26Q?
- Contractor payments (Section 194C)
- Professional or technical fees (Section 194J)
- Commission or brokerage (Section 194H)
- Rent (Section 194I)
- Interest (Section 194A)
- Any other non-salary payment with TDS
Who Must File Form 26Q?
✅ Companies, partnership firms, trusts, and HUFs
✅ Individuals running a business (if subject to tax audit)
✅ Anyone deducting TDS on non-salary payments
When is Form 26Q Filed?
You must file Form 26Q quarterly:
| Quarter | Period Covered | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Apr – Jun | 31st July |
| Q2 | Jul – Sep | 31st October |
| Q3 | Oct – Dec | 31st January |
| Q4 | Jan – Mar | 31st May |
What Information is Needed in Form 26Q?
- PAN of the deductor and deductee
- TDS section code (like 194C, 194J)
- Amount paid
- TDS deducted and deposited
- Date of payment and deduction
- Challan details for tax deposit
How to File Form 26Q
- Collect details of all TDS deductions (non-salary)
- Download and fill the return using RPU (Return Preparation Utility)
- Validate using FVU (File Validation Utility)
- Submit on TIN-NSDL portal or upload via TRACES with digital signature or electronic verification
Penalty for Late Filing
- ₹200 per day of delay (under Section 234E)
- Max penalty = TDS amount
- Additional fines if return is not filed within 1 year
