TDS Return Filing 2026-27: Due Dates, Forms and Late Fee
When to deposit TDS, when to file the quarterly return, which form to use from 1 April 2026 and what a delay costs.
Every deductor who deducts TDS has two jobs: deposit the tax with the government on time, and file a quarterly statement (the TDS return) showing whom the tax was deducted from. Missing either one costs money. This guide sets out the dates, forms and charges for tax year 2026-27.
TDS deposit due dates
- Tax deducted in a month is generally due by the 7th of the next month.
- Tax deducted in March is due by 30 April.
- Government deductors who deposit through book entry follow different timelines.
Quarterly TDS return due dates
| Quarter | Deductions made in | Return due by |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April to June | 31 July |
| Q2 | July to September | 31 October |
| Q3 | October to December | 31 January |
| Q4 | January to March | 31 May |
Which form to use from 1 April 2026
The Income-tax Act, 2025 came into effect on 1 April 2026, and TDS return forms and section references changed with it. For periods from 1 April 2026, salary TDS is reported on Form 138 (earlier Form 24Q) and non-salary TDS on payments to residents on Form 140 (earlier Form 26Q). Returns for earlier periods, and corrections to them, continue on the old forms. For non-resident payments and TCS, check the latest notice on the Income Tax Department portal and TRACES before filing, because form numbers differ.
See also our note on the new TDS payment codes.
TDS provisions are now consolidated under Section 393 of the 2025 Act, so the old section numbers such as 194C or 194J should not be quoted for transactions from 1 April 2026. Rates and thresholds have largely carried over.
Late filing fee
If a TDS return is filed after the due date, a fee of ₹200 per day applies until it is filed. The total fee cannot exceed the TDS amount in that statement. For example, a 20-day delay costs ₹4,000, provided the TDS in the return is at least that much. This fee was levied under Section 234E of the earlier Act, and a corresponding provision applies under the new Act.
Interest on late deduction or deposit
- 1% per month if tax was not deducted on time, counted from the date it was deductible to the date it was deducted.
- 1.5% per month if tax was deducted but not deposited on time, counted from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.
Part of a month is counted as a full month, so even a one-day delay can attract a month’s interest. Interest must be paid before the return is filed.
Penalty for wrong or incomplete returns
Besides the late fee, a penalty can apply if the return is not filed within the prescribed time, or if it contains incorrect information. Under the earlier Act this ranged from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 for serious cases. Verifying PAN details of every deductee before filing avoids most correction notices.
A simple checklist before you file
- Confirm every challan is matched to a deduction entry.
- Check deductee PANs and the rate used.
- Pay interest on any late deduction or deposit.
- File before the due date and download the filing acknowledgement.
- Issue TDS certificates to deductees on time.
Track all compliance dates in our due date calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to file the TDS return for July to September?
The Q2 return, covering deductions from July to September, is due by 31 October.
What is the late fee for filing a TDS return after the due date?
₹200 per day until the return is filed, capped at the total TDS amount shown in that statement.
Can I file a TDS return if I have not deposited the tax?
The tax and interest should be deposited first. A statement showing undeposited tax can lead to default notices.
Does the new Income-tax Act change TDS rates?
Rates and thresholds have largely carried over. What changed is the section numbering, forms and nature-of-payment codes, so use the updated references.
This article is for general information only and is not professional advice. Rules, rates and due dates change, so confirm the latest position with the official notification or portal before acting.
Related reading
- Form 121 FY 2026-27: New Form Replacing 15G & 15H, Eligibility & TDS Rules
- Tax Audit Due Date AY 2026-27: Key Changes, Checklist and Extension Status
