Changes related to TDS provisions in Income Tax Act, 1961 by Finance Act, 2015
Through the Finance Act, 2015, no. of changes has been introduced In Income Tax Act, 1961 (‘Act’) in respect of TDS Compliance provisions. Some of these changes has taken effect from April 1, 2015 and some of the changes will take effect from June 1, 2015. I have tried to summarize these changes which can effect to the corporates. A Gist of the same is as follows: Changes applicable w.e.f. June 1, 2015

General Provisions:

1. Exemption of TDS on payments to transporters (Section 194C): No TDS will be deducted on payment to those transporters who own ten or less goods carriages at any time during the previous year. The transporter is required to furnish a declaration to that effect along with his PAN, to the person paying or crediting such sum.

2. Furnishing of information in respect of payment to non-resident in Form 15CA/15CB has been made mandatory to all payment irrespective of whether that income is taxable in India or not. Further, penalty u/s 271-I has also been introduced in respect of non-furnishing of information or furnishing of inaccurate information in Form 15CA/15CB of Rs.  1,00,000/-.

3. Fee chargeable on late filing of TDS Return u/s 234E will be considered at the time of processing of the return u/s 200A and if there is any refund/demand that will be determined after adjusting the fees u/s 234E.

4. Concessional Rate of TDS on Income by way of certain bonds and government securities earned by FII/Qualified Foreign Investor as defined u/s 194LD has been extended from 1st June, 2015 to 1st July, 2017.

5. Obtaining or quoting of TAN has been relaxed for certain notified person u/s 203A. However, the category of those person has still to be notified by the CBDT.

6. Processing of TCS return has also been prescribed in the Act on the same lines as in TDS return. (Section 206CB).

7. An assessee can file Form 15G/15H as self-declaration for non-deduction of TDS from life insurance payments on which TDS is applicable u/s 194DA.

Related to Salary (u/s 192)

1. U/s 192 of the Act, after sub-section (2C), the section 192 (2D) has been inserted. For the purpose of estimating income or computing tax deductible under sub-section (1) of the employee, employer will obtain the evidence or proof or particulars of the prescribed claims (including claim for set-off of loss) under the provisions of the Act in such form and manner as may be prescribed.

However, the form and manner still has to be prescribed by the CBDT. (Form 12C has been omitted by the IT (24th Amendment) Rules, 2003 w.e.f. 1-10-2003 which was earlier there for the purpose of declaration of other income other than the income from salary and has been substituted by simple verification/declaration).

Related to Payment of Provident Fund from EFPO

1. TDS on premature withdrawal (Section 192A & 197A): Trustees of RPFs shall, at the time of payment of the accumulated balance due to the employee, deduct tax at source at the rate of 10%, where the aggregate withdrawal is Rs. 30,000/- or more. However, Form No. 15G/15H is available for non-deduction of TDS.

Further, in case PAN is not provided by the assessee, TDS will be deducted at the Maximum Marginal Rate i.e. 34.608%.

Further, the following in respect of deduction of Tax.

2% additional surcharge to be considered at the time of making payment while deducting TDS.
The rate of Income Tax on Royalty or Fee for technical services (as described u/s 115A (1) (b)) has also been reduced from 25% to 10%. (Important while comparing of rate in DTAA or rates as per normal provision under the Act for deduction of TDS u/s 195 on payment to non-resident)