Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a fundamental component of India’s tax collection mechanism. For businesses and professionals operating in Kerala, staying compliant with TDS payment timelines and return filing schedules is crucial to avoid penalties and legal hassles. As the Income Tax Department becomes more digitized and stringent in compliance monitoring, understanding the correct due dates for TDS deposit and return filing can help you stay ahead of deadlines and maintain a clean tax record.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about the TDS payment calendar and quarterly return due dates specific to Kerala-based businesses, freelancers, and organizations. For those seeking professional support, OurTaxPartner.com offers expert assistance in end-to-end TDS compliance services.
What Is TDS and Who Is Responsible?
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is a pre-paid tax deducted by a person or entity making specified payments such as salary, rent, professional fees, commission, interest, etc. The deductor (payer) is responsible for deducting the tax at the applicable rate and depositing it with the central government within the specified timeline.
Businesses, employers, contractors, professionals, and even individuals making rent or commission payments beyond specified limits must deduct and remit TDS.
TDS Payment Due Dates: Monthly Timeline
Once TDS is deducted, it must be deposited with the government by a specific due date each month. The general rule is:
- For non-government deductors: TDS must be paid on or before the 7th day of the following month
- For March (end of financial year): Due date is extended to 30th April
| Month of Deduction | Due Date for TDS Payment |
|---|---|
| April | May 7 |
| May | June 7 |
| June | July 7 |
| July | August 7 |
| August | September 7 |
| September | October 7 |
| October | November 7 |
| November | December 7 |
| December | January 7 |
| January | February 7 |
| February | March 7 |
| March | April 30 |
TDS Return Filing Due Dates: Quarterly Calendar
In addition to depositing TDS, every deductor is required to file TDS returns every quarter in prescribed formats such as Form 24Q (salaries), Form 26Q (non-salaries), and Form 27Q (payments to non-residents).
Here is the TDS return filing calendar:
| Quarter | Period | Return Filing Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April to June | 31st July |
| Q2 | July to September | 31st October |
| Q3 | October to December | 31st January |
| Q4 | January to March | 31st May |
Late filing or non-filing of TDS returns attracts penalties of ₹200 per day under Section 234E and additional penalties under Section 271H, which may go up to ₹1 lakh.
Common Compliance Challenges in Kerala
Many small and medium enterprises, startups, educational institutions, and hospitals in Kerala struggle to meet deadlines due to:
- Lack of in-house accounting staff familiar with TDS rules
- Errors in PAN-TAN mapping and incorrect challan details
- Failure to issue Form 16/16A to deductees on time
- Difficulty in reconciling TDS payments with Form 26AS
This is why businesses in Kerala are increasingly opting to outsource their TDS return filing process to specialists like OurTaxPartner.com for hassle-free compliance.
Services Offered by OurTaxPartner.com for TDS Compliance
- TAN registration and verification
- Monthly TDS calculation and challan payments
- Quarterly return preparation and e-filing (Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q)
- Form 16 and 16A generation for employees and vendors
- Resolution of defaults and TDS CPC notices
- Form 26AS reconciliation and advisory support
By working with a dedicated TDS consultant, you free up valuable time, reduce the risk of legal consequences, and ensure 100% compliance.
Tips to Stay Compliant with the TDS Calendar
- Maintain a monthly reminder system for TDS payments
- Collect and verify PAN details of all vendors and employees
- Deposit TDS via NSDL or e-payment portals promptly
- Keep a compliance file with all challans, returns, and acknowledgment numbers
- Partner with a professional team to handle return filing and correction
Conclusion
Timely TDS payment and accurate return filing are non-negotiable in today’s compliance environment. Kerala-based businesses must adhere to the monthly and quarterly timelines to avoid interest, penalties, and scrutiny. The easiest and most efficient way to ensure smooth compliance is to engage professionals who specialize in TDS processes.
Trust OurTaxPartner.com for your TDS calendar management and end-to-end compliance. Stay compliant. Stay stress-free.
PEAK Business Consultancy Services – Your Partner in Professional TDS Filing for Businesses Across Kerala.
