Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a vital compliance requirement for companies operating in India, including those based in Kerala. Whether you’re running a private limited company in Kochi, a partnership firm in Kozhikode, or an LLP in Thiruvananthapuram, TDS deduction and quarterly return filing is not just a statutory obligation—it’s a key indicator of your company’s financial discipline and legal compliance.
However, many companies struggle with the complexities involved in quarterly TDS return filing. From calculating the correct TDS to choosing the right section, generating challans, validating data, and submitting returns on time—each step requires precision. Mistakes or delays can lead to heavy penalties, interest, and even notices from the Income Tax Department.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of TDS return filing, common challenges, due dates, and how Kerala companies can streamline the entire process with trusted professional services.
What is Quarterly TDS Return Filing?
TDS is a mechanism through which the government collects income tax at the source of income generation. When a company makes certain payments such as salaries, contractor fees, rent, or professional services, it must deduct tax at the applicable rate and deposit it with the government.
Quarterly TDS return filing refers to submitting a detailed statement to the Income Tax Department every quarter, specifying:
- Nature and amount of payments made
- TDS deducted
- PAN of deductees
- Challan details of TDS deposited
Returns must be filed using forms such as:
- Form 24Q: TDS on salaries
- Form 26Q: TDS on all domestic payments (contractors, professionals, rent, etc.)
- Form 27Q: TDS on payments made to non-residents
- Form 27EQ: TCS (Tax Collected at Source)
Quarterly TDS Return Due Dates
| Quarter | Period Covered | Filing Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April 1 – June 30 | July 31 |
| Q2 | July 1 – September 30 | October 31 |
| Q3 | October 1 – December 31 | January 31 |
| Q4 | January 1 – March 31 | May 31 |
Missing these deadlines can result in a late filing fee of ₹200 per day under Section 234E and other penalties under Section 271H.
Common TDS Filing Challenges Faced by Kerala Companies
Despite digitization, many companies in Kerala face repeated challenges with quarterly TDS return filing:
- Incorrect PAN or TAN entries: Leads to rejected returns or unmatched credits in Form 26AS
- Wrong TDS section or rate: Filing under the wrong category (e.g., 194C vs 194J)
- Mismatch in challan details: Errors while entering CIN details during return preparation
- Delayed challan payments: Not paying TDS within the due date results in interest under Section 201(1A)
- Form validation issues: Errors during FVU file generation or uploading on the TRACES portal
- No generation of Form 16/16A: Non-compliance with mandatory certificate issuance for deductees
How Professional TDS Filing Services Can Help
Considering the technical nature of TDS returns and the risk of penalties, outsourcing TDS compliance to experts is a smart business decision. Here’s how professionals add value:
1. Accurate TDS Calculation
Professional consultants ensure proper application of TDS rates and applicable sections based on the nature of transactions.
2. Timely Return Filing
Experienced service providers track due dates and ensure returns are filed before deadlines, avoiding penalties.
3. PAN Validation and Correction
They verify PAN details with the Income Tax database and correct any discrepancies in the return.
4. Challan Reconciliation
Professionals ensure challan payments and returns are accurately matched to avoid demand notices.
5. Generation of Form 16/16A
Form 16 (salary) and Form 16A (non-salary) are prepared and issued to deductees in a legally compliant format.
6. Support for Revised Returns
If any error occurs, they assist in filing corrected returns under the proper guidelines.
Trusted TDS Filing Support for Kerala Companies
If you’re looking for a reliable partner to manage your quarterly TDS filing, OurTaxPartner.com offers end-to-end TDS compliance services specifically tailored for companies across Kerala.
Why choose OurTaxPartner.com?
- Experienced tax professionals familiar with Kerala business laws
- Timely filing with zero tolerance for delays
- Expert handling of challans, PAN validation, and FVU file generation
- Dedicated support for Form 16, Form 27A, and correction statements
- Affordable service packages for startups, SMEs, and corporates
Start your quarterly TDS filing journey here: www.ourtaxpartner.com/filing-service/tds-compliance/
Checklist for Quarterly TDS Filing
- Valid TAN and PAN of deductor and deductees
- Challan details (CIN, payment date, BSR code)
- Payment summary for salaries, contractors, professionals, etc.
- Applicable TDS rate and section
- Filing through NSDL RPU and validating with FVU
- Uploading on the TRACES portal
- Issuance of Form 16/16A
Conclusion: Compliance Made Easy with Expert Help
Quarterly TDS return filing is a statutory responsibility that cannot be overlooked by any registered company in Kerala. While it may seem complicated due to changing laws and technical requirements, professional services can simplify the process end-to-end.
Save time, avoid penalties, and ensure full compliance with the help of trusted experts like OurTaxPartner.com. Let them take care of your TDS filings so you can focus on growing your business confidently and legally.
