Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is an essential part of the Indian tax system, ensuring tax collection at the point of income generation. Every deductor—whether an individual, firm, company, or organization—is responsible for deducting the appropriate tax amount and depositing it with the government within specified timelines.
To manage and file TDS returns effectively, the Income Tax Department has created the TRACES Portal (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System). This online platform is crucial for TDS return filing, correction of errors, downloading Form 16/16A, viewing challans, and managing TDS-related activities.
In this blog, we provide a step-by-step guide for Kerala-based businesses and professionals on how to register as a deductor on the TRACES Portal to file TDS returns, along with useful tips to avoid common mistakes.
If you prefer expert assistance with your TDS compliance, visit OurTaxPartner.com – Trusted TDS Filing Services in Kerala.
What is TRACES?
TRACES (www.tdscpc.gov.in) is an online system developed by the Income Tax Department for deductors and deductees to view and manage TDS-related transactions. It enables the following:
- Register as a TDS deductor
- File and correct TDS returns
- Download Form 16/16A
- Generate Consolidated (Conso) Files
- Check status of filed returns
- Request TDS justification reports
Who Needs to Register on TRACES?
The following categories of deductors must register on TRACES:
- Companies and LLPs deducting TDS from salaries or vendor payments
- Trusts, societies, and educational institutions with staff or contractors
- Hospitals or clinics paying professional fees to doctors
- Government offices and NGOs with contractual staff or service providers
- Any individual deducting TDS while buying property
Step-by-Step Process to Register as a Deductor on TRACES
Step 1: Visit the TRACES Website
Go to the official TRACES portal: https://www.tdscpc.gov.in
On the homepage, click on the “Register as New User” button under the Deductor section.
Step 2: Provide TAN Details
Enter your valid TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) and proceed. You will also be asked to confirm your type of deductor (e.g., company, firm, individual, etc.).
Step 3: Fill Organization and Contact Information
Fill in your deductor details:
- Organization Name
- Address and PIN code
- Email ID and mobile number (must be valid for OTP)
- Details of the authorized person (Name, Designation)
Step 4: Provide Challan or Statement Details
You will be required to authenticate your TAN using one of the following:
- Details of a recently deposited TDS challan (CIN-based validation)
- Details from a previously filed TDS return (Token Number and deductee PAN data)
Make sure the challan used for validation is recent and accurate. This step helps verify that the user is genuinely connected to the TAN.
Step 5: Create Login Credentials
Choose your desired User ID and Password as per the portal’s password policy. Keep the credentials secure and avoid using common words or personal data.
Step 6: OTP Verification and Submission
An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number. Enter the OTP and submit your application.
Once submitted, you will see a confirmation message that your registration has been completed. The login will be activated shortly, usually within 24 hours.
Documents and Data Required for TRACES Registration
- Valid TAN of the deductor
- Details of recent TDS payment or return filed
- Email and mobile number of the authorized signatory
- Details of the organization and contact person
- Challan Identification Number (if using payment validation)
- Token Number and PANs of deductees (if using return validation)
Post-Registration Activities
Once registered and logged in, a deductor can perform the following tasks:
- Download Form 16 and 16A for employees and vendors
- File TDS returns or correction statements (through NSDL utility)
- Request consolidated TDS files for revising returns
- Track refund status or demand notices
- Access justification reports for error resolution
Common Issues Faced During TRACES Registration
- Invalid challan information: Ensure your CIN details match exactly with bank records
- Wrong email or mobile number: OTP won’t be received
- Already registered TAN: You may need to recover your user ID/password
- Delayed activation: Portal delays sometimes occur during peak seasons
Why Choose Professional Support for TRACES and TDS Compliance?
While TRACES registration is a one-time process, ongoing TDS compliance—including quarterly filing, generating Form 16, handling errors, and correcting mismatches—requires time, effort, and technical accuracy.
Trusted service providers like OurTaxPartner.com help businesses in Kerala by offering end-to-end TDS filing solutions, including:
- Initial TRACES registration and login setup
- Challan preparation and validation
- Quarterly TDS return filing (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q)
- Form 16/16A generation and distribution
- Revision filing and error correction
Visit: www.ourtaxpartner.com/filing-service/tds-compliance/ to start your TDS journey with expert guidance today.
Conclusion: Lay the Foundation for Hassle-Free TDS Compliance
Registering your TAN on the TRACES portal is the first and most crucial step toward complying with TDS regulations in India. From accessing key documents to correcting errors and filing returns, the portal is your official gateway for all TDS-related activities.
Ensure you get this step right with proper documents, accurate information, and—if needed—professional help. For seamless registration and hassle-free quarterly compliance, partner with the experts at OurTaxPartner.com, Kerala’s trusted source for TDS solutions.
