Form 26QC is essential for reporting Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on rent payments to landlords. It ensures compliance with TDS requirements and timely payments to the government. Here’s a breakdown of Form 26 QC, who should file it, and how to do it online.
What is Form 26QC?
Form 26QC is a quarterly statement used to report TDS on rent payments. According to Section 200(3) of the Income Tax Act, Form 26 QC applies to tenants paying rent to resident landlords. Taxpayers must file this form within 30 days from the end of the month in which they deduct TDS, ensuring timely compliance and accurate record-keeping.
Key Features of Form 26QC
- Deduction Reporting: Form 26 QC records TDS deducted on rent payments made by the tenant.
- Quarterly Submission: File the form quarterly, detailing deductions as per TDS guidelines.
- Payment Channel: Pay TDS online through the RBI, SBI, or any other authorized bank.
- Tenant Responsibility: Tenants are responsible for filing this form if they pay rent exceeding ₹50,000 monthly.
Who Has to File Form 26QC?
A tenant paying rent of ₹50,000 or more per month to a resident landlord must file Form 26 QC and deduct TDS at 5% of the total rent amount.
You may also want to know Special Allowance
When to File Form 26QC?
Tenants must file Form 26 QC within 30 days from the end of the month in which they make the rent payment and deduct TDS. Here are the typical filing deadlines:
- Regular Monthly Payments: Tenants must submit Form 26 QC within 30 days from the end of the month in which they deduct TDS.
- End of Financial Year: Tenants should file Form 26 QC within 30 days if the rent agreement ends or the property is vacated.
Steps to File Form 26QC Online
Filing Form 26QC online is simple. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the TIN Website: Go to the TIN NSDL website and navigate to the “TDS on Rent of Property” section.
- Select Form 26QC: Under “e-payment of taxes,” select Form 26QC to proceed.
- Enter Assessee Details: Provide your allotted Assessee number, address, name, and jurisdictional commission rate details.
- Choose Tax Type and Accounting Code: Under “tax type,” select the relevant codes for excise.
- Select Bank: Choose the bank for online payment.
- Verify Information and Make Payment: Review the information, log in with your user ID and password, and complete the payment process.
- Generate Challan: Tenants must file Form 26QC within 30 days from the end of the month in which they make the rent payment and deduct TDS.
Note: To confirm payment, you can use the “Challan Status Inquiry” feature on the EASIEST portal.
Form 16C as TDS Deduction Certificate
Form 16C is issued to the landlord by the tenant after deducting TDS from rent. It is similar to Form 16 or Form 16A but applies specifically to rent payments. Tenants must issue Form 16C within 15 days of filing Form 26 QC.
Penalty for Late Filing of Form 26QC
Failing to file Form 26 QC on time incurs penalties:
- Interest Penalty: 1% interest per month for delays in deduction, or 1.5% if TDS is deducted but not deposited.
- Fixed Penalty: Late filing beyond one year may result in a penalty ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000.
- Late Filing Fee: The government imposes a ₹200 daily penalty for delays, and a ₹100 daily penalty if the company does not issue Form 16C on time.
Conclusion
Form 26QC simplifies TDS compliance on rent payments. Tenants paying significant rent must complete this process to avoid hefty penalties. Following the steps outlined ensures timely payments and maintains a clean record with tax authorities.