TDS Return Due Dates for FY 2024-25: Quarterly Calendar
Quick Answer
> One line summary: Know the exact quarterly deadlines for filing TDS returns (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q, etc. ) for FY 2024-25 to avoid late fees and penalties.
What are the TDS return due dates for FY 2024-25?
For FY 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), TDS returns must be filed quarterly. The due dates are: 31st July 2024 for Q1, 31st October 2024 for Q2, 31st January 2025 for Q3, and 31st May 2025 for Q4. These dates apply to all regular TDS statements, including Form 24Q (salaries), Form 26Q (non-salary payments to residents), and Form 27Q (payments to non-residents).
The Income Tax Act, 1961, under Section 200(3) read with Rule 31A, mandates quarterly filing. Missing these deadlines attracts a late filing fee under Section 234E of ₹200 per day for each day the return is delayed. The fee is capped at the amount of TDS deducted. For example, if you file a Q1 return on 10th August 2024 instead of 31st July 2024, you will incur a fee of ₹200 per day for 10 days, i.e., ₹2,000.
What is the quarterly TDS return calendar for FY 2024-25?
Here is the complete quarterly calendar for TDS return filing for FY 2024-25:
| Quarter | Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April 2024 – June 2024 | 31st July 2024 |
| Q2 | July 2024 – September 2024 | 31st October 2024 |
| Q3 | October 2024 – December 2024 | 31st January 2025 |
| Q4 | January 2025 – March 2025 | 31st May 2025 |
Note that the Q4 due date (31st May 2025) is later than the other quarters because it coincides with the annual return filing deadline. For Form 24Q (salaries), the annual return (Part B) is also due by 31st May 2025. For other forms like 26Q and 27Q, the Q4 return is the final quarterly statement for the financial year.
What happens if I miss the TDS return due date?
If you miss the due date, you will be liable to pay a late filing fee under Section 234E of the Income Tax Act. The fee is ₹200 per day for each day of delay, starting from the due date until the date of actual filing. This fee is payable before filing the return. Additionally, the deductor may face difficulties in claiming credit for TDS deducted, and the deductee may not be able to claim the TDS credit in their income tax return.
For example, if you file a Q1 return on 15th August 2024 (15 days late), the fee will be ₹200 × 15 = ₹3,000. This fee is in addition to the TDS amount already deducted. The fee is automatically calculated by the TDS return preparation software or the Income Tax Department's portal. You must pay this fee before the return is accepted.
Are there different due dates for different TDS forms?
Yes, while the quarterly due dates are the same for most TDS forms, there are specific forms with different deadlines. For example:
- Form 24Q (Salaries): Quarterly due dates are the same as above. The annual return (Part B) is also due by 31st May 2025.
- Form 26Q (Non-salary payments to residents): Same quarterly due dates.
- Form 27Q (Payments to non-residents): Same quarterly due dates.
- Form 27EQ (TCS returns): Quarterly due dates are the same as above.
- Form 26QB (TDS on sale of immovable property): This is a separate form for each transaction and must be filed within 30 days from the end of the month in which TDS was deducted. For example, if TDS is deducted in June 2024, the return is due by 30th July 2024.
For government deductors, the due dates may differ slightly. For instance, for government offices, the due date for Q1 is 31st July 2024, but for some specific cases, it may be 15th November 2024. Always check the specific instructions for your category.
How do I file a TDS return after the due date?
You can file a belated TDS return after the due date, but you must first pay the late filing fee under Section 234E. The process is the same as filing a regular return. You need to:
- Log in to the Income Tax Department's TDS portal (TRACES or the e-filing portal).
- Prepare the TDS return using the applicable form (e.g., Form 24Q, 26Q).
- Generate the file using the TDS return preparation software (e.g., NSDL, Protean, or third-party software).
- Upload the file on the portal. The system will automatically calculate the late filing fee.
- Pay the fee online using the "Pay Tax" option on the portal.
- After payment, submit the return. The portal will generate a token number and acknowledgment.
Note that belated returns may attract additional scrutiny. Also, the deductee may not be able to claim TDS credit until the return is filed. For example, if you file a Q1 return in December 2024, the employee may not be able to claim the TDS credit in their July 2024 salary certificate.
What You Should Do Next
Mark the quarterly due dates on your calendar and set reminders at least 10 days before each deadline. If you have missed a due date, file the return immediately and pay the late fee. For complex cases involving multiple deductors or non-resident payments, consult a qualified chartered accountant or tax professional.
This page provides preliminary information. It is not legal advice. For your matter, consult a qualified professional.