What is TDS on Rent: Section194I in Income Tax Act 

In the previous article, we discussed the TDS on Salary. Today, we look into a new concept i.e., What is TDS on Rent? When you rent out a property or take a property on rent, you might come across the term Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on rent.

Understanding what TDS on rent is, how it works, and its implications is crucial for both landlords and tenants. This guide explains What is TDS on Rent, what is Section 194I in Income Tax, rate of TDS and so on. Before reading this, understand what is Tax Deducted at Source.

What is TDS on Rent? 

TDS on rent refers to the tax that a tenant must deduct from the rent paid to a landlord and deposit it with the government. This system ensures that the government collects tax revenue at the time of the transaction itself, making it easier to track and manage tax payments. 

Section 194I of the Income Tax Act of 1961 specifically deals with TDS on rent. This section mandates the deduction of tax at source on rent paid for various types of properties.

What is Section 194I?

Section 194I governs the TDS on rent payments made by individuals and entities. It applies to the payment of rent for the use of land, buildings, furniture, fittings, and equipment, among other properties. 

What is Rent in reference to Section 194I?

For the purposes of Section 194I, the term “Rent” is defined as any payment made under a lease, sub-lease, tenancy, or any other agreement or arrangement for the use of: 

  • Land 
  • Building (including factory building) 
  • Machinery 
  • Plant 
  • Equipment 
  • Furniture 
  • Fittings 

Which are the payments covered under Section 194I?

Section 194I covers various types of rental payments, including: 

  • Rent for residential or commercial property 
  • Rent for machinery, plant, or equipment 
  • Rent for furniture and fittings 
  • Rent for factory buildings 

Who is required to deduct TDS on Rent?

TDS on rent applies to: 

  • Individuals or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) whose accounts are subject to audit under the Income Tax Act. 
  • Companies, firms, LLPs, trusts, and associations. 
  • Individuals or HUF are not subject to audit if the rent exceeds INR 50,000 per month (as per Section 194-IB). 
  • Entities paying rent exceeding INR 2.4 lakhs per financial year. 

How to calculate TDS on Rent?

The rate of TDS on rent varies depending on the type of property: 

  • Land, building, or furniture and fittings: 10% of the rent amount. 
  • Plant, machinery, or equipment: 2% of the rent amount. 
  • For individuals or HUF paying rent over INR 50,000 per month, the TDS rate is 5%. 
Type of PropertyTDS RateApplicable Section
Rent for land, building, or furniture 10% 194I 
Rent for plant, machinery, or equipment 2% 194I 
Rent exceeding INR 50,000 per month by individuals or HUFs 5% 194-IB 
Rent paid to NRIs 30% (or as per DTAA) 195 

How to deduct and deposit TDS on Rent?

To deduct and deposit TDS on Rent, you must follow the following steps; 

  • Calculate TDS:
    • Determine the amount of rent and calculate the applicable TDS. 
  • Deduct TDS:
    • Deduct the TDS amount from the rent payment. 
  • Deposit TDS:
    • Deposit the deducted TDS to the government using the relevant challan: 
      • Use Challan 281 for Section 194-I.
      • Use Challan 26QC for Section 194-IB. 
  • Issuing TDS Certificate: After depositing the TDS, the tenant must issue a TDS certificate to the landlord: 
    • Form 16A: For Section 194-I, issued quarterly. 
    • Form 16C: For Section 194-IB, issued annually. 
  • Filing TDS Returns:
    • Tenants must file TDS returns to report the deducted and deposited TDS: 
      • Form 26Q: For Section 194-I, filed quarterly. 
      • Form 26QC: For Section 194-IB, filed for each transaction. 

What is the process for TDS on Rent?

The detailed process for TDS on Rent under Section 194-I are as follows; 

  • Identify applicable TDS: 
    • Verify if your total rent payments for the financial year exceed INR 2,40,000. 
    • Calculate TDS at 10% for buildings and 2% for plant/machinery. 
  • Payment of TDS: 
    • Use Challan 281 to deposit TDS. 
    • Payment can be made online through the NSDL website or offline through designated banks. 
  • Issue TDS Certificate (Form 16A): 
    • After depositing TDS, generate Form 16A from the TRACES website. 
    • Provide this certificate to the landlord within 15 days of the due date of the TDS return. 
  • Quarterly filing of TDS Returns (Form 26Q): 
    • File TDS returns quarterly using Form 26Q. 
    • Ensure that the TDS deposited matches the amounts reported in the returns. 

What are the consequences of Non-Compliance?

Failure to deduct or deposit TDS on rent can lead to penalties and interest charges: 

  • Interest in late deduction: 1% per month. 
  • Interest on late deposit: 1.5% per month. 
  • Penalty for non-deduction or non-deposit: Amount equivalent to the TDS not deducted or deposited. 
  • Late filing fee: INR 200 per day for delay in filing TDS returns. 

What is TDS on Rent by Individuals?

Individuals and HUFs not subject to audit are generally not required to deduct TDS on rent. However, they must deduct TDS if the rent payment exceeds INR 50,000 per month under Section 194-IB. 

What is TDS on Rent Paid to NRIs?

When rent is paid to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), TDS must be deducted under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act. The rate of TDS in such cases is usually 30%, but it can vary based on the provisions of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and the NRI’s resident country. 

What is TDS on Rent paid advance?

If advance rent is paid, TDS must be deducted at the time of payment, irrespective of the period it covers. The TDS deduction is based on the total amount of advance rent paid. 

  • Monthly Rent Payments:
    • TDS must be deposited by the 7th of the following month. 
  • For Section 194-IB:
    • TDS must be deposited within 30 days from the end of the month in which the deduction was made. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, what is TDS on rent is a crucial aspect of tax compliance for both landlords and tenants. You can manage TDS on rent effectively and contribute to the streamlined collection of taxes by the government.

Looking for a Tax consultant in Bangalore? Here is your solution. 24eFiling. Our experts will help you file your TDS and make the process hazzle free. File the TDS on time to avoid any kind of penalities.

FAQs

1. What is TDS on Rent?

TDS on Rent refers to Tax Deducted at Source on rental payments. It means the person paying the rent (the tenant) must deduct a certain percentage of tax from the rent amount and deposit it with the government on behalf of the landlord.

2. Who is required to deduct TDS on Rent?

Any individual, HUF, or entity (like a company) that pays rent exceeding INR 2.4 lakhs per year is required to deduct TDS on Rent. To both residential and commercial property rentals this applies. 

3. What is the rate of TDS on Rent?

The rate of TDS on Rent is 10% of the annual rent amount if the rent exceeds INR 2.4 lakhs in a financial year. For non-furnished and furnished apartments, the rate remains the same.

4. How to deposit TDS on Rent with the government? 

The tenant must deposit the TDS on Rent using Form 26QC within 30 days from the end of the month in which the TDS is deducted. This can be done online through the TIN NSDL website.

5. What are the consequences of not deducting TDS on Rent? 

If TDS on Rent is not deducted, the tenant may face penalties and interest charges. Additionally, the amount of TDS not deducted and deposited may be disallowed as an expense for the tenant while calculating taxable income. 

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