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Section 193 of Income Tax Act: A Complete Guide for Taxpayers

Writer's picture: Dipali WaghmodeDipali Waghmode

An accurate understanding of how investments operate is essential to effectively split and use your earned income to achieve financial freedom. Any investment tool's interest income contributes to a brighter economic future. However, Section 193 of the Income Tax Act of 1961 applies to any income received through securities investments. Under this section, tax is deducted at the source (TDS) before the earned income reaches your account. Let's look at some of the most essential information about Section 193 of the Income Tax Act in India to understand better how TDS operates there and assist you in managing your tax payments and commitments.

 

Table of Content

 

What is Section 193 of the Income Tax Act?

Tax deductions fall under a number of different sections of the Income Tax Act. The tax deduction procedure, known as the Section 193 TDS portion, is where the tax is immediately subtracted following a payment transaction. The interest in securities has been subject to the implementation of TDS Section 193. assuming that the person is sending money in the form of securities interest. A specific amount of tax must be withheld in accordance with the Section 193 TDS rate.

There are two categories into which TDS on interest on securities is divided. The government and the company's security enforce the rules of the business, authority, or corporation that the individual works for. In the event of an income transfer, the tax that is withheld from the securities' interest would be applied prior to the individual receiving their money. Consequently, the individual's amount is the cut-off payment following the tax deduction.


Exemptions for TDS deduction under Section 193 

The following situations indicate exemptions for TDS deduction under Section 193 of the Income Tax Act:

  • No TDS would be deducted up to Rs. 5000 in cases where listed businesses issue debentures; this sum must be paid with an a/c payee check.

  • For 8% savings (taxable) bonds, up to Rs. 10,000 is the maximum amount.


Interests to Which Section 193 is Not Applicable 

According to the Income Tax Act, there are various circumstances in which no tax deduction in this provision is necessary. Let's talk about it like this:

  • Debentures issued by the notified institution, authority, public sector business, or cooperative society are subject to interest payments.

  • LIC and other insurers are entitled to interest on securities they own or have a beneficial interest in.

  • Interest due on securities issued by companies registered on the Indian stock exchange (in demat form)

  • Interest on National Savings Certificates (IV issue) with a 7-year term.

  • The National Development Bonds' interest

  • Interest paid by an individual on a 4% National Defence Loan from 1968 or 1972.

  • Interest on securities that the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) owns or has a complete beneficial interest.

  • Interest on 6% Gold Bonds, 1977 or 7% Gold Bonds, 1980, held by a resident individual, provided that the bonds' total nominal value never exceeded INR 10,000 throughout the relevant period.

  • Interest on the Central Government's or a State Government's Securities Any other insurer's interest in the securities that the Central Government owns or in which it has a complete beneficial interest.

  • Interest paid by a resident on 4% National Defence Bonds issued in 1972.


Tax Rate for TDS Deduction under Section 193

The tax rate under section 193 is 10%. Deductions at the time of actual payment or when income to the payee's (receiver's) account is credited, whichever occurs first. If the payee fails to provide a PAN, TDS will be deducted at the Maximum Marginal Rate. Section 197 permits the issuance of a lower TDS certificate and a nil TDS certificate if the requirements are achieved.


Due Date for TDS Deposit under Section 193

Taxpayers who are responsible for withholding taxes at the source are required to deposit the amount withheld to the Central Government's credit. Tax deductions for the month of March must be deposited by the 30th of April, but those for the months of April through February must be deposited within seven days of the end of the month when the tax is deducted by the deductor.


Penalty for Delay in Payment and Return Filing 


Section 201(1A): 

  • Late Deduction: If TDS is withheld but not deposited to the government, interest will be assessed at a rate of 1.5% per month, or a portion of a month, on the total amount of TDS from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.

  • Late Payment:  Interest will be charged at the rate of 1% per month or a portion of a month on the total amount of TDS from the date of the TDS deduction to the date of the TDS deposit if TDS is not deducted.


Section 234E:

Until the deductor's failure ceases, the penalty under this clause is Rs. 200 per day. On the other hand, the penalty amount cannot exceed the TDS amount for which the return must submitted. Assume that ABC had to file his TDS return for the second quarter (July–September), which had a deadline of October 31. ABC filed his return for the second quarter on November 15. The TDS amount for which a return must submitted is Rs. 2,500. The following table shows the penalty under Section 234E of the Income Tax Act:

Particular

Amount (Rs.)

Total number of days of delayed

15 days

Penalty (@Rs. 200 per day)

3,000

TDS amount

2,500

Penalty under Section 234 E (Penalty or TDS amount, whichever is lower)

2,500



Section 271H:

According to this clause, the Assessing Office may impose a fine of between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 in the following circumstances:

  • There would be no TDS, late filing penalties, or interest deposited to the government 

  • If no TDS return is filed within a year of the due date


Budget Update 2023: Modified TDS Provisions under Sec 193

Changes to the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions under section 193 were among the significant changes made to the Income Tax Act of 1961 by the Union Budget 2023. The modifications are listed below:

Omission of Clause: The Budget 2023 did not include the provision that exempted dematerialized securities listed on a recognized stock exchange from TDS on interest due. From April 2023, listed NCDs will be subject to a 10% TDS fee.

TDS certifications and filing quarterly returns: The payee must get form 16A from the deductors as a TDS certificate. Details of the TDS deposited and withdrawn are provided in the certificate.

TDS Certificate and Quarterly Return Filing: Deductors are required to file quarterly returns and issue TDS certificates by the deadlines.

TDS Exemption Limit on Interest Income from Dematerialized Assets: The TDS exemption limit on interest earnings from dematerialized assets was raised by a new 2023 budgetary provision. The financial year has increased the exemption level to ₹15,000.


Conclusion

The Income Tax Act's Section 193 TDS is essential because it guarantees that the government pays its fair share of taxes on securities' interest earnings while ensuring that tax laws are applied. For many securities, including dematerialized securities, TDS is required. The penalties for non-compliance and the due dates for filing TDS returns and deposits guarantee the TDS process's timeliness and fairness, which eventually lessens the compliance burden on both the payee and the deductor. It is an essential clause in the Income Tax Act that collects taxes on interest income from securities, boosting overall government revenue and maintaining tax law compliance.


FAQ

Q1. What are Securities?

Government bonds, debentures, and other monetary units are examples of securities. The Income Tax Act defines securities, which include a broad variety of financial instruments.


Q2. What is Section 193 of the Income Tax Act? 

Section 193 governs TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on interest from securities, mandating that tax is deducted before interest payments reach the recipient.


Q3. What is the TDS rate under Section 193? 

The TDS rate is 10% on interest paid or credited on securities unless a PAN is not provided, in which case TDS is deducted at the maximum marginal rate.


Q4. What is meant by "interest on securities"? 

"Interest on securities" refers to the interest paid on government bonds, debentures, and securities issued by companies, among others.


Q5. Is TDS deducted on all securities? 

TDS is deducted on interest from most securities, with exemptions for specific categories like government-issued bonds or securities listed on stock exchanges.


Q6. What are the exemptions for TDS under Section 193? 

Exemptions include interest on certain government bonds, LIC securities, National Savings Certificates, and some other specified financial instruments.


Q7. Are there any TDS exemptions for interest from listed debentures? 

Yes, no TDS is deducted for interest payments on listed debentures up to Rs. 5000, provided payment is made through an a/c payee check.


Q8. What is the process for deducting TDS under Section 193? 

TDS is deducted at the time of payment or when the interest is credited to the payee's account, whichever occurs first.


Q9 What happens if the payee does not provide a PAN? 

If a payee fails to provide a PAN, TDS is deducted at the maximum marginal rate, which can be higher than the standard rate.


Q10. What is the due date for depositing TDS under Section 193? 

TDS must be deposited within seven days after the end of the month in which it is deducted, except for March, which must be deposited by April 30.


Q11. What are the penalties for delay in TDS deposit or return filing? 

Penalties include interest on late payments at 1% per month, and a fine of Rs. 200 per day for delayed return filings under Section 234E.


Q12. What are the consequences of not filing TDS returns?

 If TDS returns are not filed, the assessing officer can impose a fine of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,00,000.


Q13. What changes did the 2023 Budget introduce regarding TDS under Section 193? 

The 2023 Budget removed the exemption for dematerialized securities listed on recognized stock exchanges, and increased the TDS exemption limit for interest from dematerialized assets to ₹15,000.


Q14. Can taxpayers claim a refund for excess TDS deductions? 

Yes, taxpayers can claim a refund for excess TDS by filing an income tax return and providing the necessary details for verification.


Q15. What are the TDS certificate and quarterly return filing requirements? 

Deductors must file quarterly returns and issue TDS certificates (Form 16A) by the prescribed deadlines.


Q16. What types of securities are subject to TDS under Section 193?

 Securities subject to TDS include government bonds, debentures, public sector bonds, and corporate bonds, with some exceptions.


Q17. What is the TDS rate for interest paid to NBFCs? 

TDS on interest paid to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) is also 10%, subject to applicable exemptions and conditions.


Q18. Are there any special cases where interest is credited to a suspended account? 

TDS will still apply even if interest is credited to a suspended account to ensure tax collection.


Q19. What is the penalty for failing to deduct TDS?

 If TDS is not deducted, interest is charged at 1% per month from the date of deduction to the date of deposit.


Q20. What is the TDS exemption limit for interest on 8% savings bonds? 

The exemption limit for TDS on interest from 8% savings bonds is Rs. 10,000.


Q21. How can one avoid higher TDS deductions? 

Providing accurate PAN details and ensuring compliance with the TDS provisions can help avoid higher deductions at the maximum marginal rate.


Q22. What is interest on securities in income tax?

The Income Tax Act's section 2(28B) defines "interest on securities" as any interest in securities issued by the federal, state, or local government as well as interest in debentures or securities issued by corporations or local authorities created by federal, state, or provincial acts.


Q23. Is interest on securities taxable?

According to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, and its regulations, no tax will withheld on interest due on any security issued by a business as long as it is dematerialized and listed on a recognized Indian stock exchange.


Q24. What is the process for claiming excess TDS?

Payees can file their income tax returns to declare additional TDS. The Income Tax Department verifies the payee's income and tax liability before returning the excess TDS.


Q25. What is the TDS on Interest Paid to NBFC?

Interest paid to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) is subject to TDS. The charge and applicability requirements are identical to those for other types of securities interest.


Q26. What are the implications of Incorrect PAN Details?

Higher TDS fees and trouble obtaining TDS credits can result from inaccurate PAN information. For this reason, it is essential to supply correct PAN information in order to guarantee adherence to tax regulations.


Q27. What happens in special cases where interest is credited to a suspended account?

TDS will still be applied even if a suspended account receives interest credits in some circumstances. It guarantees tax collection as soon as possible, irrespective of the way interest profits are recorded. The availability helps to avoid tax evasion because interest profits are taxed even if they are not immediately credited to the payee's account.






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