What Is TDS and How to Claim a Refund
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is the government's way of collecting tax at the point of income generation. Understanding TDS helps you plan your taxes and claim refunds.
When Is TDS Deducted
TDS applies on: Salary (employer deducts based on declared investments), FD interest (10% if >₹40K/year), rent (if >₹50K/month), freelance payments (10%), property sale (1%), and more. TDS is essentially advance tax collected by the payer.
Common TDS Rates
Salary: As per tax slab. FD Interest: 10% (20% if no PAN). Professional fees: 10%. Rent: 10% (for individuals paying >₹50K/month). Property sale: 1% of sale value. Commission: 5%. Without PAN, TDS is deducted at 20%.
How to Claim Refund
If total TDS deducted exceeds your actual tax liability, you get a refund. File your ITR, declare all income and TDS, and the refund will be credited to your bank account (typically within 30-60 days of processing).