TDS Compliance 2.0: New Dates, New Forms, and the “Mega Form” 141
The transition to the Income-tax Act, 2025 brings a complete overhaul of the compliance numbering system. While the core logic of deducting tax remains similar, the Form Numbers you have memorized for decades (like 24Q, 26Q, 16, 15G) are being retired.
Here is complete guide to the new TDS payment deadlines, return filing dates, and the new form directory.
1. New Deadlines for TDS Payment (Rule 218)
The general rule for depositing tax deducted at source remains largely consistent with the old system, but it is now governed by Rule 218 (previously Rule 30).
| Month of Deduction | Deadline for Deposit |
|---|---|
| April to February | On or before 7 days from the end of the month. |
| March | On or before 30th April of the next financial year. |
| Government Offices | Same day (if paid without challan) OR 7 days (if paid with challan). |
Special Case: “Form 141” Payments (Rent, Property, etc.) For specific high-value transactions by individuals or HUFs (Rent > ₹50k, Property Transfer, Contractors, Virtual Digital Assets), the payment deadline is 30 days from the end of the month in which the deduction is made,.
2. New Deadlines for TDS Returns (Rule 219)
The Quarterly Statements of TDS (now called Form 138, 140, etc.) must be filed according to the following schedule. Note that the deadline for the last quarter remains 31st May.
| Quarter Period | Quarter Ending | Due Date for Filing Return |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Apr – Jun) | 30th June | 31st July |
| Q2 (Jul – Sep) | 30th September | 31st October |
| Q3 (Oct – Dec) | 31st December | 31st January |
| Q4 (Jan – Mar) | 31st March | 31st May |
3. The “New Form” Dictionary
This is the most critical change for tax professionals and deductors. You will need to update your software and terminology to match the new form numbers.
A. Quarterly TDS/TCS Returns
| Old Form | New Form (2026) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 24Q | Form No. 138 | TDS on Salary (and specified Senior Citizens),. |
| Form 26Q | Form No. 140 | TDS on payments other than Salary (Residents),. |
| Form 27Q | Form No. 144 | TDS on payments to Non-Residents,. |
| Form 27EQ | Form No. 143 | Tax Collected at Source (TCS),. |
B. The “Mega Form” 141 (Consolidation)
The new rules have merged multiple challan-cum-statements used by individuals into a single form.
| Old Form | New Form (2026) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 26QB | Form No. 141 | TDS on Sale of Immovable Property. |
| Form 26QC | Form No. 141 | TDS on Rent (exceeding ₹50,000/month). |
| Form 26QD | Form No. 141 | TDS on Payments to Contractors/Professionals. |
| Form 26QE | Form No. 141 | TDS on Virtual Digital Assets (VDA). |
Note: In Form 141, you will simply select the “Nature of Transaction” from a dropdown list (e.g., “Payment of rent” or “Transfer of immovable property”).
C. TDS Certificates
| Old Form | New Form (2026) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 16 | Form No. 130 | Certificate for Salary (Issued annually by 15th June). |
| Form 16A | Form No. 131 | Certificate for Non-Salary TDS (Issued quarterly). |
| Form 16B/C/D/E | Form No. 132 | Certificate for Property/Rent/Contractor TDS (Issued within 15 days of filing Form 141). |
| Form 27D | Form No. 133 | Certificate for TCS. |
D. No Deduction Declarations
| Old Form | New Form (2026) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 15G / 15H | Form No. 121 | Self-declaration for no TDS (Consolidated for both General and Senior Citizens). |
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Action | New Form | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| File Salary TDS Return | Form 138 | 31st July/Oct/Jan/May |
| File Other TDS Return | Form 140 | 31st July/Oct/Jan/May |
| Pay TDS on Property/Rent | Form 141 | 30 days from end of month |
| Issue Salary Certificate | Form 130 | 15th June |
| Avoid TDS (Self-Dec) | Form 121 | Start of Tax Year |