TDS return filing online new forms as per income Tax rules 2026 and applicability
Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Income Tax Rules, 2026, the online filing of quarterly TDS and TCS returns has been restructured with a new set of forms. The applicability of these forms depends strictly on the period during which the tax was deducted or collected.
Here are the complete details regarding the new forms and their applicability:
1. New TDS and TCS Return Forms (Applicable from April 1, 2026) For any tax deducted or collected during the Tax Year 2026-27 (starting April 1, 2026), deductors must use the newly introduced forms under the Income Tax Rules, 2026:
- Form 138 (Salary TDS Return): This replaces the old Form 24Q.
- Form 140 (Non-Salary TDS Return): This replaces the old Form 26Q.
- Form 144 (Non-Resident TDS Return): This replaces the old Form 27Q.
- Form 143 (TCS Return): This replaces the old Form 27EQ.
2. New Challan-cum-TDS Statement For specific transactions that do not require a quarterly return, the old forms (Forms 26QB for property, 26QC for rent, 26QD for contractors, and 26QE for virtual digital assets) have been consolidated.
- Form 141: This is the new single, common Challan-cum-TDS statement that replaces all four old forms. It must be used if the triggering event (payment or credit) occurs on or after April 1, 2026.
3. Transition Rules and Deadlines for FY 2026-27 During the transition year, a deductor will be required to file returns under both the old and new Acts, depending on the quarter:
- For Q4 of FY 2025-26 (January to March 2026): You must file the return using the old forms (24Q/26Q/27Q/27EQ) under the Income-tax Act, 1961. The due date for filing this return is May 31, 2026.
- For Q1 of Tax Year 2026-27 (April to June 2026): You must file the return using the new forms (138/140/144/143) under the Income-tax Act, 2025. The due date for this return is July 31, 2026.
- For Q2 of Tax Year 2026-27 (July to September 2026): You will use the new forms, and the due date is October 31, 2026.
4. Online Portal and Corrections
- Dual System Support: To ensure a smooth transition, the e-TDS/TCS return preparation utility (RPU) and the TRACES portal will simultaneously support both the old formats (for periods up to March 2026) and the new formats (for periods from April 2026 onwards).
- Filing Corrections: If you discover an error and need to file a revised or correction TDS return for any quarter ending on or before March 31, 2026, you must continue to use the old Act’s framework and old form formats, even if you are filing the correction after April 1, 2026.