If you are renting a property and paying more than ₹50,000 per month, you are likely covered under Section 194IB of the Income Tax Act. This section aims to bring high-value rental transactions into the tax net by placing the responsibility of deducting tax directly on tenants. Whether you are a salaried individual or a business renting residential premises, you need to understand how this provision affects your tax compliance. Section 194IB not only impacts how rent is paid but also how tax is deposited and reported in your income tax return filing. This guide explains everything you need to know in a simplified format.
What is Section 194IB of the Income Tax Act?
Section 194IB was introduced to ensure that rent paid by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), who are not subject to tax audit, is also brought under the scope of TDS. If you pay rent exceeding ₹50,000 per month to a resident landlord, you must deduct tax at 5% and deposit it with the government. This provision is applicable even if you are not running a business or profession, as long as the rent crosses the prescribed threshold. You do not need a TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) to deduct TDS under this section. Instead, you can use your PAN while submitting Form 26QC and issuing Form 16C to the landlord.
Applicability of Section 194IB
Before understanding whether Section 194IB applies to you, it is essential to consider the amount of rent, the nature of the property, and your taxpayer classification. Here are the key applicability points:
Monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000
TDS under this section applies if your monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000, even by a small margin, during any month in the financial year.
Applicable to individuals and HUFs
This provision applies only if you are an individual or a HUF not liable to tax audit under Section 44AB in the previous financial year.
Only for residential property
Section 194IB is applicable only for rent paid for residential properties, not for commercial establishments or machinery.
Landlord must be a resident
The landlord receiving rent must be a resident of India. If the landlord is a non-resident, Section 195 is applicable instead.
PAN of both parties is required
Both the tenant and landlord must have valid PANs to deduct and report TDS accurately through Form 26QC and Form 16C.
Who is required to deduct TDS?
Understanding who is responsible for TDS deduction under Section 194IB is important for proper compliance. The following conditions clarify your obligation:
Individual tenants paying over ₹50,000 rent
If you are an individual tenant paying monthly rent above ₹50,000, you must deduct TDS before making the payment.
HUFs with no tax audit obligation
HUFs who are not required to get their accounts audited in the previous year must comply with Section 194IB if the rent threshold is met.
PAN-holders only
Only tenants with a valid PAN can deduct TDS under Section 194IB and complete Form 26QC for tax reporting.
Who is exempt from Section 194IB?
Not every rental transaction requires TDS deduction under this section. Here are the main exemptions:
Monthly rent is ₹50,000 or less
If your monthly rent is ₹50,000 or lower, TDS under Section 194IB is not applicable, regardless of total annual rent paid.
Landlord is a non-resident
If the landlord is a non-resident, TDS must be deducted under Section 195 instead of Section 194IB.
Individuals or HUFs liable to tax audit
If you were subject to tax audit in the preceding year, you must deduct TDS under Section 194I, not 194IB.
Types of rent covered under Section 194IB
This section only applies to specific types of rental payments, with a clear focus on residential property. Here is what qualifies:
Residential flat or apartment
If you rent a residential flat for personal use or employee housing, TDS is applicable if the monthly rent crosses ₹50,000.
Independent houses or villas
Standalone homes rented for residential use are also covered, provided the rent exceeds the threshold amount.
Paying guest or shared accommodation
In some cases, if the rental agreement for PG or shared accommodation exceeds ₹50,000 per tenant, TDS may be applicable.
Furnished residential units
TDS is applicable whether the residential unit is furnished or unfurnished, as long as the rent value is within the taxable limit.
Single tenancy covering multiple units
If your lease agreement covers more than one residential unit under a single contract, and the combined rent exceeds ₹50,000, TDS is applicable.
Key compliance requirements for TDS deduction under Section 194IB
You must follow specific rules and timelines to comply with Section 194IB and avoid penalties. Here are the essential requirements:
TDS rate of 5%
Deduct tax at the rate of 5% on total annual rent paid or payable to the landlord.
No requirement for TAN
Unlike other TDS provisions, you do not need a TAN. You can use your PAN to deduct and deposit TDS.
Payment using Form 26QC
Form 26QC must be filled and submitted online within 30 days from the end of the month in which rent is paid or credited.
Issue Form 16C to landlord
Form 16C is the TDS certificate issued by the tenant to the landlord. It must be provided within 15 days from the due date of Form 26QC filing.
Single deduction annually
TDS is deducted only once in a financial year, typically at the time of making the last rent payment for the year or upon termination.
Timeline and return filing rules for TDS payments
If you are deducting TDS under Section 194IB, you must comply with strict deadlines for depositing tax and filing relevant forms.
Standard due date for TDS payment
TDS deducted must be deposited within 30 days from the end of the month in which rent was paid or credited. This includes filing Form 26QC online.
Extended deadline for March transactions
For rent paid in March, the due date for TDS deposit remains 30th April of the following financial year. This gives you additional time for year-end compliance.
Significance of timely filing
Delays in TDS deposit or form filing may lead to penalties, interest, and disallowance of rent expenses in your income tax return filing.
Procedure for TDS deduction and payment under Section 194IB
The process of deducting and paying TDS under this section is relatively straightforward and does not require advanced tax knowledge.
TDS deposit due date
Once TDS is deducted, you must deposit the amount through Form 26QC on the TIN NSDL website or authorised bank within 30 days of rent payment.
Form 16C – Issuance of TDS certificate
After depositing the tax, download Form 16C from the TRACES portal and issue it to the landlord within 15 days. This certificate confirms the TDS payment and helps your landlord reconcile it during income tax return filing.
Penalties for non-compliance with Section 194IB
Failure to comply with Section 194IB can attract various penalties and financial consequences for you as the tenant.
Interest charges on delayed payment
If TDS is not deposited on time, interest is charged at 1% per month for late deduction and 1.5% per month for late payment until the tax is deposited.
Fines for failing to deduct or deposit TDS
Non-deduction or non-deposit of TDS may result in a penalty of ₹200 per day until compliance is achieved, subject to the total TDS amount.
Rent expense may be disallowed
In case of non-compliance, the entire rent paid may be disallowed as a deductible expense while computing taxable income.
Responsibilities and impact on landlords
Landlords receiving rent under this provision must stay vigilant to ensure correct TDS credit is reflected in their tax accounts.
Monitor Form 26AS
Landlords must verify that TDS deducted is reflected in their Form 26AS, which helps during tax return preparation and tax rebate claims.
Collect Form 16C from tenants
Form 16C is crucial for confirming that the tenant has deposited TDS correctly. It must be collected and stored securely.
Include income in tax return
Even if TDS is deducted, landlords must report full rental income in their income tax return filing and pay balance tax, if any.
Mismatch may trigger notices
Any mismatch between declared income and TDS details in Form 26AS may result in notices or scrutiny from the tax department.
Maintain proper documentation
A clear rent agreement, PAN details, and Form 16C are vital documents for audit or assessment-related requirements.
Differences between Section 194I and 194IB
Feature
| Section 194I
| Section 194IB
|
Applicability
| Businesses or individuals under tax audit
| Individuals or HUFs not under tax audit
|
Property type
| Residential and commercial properties
| Only residential properties
|
Rent threshold
| ₹2.4 lakh per year
| ₹50,000 per month
|
TDS deduction frequency
| Monthly
| Once annually or at year-end
|
Requirement for TAN
| Mandatory
| Not required (use PAN instead)
|
TDS certificate issued
| Form 16A
| Form 16C
|
TDS return form
| Quarterly return (Form 26Q)
| Online challan-cum-statement (Form 26QC)
|
Conclusion
Section 194IB of income tax simplifies the TDS mechanism for individuals paying high rent by removing the requirement for TAN and quarterly returns. If you are paying over ₹50,000 per month in rent, you should ensure TDS deduction and payment through Form 26QC and provide Form 16C to your landlord. This process helps improve transparency and ensures tax compliance. Staying aware of these requirements not only prevents penalties but also assists you in accurate income tax return filing and availing any tax rebate benefits you may be entitled to.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified tax professional for personalised advice related to Section 194IB and related tax provisions.