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Published on:

January 7, 2025

Udeetta Sarma

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Section 194I of Income Tax Act - TDS on Rent

Rent is treated as a payment and is governed by the provisions of TDS under section 194I of the Income Tax Act agenda. This provision is aimed at making tax collection easy by ensuring taxes can be deducted at the source when the rent is being paid. It is a potent tool to mitigate tax evasion and foster compliance among individual taxpayers.

Through this blog, we shall cover the provisions, applicability, TDS rates, exemptions, compliance requirements and recent amendments in Section 194I which will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the law.

What is Section 194I of the Income Tax Act?

Section 194I states that every person or agent making rent payments exceeding the prescribed limit is required to deduct TDS. Words used to describe the dated rent in this section should not be interpreted to simply describe the money provided to the landlord for residential or commercial property. Instead, it covers payments made (under leases, sub-leases, tenancy and other arrangements) for the use of:

Land
Structures (including manufacturing structures)
Machinery
Plant
Equipment
Furniture and Fittings

This broad definition means all manners of rental agreements are included in the law.

Applicability of Section 194I

Section 194I comes into play when the aggregate rent paid or payable in a year exceeds ₹2,40,000. But first, it is essential to know when it can be applied.

Who Needs to Deduct TDS?

Companies/Persons/HUFs liable to get tax audit u/s 44AB in a preceding financial year.
Companies, firms, trusts, partnerships, or associations.

Who is Exempt from Deducting TDS?

Such taxpayers are not required to deduct TDS of rent if they do not need to perform a tax audit as per the provisions of section 44AB.
The Section 194I also exempts rent paid to government agencies or statutory bodies, and rent for agricultural land from TDS.

TDS Rates under Section 194I

For section 194I, the TDS rates vary based on the type of asset being rented:

2%: On payments for the use of machinery, plant or equipment.
10%: Compensation for the usage of land, buildings, furniture, or fittings.

These rates are applicable only when annual rent exceeds ₹2,40,000. These rates do not have any surcharge or cess applicable.

Understanding the TDS on Rent Limit

The limit for Section 194I tds rate on rent was revised in FY 2019-20 from ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,40,000. This has provided relief to small businesses and individuals as it reduced their compliance burden. The revised ceiling implies rent payments below ₹2,40,000 in a financial year are not subject to TDS.

You might also be interested in ‍Section 133(6) of the Income Tax Act.

Time of Deduction

TDS under section 194I must be deducted at the earliest of:

When the payment is paid into the payee's bank account by book entry or otherwise.
When the payment is cash, cheque, draft, or any other mode of payment

It ensures the timely deduction of taxes of the payment or accrual of rent.

Illustration of Section 194I

Now, to understand the applicability of Section 194I, here is an example.

Scenario:

XYZ Pvt. Ltd., which has rented a commercial space for ₹50,000 per month from Mr. A. The total rent paid in a year, ₹6,00,000, is more than the ₹2,40,000 TDS limit. Therefore, XYZ Pvt. Ltd. shall be liable to deduct TDS @ 10% on the rent payable to Mr. A.

Calculation:

Yearly Rent = ₹50,000 x 12 = ₹6,00,000

TDS = 10% of ₹6,00,000 = ₹60,000

XYZ Pvt. Ltd., TDS of ₹60,000 must be deducted and the same should be deposited with the government.

Exemptions and Special Considerations

For which TDS deduction is not required under section 194I in various situations.

1. Payments to the government or statutory authorities:

TDS is not deducted where rent is paid to Government departments or statutory bodies.

2. Rent for Agricultural Land:

Payments received against the lease of agricultural land are not subjected to TDS.

3 . Certificate for Lower/Nil Deduction.

If it is an income that is subject to TDS, the deductee can apply for a certificate under Section 197 to receive said payments without any TDS deduction or at a reduced rate of deduction.

4. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

For non-residents, TDS is deducted at rates prescribed under the DTAA between India and the other country, if applicable.

Compliance Requirements under Section 194I

To ensure compliance, deductors are required to follow these steps:

1. Obtain TAN:

Under Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, deductors need to apply for a Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN).

2. Deduct TDS:

In case the payee is a resident in India then TDS must be deducted on the full amount of rent paid or credited at the rates applicable.

3 . Deposit TDS:

The deducted TDS needs to be channelled with the administration inside the prescribed timetables:

If the payment is made on or before the 30th of a month, TDS is to be deposited by the 7th of the next month.
Payments for March are due April 30.

4. File TDS Returns:

The deductors need to file TDS returns quarterly in Form 26Q.

5. Issue TDS Certificates:

Form 16A must be issued by the deductor to the payee, specifying details of TDS deducted and deposited.

To keep learning more about income tax laws in our country you can also refer to Section 10 of the Income Tax (IT) Act: Exemptions and Allowances.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the provisions of Section 194I would attract:

Interest:

1% per month for delay in deduction; 1.5% per month for delay in deposit of TDS.

Penalty:

Section 271C provides for a penalty equivalent to the TDS amount in case of failure to deduct TDS.

Disallowance of Expenses:

In the case of non-deduction of TDS, the expense on account of rent may be disallowed as a deduction while computing the taxable income of the deductor.

Recent Amendments

In the last few years, there have been major changes in Section 194I:

Increase in Threshold Limit:

The threshold limit for TDS on rent was raised from ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,40,000 in Budget 2019. This change is intended to ease the compliance burden on small taxpayers.

Inclusion of Section 194IB and 194IC:

It brought in new sections for specific cases such as rent paid by a non-liable to deduct tax (section 194IB) and in case of payments made under joint development agreements (section 194IC).

Key Differences: Section 194I vs. Section 194IB

While Section 194I applies to entities liable for tax audits, Section 194IB was introduced to cover individuals and HUFs not under audit. Under Section 194IB, the deductor must deduct TDS at 5% if the monthly rent exceeds ₹50,000.

Conclusion

One such provision of the Income Tax Act is Section 194I which deals with TDS on rent. One of the advantages of TDS on rent is that the government gets tax at source, right when the payment is made as opposed to when the rent is being filed. Deductors need to comply with the provisions of section 194I to avoid penalties, and payees need to ensure that the TDS deducted is credited to them.

Understanding nuances related to TDS on rent like threshold limits applicable, rates, exemptions, and compliance requirements is essential for businesses and individuals. Frequent updates on the latest tax amendments and seeking professional financial advice can also help in applying the ideal tax planning strategies.

Simplify Your TDS Compliance with Swipe

So handling the TDS on rent under Section 194I is no easy task, but Swipe simply makes it a breeze! Our platform is simple enough to cater for the TDS deduction, filing, and compliance for businesses and individuals. You won’t miss a deadline or invitation and face penalties — with automated TDS calculations, timely reminders for due dates and easy integration for payments. From issuing Form 16A to managing multiple TDS filings, Swipe is your one-stop solution for smooth tax compliance.

Make TDS management easier and less stressful. Join Swipe now and complete your compliance for a few clicks on time with accuracy!

FAQ

1. What is Section 194I of the Income Tax Act?

As per section 194I, the tax will be deducted at source (TDS) on rent payments over ₹ 2,40,000 during a financial year. The types of rentals to which it applies include land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

2. Who is liable to deduct TDS under Section 194I?

Per this section, persons like companies, firms, and individuals/HUFs shall deduct TDS where total rent paid or payable exceeds ₹2,40,000 in a financial year. It does not apply to individuals or HUFs not under audit.

3. TDS Under Section 194I Exemptions?

This includes rent paid to statutory bodies as well as government agencies and agricultural land. In such situations, lower TDS rates may be available under DTAA to non-residents.

4. What are the consequences of failing to comply with Section 194I?

Alternatively, the GST law prescribes a penalty for any non-compliance, such as interest of 1% per month in case of delayed deduction 1.5% per month in case of delayed deposit, and potential disallowance of rent as an expense for tax purposes.