Step 1: Issuing TDS certificates (due April 14)
Deductors must issue TDS certificates for tax deducted in February 2026 under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M, and 194S (specified persons) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
How to issue certificates:
- Log in to the TRACES portal
- Navigate to the “TDS Certificate” section
- Select the relevant financial year and form type
- Download the generated certificate (Form 16B / 16C / 16D or applicable form)
- Verify details such as PAN, amount deducted, and challan mapping
- Issue the certificate to the deductee within the deadline
These certificates act as proof of tax deduction and are used by taxpayers to claim credit while filing income tax returns.
Step 2: Deposit of TDS (due April 30)
For March 2026 transactions, deductors (other than government offices) must deposit TDS by April 30, 2026.
How to deposit TDS:
- Use the income tax e-filing portal
- Generate challan using ITNS 281
- Select correct assessment year and nature of payment
- Make payment via net banking or authorised bank channels
- Ensure challan details are correctly entered for future matching
Step 3: Filing challan-cum-statements (April 30)
For specified transactions under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M, and 194S, deductors must also file challan-cum-statements for March 2026.
Process:
- File through the TRACES portal
- Enter transaction-level details (PAN, amount, deduction date)
- Validate challan details linked with payment
- Submit electronically and download acknowledgment
Step 4: Other reporting obligations (mid to end April)
Additional filings due in April 2026 include:
- April 15: Statements by stock exchanges and recognised associations for client code modifications (March 2026)
- April 15: Form 15CC quarterly reporting of foreign remittances by authorised dealers
- April 30: Form 24G filing by government offices where TDS is paid without challan
- April 30: Filing of Form 61 for Form 60 declarations (Oct 2025–Mar 2026)
First Published: Apr 13, 2026 3:14 PM IST
