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Section 194B & 194BB – TDS on Lottery, Puzzle, Game, and Horse Races

Updated on: 25 Nov, 2024 06:02 PM

Winning big in lottery tickets, tricky puzzles, or betting on horse races? While the excitement of winning is unmatched, it’s important to know that such jackpots come with tax liabilities. Sections 194B and 194BB of the Income Tax Act ensure that the government gets its due from your earnings through Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

Section 194B: TDS on Winnings from Lottery or Crossword Puzzles

Have you ever wondered about people who win money on game shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bigg Boss, Indian Idol, etc., paying tax or not? Do they take the whole money home?

The answer is NO. This is where the concept of TDS u/s 194B comes into play. Under this section, TDS is deducted from any income earned as winnings from the lottery, crossword puzzles, card games, or other ways like entertainment shows; game shows on TV, etc. From the money paid for winnings from the lottery, crossword puzzles, card games, and other similar incomes, the payer should deduct 30% TDS if the amount exceeds Rs.10,000.

Applicability of Section 194B

  • Lottery
  • Crossword puzzles
  • Fantasy sports
  • Gambling
  • TV shows
  • Card games
  • Race betting
  • Other Incomes of similar nature

Who is required to deduct TDS u/s 194B?

The payer who pays the price money is required to deduct TDS under Section 194B, provided the value of the prize or earnings exceeds ₹10,000.

What is the rate of of TDS u/s 194B?

If the winning amount exceeds Rs.10,000, then 30% is the TDS rate on the actual winning amount or value to be deducted.

When should TDS be deducted Under Section 194B?

The TDS must be deducted when the winning amount is paid.

What is the Penalty for non-compliance under Section 194b?

The person responsible for the tax deduction, as discussed, fails to deduct tax at source before paying the winning amount, then this could lead to a minimum imprisonment of 3 months and a maximum imprisonment of 7 years. Additionally, a fine may also be imposed.


How is Tax Computed on Lottery Winnings?

  1. Identify Total Winnings: Determine the full amount of your lottery winnings before any deductions or taxes are applied.
  2. Apply the Tax Rate (30%): Lottery winnings are taxed at a flat rate of 30%. Calculate your basic tax liability using:
    Tax = Total Winnings × 30% (0.30)
  3. Add Health and Education Cess (4%): Add 4% of the basic tax liability as health and education cess:
    Cess = Basic Tax × 4% (0.04)
  4. Check for Surcharge (if applicable): If your winnings exceed INR 50 lakh, a surcharge is added to the tax liability:
    • 10% surcharge on winnings between INR 50 lakh and INR 1 crore.
    • 15% surcharge on winnings above INR 1 crore.
      Surcharge = (Basic Tax + Cess) × Applicable Rate (10% or 15%)
  5. Calculate Total Tax Liability: Add the amounts from steps 2, 3, and 4 to determine the total tax liability:
    Total Tax = Basic Tax + Cess + Surcharge (if any)
  6. Adjust for TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): If TDS has already been deducted from your winnings, subtract the TDS amount from the total tax liability to calculate the remaining tax payable or any refund due:
    Final Tax Payable/Refund = Total Tax - TDS Deducted

Section 194BB: TDS on Winnings from Race Horses

The trend of organizing racehorses has seen a huge fuss in the past few years. With so many people betting on their favorite “studs” to win money, the intervention of Income Tax Law has surely not been far behind. This brought into existence Section 194BB.

Who is required to deduct TDS u/s 194BB?

As per this section, a person

  • who is a bookmaker or Turf accountant
  • have a government license for organizing horse races, wagering, or betting; then, such a person will be responsible for deducting tax.

What is the rate of of TDS u/s 194BB?

TDS Rate under section 194BB is 30% plus surcharges. The deduction is made at the time of payment. If the prize is paid in installments, a TDS deduction will be made at the time of each installment. No tax deduction will be required if the winning amount is within Rs 10000.

What is the Penalty for non-compliance under Section 194B?

The penalty provisions are similar to section 194B. The person responsible for the tax deduction, as discussed, fails to deduct tax at source before paying the winning amount, then this could lead to a minimum imprisonment of 3 months and a maximum imprisonment of 7 years. Additionally, a fine may also be imposed.


What is the due date to deposit TDS U/S 194B & 194BB?

The deadline for depositing TDS depends on the month of credit and the type of deductor. For Government Deductors, the TDS must be deposited by the 7th of April if the credit is made in March. For Other Deductors, the deadline is 30th April for the same month. For any other month, the TDS must be deposited within 7 days after the end of the month in which the deduction is made.


TDS Certificate to the Prize Winner

The prize distributor, i.e., the deductor, is required to issue a TDS certificate in Form 16A to the winner, i.e., deductee. This certificate pertains to the TDS deducted on income earned through winnings, whether from a lottery, crossword puzzle, card game, gambling or betting under Section 194B or from income derived from horse races under Section 194BB.

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FAQ on Section 194B

Q- How much tax will you pay on winning a Rs. 1 Crore lottery in India?

Tax on Rs. 1 Crore lottery would be Rs. 3433200 (i.e., It would be taxed at 30%+ surcharge 10%+ Cess 4%)


Q- How do I file tax on online poker winnings in India?

Taxes on poker winnings will be taxable at 30% of the highest tax bracket.


Q- Can income tax deducted from lottery winnings be claimed as a refund?

The income tax deducted on lottery winnings cannot be claimed as a refund as it is the straight income tax deducted from the assessee’s winning.


Q- Do we need to pay any kind of tax if we conduct talent hunt competitions?

The money earned from such game shows is taxable under the Head of Other Sources.


Q- How much tax is paid for a 5 crore lottery?

The entire amount received will be taxable at the flat rate of 31.20%.

The award winner would have Rs 15.75 crores in their bank account after 10 percent agent commission and 30% tax is deducted.


Q- Is money earned from Dream 11 taxable?

Yes, over and above the prescribed limit.


Q- Can I claim any deductions or exemptions on winnings from lotteries and horse races?

No, we cannot claim deductions or exemptions on income from such winnings. We are required to pay the applicable taxes on these winnings, along with taxes on any other income, after claiming deductions and exemptions on that other income, if applicable.


CA Abhishek Soni
CA Abhishek Soni

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession & entrepreneur by passion. He is the co-founder & CEO of Tax2Win.in. Tax2win is amongst the top 25 emerging startups of Asia and authorized ERI by the Income Tax Department. In the past, he worked in EY and comes with wide industry experience from telecom, retail to manufacturing to entertainment where he has handled various national and international assignments.