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TDS Calculation Formula Explained

Updated on: 25 Oct, 2024 03:34 PM

You’ve probably heard of TDS, which stands for Tax deducted at source. TDS is deducted by the payer before making any payment to you, whether it’s your salary, interest, rent, commission, or other income.

If the calculation of TDS agitates you, you’re on the same page as many people. But don’t worry; we’ll simplify the process of calculating TDS, even if you’re not well-versed in tax matters. Whether you’re new to the workforce or just want to brush up on your knowledge, we’ll explain how TDS is calculated step-by-step and leave you with some tips to save TDS.

TDS and TDS Rates

TDS stands for Tax Deducted at Source, which means collecting tax on income in the form of salary, rent, asset sales, dividends, etc., by requiring the payer to deduct income tax due on such income and deposit it to the government on behalf of the payee.

TDS Rates
The TDS Rate depends on the nature of payment, deductee, and PAN submission. There are different sections in the Income Tax Act that specify different TDS rates, nature of payment, and threshold limits for TDS.

Most Common TDS Rates:

  • For payment of salary, the TDS rate is the standard slab rate or the new tax regime slab rate as opted by the employee.
  • For interest on securities, the TDS rate is 10%.
  • For dividend income, the TDS rate is 10%.
  • For interest on post office deposits, bank deposits, or cooperative society deposits, the TDS rate is 10% for senior citizens (threshold limit ₹50000 and others (threshold limit ₹ 40,000).
  • For payment to contractors or subcontractors, the TDS rate is 1% for individuals or HUF and 2% for others (threshold limit Rs. 30,000 for single transactions and Rs. 1,00,000 for aggregate transactions).
  • For rent of plant and machinery, the TDS rate is 2% (threshold limit Rs. 2,40,000).
  • For rent of land or building or furniture or fitting, the TDS rate is 10% (threshold limit Rs. 2,40,000).

For Complete TDS rates, follow our TDS Rate Chart.


TDS Calculation Formula

General formula to calculate TDS on salary:

Average Income Tax Rate = Income Tax Payable (computed using slab rates) / Estimated earning for the financial year


How to calculate TDS on salary U/S 192

TDS Calculation on Salary:

Step 1: Estimate your total taxable income for the particular financial year. This should include your salary, any other income you earn (such as rental or interest income), and any exemptions you are eligible for (House Rent Allowance, Medical Expenses, and investment deductions)

Step 2: Calculate payable Income Tax through applicable tax slabs. Read our guide “Income Tax Slabs for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

Step 3: Divide your payable income tax by the number of months of employment to calculate the monthly TDS amount.

For example, if your estimated total taxable income for the current financial year is ₹10,00,000 and you are employed for 12 months, your monthly TDS amount would be ₹10,00,000 X 30% / 12 = ₹25,000.

Note:- This guide will help you calculate TDS on salary under Section 192. Your Actual TDS may vary depending on the applicable tax slab. It is always advisable to consult with our tax advisor to get personalized advice.

Some additional points to keep in mind when calculating TDS on salary:

  • If you do not have a PAN card, your employer will deduct higher TDS at a rate of 20% plus 4% cess on other incomes, such as interest from fixed deposits, dividends, winnings from lottery or games, etc.
  • If you have submitted a declaration to your employer opting for the new tax regime, your TDS will be calculated using the new tax slabs and deduction rules.
  • You can claim a refund of TDS if you have overpaid tax.

How to calculate TDS for other than Section 192

To calculate TDS under different sections, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the nature of income and the relevant section that applies to it.

Step 2: Check the threshold limit for that section. If the income exceeds the threshold limit, then TDS is applicable. Otherwise, no TDS is required.

Step 3: Apply the prescribed TDS rate for that section on the income amount. If there is no PAN of the payee, then apply a higher rate of 20% plus cess.


Tips to Save TDS on Your Salary

Some of the tips to save TDS as follows:

  • Claim all the deductions you are eligible for. This includes deductions for HRA, medical expenses, investment deductions, and education expenses. You can claim these deductions by providing the relevant proof to your employer.
  • Invest in tax-saving instruments. There are a number of tax-saving instruments available in India, such as the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), and Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS). Investing in these instruments will reduce your taxable income and, thereby, your TDS liability.
  • Opt for the new tax regime. The new tax regime offers lower tax rates than the old tax regime. However, it also offers fewer tax deductions. If you do not have many deductions to claim, you may be able to save TDS by opting for the new tax regime.

Here are some additional tips for saving TDS:

  • Plan your tax savings in advance. This will help you to make the most of the different tax-saving options available.
  • Keep track of your income and expenses. This will help you to estimate your taxable income and TDS liability accurately.
  • File your income tax return on time. If you file your income tax return on time, you can claim a refund of any excess TDS that has been deducted from your salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- Is TDS Deducted from Your Salary Every Month?

According to Section 192, employers must deduct TDS whenever they make salary payments to employees. Since salary is credited to employees every month, the employer deducts TDS every month.


Q- Is TDS Deduction On Salary Mandatory?

Yes, employers abide by the law to deduct TDS before paying their employees. TDS is to be deducted from the employee's salary per the applicable income tax slab.


Q- What are the different types of payments on which TDS is applicable?

TDS is applicable on various payments, including salary, interest, rent, professional fees, contractor payments, and dividends, among others.


Q- Is it possible to get a TDS refund if excess tax has been deducted?

Yes, if you have had more tax deducted at source than your actual tax liability, you can claim a refund while filing your income tax return.


Q- What is the TDS rate for different types of income?

TDS rates vary for various types of income. You can refer to the Income Tax Act or consult with a tax professional to determine the specific rates applicable to your income.


Q- Is there a threshold limit for TDS deduction?

Yes, there is a threshold limit. TDS is deducted only if the payment amount exceeds the specified threshold limit. For example, in the case of salary income, the basic exemption limit is 2.5 lakh.


Q- Can I reduce the TDS amount through deductions and exemptions?

Some deductions and exemptions under the Income Tax Act can reduce the TDS liability. For example, if you provide investment-related documents, the TDS amount may be adjusted accordingly.


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.