Tax Collected at Source (TCS) - Meaning, Rates, & Due Dates

Taxes are an integral part of any economy, and they serve as a significant source of revenue for governments. In India, the tax system is comprehensive and complex, covering various types of taxes, including income tax, corporate tax, and goods and services tax (GST). One lesser-known but equally important tax provision is Tax Collected at Source (TCS). TCS is a tax collected by the seller at the time of sale and applies to various goods and services. In this blog, we will explore the meaning of TCS, its rates, and due dates, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this tax in the Indian context.

Understanding Tax Collected at Source (TCS)

Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is a tax collection mechanism in India that requires the seller or collector to collect a certain percentage of the transaction value from the buyer at the time of sale. The collected tax is then remitted to the government. TCS applies to various goods and services, and it aims to ensure tax compliance by collecting tax at the source of income.

TCS is governed by the provisions of the Income Tax Act, of 1961. The Income Tax Department mandates TCS to be collected at specified rates on certain transactions, which may include the sale of goods, the sale of immovable property, or the provision of specific services. This mechanism helps in preventing tax evasion and ensuring that the government receives its due tax revenue.

Key Points to Know About TCS

• Applicability of TCS: TCS applies to various transactions, including:

  • Sale of goods: TCS is levied on the sale of goods like minerals, forest produce, scrap, and more.
  • Sale of immovable property: When immovable property, such as land or a house, is sold, the buyer is required to deduct TCS if the sale value exceeds a certain threshold.
  • Provision of services: TCS is also applicable to specific services, such as remittances to foreign countries under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).
• TCS Rates: The rates at which TCS is collected can vary depending on the nature of the transaction. These rates are typically set by the government and are subject to change from time to time. It is essential to stay updated with the latest TCS rates to ensure compliance.
• TCS Collection Process: The seller or collector, who is responsible for collecting TCS, must obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) and use it to collect and remit the TCS to the government. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

TCS Rates and Applicability

To understand the impact of TCS on various transactions, let's take a closer look at the rates and applicability of TCS in different scenarios.

• Sale of Goods: TCS applies to the sale of certain goods. The rates can vary depending on the type of goods and the transaction value. For example, as of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, the TCS rate on the sale of scrap was 1%, while it was 0.075% on the sale of minerals. However, it is essential to check the latest rates, as they may change over time.
• Sale of Immovable Property: When immovable property is sold, the buyer is required to deduct TCS at specified rates. As of January 2022, the TCS rate on the sale of immovable property was 1% for residential properties with a sale value exceeding ₹50 lakhs and 0.1% for agricultural land with a sale value exceeding ₹2 lakhs. These rates may be subject to change, so it's crucial to verify the current rates.
• Provision of Services: TCS is applicable to specific services, such as remittances under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). The TCS rate for these services can vary, so it's essential to check the prevailing rates to ensure compliance.

Due Dates for TCS Payment

Compliance with TCS provisions requires timely collection and remittance of the tax to the government. The due dates for TCS payment can vary depending on the nature of the transaction and the entity responsible for collecting TCS. Here are some key due dates to be aware of:

For TCS on Sale of Goods:

• The due date for depositing TCS with the government is typically the 7th day of the following month in which the tax is collected.

For TCS on Sale of Immovable Property:

• The due date for depositing TCS on the sale of immovable property is generally 30 days from the end of the month in which the tax was collected.

For TCS on Provision of Services:

• The due date for depositing TCS on services can vary, and it's crucial to check the specific due dates mentioned in the Income Tax Act.
• It's important to note that delays in TCS remittances can result in interest and penalty charges, so timely compliance is essential.