How to avoid TDS on rental income?

Asked by: Dr. Maxine Leffler  |  Last update: October 16, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)

To avoid or minimize TDS on rental income in India, ensure the annual rent is below ₹2.4 lakh (from FY 2024-25, previously lower) for individuals not under audit, or below ₹50,000 per month (Section 194-IB). Alternatively, submit Form 15G/15H if your total annual income is below the taxable limit. Proper documentation, such as separating maintenance charges from rent, can also reduce taxable income.

What is the most tax-efficient way to be a landlord?

The ownership structure is important. It is possible to own property jointly or in partnership with other family members. This means that income can be shared to minimise tax rates. As a buy-to-let landlord, many expenses incurred while letting your property are allowable for tax purposes.

How to pay TDS on rent paid by individual more than $50,000?

The tenant must deduct 5% TDS on rent payments exceeding Rs 50,000 per month. This form is filed after submitting Form 26QC and shows the TDS deducted. Step 1: Ensure Form 26QC is filed: Before generating Form 16C, ensure that Form 26QC has been successfully filed by the tenant for deducting TDS on rent.

How to pay 1% TDS on property?

Log on to website e-filing portal​ ( https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ ).

  1. Under 'e-file', click on 'e-Pay tax'
  2. Then Click on 'New Payment'
  3. Select 'Proceed' under '26 QB (TDS on Sale of Property)' field.
  4. Fill the complete form as applicable.

What is the maximum rent without TDS?

The TDS needs to be deducted if the total rent amount of such income paid or likely to be paid exceeds Rs 50,000 per month or Rs.6 lacs in the Financial year.

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22 related questions found

Who is responsible for deducting TDS on rent?

As per section 194I, any person (not being an individual or HUF) paying rent to a resident person is liable for tax deduction at source on rent at the rate of 10%, if the annual rent exceeds ₹6 lakhs. Earlier, this TDS rent limit for deduction of tax was ₹2.4 lakh with effect from the financial year 2019-2020.

How to avoid TDS?

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is automatically deducted by banks when your annual interest income crosses a certain limit — even if you're not liable to pay income tax. The good news? You can avoid this deduction altogether by submitting a simple declaration: Form 15G.

Is TDS 100% refundable?

Understanding TDS Refund on Salary

A TDS refund is applicable when the tax deducted at source (TDS) by your employer exceeds your actual tax liability for the financial year. For example, if your total tax payable is ₹20,000 but your employer deducts ₹25,000, you are eligible for a TDS refund of ₹5,000.

What is the rule for 2% TDS?

Rate of TDS : TDS is to be deducted at the rate of 2 percent on payments made to the supplier of taxable goods and/or services, where the total value of such supply, under an individual contract, exceeds two lakh ifty thousand rupees.

How to save TDS on property?

Here are the steps involved:

  1. Step 1: Obtain Form 26QB. The first step is to obtain Form 26QB, which is the TDS return form for property transactions. ...
  2. Step 2: Fill in Details. ...
  3. Step 3: Calculate TDS. ...
  4. Step 4: Deposit TDS. ...
  5. Step 5: Submit Form 26QB.

How to pay TDS on rent by individual without TAN?

However, if the landlord's PAN details are not available, the rate would be 20%, subject to a maximum of the rent payable for the last month of the financial year. No, TAN is not mandatory to deduct TDS on rent and file Form 26QC. Only the PAN card number of the deductor and deductee would be required.

What is the new TDS rule for NRI?

TDS Rates for NRIs

30% for interest earned on non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts and deposits. 10% for long-term capital gains (LTCGs) on equities. 15% for short-term capital gains (STCGs) on equities. 30% for STCGs from debt (non-equity) mutual funds.

Is TDS cut every month?

Yes, TDS on salary is deducted every month. As per Section 192, the employer will deduct TDS on salary at the time of making the payment to the employee. Since the employee gets a salary every month, the employer will make a deduction for TDS on salary every month.

How to pay zero taxes on rental income?

How do I pay no taxes on rental income in the US? Minimizing or eradicating taxes on rental income involves employing strategies such as 1031 exchanges, utilizing self-directed IRAs, claiming depreciation and deductions, leveraging equity through borrowing, deferring sales, and potentially becoming a real estate agent.

What is the 36 month rule?

It allowed sellers to claim CGT exemption for the final 36 months of ownership, even if they had moved out. However, this was reduced to 18 months in 2014 and further to 9 months in 2020, which remains the rule today. This general law is in place as it prevents short-term transaction benefits concerning taxation.

What is the golden rule of TDS?

TDS stands for Tax Deducted at Source. The Golden rule of accounts is Debit the receiver, Credit the giver. TDS is a tax deducted by the payer at the time of making payment.

What are the common mistakes in TDS?

TDS Filing Software: Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes for Accuracy

  • Using Outdated or Non-Compliant TDS Filing Software. ...
  • Wrong PAN, TAN, or Section Mapping During Data Entry. ...
  • Delayed Payment or Late Return Filing. ...
  • Challan Errors or OLTAS Mismatch. ...
  • Missing or Late Generation of Form 16 / 16A.

What happens if TDS is not deducted on rent?

Consequences for failure to deduct or deposit tax

In that case, interest under section 201 will be applicable. If the deductor fails to deduct TDS, interest at the rate of 1% per month or part of the month shall be applicable, till such failure continues.

How to waive off TDS?

How to apply for a TDS waiver? Interest earned on your fixed deposit is considered as your income and therefore TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) applies to it. However, if your total income is below the minimum tax limit, you can apply for a TDS waiver. To apply for a TDS waiver, you need to submit Form 15G/ H.

Can I get my TDS money back?

However, before the salary is credited to your account, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is deducted by the employer. Therefore, you can claim a TDS refund when filing your income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year.

Who is eligible for a TDS refund?

You can claim a TDS refund when the total TDS deducted during the financial year exceeds your actual tax liability. Common scenarios include: Your income is below the basic exemption limit, but TDS was deducted. Banks deduct TDS on fixed deposit interest, yet your total income is not taxable.

How to skip TDS?

How to avoid TDS on dividends?

  1. Form 15G – It can be submitted by resident individuals aged below 60 and any other entity other than a company or a firm.
  2. Form 15H – It is meant for resident individuals above the age of 60. Non-residents cannot avoid TDS deduction through these forms.

How much TDS is tax free?

As per the current Income Tax rules, the exemption limits vary based on the age and taxable income of the depositor. The exemption limit for TDS on FDs is ₹ 50,000 for individuals excluding senior citizens. This means TDS will not be deducted if the interest earned on an FD in a financial year is below ₹ 50,000.