TDS IN REAL ESTATE : A BASIC UNDERSTANDING

When purchasing property, it’s crucial to be aware of certain tax implications, particularly TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). TDS requires the buyer to deduct a specific percentage from the purchase amount and remit it to the government as tax. For properties valued over Rs. 50 lakh, a 1% TDS must be deducted.

TDS Rules on Property Purchase

According to the Income Tax Act, 1961, TDS applies when an individual or entity buys immovable property above a certain value. Here are the key points to consider:

-Currently, the threshold for TDS on property purchases is Rs. 50 lakh. If the property’s value exceeds this amount, the buyer must deduct 1% of the total consideration amount as TDS.

–  This TDS requirement applies to both residential and commercial properties, including flats, apartments, houses, land, and commercial buildings.

– The buyer is responsible for deducting the TDS at the specified rate and remitting it to the government on behalf of the seller.

–  The buyer must obtain a TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) if they don’t already have one. A TAN is necessary for TDS deduction on property purchases.

– To comply with TDS rules, the buyer must complete and submit Form 26QB online via the NSDL website or TIN-FCs (Tax Information Network Facilitation Centers). This form includes details of the property, seller, buyer, and TDS payment.

–  After submitting Form 26QB, the buyer must pay the TDS amount through online methods such as net banking or credit/debit cards. The deducted TDS amount must be deposited with the government within the specified due dates.

–  Once TDS is paid, the buyer should download the TDS certificate in Form 16B from the TRACES website. This certificate serves as proof of TDS deduction and must be given to the seller.

–  If the property is purchased with a home loan, TDS is deducted on the entire amount, including the loan portion. The deduction applies to the total consideration amount, not just the cash paid.

–  TDS is not required if the property value is less than Rs. 50 lakh or if the property is for agricultural purposes.

Steps to File TDS on Property Purchase

To comply with TDS rules on property purchases, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have a TAN, as it is mandatory for TDS deduction.

2.  Complete and submit Form 26QB online via the NSDL website or TIN-FCs, including details of the property, seller, buyer, and TDS payment.

3.  After submitting Form 26QB, make the TDS payment through online modes such as net banking or credit/debit cards.

4.  Once the TDS is paid, download the TDS certificate in Form 16B from the TRACES website and issue it to the seller as proof of TDS deduction.

The image contains information about the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on the purchase of property in India. Here’s a text extraction and summary of the key points:

 TDS on Purchase of Property

–  A mechanism for the government to collect tax at the time of property transactions.

–  TDS is applicable when the property transaction exceeds a specified threshold.

–  Typically 1% of the property value for properties above the specified limit.

–  Both buyers and sellers must comply with TDS regulations to avoid penalties.

Form 26QB

– The challan-cum-statement used for filing TDS on the purchase of property.

– Contains information about the transaction, parties involved, and the TDS amount paid.

TDS Certificate Registration and Downloading Process

Steps for TDS Certificate Registration:

1. **TAN Registration**:

   – The deductor must have a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN).

   – Apply online through the NSDL website if not already obtained.

2. **TDS Deduction**:

   – Deduct TDS as per the prescribed rates while making payments.

3. **Filing TDS Returns**:

   – Quarterly TDS returns must be filed online using Form 24Q for salary, 26Q for non-salary payments, and 27Q for payments to non-residents.

4. **TDS Certificate Generation**:

   – After filing the TDS returns, the certificates (Form 16 for salary and Form 16A for non-salary) will be generated by the Income Tax Department.

Steps for Downloading TDS Certificate:

1. **Login to TRACES**:

   – Visit the TRACES website and log in using TAN credentials.

2. **Navigate to ‘Download Certificates’**:

   – Go to the ‘Download Certificates’ section under the ‘Statements/Forms’ tab.

3. **Select Certificate Type**:

   – Choose the appropriate certificate type (Form 16 or Form 16A) and the relevant financial year.

4. **Download Certificate**:

   – Click the ‘Download’ button to get the TDS certificate in a ZIP file format.

5. **Extract and Save**:

   – Extract the ZIP file and save the certificate for your records and further use.

Importance of Compliance

– Ensuring the TDS deducted matches the details in the certificate is crucial to avoid discrepancies.

– Regularly checking and downloading these certificates helps maintain accurate financial records and compliance with tax regulations.

TDS on Property Purchases

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on property transactions is a system where the government collects tax when property is bought. If the transaction amount is above a certain limit, the buyer must deduct TDS before paying the seller. The standard TDS rate for property purchases is generally 1% of the property’s value if it exceeds the specified threshold. The buyer then deposits this TDS amount with the government. Failure to deduct or deposit the TDS can result in penalties and legal issues for the buyer. It is important for both buyers and sellers to adhere to TDS rules to ensure a smooth property transaction.

Understanding Form 26QB

Form 26QB is a challan-cum-statement required for filing TDS on property purchases. This form captures details about the property transaction, the parties involved, and the TDS amount paid.

Familiarizing yourself with TDS regulations on property purchases is crucial for tax compliance. For specific queries, it is advisable to consult a qualified tax professional.

Steps to Register and Download TDS Certificates

Obtaining a TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) certificate involves several steps to ensure compliance with tax laws. Below is a summary of the process:

Registering for TDS Certificate:


    1. TAN Registration: The person or entity deducting tax must have a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN). If not already obtained, you can apply for TAN online via the NSDL website.

    2. TDS Deduction: Deduct TDS according to the prescribed rates when making payments such as salary, rent, or professional fees, depending on the nature of the transaction.

    3. Filing TDS Returns: Quarterly TDS returns must be filed online using Form 24Q for salary, Form 26Q for non-salary payments, and Form 27Q for payments to non-residents.

    4. Generating TDS Certificates: After filing the TDS returns, TDS certificates (Form 16 for salary and Form 16A for non-salary) are generated by the Income Tax Department.


Downloading TDS Certificate:


    1. Login to TRACES: Visit the TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) website and log in with your TAN credentials.

    2. Go to ‘Download Certificates’: Navigate to the ‘Download Certificates’ section under the ‘Statements/Forms’ tab.

    3. Choose Certificate Type: Select the appropriate certificate type (Form 16 or Form 16A) and the financial year needed.

    4. Download Certificate: Click on the ‘Download’ button to get the TDS certificate in a ZIP file format.

    5. Extract and Save: Extract the ZIP file and save the TDS certificate for your records and future use.


Ensuring that the TDS deducted aligns with the details in the TDS certificate is essential to avoid discrepancies. Regularly checking and downloading these certificates helps maintain accurate financial records and ensures compliance with tax regulations.