TDS Challan – 280, 281 & 282 : Here's Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes oversees this process, and the use of TDS Challans, particularly TDS Challan 281, plays a pivotal role. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the basics of TDS Challans, their types, and how to effortlessly make online payments using Challan 281.

What is a TDS Challan?

A TDS Challan is a document designed for depositing Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) payments to the government. Introduced in 2004, these challans aim to reduce errors and simplify online transactions related to tax deposits, collections, and TDS refunds.

Types of TDS Challans:

• ITNS 280 single copy TDS challan: Covers income tax, wealth tax, and corporate tax payments.
• ITNS 281 single copy TDS challan: Used for TDS deposition from both corporations and non-corporations.
• ITNS 282 (single copy): Involves payment of estate duty, spending tax, gift tax, and other miscellaneous taxes.
• ITNS 283 (single copy): For payments related to Fringe Benefits Tax and Banking Cash Transaction Tax.
• ITNS 286 (single copy): Encompasses payments made under the declaration of income.
• ITNS 287 single copy TDS Challan: For payments made under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY).

TDS Challan 281 Compliance:

When a taxpayer submits TDS and TCS, a TDS 281 Challan is issued, and adherence to submission deadlines is crucial. For payments other than property acquisition, it must be submitted by the 7th of each month, while property acquisition-related payments are due on the 30th of each month. March and April payments must be made before the end of April.

How to Obtain and Check TDS Challan:

Obtaining TDS Challan:

• Visit the TIN NSDL's website.
• Select OTLAS from the 'Services' column.
• On the OTLAS-Challan Status Inquiry Page, click 'Download.'
• Obtain the necessary copy of TDS Challan from the 'Challan' page.

Checking TDS Challan Status:

• Visit the TIN NSDL's website.
• Select OTLAS from the 'Services' column.
• Choose between CIN or TAN for status inquiry.

Checking with CIN:

• Input data from the counterfoil received upon payment.

• Details include BSR code, tender date, TDS challan serial number, and amount paid.
• View information such as branch code, deposit date, major head code, PAN/TAN details, and more.
• Click 'View' to access all reports.

Checking with TAN:

• Access the TAN-based TDS Challan status enquiry page.
• Enter TAN number and TDS Challan deposit date or period.
• View or download the status of your TDS Challan.

TDS Challan Information Download:

• After selecting the download option, a text file with details for the supplied TAN and its time will be accessible.
• Use this file to double-check TDS challans mentioned in quarterly e-TDS/TCS statements.
• Import this file into File Validation Utility (FVU) along with the quarterly statement file to validate TDS Challan data.

Making Online Payment for TDS Challan 281:

• Visit the TIN NSDL's website.
• Choose a single-copy challan suitable for your situation (most individuals use TDS 281 Challan).
• Fill up the blanks with accurate information.
• Your complete name will be shown according to the ITD PAN/TAN master.
• Confirm details and proceed to the net banking site.
• Enter payment information after logging in with your bank's user ID and password.
• Download the TDS Challan counterfoil with CIN and bank information after successful payment.