Here are 10 differences between Income Tax and TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), along with explanations for each point:
1. Nature of Tax:
- Income Tax:
Income tax is a direct tax levied on the income earned by individuals, corporations, or other entities within a specified period.
- TDS:
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a form of indirect tax where a certain percentage of tax is deducted by the payer at the time of making payments such as salaries, rent, interest, etc., and remitted to the government on behalf of the recipient.
2. Point of Deduction:-
Income Tax:
Income tax is calculated and paid by the taxpayer directly to the government based on their total taxable income for a particular financial year.
- TDS:
TDS is deducted by the payer at the time of making payments to the payee and remitted to the government on behalf of the payee.
3. Applicability:
- Income Tax:
Income tax is applicable to individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities based on their total taxable income.
- TDS:
TDS is applicable to specified payments made by individuals, corporations, or other entities as prescribed by the Income Tax Act, 1961.
4. Rate of Tax Deduction:
- Income Tax:
The rate of income tax varies depending on the income slab applicable to the taxpayer.
- TDS:
The rate of TDS is determined by the government and varies based on the nature of the payment being made.
5. Timing of Payment:
- Income Tax:
Income tax is typically paid in advance through estimated tax payments or through withholding from salaries or other income sources, and any balance is settled after the end of the financial year.
- TDS:
TDS is deducted at the time of making payments to the payee and remitted to the government periodically within specified due dates.
6. Responsibility for Payment:
- Income Tax:
The responsibility for paying income tax lies with the taxpayer, who must file their tax returns and settle any outstanding tax liabilities.
- TDS:
The responsibility for deducting and remitting TDS to the government lies with the payer or deductor.
7. Scope of Taxation:
- Income Tax:
Income tax applies to a wide range of income sources, including salaries, business income, capital gains, rental income, and interest income.
- TDS:
TDS applies to specific types of payments such as salaries, interest, rent, commission, professional fees, dividends, etc., as specified under the Income Tax Act.
8. Documentation Requirements:
- Income Tax:
Taxpayers are required to maintain detailed records of their income, expenses, investments, and deductions to calculate their taxable income accurately.
- TDS:
Deductors are required to furnish TDS certificates (Form 16/16A) to the deductees, providing details of the tax deducted and deposited with the government.
9. Adjustments and Refunds:
- Income Tax:
Taxpayers can claim deductions, exemptions, and credits to reduce their taxable income and may be eligible for tax refunds if they have overpaid their taxes.
- TDS:
Taxpayers can claim credit for the TDS deducted on their income while filing their tax returns, which is adjusted against their total tax liability.
10. Enforcement and Penalties:
- Income Tax:
Non-compliance with income tax regulations may result in penalties, fines, or legal consequences, including prosecution for tax evasion.
- TDS:
Failure to deduct or remit TDS as per the prescribed rules may attract penalties and interest charges under the Income Tax Act.
Understanding these differences between Income Tax and TDS is crucial for taxpayers and businesses to ensure compliance with tax laws and fulfill their tax obligations effectively.
