Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a system of tax collection in India where the payer of the income is required to deduct tax at the time of making the payment. TDS is applicable on various types of income, including interest on fixed deposits (FDs).
Benefits of TDS on FD
The benefits of TDS on FD are as follows:
Reduced tax liability: TDS helps to reduce the tax liability of the taxpayer by deducting the tax at source. This means that the taxpayer does not have to pay the entire tax amount at once when filing their income tax returns.
Compliance with the law: TDS is a mandatory requirement under the Income Tax Act, 1961. By deducting TDS on FD interest, banks and financial institutions are complying with the law.
Curbs tax evasion: TDS helps to curb tax evasion by deducting the tax at source. This makes it difficult for taxpayers to evade taxes.
Easy tax filing: TDS on FD makes it easier for taxpayers to file their income tax returns. The taxpayer does not have to calculate the tax on the FD interest, as it has already been deducted at source.
Transparency: TDS on FD ensures transparency in tax collection. The taxpayer can see how much tax has been deducted on their FD interest in their Form 26AS.
Convenience: TDS on FD is convenient for both the taxpayer and the bank or financial institution. The taxpayer does not have to pay the tax separately, and the bank or financial institution does not have to chase the taxpayer for the tax payment.
Documents required for TDS on FD
PAN card
Form 15G (for taxpayers below the age of 60)
Form 15H (for senior citizens)
Eligibility criteria for TDS on FD
TDS is applicable on FD interest if the interest amount exceeds the following limits in a financial year:
₹40,000 for individuals below the age of 60
₹50,000 for senior citizens
How to avoid TDS on FD interest
Taxpayers can avoid TDS deduction on FD interest by submitting Form 15G or Form 15H to their bank or financial institution. Form 15G is for taxpayers below the age of 60, and Form 15H is for senior citizens.
Understanding TDS in relation to FDs
When a bank or financial institution pays interest on an FD, it is required to deduct TDS at 10% if the interest amount exceeds ₹40,000 in a financial year for individuals below the age of 60 and ₹ 50,000 in a financial year for senior citizens.
Rate of TDS on FD Interest
The rate of TDS on FD interest is 10%.
Interest from FD for senior citizens
Senior citizens are allowed a higher deduction limit of Rs. 50,000 for TDS on FD interest.
TDS on FD Calculation
The TDS on FD interest is calculated on the basis of the following formula:
TDS = (Interest amount * TDS rate)
Guidelines for Managing TDS on the FD Interest
To avoid TDS deduction on FD interest, taxpayers can submit Form 15G or Form 15H to their bank or financial institution. Form 15G is for taxpayers below the age of 60, and Form 15H is for senior citizens.
Tax Benefits of Investing in Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are a popular investment option in India due to their low risk and guaranteed returns. Additionally, fixed deposits offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Taxpayers can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on their investments in fixed deposits under Section 80C.
Ways to Reduce or Save Tax on Fixed Deposits
There are a few ways to reduce or save tax on fixed deposits:
Submit Form 15G or Form 15H: This will avoid TDS deduction on FD interest.
Invest in tax-saving fixed deposits: Tax-saving fixed deposits offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Invest in joint names: If you are investing in an FD with your spouse, you can split the interest amount equally to reduce your tax liability.
Ladder your investments: You can ladder your FD investments by investing in different maturities to reduce your tax liability in each financial year
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FAQ's on TDS on Fixed Deposits
A fixed deposit (FD) is a type of investment where you deposit a certain amount of money for a fixed period of time at a fixed interest rate. FDs are a popular investment option in India because they are low-risk and offer guaranteed returns.
Yes, you can get FD interest without TDS if your income is below the taxable limit. To avoid TDS deduction on FD interest, you can submit Form 15G or Form 15H to your bank or financial institution. Form 15G is for taxpayers below the age of 60, and Form 15H is for senior citizens.
Banks and post offices deduct TDS on FD interest when the interest amount exceeds Rs. 40,000 in a financial year for individuals below the age of 60 and Rs. 50,000 in a financial year for senior citizens.
The TDS rate on FD interest is 10%. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about TDS on FDs:
If you have multiple FDs with the same bank or financial institution, the bank or financial institution will deduct TDS on the total interest earned from all of your FDs.
If you have FDs with different banks or financial institutions, each bank or financial institution will deduct TDS on the interest earned from the FD held with them.
You can claim a refund for any excess TDS deducted on your FD interest by filing your income tax returns.
Fixed deposits are the most widely accepted form of tax saving investment. They not only reduce the tax on your income, but also provide guaranteed returns. The tenure is also flexible and acts as an investment scheme offered by banking and non-banking financial entities.
The minimum amount of unlocking a fixed deposit is chosen by the bank or the financial organisation.
Fixed deposits that protect on taxes have a 5-year lock-in term. In this example, early withdrawal is not authorised. But after five years, it can be withdrawn at any moment, according to the terms and circumstances set forth by the bank or other financial institution.
Compared to FDs, PPF offers a higher return and a longer lock-in period. The income from PPF is completely tax free in the hands of investors from the perspective of tax savings, but the income from FD is entirely taxable. Therefore, PPF is a better option for tax savings than FD.
Notably, they are exempt from paying tax if their annual total income (including FD interest) is less than ₹5,00,000.
Yes, TDS on FD can be refunded if the taxpayer's total income for the financial year is less than the basic exemption limit. To claim a TDS refund, the taxpayer must file an income tax return (ITR) for the financial year in which the TDS was deducted.
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