Income Tax Department lists key TDS deadlines for October, November; check forms and due dates

The Income Tax Department has reminded taxpayers and businesses of key tax deducted at source (TDS) compliance deadlines falling in October and November 2026. The dates cover quarterly TDS filings for the July-September period and the issuance of tax deduction certificates.

In a post on X, the department said, “Deducting TDS is just the first step. Timely deposit and filing of TDS returns are equally important!”

The deadline for filing quarterly TDS statements for the July-September quarter is October 31, while the deadline for issuing TDS certificates for the same period is November 15.

The deadlines assume greater importance following the implementation of the Income-tax Act, 2025, from April 1, 2026, which introduced a new numbering system for several tax forms.

TDS filing deadline: Which forms are due on October 31?

Businesses, employers and other entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax must submit the applicable statements by October 31.

Under the earlier Income-tax Act, 1961, these filings were associated with Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q and 27EQ, respectively.

Form 141, which covers specified transactions such as property purchases, certain rent payments, contractor and professional payments, and virtual digital asset transfers, follows a different timeline. The form generally needs to be filed within one month after the end of the month in which tax was deducted.

November 15 deadline for TDS certificates

The next important date is November 15, when deductors must issue Form 131, the certificate for TDS on payments other than salary. The form replaces Form 16A under the previous tax framework.

The certificate records the tax deducted from payments made to the recipient and is used to claim the corresponding tax credit. Deductors must ensure that the relevant quarterly statements have been filed and processed so that the certificates can be generated through the TRACES portal.

What happens if you miss the TDS due dates?

Missing the prescribed deadlines can result in late fees, interest and other penalties, depending on the nature of the default. The department has urged taxpayers and businesses to complete their filings within the stipulated period.

“Stay compliant! File on time to avoid interest, late fees and penalties,” the department said.

With October 31 approaching, businesses and other tax deductors should verify the forms applicable to their transactions and ensure that the required statements are submitted on time.