FeaturesPricingFree ToolsBlogAboutContact
LoginStart Free Trial
← Blog

TDS on Contractor Payments — Section 194C Complete Guide

March 20, 2026·7 min read
Quick Reference: Section 194C — TDS rate is 1% for individuals/HUF, 2% for companies. Threshold is ₹30,000 per payment or ₹1,00,000 in aggregate per year. No TDS if PAN provided and payment is to transport contractor (for own vehicles).

Who Deducts TDS under Section 194C?

Any person responsible for paying a resident contractor or sub-contractor for carrying out any work including supply of labour must deduct TDS under Section 194C. This includes companies, firms, individuals (if their accounts are audited u/s 44AB), HUFs, trusts and AOP/BOI.

TDS Rates under Section 194C

Payee TypeTDS RateNo PAN Rate
Individual / HUF1% of payment20%
Company / Firm / AOP2% of payment20%
Transport contractor (own vehicle)Nil (if PAN given)20%

When to Deduct — Threshold

TDS is deducted when payment or credit to the contractor's account exceeds ₹30,000 in a single payment or ₹1,00,000 in aggregate during the financial year — whichever is crossed first.

Filing Form 26Q

TDS under Section 194C is reported in Form 26Q — the quarterly return for TDS on non-salary payments. Due dates: Q1: July 31, Q2: October 31, Q3: January 31, Q4: May 31.

Late filing fee under Section 234E is ₹200/day up to the amount of TDS. Late filing penalty under Section 271H can be ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000.

File Form 26Q in minutes — with FVU validation

companywali auto-validates TDS returns with FVU checks before filing. Generate Form 16A certificates in bulk for all contractors.

Try Free →

Ready to simplify your CA practice?

Join hundreds of CA firms already using companywali. 30-day free trial — no credit card needed.

30 days free · No credit card · GST filing always free · Cancel anytime