e-TDS return is a TDS return prepared in form No. 24, 26 or 27 in electronic media as per prescribed data structure in either a floppy or a CD ROM. The floppy or CD ROM prepared should be accompanied by a signed verification in Form No.27A

As per Section 206 of Income Tax Act all corporate and government deductors are compulsorily required to file their TDS return on electronic media (i.e. e-TDS returns). However, for other Deductors, filing of e-TDS return is optional.

An e-TDS return should be filed under Section 206 of the Income Tax Act in accordance with the scheme dated 26.8.03 for electronic filing of TDS return notified by the CBDT for this purpose. CBDT Circular No.8 dated 19.9.03 may also be referred.

Entities (both corporate and non-corporate deductors) making payments (specified under Income Tax Act) to third parties (deductees) are required to deduct tax at source (Tax Deducted at Source -TDS) from these payments and deposit the same at any of the designated branches of banks authorised to collect taxes on behalf of Government of India. They should also furnish TDS returns containing details of deductee(s) and challan details relating to deposit of tax to ITD.

As a part of automation of collection, compilation and processing of TDS returns ITD has notified an “Electronic Filing of Returns of Tax Deducted at Source Scheme, 2003”. It is applicable to all deductors furnishing their TDS return in electronic form. As per this scheme:

• Deductors (other than government and corporates) may file TDS return in electronic or physical form.
• NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited (NSDL) as the e- TDS Intermediary (appointed by ITD) receives, on behalf of ITD, the e-TDS returns from the deductors.

Revised forms and file formats for e-TDS/e-TCS returns

Deductors furnishing e-TDS/TCS returns are required to furnish a control chart – Form 27A in physical form along with the e-TDS/TCS return furnished in CD/Pen Drive.

Form 27A is a summary of e-TDS/TCS return (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q & 27EQ), which contains control totals of ‘Amount Paid’, ‘Income tax deducted at source’& ‘Tax Deposited (Total challan amount)’. The control totals mentioned on Form 27A should match with the corresponding control totals in e-TDS/TCS return file. Form 27A is required to be furnished separately for each e-TDS/TCS return (Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q & 27EQ).

With effect from February 1, 2014, it is mandatory to submit Form 27A generated by TDS/TCS FVU (File Validation Utility) duly signed, along with the TDS/TCS statement(s). Any other Form 27A submitted will be treated as invalid submission and the same will be rejected by TIN-FC branches.