If you’re handling payroll or employee salaries, understanding Form 24Q is essential. It’s one of the most important TDS returns that employers must file every quarter in India.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Form 24Q is, how it works, due dates, and how to file it step-by-step.
Managing salary records becomes easier with an online payslip generator. It helps you create accurate payslips while keeping your TDS and Form 24Q data organized.
What is Form 24Q?
Form 24Q is a quarterly TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) return filed by employers for tax deducted on salary payments under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act.
In simple terms:
Whenever an employer deducts TDS from an employee’s salary, they must report it to the Income Tax Department using Form 24Q.
Form 24Q TDS Return Meaning
The 24Q TDS return is a statement that includes:
- Employee salary details
- TDS deducted from salary
- PAN details of employees
- Tax paid to the government
It ensures that employees get proper credit for the TDS deducted from their income.
Who Should File Form 24Q?
Any employer who deducts TDS on salary must file Form 24Q, including:
- Private companies
- Government departments
- Startups and SMEs
- Partnership firms
If you pay salaries and deduct TDS, filing Form 24Q is mandatory.
Form 24Q Due Dates (2026)
Form 24Q must be filed quarterly:
| Quarter | Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April – June | 31 July |
| Q2 | July – September | 31 October |
| Q3 | October – December | 31 January |
| Q4 | January – March | 31 May |
Missing deadlines may result in penalties.
TDS quarterly return due dates depend on the filing quarter and must be submitted by employers on time to avoid penalties. For FY 2026, the due dates are 31 July (Q1), 31 October (Q2), 31 January (Q3), and 31 May (Q4). Late filing may result in a penalty of ₹200 per day until the return is filed.
Components of Form 24Q
Form 24Q has two main parts:
1. Annexure I (All Quarters)
Includes:
- Deductor details
- Challan details
- Employee-wise TDS details
2. Annexure II (Only Q4)
Includes:
- Complete salary breakup
- Deductions under Chapter VI-A
- Total taxable income
- Final tax calculation
How to File Form 24Q Online
Follow these steps:
- Prepare TDS return using software or utility
- Validate the file using the File Validation Utility (FVU)
- Generate the .fvu file
- Upload it on the income tax e-filing portal or through TIN-NSDL
- Submit with DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) if required
Penalty for Late Filing
If you don’t file Form 24Q on time:
- ₹200 per day under Section 234E
- Maximum penalty equals total TDS amount
- Additional penalty under Section 271H (₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000)
Simplify payroll and avoid errors in TDS reporting.
Keep your salary records organized for easy Form 24Q filing.
Why Form 24Q is Important
- Ensures compliance with tax laws
- Helps employees claim TDS credit
- Avoids penalties and notices
- Keeps payroll records accurate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect PAN details
- Mismatch in TDS amount
- Late filing
- Wrong challan details
- Not filing Annexure II in Q4
Final Thoughts
Form 24Q is a crucial part of payroll compliance in India. Whether you run a small business or a large company, timely and accurate filing of this TDS return ensures smooth tax reporting and avoids penalties.
If managing payroll feels complicated, using a simple payslip or payroll tool can make tracking salaries and TDS much easier.
NOTE: Managing salary records becomes easier with a free payslip generator, helping you keep accurate data ready for Form 24Q filing and TDS reporting.
FAQs
1) What is Form 24Q used for?
It is used to report TDS deducted on employee salaries.
2) Is Form 24Q mandatory?
Yes, for all employers deducting TDS on salary.
3) What happens if Form 24Q is not filed?
You may face penalties, interest, and notices from the tax department.
4) Can Form 24Q be revised?
Yes, you can file a revised return to correct errors.
5) What is Form 24Q?
Form 24Q is a quarterly TDS return filed by employers to report tax deducted from employee salaries under Section 192 of the Income Tax Act. It includes details like salary paid, TDS deducted, and employee PAN information, ensuring proper tax credit is recorded.
7) What happens if you don’t file Form 24Q?
If Form 24Q is not filed on time, a penalty of ₹200 per day may be charged under Section 234E until the return is filed. Additional penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 may also apply, along with possible notices from the Income Tax Department.
