10 October 2013
I hope u understand that there is no notification. Procedure to file tds returns are decided by tds cell and these instructions are issued by the department
18 October 2013
Dear anamika . . Yes there is no notification to support that nil tds return not mandatory . . however
1)FAQ of NSDL website says nil tds return not mandatory . 2)as per new FVU utility it is not possible to file return with nil challan and nill deductees so we can also support from here that nil tds return not possible
3)Nil TDS return NOT MANDATORY . Kindly refer Subrule 1 to rule 31A . words used was (person responsible to deduct tax) . 4)subsection 200(3) also supports us in the same manner
18 October 2013
However if department claims us why returns not filed we can reply to department with the aforesaid reasons and the same will be acceptable . . howeever there are some cases where it is made mandatory to file tds return if you have payments to transporters in the respective quarter if you want to go strictly as per law . . kindly find below link containing my article which gives you detailed guidence on that,,kindly refer to comments to article which also will help you . https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/inclusion-of-transporters-details-in-tds-returns-are-mandatory-17543.asp#.UmDiRvmnqWY