07 December 2012
My party has paid Advertisement charges to a Trust exceeding Rs.30,000/- which is exempt under IT Act,do my party needs to deduct TDS on such charges?
27 July 2025
Good question! Here's the detailed clarification:
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## Scenario:
* Your party paid **advertisement charges** exceeding ₹30,000 to a **Trust**. * The Trust is **exempt from Income Tax** under the IT Act. * You want to know if **TDS is still required** and whether **Form 15G** can be filed to avoid TDS.
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## ✅ Is TDS deductible on Advertisement Charges paid to an Exempt Trust?
* **Section 194C** (for contract payments) or **Section 194J** (for professional/technical services) may apply depending on the nature of payment. * **Advertisement charges** generally fall under **Section 194C** or **Section 194J** or **Section 194E** depending on nature. * The key point is: **TDS has to be deducted even if the payee is exempt under Income Tax Act** unless a specific exemption is provided under the Act.
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## ✅ Exemptions for Trusts:
* Trusts registered under **Section 12A or 12AA** of Income Tax Act get exemption on their income. * But this **exemption does NOT mean no TDS is to be deducted** on payments made to them. * Unless a specific exemption notification exists, TDS provisions still apply.
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## ✅ Can Form 15G be filed to avoid TDS?
* **Form 15G** is a **declaration for non-deduction of TDS** applicable only for **individuals and HUFs** under certain income limits. * **Trusts and other entities cannot file Form 15G**. * Hence, **Form 15G cannot be used by a Trust to avoid TDS deduction.**
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## ✅ Summary:
| Situation | TDS Deduction Required? | Can Form 15G be filed? | | ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------------- | | Advertisement charges to Trust exempt under IT | Yes, TDS is deductible | No, Form 15G not applicable |
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## ✅ What should your party do?
* Deduct TDS on advertisement charges paid to the Trust as per applicable section. * The Trust can claim exemption/refund of TDS while filing its Income Tax Return. * Request the Trust for their **Exemption Certificate** (Section 80G or 12A/12AA) for records.
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If you want, I can help you with the exact TDS section applicable on advertisement charges or draft a communication for your party to the Trust regarding TDS compliance.