27 July 2025
Sure! Here’s the clarity on **TDS on Bank Commission (like LC, Buyers Credit etc.)**:
### Key points:
* **Section 194H** applies to **commission or brokerage** on transactions of business or profession. * However, **bank charges or commission on LC (Letter of Credit), Buyers Credit, etc. are treated as interest or service charges related to banking services, NOT as commission or brokerage**. * Hence, **Section 194H does NOT apply to bank commission/charges related to banking facilities**.
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### Legal / Authority Reference:
1. **CBDT Circulars / Clarifications** There is no explicit case law on LC charges, but it is accepted practice and clarified by tax professionals that **bank charges and commissions on LC/Buyers Credit are not subject to TDS under Section 194H**.
2. **TDS on Bank Charges - under which Section?** Sometimes, TDS can be applicable under **Section 194A** (Interest other than interest on securities) if the payment is interest. But commission/charges on LC/Buyers credit are usually part of the banking service fees, so not interest or commission on sales.
3. **Income Tax Act does not define bank LC charges as commission/ brokerage**.
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### Summary:
* **No TDS deduction under Section 194H on bank commission on LC/Buyers credit.** * If bank pays commission to agents, TDS may apply on that commission. * If interest is paid on Buyers credit, TDS under Section 194A may apply on interest portion.
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If you want, I can help draft a note or give you references from tax expert articles for your records. Would you like that?