21 May 2016
Respected experts, We are paying subscription amount to an assocation which will represent us in court on an specific issue related to electricity tariff.There are also around 4-5 companies apart from our company who are paying subscription to the association because the issue is common for all companies.The association will appoint advocate on behalf of these companies and will represent the case in front of authority concerned. My query is whether we should deduct TDS on this amount or not? If yes,then on which rate? Amount is Rs.300000. Thanks in advance. Early reply will be appreciated.
21 May 2016
Respected experts, We are paying subscription amount to an assocation which will represent us in court on an specific issue related to electricity tariff.There are also around 4-5 companies apart from our company who are paying subscription to the association because the issue is common for all companies.The association will appoint advocate on behalf of these companies and will represent the case in front of authority concerned. My query is whether we should deduct TDS on this amount or not? If yes,then on which rate? Amount is Rs.300000. Thanks in advance. Early reply will be appreciated.
27 July 2025
Thanks for sharing the query! Here's a clear answer regarding **TDS on subscription amount paid to an association** that represents companies in legal matters:
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### Is TDS deductible on subscription amount paid to the association?
* **Yes**, TDS **should be deducted** because the subscription amount is effectively a **professional or technical service fee** paid to the association for representing you before authorities and legal matters.
### Under which section and rate?
* TDS should be deducted under **Section 194J** (Professional fees / technical services). * The applicable rate of TDS under Section 194J is **10%**.
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### Explanation:
* Although this is called a "subscription," since the association is providing **professional/legal representation services** (through advocates) on your behalf, the payment qualifies as fees for professional services. * Therefore, TDS applies just like any professional service fees.
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### Example:
* Amount paid: Rs. 3,00,000 * TDS @10% = Rs. 30,000 to be deducted and deposited by the payer.
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### Note:
* The association should provide a **Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)** or PAN, so that TDS can be properly credited. * If PAN is not provided, TDS at higher rate (20%) may be applicable.
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If you want, I can help draft the TDS certificate or payment entry for this case. Would you like that?