01 April 2012
ONE OF THE VENDOR IS DECLARING ITSELF AS A TRANSPORTER.THE AGREEMENT WITH THE TRANSPORTER IS OF DOOR TO DOOR EXPRESS CARGO DELIVERY.THE TRANSPORTER IS NOT CHARGING SERVICE TAX & THE CO. PAYING FREIGHT IS DEPOSITING ON HIS BEHALF. ACC. TO ME IT ATTRACTS TDS.BUT THE TRANSPORTER IS SAYING IT IS COVERED U/S 194C(6).PLEASE ADVICE ME OF THE ABOVE ISSUE?
27 July 2025
Got it! Here’s a clear explanation and steps for your transporter TDS issue:
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### TDS on Transporters (Section 194C(6) & (7))
**Background:**
* Under **Section 194C(6)**, transporters who fulfill certain conditions are **exempt from TDS deduction** by the payer. * For this exemption, the transporter must provide **a declaration in Form 10E** along with their PAN. * The declaration must state that they are engaged in the business of transport by road and that they have not subcontracted the work to others. * The payer must verify and maintain these documents to claim exemption from deducting TDS on transport charges.
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### What details you should obtain from the transporter (to claim exemption under Sec 194C(6)):
1. **PAN of the Transporter** (mandatory) 2. **Declaration in Form 10E** signed by the transporter stating:
* They are a transporter engaged in the business of transporting goods by road. * They have not sub-contracted the contract work. 3. **Address and other contact details** for record-keeping.
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### What if the transporter does not provide Form 10E?
* If transporter **does not provide Form 10E**, **TDS @ 1% (if transporter has PAN) or 20% (if no PAN)** must be deducted under Section 194C on the freight payment. * You can’t skip TDS deduction unless you have the transporter’s declaration (Form 10E).
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### Regarding Service Tax:
* Service tax on transportation of goods by road is usually payable by the transporter. * If the transporter **is not charging service tax**, and you (the company) are depositing service tax on their behalf (reverse charge), this is independent of the TDS provisions. * **TDS on transport charges is separate from service tax liability**.
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### How to explain/prove to the transporter that TDS is applicable?
* Refer them to **Section 194C** of the Income Tax Act, which mandates deduction of TDS on payments made to contractors including transporters. * Mention that **exemption under Section 194C(6)** is only possible when they submit the declaration in Form 10E. * If the transporter refuses to provide Form 10E, you are **legally obligated to deduct TDS**. * You can share CBDT circulars or Income Tax guidelines on TDS on transporters to back your claim.
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### Summary for you:
| Scenario | TDS Action | | ----------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | | Transporter provides PAN + Form 10E | No TDS deduction needed | | Transporter provides PAN only | Deduct TDS @ 1% | | Transporter no PAN | Deduct TDS @ 20% (penal rate) |
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If you want, I can help draft a format for requesting Form 10E from your transporter or share official circular references.