28 July 2025
Here's a detailed answer for your query on **TDS under Section 193 for interest payment to a Foreign Director**:
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### 1. **TDS Rate on Interest to Foreign Director (Section 193)**
* Interest paid on debentures to a non-resident (including a foreign director) is taxable in India. * As per **Section 193**, TDS on interest paid to non-residents is generally at the rate of **20% + applicable surcharge and cess**, which roughly works out to **20.6%**. * If the payment is made in **foreign currency**, then the tax rate is as above. * If payment is in Indian Rupees, the rate is still the same but **grossing up** may apply depending on the tax treaty.
* India has DTAA treaties with many countries. * The rate of TDS may be reduced if the foreign director’s country has a treaty with India. * You must verify the applicable treaty and possibly deduct tax at a lower treaty rate, e.g., **10%** or **15%**, as per the treaty. * Also, no surcharge and cess may apply if treaty benefits are claimed.
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### 3. **Grossing Up**
* Section 195 requires you to deduct tax on **gross amount** (amount payable + tax). * So, you may have to **gross up the interest** for TDS purposes if the tax is to be borne by the company.
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### 4. **Filing E-TDS Returns**
* The TDS deducted on payment to non-resident directors must be reported in **Form 27Q** (Quarterly TDS return for non-salary payments to non-residents). * You must file the return electronically (e-TDS). * Form 27Q details:
* Deductor's TAN * Deductee's details (Name, Address, Country, PAN or TAN if any) * Amount paid * TDS deducted and deposited * Issue a **TDS certificate in Form 16A** to the foreign director.
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### 5. **Other Points**
* Ensure to get a **Tax Residency Certificate (TRC)** from the foreign director to claim DTAA benefits. * If PAN is not available, TDS rate may go up to **20% or more** as per penal provisions. * Payment should be made through **normal banking channels**.
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### Summary
| Parameter | Details | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------- | | Section | 193 | | Usual TDS rate | 20% + surcharge + cess (\~20.6%) | | Treaty benefits rate | As per applicable DTAA | | Currency | INR or Foreign Currency | | TDS Return Form | 27Q | | TDS Certificate | Form 16A | | Other | Gross up may be applicable, TRC needed |
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If you want, I can help draft the e-TDS filing steps or a checklist for documentation needed for the foreign director.