If I hire a sales rep on commission only basis without any base pay, should i deduct TDS monthly?

If I hire a sales rep on commission only basis without any base pay, will that person be considered as full time employee or contract? is this allowed to have employee without a base pay? should i deduct TDS monthly when paying at the end of the month? please advise

Replies (3)
Quick Summary
This discussion clarifies the employment status of commission-only sales representatives in India, which can be either an employee or a contractor. It confirms that hiring employees on a commission-only basis without base pay is permissible, provided labour laws like the Minimum Wages Act are complied with. Crucially, employers are required to deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on commission payments monthly, typically at 5% for residents. Consulting legal and tax professionals is advised for full compliance.

 In India, the employment status of a commission-only sales representative can be either:

 1. *Employee*: If the individual works exclusively for your organization, has a fixed schedule, and is subject to your control and supervision, they may be considered an employee.

2. *Contractor/Consultant*: If the individual works on a freelance or contract basis, has flexibility in their schedule, and is responsible for their own expenses, they may be considered a contractor or consultant. Regarding the payment structure: -

*Allowed to have employee without base pay*: Yes, it is allowed to hire employees on a commission-only basis without a base pay.

However, you must ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. - *Minimum Wages Act*: You must comply with the Minimum Wages Act, which mandates minimum wages for certain employees.

Although commission-only employees might be exempt, it's essential to review the specific regulations applicable to your business. Tax Implications: -

 *TDS on Commission Payments*: As an employer, you are required to deduct TDS on commission payments made to your sales representatives.

The TDS rate is typically 5% for residents and 20% for non-residents. -

 *Monthly TDS Deduction*: You should deduct TDS on a monthly basis, as the tax liability arises at the time of payment.

You can adjust the TDS amount at the end of the quarter, if necessary. To ensure compliance with labor laws and tax regulations, consider the following: - *Employment Contract

*: Draft a comprehensive employment contract outlining the terms and conditions, including the commission-only payment structure. - *Labor Law Compliance*: Verify compliance with relevant labor laws, such as the Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, and others. - *TDS Compliance*:

 Ensure timely TDS deduction and deposit, and maintain accurate records of TDS compliance. Consult with a tax professional, labor law expert, or attorney to ensure you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

thanks a lot sir, for the detailed explanation, it clarified my doubts

Dear Sir, You can deduct TDS under Section 194J @ 10% to avoid confusion and deducting under multiple sections.

Leave a Reply

Your are not logged in . Please login to post replies

Click here to Login / Register  

Company
05 October 2026
Senior Accountant

Vision IT Peripherals Pvt Ltd

Mumbai

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 23 October 2026
Articled Trainee

J Y & CO

Hyderabad

CA Inter

View Details
Company
10 October 2026
Accounts Associate Level 1

Abic and Mani Chartered Accountants

Kottayam

B.Com

View Details
Company
19 October 2026
Accountants/Articles (Freshers/Experienced)

ADY & CO.

New Delhi

Graduate (Any)

View Details
Company
Featured ARTICLESHIP 28 October 2026
CA- Inter and Articles

N N V Satish & Co.,

Hyderabad

CA Inter

View Details
Company
06 October 2026
Assistant Manager - Audit and Compliance

Ravi K Jain & Co

Noida

Others

View Details
Company
12 October 2026
AUDIT , ACCOUNTS AND TAXATION

KDSS

New Delhi

B.Com

View Details
Company
19 October 2026
Accountant

Jari Saree Center

New Delhi

Others

View Details