Finance/Compliance Consultant
77882 Points
Posted on 07 November 2026
Nil TDS returns aren't mandatory:
• If no tax was deducted in a quarter, you needn't file a nil 24Q/26Q. TRACES and the e-filing portal provide a facility to declare "non-filing of TDS statement" (Declaration for Non-filing of Statements), to avoid default notices.
• However, 24Q Q4 must report Annexure II (salary details of employees) if salary paid exceeds the basic exemption limit, even if no TDS was deducted (Rule 31A). Many file a Q4 24Q for that reason.
• If transactions occurred below the threshold or with lower or nil deduction (Form 15G/15H or 197 certificate), 26Q should report them (with the flag for lower or nil deduction).