Budget 2023-24: Tax treaty relief at the time of TDS u/s 196A



Quick Summary
The Indian government has proposed an amendment to Section 196A of the Income Tax Act, effective from April 1, 2023. This change aims to provide relief to non-residents by allowing tax treaty benefits to be applied at the time of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). Previously, TDS on certain income for non-residents was fixed at 20%. Now, if a tax treaty offers a lower rate, TDS will be deducted at that reduced rate, provided the non-resident provides a tax residency certificate.

Section 196A of the Act provides for TDS on payment of certain income to a non-resident (not being a company) or to a foreign company, at the rate of 20%. The income is required to be in respect of units of a Mutual Fund specified under clause (23D) of section 10 of the Act or from the specified company referred to in the Explanation to clause (35) of section 10 of the Act.

2.  Representations have been received requesting that the benefit of tax treaty may be considered at the time of TDS so that if the treaty provides a rate lower than 20%, TDS is made at that lower rate.

3. In order to provide the relief requested by taxpayers, it is proposed to insert a proviso to sub-section (1) of section 196A of the Act. This proviso seeks to provide that the TDS would be at the rate which is lower of the rate of 20% and the rate or rates provided in agreement referred to in sub-section (1) of section 90 or sub-section (1) of section 90A of the Act, in case of a payee to whom such agreement applies and such payee has furnished the tax residency certificate referred to in sub-section (4) of section 90 or sub-section (4) of section 90A of the Act.

4. This amendment will take effect from 1st April, 2023.

[clause 87]
 

FAQ :

Section 196A of the Act deals with Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on payments of certain income to non-residents (excluding companies) or foreign companies, at a rate of 20%.

A new proviso is proposed to be inserted into sub-section (1) of Section 196A. This will allow the benefit of tax treaties to be considered at the time of TDS.

If a tax treaty provides for a lower TDS rate than the standard 20%, TDS will now be deducted at that lower treaty rate.

The non-resident must furnish a tax residency certificate as referred to in sub-section (4) of section 90 or sub-section (4) of section 90A of the Act.

This amendment will take effect from 1st April, 2023.




News posted by

Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

Comments :


More »


Popular News





CCI Pro



Company
ARTICLESHIP 04 September 2026
Accounts Executive

Hema Yashwanth & Associates

Chennai

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 September 2026
Article Assistant

MANUJ SHARMA AND COMPANY

Noida

CA Inter

View Details
Company
21 August 2026
Accountant

A G International

Kolkata

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 01 September 2026
Articles

Saini Pati Shah & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants

Mumbai

CA Foundation

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 25 August 2026
CA Article's

Saini Pati Shah & Co LLP

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 24 August 2026
Article Assistant

M/s.S.G.Salecha & Co.

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 07 September 2026
CA Articles

Kothari Jain Patil & Chartered Accountants

Pune

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 01 September 2026
Article Assistant

SGNG & Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details