Key facts
- 194-I threshold
- ₹2,40,000 per year
- 194-I rate (P&M)
- 2%
- 194-I rate (land/building)
- 10%
- 194-IB rate
- 2% (FY 24-25 onwards)
- 194-IB threshold
- ₹50,000 per month
Section 194-I applies when a business, profession or any non-individual entity pays rent crossing ₹2,40,000 in aggregate per year to one landlord. TDS is 2% on plant & machinery rent and 10% on land, building and furniture. Deposit via Form 281 by the 7th of the following month; report quarterly in Form 26Q.
Section 194-IB targets salaried individuals and HUFs (not subject to tax audit) who pay residential rent above ₹50,000/month. TDS is 2% (reduced from 5% effective Oct-2024) on the last month of the FY or last month of tenancy, deposited via challan-cum-statement Form 26QC within 30 days. The tenant must furnish Form 16C to the landlord.
If the landlord does not provide PAN, TDS jumps to 20% under Section 206AA but capped at the actual rent for 194-IB.
FAQs
I rent my office through my proprietorship at ₹30k/month. Do I deduct?
If your firm was subject to tax audit (turnover > ₹1 crore / receipts > ₹50L) in the previous year and annual rent crosses ₹2.4L, yes — under 194-I. Otherwise no TDS.
What if I share a flat with roommates?
Each tenant's individual share of rent is what counts for the ₹50,000 threshold under 194-IB, provided the rent agreement is separate per tenant.
Last updated: 15 Mar 2026