• In the present system of processing e-TDS returns, the returns are processed online and mismatch report showing defaults is generated.
• Based on these reports, theAO issues show cause notices to the deductors
• Substantial returns are pending where deducteewise default due to short deduction is less than Rs.10/-
• It has been decided that where the default on account of short deduction is less than Rs.100/- for each deductorthe demand is rounded off to zero; and
• After considering the above if the deductorwise demand/default of Rs.100/- or less will be ignored for further action
• However, the officers have been instructed to ensure that the short deduction should not become habitual

Instruction No.6/2010 issued by CBDT on 9 August 2010 issued to curb the indiscriminate issuanceof 197 certificates

• Instruction No.8/2006 dated 13-10-2006 laid down that certificate of lower/NIL deduction u/s1 97 are not to be issued indiscriminately and prior administrative approval of the concerned Range head shall be obtained before issue of each certificate
• Instruction 7/2009 read with F.No.275/23/2007-IT(B) laid down monetary limits for prior adminitrative approval of the CIT-TDS or DIT- International Taxation.
• Such certificates are issued manually
• It is now instructed that certificates u/s 197 shall be generated and issued by the AO mandatorily through the ITD system only. In case the certificate cannot be generated on the date of issue, the AO shall upload the data on the system within 7 days of manual issue
• The manual system of issuing certificates had the following issues:

- No check as to whether such certificate has been issued by the authorized/competent AO having jurisdiction

- No information available as regards number of certificates issued or the quantum of revenue involved.

- No systematic reference number which could be amenable to verification. It is not possible to ascertain the veracity of claim, of the deductor about no/low deduction having been made on the strength of a 197 certificate actually issued by the department

• Issue of certificates u/s 197 vide the ITD system shall have the following benefits: -

Amendment under Finance Act, 2011 (insertion of section 194LB)

w.e.f. 1^st June 2011, notified infrastructure debt fund will deduct tax at source at the rate of 5% (plus applicable surcharge & cess) on interest payable to a non-resident at the time of credit or payment, whichever is earlier.

Amendment to Rule 28AA (Certificate for deduction at lower rates or no deduction of tax fromincome other than dividends)

• Now in order to obtain a lower/NIL deduction certificate, is it necessary for the AO to be satisfied that theexisting and estimated tax liability of the applicant justifies the deduction of tax at lower rate or no deduction of tax.

• The mechanism of arriving at the rate of tax deduction has been eliminated. The AO shall determine the rate of tax deduction after considering the following:

1. Tax payable on estimated income of the previous year relevant to the AY;

2. Tax payable on the assessed or returned income of the last three previous years; 3.  Existing liability under the ITA and Wealth-tax Act, 1957;

4.  Advance tax payment for the AY relevant to the previous year till the date of making application.

5.  Tax deducted at source for the AY relevant to the previous year till the date of making application under sub-rule (1) of rule 28; and

6.  Tax collected at source for the AY relevant to the previous year till the date of making application under sub-rule (1) of rule 28.

• The certificate shall be issued direct to the person responsible for deducting the tax under advice to the person who made an application for issue of such certificate

Amendment to Rule 31A (Quarterly statement of deduction of tax under sub-section (3) of section200)

• The deductor at the time of preparing statements of tax deducted will be required to furnish the following additional particulars besides his PAN, TAN, PAN of deductees, particulars of taxes paid to the Central Government:

1. amount paid/credited on which tax was not deducted in view of the issue of certificate of no deduction of tax under section 197 by the AO of the payee;

2.  amount paid or credited on which tax was not deducted on payments made to transporters who have provided their PAN.

Notification 41/2010 dated 31 May 2010 w.e.f April 1, 2010

1. Due dates for payment of TDS

3. Quarterly filed of TDS returns

a.  Statement of deduction of tax under section 192 – Form no. 24Q

b.  Statement of deduction of tax under other sections

‒In case of the deductee being a non-resident or a foreign company or resident but not ordinarily resident –Form no. 27Q

‒In case of all other deductees –Form no. 26Q

4. If the number of deductee‟s / collectee‟s records in a statement for any quarter are twenty or more, the statements are required to be furnished electronically