Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a method of collecting income tax in India, where a certain percentage of tax is deducted at the time of payment by the payer (known as the deductor) on behalf of the payee (the deductee). This system applies to various income categories, including salaries, interest on fixed deposits, rent, and fees. The deductor is responsible for ensuring that TDS is deducted and filed with the Income Tax Department on behalf of the deductee. Filing the TDS return, including reporting essential details such as the tax amount deducted, the payment method, and the TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) and PAN (Permanent Account Number) of both the deductor and the deductee. TDS returns have to be filed every three months, and the data will show up on Form 26AS of the payee. TDS returns have to be filed accurately, with precision, and on time to avoid penalties. If TDS returns are not filed correctly or on time, the deductor can face penalties, including imprisonment.