TDS return due date for Q2 2026-27: 31 October 2026, and the new form numbers
Why the forms changed
The Income-tax Act, 2025 and the Income-tax Rules, 2026 took effect on 1 April 2026. Every form was renumbered and reworded ("assessment year" became "tax year"). The job is the same: each quarter you tell the department whose tax you deducted or collected, so it shows up in their tax credit statement. If you file late or wrong, your deductee cannot see the credit, and you can be charged a late fee.
The four statements
| New form | Old form | Covers | Q2 due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 138 | 24Q | TDS on salary | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 140 | 26Q | TDS on non-salary payments to residents (fees, contractors, rent, commission, interest) | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 144 | 27Q | TDS on payments to non-residents | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 143 | 27EQ | TCS | 31 Oct 2026 |
The rest of the year: Q3 (Oct–Dec) is due 31 Jan 2027 and Q4 (Jan–Mar) is due 31 May 2027. Non-salary TDS certificates are now Form 131 (was 16A), due within 15 days of the statement due date, so 15 Nov 2026 for Q2. Statements for FY 2025-26 and earlier still use the old forms.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Assuming the 21 Oct extension applies. It moved the tax-audit report only. TDS statements stay on 31 Oct.
- Leaving it to the last day. 31 Oct is a Saturday. Portals are busiest at month-end, so aim to file a few days early.
- Wrong or missing PAN of the deductee. The credit does not reach them and higher-rate issues follow. Check PANs before you prepare the file.
- Challan details that don't match. Copy the challan serial number, date and amount exactly from the payment receipt.
- Forgetting the certificates. Download and issue Form 131 after the statement is processed.
A late-filing fee of ₹200 per day applies, capped at the tax involved, so a forgotten quarter adds up quickly.
Checklist for 31 Oct
- All TDS for Jul, Aug and Sep deposited (by the 7th of the following month)
- Challan details at hand
- Deductee PANs checked
- Correct form picked (138 / 140 / 144 / 143)
- Statement filed and acknowledgment saved
- Calendar reminder for Form 131 by 15 Nov
Frequently asked questions
What is the due date for the Q2 TDS return for 2026-27?
31 October 2026 for the July to September 2026 quarter, for Forms 138, 140, 144 and the TCS statement in Form 143.
Is Form 26Q still used?
For tax year 2026-27 onwards, Form 140 replaces Form 26Q. Form 26Q is still used for periods up to FY 2025-26, for example correction statements.
Did CBDT Circular 7/2026 extend the TDS return date?
No. Circular 7/2026 extended the tax-audit report date to 21 October 2026. It did not change the TDS/TCS statement due date of 31 October 2026.
When must Form 131 (old 16A) be issued for Q2?
Within 15 days of the statement due date, that is by 15 November 2026.
Official sources
- Income Tax Department: Form 138 (earlier 24Q) FAQs
- Income Tax Department: note on Form 140 (earlier 26Q)
- Income Tax Department: note on Form 144 (earlier 27Q)
- Income Tax Department: note on Form 143 (earlier 27EQ)
- TRACES portal
- Rule 218, Income-tax Rules 2026 (TDS deposit dates)
Not tax or legal advice. This is a free explainer of public rules; deadlines and rules can change by notification, so confirm on the official portal or with your CA before you file. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.
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