| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Finance and Accounts |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Taxation Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years in TDS or direct tax |
TDS Executive job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: TDS Executive
Department: Finance and Accounts
Reports to: Taxation Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A TDS Executive handles tax deducted at source from start to finish. They deduct TDS at the right rate, deposit it on time, file the quarterly returns and issue Form 16 and 16A. The role reports to the Taxation Manager and keeps the company clean on withholding tax. A good TDS Executive applies the correct section and rate, never misses a deposit or return date, and resolves defaults on the TRACES portal before they grow into demands.
Key responsibilities
- Deduct TDS at the correct section and rate on payments and invoices.
- Deposit TDS to the government within the monthly due dates.
- Prepare and file quarterly TDS returns accurately and on time.
- Generate and issue Form 16 and Form 16A to deductees.
- Reconcile TDS deducted, deposited and reported in the returns.
- Resolve defaults, short deductions and mismatches on the TRACES portal.
- Collect PAN and lower deduction certificates and apply them correctly.
- Handle TDS on salary in coordination with the payroll team.
- Respond to TDS notices and file correction requests where needed.
- Keep TDS records, challans and returns ready and filed for audit.
Requirements
- B.Com or M.Com
- Strong TDS and withholding tax knowledge
- CA Inter is an advantage
- 2 to 5 years in TDS or direct tax
KRAs and KPIs for a TDS Executive
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Deposit timeliness | TDS deposited by the monthly due date every time with no interest |
| Return filing | Quarterly TDS returns filed by due dates with no late fee |
| Rate accuracy | Correct section and rate applied with no short deduction found |
| Certificate issue | Form 16 and 16A issued within the required timelines |
| Default clearance | TRACES defaults resolved within the agreed time of being raised |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: TRACES portal, Income tax portal, TDS software, Advanced Excel, Tally Prime.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Taxation Manager, Taxation Executive, Senior Accountant
Interview questions for a TDS Executive
- How do you decide the TDS section and rate for a payment?
- Walk me through your quarterly TDS return process.
- How do you handle a short deduction default on TRACES?
- How do you apply a lower deduction certificate?
- How do you reconcile TDS deducted, deposited and reported?
- How do you coordinate TDS on salary with payroll?
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What does a TDS Executive do?
A TDS Executive handles tax deducted at source. They deduct TDS at the correct rate, deposit it on time, file quarterly returns and issue Form 16 and 16A. They reconcile TDS, resolve defaults on the TRACES portal, apply lower deduction certificates and respond to notices, reporting to the Taxation Manager.
What is Form 16 and Form 16A?
Form 16 is the TDS certificate for salary, showing tax deducted from an employee's pay in a year. Form 16A is the TDS certificate for non salary payments such as rent, contractor or professional fees. Both let the deductee claim credit for the tax already deducted when filing returns.
What qualifications does a TDS Executive need?
Most TDS Executive roles ask for a B.Com or M.Com with strong TDS and withholding tax knowledge and comfort with the TRACES portal and Excel. Two to five years in TDS or direct tax is usual. CA Inter is an advantage for handling defaults, notices and complex deductions.