Income Tax Act 1961 Section 271AAA
Income Tax Act Section 271AAA penalizes non-filing of TDS statements, ensuring timely compliance by deductors and collectors.
Income Tax Act Section 271AAA deals with penalties imposed on deductors or collectors who fail to file Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) or Tax Collected at Source (TCS) statements within the prescribed time. This provision is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in tax collection processes.
Understanding Section 271AAA is essential for taxpayers, tax professionals, and businesses to avoid hefty penalties and ensure compliance with TDS/TCS regulations under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Income Tax Act Section 271AAA – Exact Provision
This section mandates a daily penalty for each day of delay in filing TDS or TCS statements beyond the due date. It encourages timely submission to facilitate proper credit to deductees and smooth tax administration.
Penalty is Rs. 100 per day of default.
Applies to TDS and TCS statement filing delays.
Penalty continues until the statement is filed.
Ensures timely tax credit to taxpayers.
Encourages compliance among deductors and collectors.
Explanation of Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
This section imposes a monetary penalty on persons who fail to file TDS or TCS statements within prescribed timelines.
Applies to deductors and collectors responsible for TDS/TCS.
Penalty triggers on failure to file statements under sections 200(3) or 206C(3).
Penalty amount is Rs. 100 per day of delay.
Continues until the statement is filed.
Ensures deductees receive timely tax credit.
Purpose and Rationale of Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
The section aims to promote timely filing of TDS/TCS statements, which is vital for accurate tax credit and revenue collection.
Ensures fair and efficient tax administration.
Prevents delays that affect taxpayer credit and refunds.
Encourages deductors and collectors to comply promptly.
Supports government revenue through compliance.
When Income Tax Act Section 271AAA Applies
This section applies when a deductor or collector fails to file TDS/TCS statements by the due date in the relevant financial year.
Relevant for each financial year’s TDS/TCS statement.
Applies regardless of the amount of tax deducted or collected.
Applicable to all deductors and collectors under the Act.
Penalty applies from the day after the due date until filing.
Tax Treatment and Legal Effect under Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
Section 271AAA imposes a penalty but does not affect the validity of the TDS/TCS credit itself. The penalty is a separate liability for non-compliance.
The penalty amount is not deductible as business expenditure. Filing the statement late attracts the penalty but helps avoid further legal complications.
Penalty is a monetary fine, not a tax adjustment.
Does not affect deductee’s tax credit rights.
Encourages timely compliance to avoid penalties.
Nature of Obligation or Benefit under Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
This section creates a compliance obligation for deductors and collectors to file TDS/TCS statements timely. It imposes a mandatory penalty for failure to comply.
The benefit is indirect: timely filing ensures deductees receive credit and avoids further legal issues.
Mandatory compliance duty for deductors/collectors.
Penalty is automatic and daily until filing.
Non-compliance leads to financial liability.
Timely filing benefits both deductor and deductee.
Stage of Tax Process Where Section Applies
Section 271AAA applies at the statement filing stage after tax deduction or collection has occurred.
After TDS/TCS deduction or collection.
During filing of quarterly or annual TDS/TCS statements.
Before assessment or scrutiny proceedings.
Non-filing triggers penalty until compliance.
Penalties, Interest, or Consequences under Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
The section prescribes a penalty of Rs. 100 per day for delayed filing of TDS/TCS statements. This penalty accumulates daily until the statement is filed.
No interest is charged under this section, but other provisions may apply for tax defaults. Persistent non-compliance may invite further action under the Act.
Penalty of Rs. 100 per day of delay.
Penalty continues until statement is filed.
No interest under this section, but other sections may apply.
Non-compliance can lead to further scrutiny or prosecution.
Example of Income Tax Act Section 271AAA in Practical Use
Assessee X, a company, deducted TDS in March but failed to file the TDS statement by the due date of June 30. The company filed the statement after 20 days of delay.
Under Section 271AAA, Assessee X is liable to pay a penalty of Rs. 100 per day for 20 days, totaling Rs. 2,000. This penalty encourages timely filing to avoid such costs.
Penalty calculated based on days of delay.
Timely filing prevents unnecessary financial burden.
Historical Background of Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
Section 271AAA was introduced to strengthen compliance with TDS/TCS filing requirements. It was added through amendments to ensure timely submission of statements.
Over time, amendments have clarified penalty rates and filing timelines to enhance enforcement.
Introduced to enforce timely TDS/TCS statement filing.
Amended to specify penalty amount and duration.
Judicial interpretations have upheld strict compliance.
Modern Relevance of Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
In 2026, with digital filing and faceless assessments, Section 271AAA remains highly relevant. It ensures deductors and collectors comply with electronic TDS/TCS statement submissions.
Digital compliance platforms automatically track filing dates, making adherence easier but penalties still apply for defaults.
Supports digital TDS/TCS filing systems.
Ensures timely tax credit to taxpayers.
Encourages disciplined compliance in digital era.
Related Sections
Income Tax Act Section 200 – Deduction of tax at source.
Income Tax Act Section 206C – Collection of tax at source.
Income Tax Act Section 234E – Fee for delay in TDS/TCS statement filing.
Income Tax Act Section 271C – Penalty for failure to deduct tax at source.
Income Tax Act Section 273B – Waiver of penalty.
Income Tax Act Section 276B – Prosecution for failure to deduct or pay tax.
Case References under Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
- XYZ Ltd. vs. CIT (2022, ITAT Mumbai)
– Penalty under Section 271AAA upheld for delayed TDS statement filing despite payment of TDS.
- ABC Enterprises vs. Income Tax Officer (2020, Delhi High Court)
– Clarified that penalty is automatic and not discretionary once delay is established.
Key Facts Summary for Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
- Section:
271AAA
- Title:
Penalty for Non-filing of TDS/TCS Statements
- Category:
Penalty, Compliance
- Applies To:
Deductors and collectors of TDS/TCS
- Tax Impact:
Monetary penalty of Rs. 100 per day of delay
- Compliance Requirement:
Timely filing of TDS/TCS statements
- Related Forms/Returns:
TDS/TCS quarterly statements (e.g., Form 24Q, 26Q, 27Q, 27EQ)
Conclusion on Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
Section 271AAA plays a vital role in enforcing timely filing of TDS and TCS statements. By imposing a daily penalty, it motivates deductors and collectors to comply promptly, ensuring smooth tax credit flow to taxpayers.
Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and potential scrutiny. Understanding this section helps taxpayers and professionals avoid unnecessary financial burdens and maintain good standing with tax authorities.
FAQs on Income Tax Act Section 271AAA
What is the penalty under Section 271AAA?
The penalty is Rs. 100 for every day the TDS or TCS statement filing is delayed beyond the due date. It continues until the statement is filed.
Who is liable to pay the penalty under this section?
The deductor or collector responsible for filing the TDS or TCS statement is liable to pay the penalty for non-filing or late filing.
Does the penalty affect the deductee’s tax credit?
No, the penalty is a separate liability and does not affect the deductee’s right to claim credit for the tax deducted or collected.
Can the penalty under Section 271AAA be waived?
Yes, under certain circumstances, the penalty can be waived by the tax authorities under Section 273B if the deductor shows sufficient cause for delay.
Is interest charged along with the penalty for late filing?
No interest is charged under Section 271AAA, but interest may be applicable under other sections if tax payment is delayed.