13 April 2012
X ltd purchases coal from Y ltd @ 5 rs per kg (inclusive of Labour , Stevedoring charges and Freight)
Amount of Labour , Stevedoring charges and Freight are SHOWN SEPERATELY in the bill.
Purchase order (PO) of X ltd does not specify seperatly the amounts of Labour , Stevedoring charges and Freight that is the rate specified on PO is not only of coal.
WHETHER TDS on STEVEDORING charges required to deduct...?
27 July 2025
About **TDS on stevedoring charges** in your scenario:
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### Facts Recap:
* X Ltd buys coal from Y Ltd at Rs. 5/kg (price inclusive of labour, stevedoring, freight). * Labour, stevedoring, and freight charges are shown separately in the bill. * Purchase order (PO) price is a lump sum and does not specify these charges separately.
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### 1. **Is TDS required on stevedoring charges?**
* **Yes, if stevedoring charges are paid as part of a contract for services**, TDS may apply under **Section 194C (Contractor)** or **Section 194J (Technical or professional services)** depending on nature.
* **If stevedoring is part of the composite supply of coal** (purchase of goods), then **TDS is generally not deductible on purchase of goods** under the Income Tax Act, as TDS is on payments for services.
* Since the PO price is composite and does not specify separate amounts, the entire amount is treated as consideration for goods.
* Therefore, **no TDS required on stevedoring charges if it's part of the purchase price for goods.**
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### 2. **What if the party raises a separate debit note for stevedoring charges?**
* If Y Ltd issues a **separate debit note** for stevedoring charges (which can be considered as a service supply), then:
* TDS **should be deducted on the debit note amount** if it qualifies as payment for services.
* Deduct under **Section 194C** (contractual services) at applicable rates (typically 1% for individual/HUF, 2% for others on payment to contractors).
* This debit note is treated as a separate transaction distinct from the sale of goods.
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### Summary:
| Scenario | TDS Required? | Section | | ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ------- | | Stevedoring part of composite goods price (PO) | No | N/A | | Separate debit note raised for stevedoring charge | Yes (on debit note) | 194C |
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**In short:**
* If no separate debit note or invoice for stevedoring charges → no TDS on stevedoring as part of goods purchase.
* If separate invoice/debit note issued for stevedoring → deduct TDS on that amount under 194C.
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If you want, I can also help draft an official TDS clause or advisory note for your purchase order!