I called on tin call center for the same reson. But there was no satisfactory reply. they asked me to send a mail to tin_returns @ nsdl.co.in.

if somebody do not have a deductee during a quarter what details should one give ?

It seems there is bug in software & same problem is faced by many.

Since it is not mandatory to file NIL return you can wait till new version is released.

Thanks//VaibhavJ

Yes no penalty!!

IS NOT FILING OF TDS RETURN OPTIONAL (i.e. not mandatory) IN CASE OF A COMPANY ASSESSEE WITHOUT LEVYING ANY PENALTY / INTEREST ??

PLEASE NOTE, IN THE NEW VERSION OF ETDS RPU 3.7 ONE MORE FIELD IS ADDED "Has Regular Statement for Form 26Q/24Q filed for earlier period.

Please guide properly.

Regards,

UPDATED  E-TDS RETURN FILING SOFTWARE NSDL  ETDS - RPU 3.7 / FILE VALIDATION UTILITY VERSION  4.0 / FILE VALIDATION UTILITY VERSION  2.136 /Key features of RPU 3.7 /Key features of FVU Version 4.0 / Key features of FVU Version 2.136

https://www.chdcaprofessionals.com/2013/09/etdsrpu3.7keyfeatures.filevalidationutility4.0.html

Originally posted by : P. R. Chowdhury
	IS NOT FILING OF TDS RETURN OPTIONAL (i.e. not mandatory) IN CASE OF A COMPANY ASSESSEE WITHOUT LEVYING ANY PENALTY / INTEREST ?? PLEASE NOTE, IN THE NEW VERSION OF ETDS RPU 3.7 ONE MORE FIELD IS ADDED "Has Regular Statement for Form 26Q/24Q filed for earlier period. Please guide properly. Regards,

Can you provide section where it is mentioned that filing of NIL return is Mandatory??

I had called up TDS CPC Department to enquire for the same. They said that "NIL RETURN IN CASE NO TRANSACTIONS ARE THERE, HAVE BEEN SCRAPPED" Which means that if there are no transactions for a particular quarter then return for the same is not to be filed . Also she said that, NIL return is required only in cases where the "TDS IS NIL AND THERE ARE DEDUCTEE RECORDS". 

Also, as mentioned by  @ VaibhavJ , the TDS CPC department also agreed stating that there would not be any levy of penalty where returns having no deductee record is not filed.

Thanks & Regards

 Important communication from CPC(TDS)

As the due date of filing of quarterly TDS statement for second quarter of FY 2013-14 is approaching fast, you are advised to file TDS statement well before due date (15th October for Non Government deductors and 31st October for Government deductors). You are requested to make note of the following facts before filing the quarterly TDS statement:

a)      CORRECT REPORTING: Cancellation of TDS statement and deductee row is no longer permissible. Accordingly, it is very important to report correct and valid particulars (TAN of the deductor, Category (Government/Non Government) of the deductor, PAN of the deductees and other particulars of deduction of tax) in the quarterly TDS statement.

b)      Quote correct and valid lower rate TDS certificate in TDS statement wherever the TDS has been deducted at lower/zero rate on the basis of certificate issued by the Assessing Officer

c)      Last provisional receipt number to be quoted in regular TDS/TCS statements: While filing new regular (original) TDS statement, it is mandatory to quote the last accepted provisional receipt number of the regular quarterly TDS/TCS statement of any form type
d)      TDS statement can not be filed without quoting any valid challan and deductee row.
e)      Late filing fee, being statutory in nature, can not be waived.

f)       Download the PAN master from TRACES and use the same to file new statement to avoid quoting of incorrect and invalid PAN.

g)      Validate PAN and name of the fresh deductees from TRACES site before quoting it in TDS statement

h)      Download TDS certificate (Form16A) from TRACES (www.tdscpc.gov.in) bearing unique TDS certificate number and issue to the taxpayers within due date

i)        File correction statements promptly in case of incomplete and incorrect reporting.

j)        Download the justification report to know the details of TDS defaults, if any, on processing of TDS statement

k)      Do view your Dashboard regularly to know about your TDS performance.

l)     Government deductors should obtain BIN (Book Identification Number) from their Accounts Officer (AIN holder) in time and quote the same correctly in TDS statement.

CPC (TDS) is committed to provide best possible services to you.

CPC(TDS) Team

Thanks for Sharing Info!!

It means now we cannot file NIL RETURN...

it is not Mandatory to file NIL RETURN...

Infact wondering how come it can be Mandatory to input last PRN, what if its a first time Return?

and in my software it is not showing Last PRN of Last Financial year.. (the last return filed was Q4 FY 12-13) so waiting for some reply from software company or change in software :(

@ Suranaji..

If there us no transaction/payment made by you then NIL e-TDS return not to file.

However If payment has been made & TDS is not deducted since it was not applicable then NIL etds return to be filed.

Thanks