TDS on Printing & Stationery

Yes you are right, TDS is not applicable on purchase of materials.

Yes TDS is applicable as it is a work contract and Tax needs to be deducted under section 194C of the income tax act at specified rates. Tds is not required on purchase of Books as it is attracted by CST or VAT

There wont be any tds on PURCHASE, however if you give contract to print the stationaries then TDS u/s 194C @ 2% would be attracted.

Before making any payment to the contractor for printing the stationaries deduct tax and then make payment

If we purchase stationary from the vendor and give him the contract for printing and if the bill includes both purchase of stationary and printing then we have to deduct TDS U/S 194C on the whole amount at applicable rates.

In case if we give printing contract to a different person or if we get bill for printing alone we need to deduct TDS on only that amount and the purchase will not be tax deductible.

Is it necessary to make the payment through cheque on such expenses for making them liable to TDS