e-TDS/e-TCS return in accordance with the file formats is to be prepared in clean text ASCII format with 'txt' as filename extension. e-TDS/e-TCS return can be prepared using in-house software, any other third party software or the NSDL e-TDS Return Preparation Utility (e-TDS RPU-Light).

You can see the sample files prepared as per the file formats from www.tin-nsdl.com.

A popular software for filing e-TDS/e-TCS return is TDSMAN.

TDSMAN is the complete tds software exclusively designed as per system specified by the NSDL in line with the requirements of the Income Tax Department, Govt. of India.

It is a simple eTDS software, which will assist in processing your returns pertaining to forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q & 27EQ .This TDS software also prints TDS certificates - form 16, form 16A.

You can download this software from https://www.tdsman.com

Steps for filing TDS / TCS returns in TDSMAN Software are very simple, they are as follows:

1. Create Company Master (if not already created).

2. Select TDS/TCS Form (24Q, 26Q, 27Q, 27EQ) from the “Regular Returns” menu.

3. In the Form, select the Financial Year, Quarter and Company and proceed with providing Challan and corresponding Deductee details.

4. After completion of all entries, generate the return and complete the validation process.

5. The validated file is to be copied on CD / Floppy / Pen drive for submission or upload.

6. Print Form 27A or 27B (as applicable) that is accompanied along with the CD / Floppy/ Pen Drive

7. The Receipt No. received on acceptance of the return is to be recorded as it is used at the time of printing TDS/ TCS certificates.

Step3

Once the file has been prepared as per the file format, it should be verified using the File Validation Utility (FVU) provided by NSDL.

* FVU for Annual Returns: e-TDS / e-TCS returns prepared for FY 2004-05 (Forms 24, 26, 27 and 27E) can be validated using this utility.

* FVU for Quarterly Returns: e-TDS / e-TCS returns prepared upto FY 2009-10 and onwards (i.e. Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q and 27EQ) can be validated using this utility.

* FVU for Quarterly Returns: e-TDS / e-TCS returns prepared for FY 2010-11 and onwards (i.e. Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q and 27EQ) can be validated using this utility.

Step 4

In case file has any errors the FVU will give a report of the errors. Rectify the errors and verify the file again through the FVU.

Step 5

The upload file generated by the FVU on successful validation is to be furnished to a TIN-FC or directly uploaded through the NSDL web-site.

Annual Returns:

Each e-TDS return saved in a CD/Pen Drive to be submitted along with a signed copy of the control chart (Form 27A).

Each e-TCS return saved in a CD/Pen Drive to be submitted along with a signed copy of the control chart (Form 27B).

Quarterly Returns:

Each e-TDS/TCS return saved in a CD/Pen Drive to be submitted along with a signed copy of the control chart (Form 27A).

Aravindh K (CA) (164 Points)
Replied 02 January 2013

Guys. The new website 'TRACES' for TDS account maintenance gives a new password for consolidated FUV file i.e. the .tds extension file. Use a combination of "TANNUMBER IN CAPS_REQ. NUMBER".

HOPE YOU DONT WASTE TIME ON IT AS DID!!