Section 206C Income Tax: TCS Rates, Rules & 2026 Budget Update

Budget 2026 — Proposed Changes to Section 206C

Budget 2026 has proposed a rationalisation of section 206C rates.

The key proposals are:

• Streamlining multiple rates into a uniform 2% rate for certain goods currently covered under 206C(1)

• Simplifying the rate structure to reduce compliance complexity across categories

Until these proposals are enacted into law, the current section 206C TCS rates continue to apply in full. Don't switch to the proposed rates prematurely.

Exemptions Under Section 206C

TCS under section 206C does not apply in all situations. Common exemptions include:

• Cases where TDS is applicable under another provision for the same transaction — TCS and TDS don't run simultaneously on the same receipt

• Government bodies and specified entities, subject to prescribed conditions

• Certain LRS remittances where Budget 2026 has proposed relief — again, not yet in force

Under section 206C(1C) specifically — if the rights granted don't fall within the listed categories of parking, toll, mining or quarrying, TCS does not apply. Classification of the right being transferred is everything.

Penalties for Non-Compliance Under Section 206C

Getting section 206C wrong isn't just a paperwork issue.

• Interest at 1% per month for failure to collect TCS

• Interest at 1.5% per month for failure to deposit TCS after collection

• Penalty equal to the TCS amount in certain default cases

• Prosecution provisions may apply in serious or repeated non-compliance situations

Most defaults don't happen because someone got the rate wrong. They happen because of wrong timing of collection, incorrect classification of transactions, or missed PAN validation. Those are the real pressure points in 206C TCS compliance.

Forms and Filings Under Section 206C

Two forms matter here:

• Form 27EQ — Quarterly TCS return filed by the collector

• Form 27D — TCS certificate issued to the buyer or licensee so they can claim credit against their tax liability

Both are mandatory. Delays in filing 27EQ attract late fees and can trigger demand notices.

FAQs

Q: What is 206C TCS and who needs to collect it?

A: 206C TCS is tax collected at source by a seller or specified person on notified goods, rights, or transactions under section 206C of Income Tax Act. The obligation to collect and deposit lies entirely with the seller or grantor — not with the buyer. If you sell specified goods, grant mining or toll rights, or receive LRS remittances above thresholds, this applies to you.

Q: What is Section 206C(1C) and what rate applies?

A: Section 206C(1C) covers lease, licence, or transfer of rights in parking lots, toll plazas, mining and quarrying. TCS is collected at 2% on the amount received for these rights. This sub-section is frequently overlooked in practice, which makes it one of the higher-risk areas for compliance gaps.

Q: Has Section 206C(1H) been removed?

A: Yes. Section 206C(1H) — which required TCS on sale of goods exceeding ₹50 lakh by sellers with turnover above ₹10 crore — was removed with effect from April 1, 2025. Sellers who were previously collecting TCS under this sub-section are no longer required to do so.

Q: When does the higher TCS rate apply under Section 206C?

A: A higher TCS rate under section 206C applies when the buyer or licensee fails to furnish a valid PAN or Aadhaar. This is a mandatory compliance check that sellers must run before collection. Skipping it routinely results in short-collection notices from the tax department.

Q: What are the Section 206C limits for foreign remittance under LRS?

A: Under section 206C(1G), TCS applies on foreign remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme above ₹10 lakh per financial year. The rate is 5% up to that threshold and 20% beyond it. Overseas tour package sellers also fall under this sub-section, regardless of the remittance amount.

Q: Is TCS under Section 206C refundable?

A: Yes. The buyer or licensee can claim credit for TCS under section 206C in their income tax return. If the total tax collected exceeds actual tax liability, the difference is refundable. The Form 27D certificate issued by the collector is the document needed to claim this credit.

Q: What is the penalty for not collecting TCS under Section 206C?

A: Failure to collect TCS attracts interest at 1% per month from the date it was due. Failure to deposit after collection attracts 1.5% per month. In addition, a penalty equal to the TCS amount may be imposed. Prosecution provisions can apply in serious non-compliance cases under section 206C of Income Tax Act.

Q: What changes does Budget 2026 propose for Section 206C?

A: Budget 2026 has proposed rationalising section 206C rates by moving certain goods under 206C(1) to a uniform 2% rate. The intent is to simplify the rate structure and reduce compliance complexity. These changes are proposed and not yet enacted — current 206C TCS rates remain applicable until they are.

Q: Does Section 206C apply on sale of motor vehicles below ₹10 lakh?

A: No. Section 206C(1F) applies only when the invoice value of the motor vehicle exceeds ₹10 lakh. If the vehicle is priced at or below that threshold, TCS under section 206C does not apply on that transaction. The ₹10 lakh limit is assessed per invoice, not in aggregate.

Q: What form is used to file TCS returns under Section 206C?

A: Form 27EQ is the quarterly TCS return filed by collectors under section 206C of Income Tax Act. After filing, Form 27D is issued to the buyer or licensee as a TCS certificate. Both are mandatory — delays in 27EQ attract late fees and can trigger demand notices from the tax department.