What is the Difference between TDS and Income Tax Return

Explore the key differences between TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and Income Tax. Learn how TDS is a tax collection mechanism, while Income Tax is the total tax liability, in this concise guide.
Home Loan
2 min
11 March 2025

Tax season often brings confusion for many taxpayers in India. Two common terms that frequently cause misunderstanding are TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and Income Tax Return (ITR). The difference between TDS and income tax is critical to understand for proper tax planning. TDS is a method where tax is collected directly at the source of income, while an Income Tax Return is a form filed by taxpayers declaring their annual income and tax liability. When you grasp the difference between TDS and income tax, you can better manage your finances and ensure compliance with tax laws.

Many individuals wonder about the difference between TDS and income tax when planning their financial year. Understanding these concepts is especially important when making significant financial decisions like applying for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan, as your tax compliance status can impact your loan eligibility.

This article will explore the key differences between TDS and income tax return filing, helping you understand how they affect your financial planning and home loan applications.

What is TDS benefit tax?

TDS, or Tax Deducted at Source, is a system designed by the Income Tax Department where tax is deducted directly from certain payments at the source. The difference between TDS and income tax lies primarily in how and when the tax is collected. TDS is automatically deducted by the payer before the recipient receives the payment.

The main purpose of TDS is to collect tax at the point of income generation. For example, when you receive salary income, your employer deducts TDS based on your projected annual income and applicable tax slab. Similarly, banks deduct TDS on interest earned from fixed deposits if it exceeds certain limits.

The difference between TDS and income tax becomes evident when we consider that TDS is just one method of collecting income tax in advance. It helps the government secure a steady flow of tax revenue throughout the year rather than waiting for taxpayers to pay their entire tax liability at the end of the financial year.

For home loan applicants, understanding the difference between TDS and income tax is important because your TDS certificates (Form 16/16A) serve as proof of income when applying for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan.

What is Income Tax Return benefit tax?

Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that taxpayers file annually to report their income, deductions, exemptions, and tax payments to the Income Tax Department. The difference between TDS and income tax return is that while TDS is a tax collection mechanism, ITR is a reporting requirement.

Filing your ITR allows you to declare all sources of income, claim tax deductions, and calculate your final tax liability. It provides a comprehensive view of your financial position for the year. The difference between TDS and income tax becomes clear when you realise that ITR helps reconcile any difference between tax already paid (including TDS) and your actual tax liability.

The benefits of filing ITR extend beyond tax compliance. A consistent ITR filing history improves your financial credibility when applying for loans. For instance, when applying for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan with competitive interest rates starting at 8.25%* p.a, your ITR documents serve as reliable proof of income stability.

The difference between TDS and income tax return is also important when claiming tax refunds. If your TDS amount exceeds your actual tax liability, you can claim the excess amount as a refund only by filing your ITR.

Top 10 differences between TDS and Income Tax Return

Parameter TDS Income tax return
Definition Tax deducted at source of income Form to report total income and tax liability
Timing Deducted throughout the year as income is paid Filed once annually after the financial year ends
Responsibility Deductor (employer, bank, etc.) Individual taxpayer
Purpose Advance tax collection method Income declaration and tax reconciliation
Mandatory nature Automatic for specified transactions Mandatory for specific income thresholds
Documentation Form 16/ 16A issued by deductor Various ITR forms based on income sources
Adjustment Adjusted against total tax liability Determines final tax position
Refund process No direct refund mechanism Enables tax refund claims
Financial proof Serves as partia income proof Comprehensive financial statement
Loan eligibility Basic income verification Strong proof of financial stability


The difference between TDS and income tax return affects how lenders like Bajaj Housing Finance assess your financial stability when applying for a home loan.

Benefits of ITR Filing for Home Loan

Understanding the difference between TDS and income tax return helps in appreciating why ITR filing is crucial for home loan applications:

  • Proof of consistent income: ITR documents for multiple years demonstrate stable income, increasing your chances of loan approval. Bajaj Housing Finance considers your income stability when determining your home loan eligibility for amounts up to Rs. 15 crore*.
  • Higher loan amount approval: A strong ITR filing history with growing income can help secure a higher loan amount. This is particularly beneficial when applying for a substantial Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan to purchase your dream property.
  • Better interest rates: Good tax compliance reflected in your ITR may help you negotiate more favourable loan terms. Bajaj Housing Finance offers competitive home loan interest rates starting from 8.25%* p.a.
  • Faster loan processing: Clear ITR documentation can expedite the loan approval process. Bajaj Housing Finance promises loan approval within 48 hours* of submitting complete documentation.
  • Balance transfer eligibility: Your ITR history affects your eligibility for home loan balance transfers. Bajaj Housing Finance offers attractive balance transfer options with additional top-up loans of up to Rs. 1 crore.
  • Tax benefits on home loans: Your ITR filing history enables you to claim tax benefits on home loan repayments under Section 24 and Section 80C. These benefits make a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan even more affordable in the long run.

The difference between TDS and income tax return filing becomes evident when applying for a home loan, as the latter provides a more comprehensive financial profile.

How to apply for Bajaj Finserv Home Loan

Understanding the difference between TDS and income tax helps in preparing the right documentation for your home loan application. Here is how to apply for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan:

  • Click on the 'APPLY' button on the home loan section of the Bajaj Finserv website.
  • Enter your full name, mobile number, and employment type in the form.
  • Select the type of home loan you need: fresh home loan, balance transfer, or top-up loan.
  • Verify your phone number with OTP and provide additional details like monthly income and required loan amount.
  • Enter your date of birth, PAN number, and other occupation-specific details as requested.
  • Submit your application and wait for a Bajaj Finserv representative to contact you for the next steps.

The entire process is streamlined for your convenience, with approval possible within 48 hours* of complete documentation.

Eligibility criteria to get home loan from Bajaj Finserv

When applying for a home loan, understanding the difference between TDS and income tax return helps in preparing your financial documents correctly. Here are the eligibility requirements for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan:

  • Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen residing in India to qualify for the loan.
  • Age requirement: Salaried applicants must be between 23 and 67 years of age, while self-employed professionals must be between 23 and 70 years of age at loan maturity.
  • Credit score: A CIBIL Score of 725 or higher is ideal to improve your chances of loan approval and better home loan interest rates.
  • Income stability: Regular income with proper documentation, including ITR filings for the previous years, is required.
  • Property documents: Clear documentation for the property you wish to purchase, including all necessary permissions and approvals.
  • Documents required for home loan processing include KYC documents, income proof, property documents, and bank statements for the last six months.

The home loan interest rates offered will depend on your profile, loan amount, and tenure, with rates starting from 8.25%* p.a for salaried individuals.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between TDS and income tax return is essential for effective tax planning and successful home loan applications. While TDS is a method of collecting tax at the source of income, filing an ITR is a comprehensive declaration of your financial status that affects your creditworthiness.

Bajaj Housing Finance offers attractive home loans with several benefits that make homeownership accessible and affordable:

  • Competitive interest rates starting from just 8.25%* p.a
  • Loan amounts up to Rs. 15 crore* based on eligibility to fulfil your housing dreams
  • Flexible repayment tenures extending up to 32 years for comfortable EMIs
  • EMIs as low as Rs. 741/lakh*
  • Quick disbursal within 48 Hours*
  • Home loan balance transfer facility with attractive interest rates
  • No foreclosure fees for individual borrowers with floating interest rates
  • Top-up loan facility of up to Rs. 1 crore for additional financial needs
  • Approval within 48 hours* of complete document submission
  • Access to over 5,000 pre-approved projects for quicker processing

By maintaining proper tax compliance through regular TDS payments and ITR filings, you enhance your eligibility for these beneficial home loan features. Start your homeownership journey today by applying for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan and experience the seamless application process backed by transparent terms and excellent customer service.

Ready to own your dream home? Apply now for a Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan and enjoy competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and quick approvals!

Frequently asked questions

Are Income Tax and TDS the same?
No, they are not the same. TDS is a tax collection method where tax is deducted at the source of income, while income tax is the overall tax liability based on your total income.

Do we have to pay both TDS and income tax?
You do not pay both separately. TDS is adjusted against your final income tax liability when you file your ITR, reducing the additional tax you need to pay.

Do I need to file income tax if TDS is deducted?
Yes, filing income tax returns is mandatory even if TDS is deducted, as it helps reconcile your actual tax liability and claim refunds if excess tax was deducted.

Is TDS applicable on income tax?
No, TDS is not applicable on income tax. TDS is deducted from specific incomes like salary or interest, while income tax is your overall tax liability calculated annually.

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