E-commerce TDS Relief
TDS slashed from 1% to 0.1% on e-commerce sales
What is This Hack?
TDS on e-commerce operator payments slashed from 1% to 0.1% from October 2024, benefiting sellers with 90% cash flow improvement
How It Works
Section 194-O mandates that e-commerce operators (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.) must deduct TDS on payments to sellers. Earlier rate was 1% of gross sale value, which was HUGE for sellers with thin margins. Budget 2024 announced a massive 90% reduction: TDS cut from 1% to 0.1% effective October 1, 2024. For a seller with ₹1 crore annual sales, earlier TDS was ₹1 lakh blocked. Now only ₹10,000 blocked - saving ₹90,000 in immediate cash flow. This is especially beneficial for small sellers, dropshippers, and businesses with high turnover but low margins (like electronics, books). You still file ITR and claim credit for TDS, but upfront blockage is minimal now.
Step-by-Step Implementation
Verify PAN Linked with Platform
Ensure your PAN is updated and linked with Aadhaar on e-commerce platform (Amazon Seller Central, Flipkart Seller Hub, etc.). Without valid PAN, TDS is 5% regardless of reduced rates.
Check TDS Deduction Rate
From October 2024 onwards, verify that platform is deducting 0.1% TDS, not 1%. Check settlement reports/invoices. If still showing 1%, raise ticket with platform support.
Download TDS Certificates
E-commerce operators issue Form 16A (TDS certificate) quarterly. Download from seller dashboard. Verify TDS amount and PAN details match your records.
Monitor Form 26AS
Check Form 26AS/AIS regularly to ensure platform has deposited TDS against your PAN. Discrepancies should be reported to platform immediately.
Adjust Advance Tax
With lower TDS (0.1%), your advance tax liability increases since less tax is deducted upfront. Recalculate quarterly advance tax to avoid interest penalties under Section 234B/234C.
File ITR Claiming TDS Credit
File ITR-3/ITR-4 (depending on business structure). Total TDS deducted by platforms will be credited. If TDS exceeds actual tax, you get refund.
Real Example: Amazon Seller with ₹50 Lakh Annual Sales
Situation
Ravi sells books and stationery on Amazon. Annual gross sales: ₹50 lakh. Net margin after Amazon fees, shipping, COGS: 15% = ₹7.5 lakh. Actual tax liability (presumptive 44AD @ 8%): ₹4L deemed profit → ₹1.2L tax.
Without This Hack
Old rate (1% TDS till Sept 2024): Annual TDS = ₹50L × 1% = ₹50,000 deducted upfront by Amazon. Cash flow blocked for 12-18 months until ITR refund. Since actual tax is ₹1.2L, no refund but ₹50K blocked.
With This Hack
New rate (0.1% TDS from Oct 2024): Annual TDS = ₹50L × 0.1% = ₹5,000 only. Cash flow improvement: ₹45,000 annually (₹50K - ₹5K). He can use this ₹45K for inventory, marketing, or paying advance tax quarterly.
💰 ₹45,000 annual cash flow improvement + working capital freed
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Applicable only from October 1, 2024 - earlier sales still at 1% TDS
- Must have valid PAN linked with Aadhaar - otherwise 5% TDS applies
- Lower TDS means higher advance tax - recalculate quarterly to avoid penalty
- Each platform deducts separately - track TDS from Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra separately
- TDS is on gross sale value, not on net profit - manage cash flow accordingly
- If you don't file ITR, TDS credit is lost - filing is mandatory
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Registered seller on e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)
- Valid PAN card linked with Aadhaar
- Sales through e-commerce operator from October 1, 2024 onwards
- Resident seller (non-residents have different TDS rates)
- Access to seller dashboard for TDS certificates
- ITR filing to claim TDS credit
Key Benefits
- Potential savings: 90% cash flow improvement
- Implementation time: Automatic
- Legal status: fully legal
- Risk level: low