What is Form 15G?
Form 15G is a self-declaration form that individuals can submit to avoid Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on income such as EPF withdrawals, fixed deposits, or interest earnings. This form is particularly beneficial for individuals whose total income is below the taxable limit and who wish to prevent premature tax deductions.
Who Can Submit Form 15G?
To be eligible to submit Form 15 G, an individual must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident Indian.
- Age should be below 60 years (Senior citizens need to submit Form 15H instead).
- The total taxable income must be below the exemption limit set by the Income Tax Department.
- The interest income should be higher than the minimum exemption limit before TDS is deducted.
Where to Get Form 15G?
Form 15 G can be obtained through multiple sources:
- Bank branches (for submission related to fixed deposit interest exemption).
- EPF portal (for submission related to EPF withdrawals).
- Income Tax Department’s official website.
- Online banking portals of most banks.
TDS on EPF Withdrawal Rules
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) deducts TDS on EPF withdrawals if the withdrawal amount exceeds Rs. 50,000 and the employee has not completed 5 years of continuous service. However, if Form 15 G is submitted, TDS will not be deducted, provided the individual meets the eligibility criteria.
When is the TDS Applicable?
TDS is applicable in the following cases:
- EPF withdrawal exceeding Rs. 50,000 before completing 5 years of service.
- Fixed deposit interest exceeding Rs. 40,000 (Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens) in a financial year.
- Recurring deposits if the interest crosses the set limit.
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When is the TDS Not Applicable?
TDS is not deducted in the following cases:
- The total taxable income of the individual is below the basic exemption limit.
- The EPF withdrawal is after 5 years of service.
- Interest income from bank deposits is within the prescribed threshold.
- The individual has submitted Form 15 G in advance to the concerned institution.
How to Fill Form 15G for PF Withdrawal?
To fill Form 15 G for EPF withdrawal, follow these steps:
- Download Form 15 G from the EPFO portal or the bank’s website.
- Fill in the personal details, including name, PAN number, address, and status (individual/HUF).
- Provide income details, such as total estimated income for the financial year.
- Mention previous Form 15G submissions, if any.
- Sign and submit the form to the employer or EPFO office.
Instructions to Fill Out Form 15G
When filling out Form 15G, keep the following instructions in mind:
- Use correct personal details as per PAN records.
- Ensure total income is below the taxable limit.
- If submitting for multiple fixed deposits, provide complete details.
- Do not submit Form 15 G if taxable income exceeds the threshold.
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How to Submit Form 15G Online?
Individuals can now submit Form 15G online through the following methods:
- EPFO Unified Portal: Log in to the EPFO member portal and upload the filled Form 15G for EPF withdrawal.
- Bank’s Net Banking: Most banks allow customers to submit Form 15 G online for fixed deposit interest exemption.
- Income Tax Portal: Some institutions allow submission via the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
Benefits of Submitting Form 15G
- Prevents unnecessary TDS deductions on interest income.
- Helps individuals retain full interest earnings without waiting for refunds.
- Useful for those with low or no taxable income.
- Ensures higher liquidity for financial planning.
Conclusion
Form 15G is an essential document for individuals seeking TDS exemption on EPF withdrawals, fixed deposit interest, and other income sources. It is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, filling process, and submission guidelines to avoid any complications. Always ensure that the form is filled correctly and submitted promptly to prevent unnecessary deductions.