Steps to File e-TDS via Government’s E-Filing Portal
The government is reforming TDS filing to be a complete online mechanism, on the other hand, there are taxpayers with no front and back clue of how to file an online TDS return by Utility. People often find themselves stuck with data processing on the tax portal.
For those with trouble regarding online TDS return filing, the article is beneficial as it contains step-wise directions to accurately file TDS returns:
Step 1: Registration on TRACES or E-filing website
Firstly get yourself registered on the government’s official website TRACES or E-filing portal.
Registration on TRACES requires a TAN number and challan details of the TDS filed before (other than Nil return).
To be Noted: Taxpayers who have uploaded their TDS returns on the E-filing website do not have to register on TRACES.
Step 2: Download the Utility From TIN-NSDL
Two utilities are required for processing the TDS data which can be obtained for free from the government authorized TIN-NSDL website. Such utilities are namely, RPU and FPU
RPU (Return Preparation Utility) - The feature is used to prepare the TDS Return by incorporating all the necessary details.
FPU (File Validation Utility) - This is downloaded with the purpose of checking that all the details reported in RPU are matching with the details of CSI File.
Once can download the above two utilities from https://www.tin-nsdl.com/downloads/e-tds/eTDS-download-regular.html
Step 3: Downloading CSI File
CSI File - the term mentioned in the above paragraph is a challan status inquiry file whose requirement is to prove the authenticity of the data that is uploaded while preparing the TDS Return.
Here are the Directions to Download CSI File:
- Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/
- Select TAN BASED VIEW
- Mention the details asked and download the File.
Please Note: Before downloading the period for CSI File make sure that it contains the challan which you have mentioned in the return.
Step 4: Once RPU and FPU are downloaded, open RPU, then choose the correct form number > Select ‘Regular’ option > Click on Continue.
Step 5: Fill in the required fields with accurate information.
Step 6: Saving all the generated files
Once complete details are filled in the form, save the file > Click on Create > dialog box appears on the screen.
1st box asks (challan input file name with the path) to select the CSI file you have downloaded beforehand.
2nd box (error and statistics report file path) is to select the folder in which all the newly created files will be saved. > Click on Validate
Certain files will be created and stored in the selected folder
Step 7: Working with FVU (Full Validation Utility)
Open FVU (Full Validation Utility) a dialog box appears.
The first box (TDS input file name) asks you to select the file that was generated by you in the previous step along with ‘.txt’ as extension. > The second box asks you to select the CSI file > the third box asks you to select the folder in which files will be saved after creation.
Click on Validate
1. Files will be generated, there will be an error file if you have committed a mistake while preparing the returns. Recheck it with details for errors in the newly created PDF file named "27 A".
2. Convert the file with the ".fvu" extension into the ZIP file.
Step 8: Enter the registered TAN number and log into the E-filing portal which is the end step towards the process of TDS filing. > Click on TDS and upload the relevant files.
Fill in the required felids and upload the ZIP File along with the Signature File > then submit the returns.
If an error is encountered during the validation process (as mentioned in Step 7), fix the error. Create the file and validate it again.
Step 9: Wait for 2 to 3 days then check the status of your filed returns on the government’s TRACES portal.
Here above we have explained the complete online filing TDS return via government e-filing on the TRACES portal as commonly known as online TSD return utility. You can also file TDS returns via SAG Infotech famous free download Gen TDS return filing software which is also authorized by the govt of India.
