Understanding Challan 280 vs Challan 281 Differences

The Government of India introduced challans like 280 and 281 to facilitate income tax collection. TDS challan is a form using which you can deposit TDS and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to the income tax authorities. These TDS challans helped minimise human errors and manage online tax transactions with ease.

Here is a brief overview of the difference between Challan 280 and Challan 281:

Challan 280 is a form that you can use for making income tax payments. You can use it for paying Regular Assessment Tax, Advance Tax, Tax on Distributed Profits or Income, Self-Assessment Tax, and Surcharge. 

Here are the due dates for advance tax payment:

Note: The tax rate will be reduced from the 2nd quarter depending on the amount already paid. 

Challan 281 is the TDS deposit challan that corporates or non-corporate entities use to deposit TDS or TCS. You can make the payment through Challan 281 using offline or online methods. 

Here are the due dates for Challan 281: 

• TDS deducted on payments (except property purchases): 7th of the following month

• TDS deducted on property purchases: 30th of the following month

• TDS deducted in March: 30th April

Here are the steps you need to follow to make payment of your tax through Challans 280 and 281 in online and offline modes:

Online:

• Step 1: Visit https://www.protean-tinpan.com/ 

• Step 2: Go to ‘Services’ and click on ‘e-payment: Pay Taxes Online’ 

• Step 3: Select the ITNS 280/281 Challan 

• Step 4: Enter your PAN or TAN and residential address, bank details, and other information

• Step 5: Confirm the details that appear on the screen

• Step 6: Log in to the net banking site using your credentials and enter payment details

• Step 7: You will get the CIN, payment details, and bank name, which serves as proof of payment

Offline:

• Step 1: Go to the Income Tax Department website

• Step 2: Download Challan 280/281 forms online 

• Step 3: Provide your assessment year, PAN, address, email ID, mobile number, and other details

• Step 4: Visit the bank with the filled form and make the payment

• Step 5: Collect the challan receipt or counterfoil with the 5-digit challan serial number and the 7-digit BSR code

Follow these steps to check the status of your TDS Challan online:

• Step 1: Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/index.html 

• Step 2: Choose whether you want to check the status with CIN or TAN  

• Step 3: Enter the required details to view the TDS Challan status

While dealing with taxation rules, it’s crucial to understand the difference between Challan 280 and Challan 281. Make sure that you pay taxes on time to avoid penalties or other strict consequences due to non-compliance.