What is tax deducted at source on rent — Section 194I explained simply
If you pay rent for office space, a shop, a warehouse, or even machinery — and your payments cross a certain threshold — the Income Tax Act requires you to deduct tax before making the payment. This is called TDS on rent, and it is governed by Section 194I of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Many tenants — especially small business owners and professionals — are unaware of this obligation. They pay rent in full without deducting TDS, only to receive a notice from the Income Tax Department later for non-compliance.





