No TDS on media firms’ advt payment

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 8

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that payments made by newspaper companies or TV channels to agencies for procuring advertisements will not attract tax deducted at source (TDS).

“This clarification puts at rest the litigious issue as to whether such payments/discounts are in the nature of ‘commission’ and so, subject to TDS at the rate of 10% under Section 194H,” the CBDT said.

It has examined the issue of applicability of TDS provisions on payments made by TV channels or media houses publishing newspapers or magazines to advertising agencies for procuring and canvassing for advertisements.