Income Tax Act, 2025: TDS Section 393 for IT, Web Development & Digital Marketing Services (FY 2026–27)
Category: Income Tax Act 2025
The Income Tax Act, 2025 has introduced a significant structural change by consolidating various Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions under Section 393. This replaces the multiple TDS sections that existed under the Income Tax Act, 1961, making TDS compliance simpler and more organized.
Businesses making payments for IT services, web development, digital marketing, hosting, software subscriptions, and similar services should verify the applicable TDS provision before deducting tax during Financial Year 2026–27.
TDS Applicability for IT Infrastructure & Digital Subscription Services
The following services may generally include:
- Domain Registration
- Web Hosting
- VPS / VDS Servers
- Business Email Hosting
- Google Workspace
- SMS Gateway Services
- WhatsApp Business API (WABA)
- Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Depending on the nature of the transaction and contractual terms, the applicable TDS provision may differ.
| Nature of Payment | Section Reference | Section Code | TDS Rate |
| Fees for Technical Services | Section 393(1) – Table Sl. No. 6(iii).D(a) | 1026 | 2% |
| Work Contract | Section 393(1) – Table Sl. No. 6(i).D(b) | 1024 | 1% |
TDS Applicability for Web Design, Development & Digital Marketing
This category generally covers:
- Website Design
- Website Development
- E-commerce Development
- SEO Services
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Performance Marketing
- Website Maintenance
Depending on the contractual arrangement, these services may be treated either as professional services or work contracts.
| Nature of Payment | Section Reference | Section Code | TDS Rate |
| Professional Services | Section 393(1) – Table Sl. No. 6(iii).D(b) | 1027 | 10% |
| Work Contract | Section 393(1) – Table Sl. No. 6(i).D(b) | 1024 | 1% |
How Should Businesses Decide the Correct TDS Section?
The applicable TDS provision depends on several factors, including:
- Nature of the services provided
- Terms and conditions of the agreement
- Scope of work
- Ownership of deliverables
- Accounting treatment adopted by the deductor
- Applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025
Businesses should evaluate each transaction individually before deducting TDS.
Recommendations for Deductors
Before processing vendor payments during FY 2026–27, businesses should:
- Review vendor master records.
- Update TDS section codes wherever required.
- Verify the applicable TDS rate based on the transaction.
- Consult a Chartered Accountant where classification is uncertain.
- Ensure the correct section code is reported in TDS returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is every website-related service covered under one TDS rate?
No. The applicable TDS rate depends on the nature of the service and the contractual arrangement.
Can the same service attract different TDS provisions?
Yes. In certain situations, the same service may be classified differently based on the agreement and tax treatment adopted by the deductor.
Should businesses update their accounting software?
Yes. Businesses should review their accounting or ERP systems to ensure that the correct TDS section codes and rates are applied for FY 2026–27.
Conclusion
The consolidation of TDS provisions under Section 393 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 aims to simplify tax compliance. However, businesses must still determine the correct classification of each payment before deducting TDS. Reviewing vendor categories and updating TDS master records at the beginning of the financial year can help avoid compliance issues and future disputes.