TDS Under Section 194S: CBDT Guidelines Simplified

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March 26, 2026

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TDS Under Section 194S: CBDT Guidelines Simplified

If you sell, or otherwise transfer a VDA and make a gain, the income is taxed under the special regime, 30% plus applicable surcharge and cess. The VDA framework is anchored in the statutory definition introduced via the Finance Bill, 2022, with scope for notified inclusions/exclusions. Separate from your final income-tax liability, section 194S imposes 1% TDS on the consideration for VDA transfers above thresholds.

This is designed to improve traceability, and reporting responsibility differs peer to peer vs exchange-based transactions. If you receive crypto without consideration, or for inadequate consideration, it may fall within the gift recipient taxation framework, and then any later transfer is evaluated under the VDA transfer regime. The notified ITR form reflects this by asking how the “cost of acquisition” should be captured in gift scenarios (including where tax is paid under section 56(2)(x)).

Crypto Tax Evolution (2022–2026)

India’s crypto tax framework has evolved in three clear stages: definition, taxation TDS and now stronger reporting singles.

2022: VDA Definition, 30% Tax Regime and 1 % TDS framework

Finance Act 2022 introduced the VDA regime and inserted section 115BBH (effective from 1 April 2022), setting out the 30% tax on income from transfer of VDAs, plus strict limits on deductions and loss set-off.
CBDT issued TDS operational guidance for Section 194S under Circular 14/2002, covering other transactions such as peer-to-peer.

2025- 2026: Expanded Defination And Stronger Reporting Posture

The Income Tax Act definition of Virtual digital asset section 2(47A) is expanded via finance act 2025 to explicitly include crypto asset sub-clause (d) from 1 April 2026.
Budget or finance bill 2026 proposes pena;ites under the new Income Act tax 2025, for failures or inaccuauces incrypto asset transaction statement.

Crypto Taxation in India Explained

Crypto taxation in India is built around a simple framework, but the details matter: crypto is treated as avirtual digital asset VDA gains from transfer are taxed at a special rate, and 1% TDS creates a transaction trail. This section breaks down the rules in plain terms so you can understand what applies before you calculate tax or start filing.

What the 30% Tax Actually Applies To

Section 115BBH applies when your total income includes income from the transfer of any VIDA. The law sets the tax on that income at 30% plus applicable surcharge cess.

Deduction Are Restriction

For income covered under 115BBH, no deduction is allowed except the cost of acquisition. That means fees, platform charges, gas costs, and other trading expenses generally do not reduce taxable income under this provision.

Loss Set-Off And Carry-Forward Are Blocked

Loss from transfer of a VDA cannot be set off against income computed under any other provision and cannot be carried forward to future years.

The ITR Reporting Path Is Explicit

The Income Tax e-filing FAQ clearly states that Schedule VDA exists in ITR-2 and ITR-3 and that VDA income is disclosed transaction-wise.

A practical note on “gift” cost basis

The ITR form’s Schedule VDA instructions explicitly ask, in case of a gift, to enter the amount on which tax is paid u/s 56(2)(x) (if any) or the cost to the previous owner in other cases.

1% TDS on Crypto: When It Applies, Who Deducts, and How It Works

TDS is where many investors get confused because it’s about transaction reporting, not just final tax liability. The rate and thresholds. Circular 14/2022 Explains:

1% TDS is deducted for the transfer of VDA. No deduction if the annual consideration does not exceed:

50000 when payable by a specified person
1000 for others it also specifies for others.

It also defines “specified person” (including turnover/receipts thresholds based on the preceding FY).

Exchange Transactions: CBDT Provides Operational Relief

Circular 13/2022 provides detailed guidelines to prevent multiple deductions in exchange-based trades and clarifies when the exchange (or broker) can deduct and report TDS, including filing of a quarterly statement (Form 26QF in certain exchange arrangements).

Crypto to crypto on Consideration less GST. Circular 14/2022 clarifies that TDS is on consideration for the transfer of VDA, less GST.

TDS is Calculated Crypto Taxes

Crypto tax in India is calculated per transfer, so accuracy depends on clean records, consistent INR valuation, and correct cost basis for each transaction. The example below shows the exact steps to compute taxable income and account for 1% TDS where applicable.

Step 1: Compute Income Per Transaction

For each taxable transfer:

Income = consideration received- cost of acquisition

Only the cost of acquisition is permitted as a deduction under 115BBH; other expenses are not allowed for computing that income.

Suggested Read: CBDT TDS Rate Chart Revision

Step 2: Apply the 30% rate

The income tax portal faqs states that VDA gains are subject to a 30%, along with an applicable surcharge and a 4% cess under section 115BBH.

Step 3: Adjust For TDS Credits

TDS under 194S is a credit mechanism; your final payable tax may be reduced if TDS has already been deducted and appears in your tax statements.

Conclusion

Crypto taxes in India are structured around a clear framework: 30% tax on income from VDA transfers, limited deductions (cost-only), restricted loss treatment, and 1% TDS to create an audit trail.

If you treat every transaction as reportable export histories, value swaps in INR, reconcile TDS, and fill Schedule VDA transaction-wise, you avoid most of the common errors and mismatches.

Suggested Read: Section 194H Of Income Tax

FAQS

1. Do I need to report if I only brought and held?

If there’s no transfer, 115BBH income may not arise but record-keeping matters for future cost basis and accurate Schedule VDA reporting when you sell or swap.

2. Is 1% TDS deducted on profit or on the full transaction value?

TDS is under consideration for transfer not on profits.

3. Who deducted TDS in a peer-to-peer trade?

CBDT guidance states that in peer-to-peer transactions, the buyer is required to deduct TDS under section 194S.

4. Are crypto-to-crypto swaps taxable?

CBDT circular explicitly addresses VDA to VDA exchange, and the requirements to ensure tax is paid before releasing consideration, with reporting expectations.

5. Where do I report crypto in my ITR?

The Income Tax portal states there is a separate Schedule VDA in ITR-2 and ITR-3 for transaction-wise disclosure.

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