What this means
Section 203 of IT Act 1961 (deductor must furnish TDS certificate to payee: Form 16 for salary TDS by 15 June; Form 16A for other TDS within 15 days of due date of quarterly return) maps to Section 401 of IT Act 2025. The Form 16/16A issuance obligation and timelines are retained. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
Change type — Section renumbered
The section number changed when the IT Act 1961 was reorganised into the IT Act 2025. The substance, rates, thresholds, and conditions are preserved. Any reference to the old section number in contracts, certificates, or returns before 1 April 2026 remains valid under the transitional provisions in §536.
Effective date
This change takes effect from 1 April 2026 (Tax Year 2026-27 onwards). For income earned before 1 April 2026, the old Section 203 continues to apply under the transitional provisions of Section 536 of the IT Act 2025. Returns for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) are filed under the IT Act 1961 — old section numbers apply.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Section 203 go in the Income Tax Act 2025?▾
Section 203 of the IT Act 1961 maps to 401 in the IT Act 2025, effective 1 April 2026. Section 203 of IT Act 1961 (deductor must furnish TDS certificate to payee: Form 16 for salary TDS by 15 June; Form 16A for other TDS within 15 days of due date of quarterly return) maps to Section 401 of IT Act 2025. The Form 16/16A issuance obligation and timelines are retained. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
Does Section 203 still apply for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)?▾
Yes. For income earned in FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026), the IT Act 1961 continues to apply — including Section 203. The IT Act 2025 (and its new section numbering) applies from Tax Year 2026-27 (income earned on or after 1 April 2026). Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
What is the new section number for 203 in the IT Act 2025?▾
The new corresponding provision is 401 under the Income Tax Act 2025. Change type: Section renumbered. The section number changed when the IT Act 1961 was reorganised into the IT Act 2025. The substance, rates, thresholds, and conditions are preserved. Any reference to the old section number in contracts, certificates, or returns before 1 April 2026 remains valid under the transitional provisions in §536. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.