Form 15G and Form 15H are self-declaration forms issued by the Income Tax Department of India that help eligible individuals avoid Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on certain types of income. By submitting these forms, individuals declare that their total income falls below the taxable limit, thereby requesting exemption from TDS on interest and other specified earnings.
It’s important to note that both forms are valid only for a single financial year and must be submitted annually, as long as the eligibility criteria are met. However, submitting Form 15G or 15H does not exempt an individual from paying income tax if their income exceeds the taxable limit. In such cases, they are still required to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) and pay any applicable taxes.
In this article, we will explain the purpose of Form 15G and Form 15H, walk you through the step-by-step process to fill them out, and cover key points every taxpayer should know
What Are Form 15G and Form 15H?
Form 15G and Form 15H are self-declaration forms issued by the Income Tax Department of India. These forms can be submitted to banks or financial institutions to prevent the deduction of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on interest income, provided the individual’s income is below the taxable limit.
Form 15G is meant for:
Resident individuals below 60 years
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
Trusts (excluding firms and companies)
Form 15H is specifically for:
Resident senior citizens aged 60 years or above
Super senior citizens (80+) get a higher exemption threshold
Though these forms help prevent TDS deductions, they do not exempt individuals from filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR) if their total income exceeds the basic exemption limit
Who Can File Form 15G and Form 15H?
Form 15G Eligibility
Indian residents below 60 years
HUFs and trusts (not firms or companies)
Total income must be below ₹2.5 lakh
No final tax liability for the financial year
Must have a valid PAN
Form 15H Eligibility
Indian residents aged 60 years or more
No final tax liability for the year
A valid PAN is mandatory
Note: These forms are valid for one financial year and should be submitted at the start of the financial year to avoid TDS deductions.
Why Are These Forms Important?
Banks and financial institutions automatically deduct TDS on interest income from fixed or recurring deposits. However, if your income is below the taxable threshold, you can avoid unnecessary deductions by submitting Form 15G or Form 15H.
TDS is not deducted on interest earned from savings bank accounts, so no form submission is required for that income
Key Differences Between Form 15G and Form 15H
| Criteria | Form 15G | Form 15H |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Individuals below 60, HUFs, and trusts | Only resident senior citizens (60+ years) |
| Age Requirement | Below 60 years | 60 years and above |
| Income Requirement | Total income below ₹2.5 lakh and nil tax liability | No tax liability; income may exceed exemption limits |
| Income Tax Act Reference | Section 197A (1) and (1A) | Section 197A (1C) |
Where Can You Use Form 15G/15H?
These forms can be submitted for exemption from TDS on:
Interest on Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Recurring Deposits (RDs)
Interest from Post Office schemes
EPF withdrawals (before 5 years of service)
Income from corporate bonds
Rental income (above ₹2.4 lakh/year)
Dividend income (above ₹5,000/year)
Life insurance proceeds (non-exempt under Section 10(10D))
Insurance commission (above ₹15,000/year)
How to Fill and Submit Form 15G
Download the Form: Available from the EPFO website or bank website.
Fill in the Details: Include your PAN, income estimates, and deposit information.
Sign the Form: Sign and attach a self-attested PAN copy.
Submit to Institution: Give it to your bank/EPFO or upload it online via Internet Banking.
Keep a Copy: Retain for your records
How to Fill Form 15H: Step-by-Step Guide
Form 15H allows senior citizens (aged 60 and above) to request exemption from Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on interest income if their total income is below the taxable limit. Follow these steps to correctly complete and submit Form 15H:
1. Name of the Declarant (Assessee)
Enter your full name exactly as mentioned on your PAN card. Ensure your PAN number is filled in correctly.
2. Status
Select the appropriate category: Individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
3. Previous Year
Specify the financial year in which the income is earned (e.g., 2024–25 for income earned from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025).
4. Residential Status
Confirm that you are an Indian resident, as Form 15H is only applicable to resident individuals.
5. Contact Information
Provide:
Full residential address (street, city, state, and PIN code)
Email ID
Mobile and/or landline number
6. Tax Assessment History
Indicate whether you were assessed under the Income Tax Act in any of the last six assessment years.
Select “Yes” if you had a taxable income in any of those years.
If “Yes,” specify the most recent assessment year (e.g., 2022–23).
7. Estimated Income for Which Declaration is Made
Mention the estimated interest income or any other income for which you’re requesting non-deduction of TDS.
8. Estimated Total Income of the Financial Year
Enter your total expected income from all sources for the financial year—this includes salary, pension, interest, rent, or any other income.
9. Forms Filed in Previous Year (If Any)
If you filed any other declarations (such as Form 15G) in the previous year, mention:
Number of such forms filed
Total income declared in them
10. Total Income Covered Under Form 15H Previously
State the aggregate income amount declared using Form 15H in the previous year, if applicable.
11. Details of Income for Which Declaration is Made
Provide:
Investment or account details (e.g., FD/RD account numbers, NSC, insurance policy numbers)
Nature of income (e.g., interest)
Relevant section of the Income Tax Act under which TDS is applicable
12. Signature of the Declarant
Sign the form. Make sure your signature matches official records.
Important Notes
Do not file Form 15H if the income declared must be clubbed with another person’s income, such as a minor’s.
Always retain a copy of the filled form for your personal records.
Submit the form at the beginning of the financial year to avoid TDS deductions
Purposes of Submitting Form 15G/15H
Form 15G (for individuals below 60) and Form 15H (for individuals aged 60 or above) are declarations submitted to request non-deduction of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on certain incomes, provided the total income is below the taxable limit. Below are the key scenarios where these forms are useful:
1. Interest Income from Deposits
To prevent TDS on interest earned from:
Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Recurring Deposits (RDs)
Other interest-bearing accounts with banks or financial institutions
2. Premature EPF Withdrawals
If you withdraw ₹50,000 or more from your Employees’ Provident Fund within 5 years of joining, TDS is applicable. Submitting Form 15G/15H can help avoid this deduction, provided you’re eligible.
3. Rental Income
For individuals earning annual rent exceeding ₹2,40,000, TDS must be deducted by the payer. Filing Form 15G or 15H (if your total income is below the threshold) can help avoid this TDS.
4. Insurance Commission
Insurance agents receiving commission above ₹15,000 in a financial year are subject to TDS. If eligible, they can submit Form 15G/15H to prevent TDS deductions on such income.
5. Income from Corporate Bonds
TDS is deducted on interest exceeding ₹5,000 from corporate bonds. Submitting Form 15G or 15H can help claim exemption from this deduction.
6. Interest from Post Office Deposits
Digitally enabled post offices may deduct TDS on deposit interest. To avoid this, eligible depositors can submit Form 15G or Form 15H.
7. Dividend Income
If dividend income exceeds ₹5,000 in a financial year, TDS applies. You can submit Form 15G or 15H to request non-deduction or reduced deduction, if eligible.
8. Life Insurance Policy Payouts
For life insurance proceeds not exempt under Section 10(10D) (e.g., if maturity amount exceeds ₹1,00,000), TDS is deducted at 5%. You may submit Form 15G or 15H to avoid this deduction if your total income is below the taxable limit
Can You Submit Form 15G / 15H If Your Total Income Exceeds the Tax Exemption Limit?
No, you cannot submit Form 15G or Form 15H if your total taxable income exceeds the basic exemption limit for the financial year.
As per the Income Tax Act, these forms are intended for individuals whose estimated total income — after all eligible deductions and exemptions — is below the taxable threshold. If your income exceeds this limit, you’re not eligible to file Form 15G or 15H, and TDS will be applicable on your income
What Information Needs to Be Provided in Form 15G and Form 15H?
When submitting Form 15G or Form 15H to claim exemption from TDS on interest income, you’ll need to furnish specific details. The form is divided into two sections: one to be filled by the individual (declarant) and the other by the institution/authority receiving the form.
Details Required from the Individual (Declarant):
Full Name: As per your PAN card.
Address: Complete residential address including city, state, and PIN code.
Contact Information: Active email ID and mobile/landline number.
PAN: Your Permanent Account Number is mandatory.
Residential Status: Confirm that you are a resident of India.
Previous Year: Mention the relevant financial year (e.g., 2024–25) for which the declaration applies.
Estimated Total Income: Include all expected income (interest, salary, rent, etc.) for the financial year.
Declaration: A self-declaration confirming that your total income is below the taxable threshold and that you meet the conditions to avoid TDS.
Details Required from the Authority (e.g., Bank or Institution):
Verification: The receiving authority will verify the accuracy of the information provided.
Signature and Stamp: The authorized official will sign and validate the form after verification
How to Submit Form 15G/15H with Different Banks
You can easily submit Form 15G or Form 15H online through your bank’s digital platforms. Here’s how to do it using Internet Banking or a Mobile Banking App:
1. Via Internet Banking:
Log in to your bank’s Internet banking portal.
Go to the “Tax Services” or “Forms” section.
Select Form 15G or Form 15H from the available options.
Fill in the required details accurately.
Upload any supporting documents, if requested.
Submit the form and download or save the confirmation receipt for your records.
2. Via Mobile Banking App:
Open your bank’s official mobile banking app.
Navigate to the “Tax Services” or “Forms” section.
Choose to submit Form 15G or Form 15H.
Complete the form with the necessary information.
Submit the form electronically.
Take a screenshot or save the digital confirmation for future reference
How to File Form 15G and Form 15H Online
To submit Form 15G or Form 15H electronically, the deductor (typically a bank or financial institution) must file through the official Income Tax e-Filing portal. This process requires a valid Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) and registration as a Tax Deductor & Collector.
1. Registration (for Deductors)
If not already registered, the deductor must sign up as a Tax Deductor & Collector on the Income Tax e-Filing website.
2. Preparation Process
Each submitted Form 15G or 15H is assigned a Unique Identification Number (UIN) by the deductor.
The UIN is essential for filing quarterly TDS statements, even if no TDS has been deducted.
UIN Format:
Sequence Number + Financial Year + TAN.All physical declarations must match the UIN’s sequence number.
Retain the original forms for at least seven years.
3. Filing Procedure
Step-by-Step Guide:
Visit the e-Filing Portal
Login with TAN Credentials
Use your TAN to log in as a deductor.
Navigate to Form Submission
Click “e-File” > “Prepare and Submit Online Form (Other than ITR)”
Prepare the Files
Use the DSC utility to generate a ZIP file containing Form 15G or 15H (Consolidated format).
Create a digital signature file using the same utility.
Submit the Form
Go to: e-File > Submit Form 15G/15H
Select:
Form Type: 15G or 15H
Financial Year
Quarter
Filing Type
Click Validate.
Attach and Upload
Upload both the ZIP file and the signature file.
Click Upload to complete submission.
A success message will confirm the upload
What to Do If You Forget to Submit Form 15G or Form 15H
If you missed submitting Form 15G or Form 15H and TDS has already been deducted by your bank, there’s no need to worry. You can still take the following steps to resolve the issue and recover your money:
1. File Your Income Tax Return (ITR)
File your ITR for the relevant financial year to claim a refund for the TDS already deducted.
Remember, only the Income Tax Department can process this refund—not the bank or the deductor.
Use online filing platforms or consult a professional for smooth filing.
2. Submit the Form Immediately
Even after the deadline, submit Form 15G or 15H promptly to prevent further TDS deductions in the current financial year.
3. Include Complete Details in Your ITR
While filing your return, make sure to accurately report the TDS amount deducted, as shown in your Form 26AS or bank statement.
Correct details will help speed up the refund process.
4. Maintain Proper Documentation
Keep copies of:
The submitted Form 15G/15H
TDS certificates (Form 16A)
Bank statements showing TDS deductions
These documents are important in case of any future verification or scrutiny.
5. Consult a Tax Professional if Needed
If you’re unsure about the process, consider seeking help from a chartered accountant or tax advisor.
They can guide you on compliance and help file your return correctly.
For expert assistance, services like IndiaFilings or Tax2win can support your tax filing needs
Download Form 15G and 15H
About the Author
Rohit is an experienced legal writer known for breaking down complex legal topics into clear, actionable insights. His content equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to navigate legal requirements confidently, laying the groundwork for compliant and successful business growth
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