May is shaping up to be a busy month for taxpayers, businesses and organisations handling tax compliance. From depositing Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) to issuing certificates and filing important statements, several deadlines are lined up through the month.
Missing these dates could lead to penalties, late fees or compliance issues. That is why taxpayers, employers and businesses may want to keep a close eye on the calendar and complete filings on time.
Here is a simple look at the major tax deadlines to watch out for in May 2026.
By May 15, 2026, taxpayers and businesses must issue TDS certificates for tax deducted in March 2026 under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB and 194M of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
These sections mainly relate to tax deductions on property purchases, rent payments and certain payments made by individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).
Government offices that processed April’s TDS or TCS without a challan must also submit Form 24G by this date.
Besides this, stock exchanges are required to submit monthly reports on client code modifications made during April 2026. Recognised associations must also report system-level client code changes for the same period.
Another important requirement due on May 15 is the quarterly statement for TCS deposited for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
As the month comes to an end, 30 May 2026 becomes another key date for tax-related work.
This is the deadline for issuing TCS certificates for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025–26.
Taxpayers are also required to submit information under Section 285B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for the financial year 2025–26.
In addition, 30 May is the final date for filing the challan-cum-statement of tax deduction under Section 393(1) of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Tax deadlines may seem routine, but missing them can become expensive. Delays in filing or depositing taxes can attract penalties, interest or notices from tax authorities.
For businesses and salaried taxpayers, staying organised and keeping track of due dates can help avoid unnecessary stress later.
With several important compliance dates packed into May, taxpayers may find it useful to plan ahead rather than rushing at the last minute.