How to File eTDS Return in Nepal | Step-by-Step Guide & FAQs 2026

Learn how to file eTDS return in Nepal online through the Inland Revenue Department portal. Step-by-step guide, deadlines, FAQs, penalties, and compliance tips for businesses and individuals.

By Nishan Khadka · Taxation · 2 hours ago · 4 min read

Filing an eTDS return in Nepal isn’t just a procedural task—it serves several important legal, financial, and practical purposes for both the taxpayer and the government.

Why eTDS Return Must Be Filed in Nepal

Legal compliance with tax laws

Under the Income Tax Act of Nepal, any person or entity deducting tax at source is legally required to report it through an eTDS return to the Inland Revenue Department.

👉 If you deduct TDS but don’t file the return:

  • It is treated as non-compliance

  • You may face penalties and interest

Proof of tax deduction and deposit

The eTDS return acts as official evidence that:

  • You deducted tax from payments (salary, rent, service fees, etc.)

  • You deposited it to the government

👉 This protects you during:

  • Tax audits

  • Disputes with tax authorities

Credit to the deductee (very important)

When you file eTDS:

  • The deducted tax is recorded against the PAN of the deductee

👉 This allows the deductee to:

  • Claim tax credit while filing their income tax return

  • Avoid double taxation

Without eTDS filing, the deductee cannot claim the TDS credit properly.

Transparency and tracking by tax authority

eTDS helps the Inland Revenue Department:

  • Track who is deducting and depositing taxes

  • Match income declared by taxpayers

  • Reduce tax evasion

👉 It creates a digital audit trail of transactions.

Avoid penalties and fines

Failure to file eTDS on time can result in:

  • Late filing penalties

  • Interest on unpaid or unreported TDS

  • Possible legal notices

👉 Filing on time keeps your business risk-free and compliant.

Required for audits and financial reporting

During:

  • Internal audits

  • External audits

  • Tax assessments

👉 eTDS returns are checked to ensure:

  • Proper deduction

  • Proper deposit

  • Accurate reporting

Builds credibility and professionalism

Regular and accurate eTDS filing:

  • Shows your business follows proper tax discipline

  • Builds trust with:

    • Clients

    • Employees

    • Government authorities

Step-by-Step: How to File eTDS Return Online in Nepal

Prepare before filing

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • PAN (login credentials)

  • TDS payment voucher details (voucher no., date, bank)

  • Details of deductees (name, PAN, amount, TDS)

👉 Note: You must deposit TDS first before filing eTDS.

Go to IRD Taxpayer Portal

  • Visit: ird.gov.np

  • Click on Taxpayer Portal

  • Login using PAN and password

Generate Submission Number

  • Go to e-TDS → Register / Submission No.

  • Fill:

    • PAN (Username)

    • Withholdee PAN

    • Phone number

    • TDS period (e.g. Shrawan–Bhadra)

  • Click Register

👉 A Submission Number will be generated (very important).

Enter Transaction Details

  • Click “Enter Transactions”

  • Fill for each payment:

    • Deductee PAN

    • Payment amount

    • TDS amount

    • Date of deduction

👉 You can also upload Excel/XML for bulk entries.

Add Voucher Details

  • Enter:

    • Voucher number

    • Voucher date

    • Bank name

    • Payment method

👉 These details must match your TDS payment.

Submit eTDS Return

  • Review all entries carefully

  • Click Submit

Verify (IMPORTANT STEP)

  • Go to Verification → TDS

  • Enter your Submission Number

  • Check details and click Verify

👉 Without verification, filing is NOT complete.

Deadline

  • Must be filed within 25 days after the end of each month

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Filing without depositing TDS

  • Wrong PAN of deductee

  • Incorrect voucher details

  • Forgetting to verify

Pro Tips

  • Always keep voucher number & submission number saved

  • Use Excel upload for multiple employees/vendors

  • Once verified, you cannot edit online, you must visit IRD office

FAQs on eTDS Return in Nepal

What is an eTDS return?

An eTDS return is an online statement filed with the Inland Revenue Department that reports:

  • Tax deducted at source (TDS)

  • Details of deductees

  • Amount deposited to the government

👉 It ensures proper tracking of tax deductions.

Who is required to file eTDS return?

Any person or entity that deducts tax at source must file eTDS, including:

  • Employers (salary TDS)

  • Businesses paying rent, interest, or service fees

  • Government and private organizations

👉 If you deduct TDS, filing is mandatory.

3. What is the deadline for filing eTDS?

eTDS return must be filed:

  • Within 25 days after the end of each Nepali month

👉 Late filing may result in penalties and interest.

4. What happens if eTDS is not filed?

If you fail to file:

  • Deductee may not get tax credit

  • Penalties and interest may apply

  • You may receive notices from the Inland Revenue Department

👉 Non-filing creates both legal and financial risks.

5. Can eTDS be revised after submission?

  • Once verified, eTDS cannot be edited online

  • Corrections usually require:

    • Visiting the tax office

    • Requesting amendment

👉 Always double-check before verification.