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Microlesson · 5-min read

Sections 194B, 194BA & 194BB – TDS on Winnings (Lottery, Online Games, Horse Race)

# TDS on Winnings – Sections 194B, 194BA & 194BB

## 1. Section 194B – Winnings from Lottery, Crossword Puzzles, Card Games, Betting, etc.

ParameterDetails
PayerAny person responsible for paying income by way of such winnings
PayeeAny person (Resident or Non-Resident)
ThresholdAmount in respect of a single transaction > ₹10,000
Rate30% (plus SC/HEC if payee is NR)
Time of deductionAt the time of payment

### Key Points

  • The ₹10,000 threshold is applied per transaction, NOT aggregate.
  • If winning is wholly/partly in kind, payer must ensure tax has been paid before releasing the prize.

## 2. Section 194BA – Winnings from Online Games

ParameterDetails
PayerAny person responsible for paying income by way of winnings from any online game
PayeeAny person
ThresholdNo threshold — TDS on any amount
Rate30% on net winnings computed in prescribed manner
Time(a) End of F.Y. (on year-end net winnings in user account); (b) At time of withdrawal during the F.Y.

### Key Points

  • 'Net winnings' = withdrawals + closing balance – (deposits + opening balance), computed as prescribed.
  • Tax is deducted at the time of every withdrawal during the F.Y., and on remaining balance at year-end.

## 3. Section 194BB – Winnings from Horse Races

ParameterDetails
PayerBook-maker or person holding licence for horse-racing / arranging wagering or betting in any race course
PayeeAny person
ThresholdSingle transaction > ₹10,000
Rate30%
TimeAt the time of payment

## Comparative Snapshot

```

| 194B | 194BA | 194BB

Nature | Lottery/Games | Online Games | Horse Race

Threshold | >₹10,000/txn | NIL | >₹10,000/txn

Rate | 30% | 30% on NET winnings| 30%

Timing | Payment | Withdrawal/Yr-end | Payment

```

## Surcharge & HEC

  • If payee is Resident: flat 30%, no SC/HEC.
  • If payee is Non-Resident: 30% + applicable SC + 4% HEC.

Worked example

### Example 1

Example 1 – Lottery (Sec 194B):

Mr. A wins ₹50,000 in a lottery (single ticket).

  • TDS @ 30% = ₹15,000. Net payment = ₹35,000.

### Example 2

Example 2 – Winning in kind:

A company gives a car worth ₹8,00,000 as a contest prize.

  • Payer must ensure tax of ₹2,40,000 (30%) is paid before releasing the car. The winner may pay the tax to the payer to release the car.

### Example 3

Example 3 – Online gaming (Sec 194BA):

Mr. P has user account with ₹0 opening balance, deposits ₹50,000 during F.Y., wins/loses, and withdraws ₹70,000.

  • Net winnings on withdrawal = ₹20,000 → TDS @ 30% = ₹6,000.
  • Any further balance left in account at year-end is also subject to TDS on net winnings.

### Example 4

Example 4 – Horse race (Sec 194BB):

Ms. Q wins ₹40,000 by betting on a horse race.

  • Single transaction > ₹10,000 → TDS @ 30% = ₹12,000.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Aggregating winnings over the year for Sec 194B/194BB – the ₹10,000 limit is per single transaction.
  • Applying a threshold of ₹10,000 to online gaming winnings – Sec 194BA has NO threshold.
  • Forgetting that online gaming TDS is on NET winnings (deposits adjusted) – not gross.
  • Failing to deduct TDS on winnings in kind – payer must ensure tax is paid before release of prize.
  • Adding surcharge/HEC on TDS to a resident – flat 30% applies for residents.
Reference: 194B, 194BA, 194BB
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