TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on international travel is one of the most confusing compliance areas for Indian travel agents. Clients don't understand why they're paying "extra tax," and agents often aren't sure about the exact rates or their responsibilities. Here's the definitive guide.
What is TCS on foreign remittance?
TCS is a tax that the seller (you, the travel agent) must collect from the buyer (your client) at the point of sale and deposit with the government. For international tour packages, this was introduced under Section 206C(1G) of the Income Tax Act.
The client isn't "losing" this money - they can claim it as a credit when filing their income tax return. But explaining this to clients is your job.
Current TCS rate for travel agents
As per the Union Budget 2026-27, effective 1 April 2026, the TCS rate on international tour packages is a flat 2% on the total package amount.
| Remittance type | TCS Rate |
|---|---|
| International tour package (sold by tour operator) | 2% |
| Other LRS remittances (education, medical) | Varies |
| Foreign travel for other purposes | 2% above ₹7 lakh |
For travel agents specifically: You collect 2% TCS on the total amount of the international tour package you sell. This applies from the first rupee - there is no threshold exemption for tour packages sold by tour operators.
Who has to collect TCS?
If you are a "specified person" - essentially any tour operator or travel agent who sells international tour packages - you must collect TCS. This includes:
- IATA-registered agents selling international packages
- Tour operators selling inclusive tours
- Online travel agencies
- Anyone selling overseas hotel + flight + activities as a package
What doesn't attract TCS:
- Domestic tour packages (no TCS)
- If you're merely booking a hotel or flight as an agent (commission-only model, not selling a package)
- Individual flight-only bookings (these fall under airline's responsibility)
How to calculate TCS
The calculation is straightforward:
TCS = Total international package amount × 2%
Example: Client books a Thailand package for ₹1,50,000 per person (2 people = ₹3,00,000 total)
- TCS = ₹3,00,000 × 2% = ₹6,000
- Total amount to collect from client = ₹3,06,000
How to communicate TCS to clients
Most clients will ask: "Why am I paying extra tax?"
Your response should be: "TCS is a government-mandated tax on international travel packages. It's collected by us and deposited with the government. When you file your income tax return, this ₹6,000 will show up as tax already paid - it either reduces your tax liability or you get it refunded. It's not an extra cost; it's an advance tax payment."
Pro tip: Always show TCS as a separate line item in your quotation. Don't hide it in the package price - clients will discover it and feel cheated.
Compliance obligations for agents
Collection
- Collect TCS at the time of receipt of payment or debiting the amount, whichever is earlier
- Even advance payments attract TCS
Deposit
- Deposit collected TCS with the government by the 7th of the following month
- Use Challan 281 for payment
Returns
- File TCS return in Form 27EQ quarterly
- Q1 (Apr–Jun): Due by July 15
- Q2 (Jul–Sep): Due by October 15
- Q3 (Oct–Dec): Due by January 15
- Q4 (Jan–Mar): Due by May 15
Certificates
- Issue Form 27D (TCS certificate) to clients within 15 days of filing the quarterly return
- Clients need this to claim credit in their ITR
Common mistakes agents make
- Not collecting TCS - penalties are steep: interest at 1% per month + penalty equal to the TCS amount
- Collecting but not depositing - this is treated as misappropriation
- Wrong PAN of client - if PAN is incorrect, TCS rate jumps to 5% (higher rate for non-PAN)
- Not issuing Form 27D - clients can't claim credit without it
- Applying TCS on domestic packages - not required for domestic tours
- Not collecting on advance payments - TCS applies when you receive the money, not when travel happens
Handling clients without PAN
If a client doesn't provide PAN or provides invalid PAN, TCS rate increases to 5% (instead of 2%). Always collect and verify client PAN before generating the invoice.
Practical approach: Make PAN collection a standard part of your booking process for all international packages.
Impact on your pricing
TCS increases the total amount the client pays by 2%. While it's refundable to the client at ITR time, it affects perceived pricing:
- Your ₹1,50,000 package becomes ₹1,53,000 for the client
- Clients comparing your quote with DIY booking (where TCS isn't always visible upfront) may think you're more expensive
How to handle this: Be transparent. Show the base price and TCS separately. Explain that any tour operator is legally required to collect this. If they book directly through an OTA, TCS is still collected - it's just less visible.
Record keeping
Maintain these records for at least 8 years:
- Client PAN details
- Package booking amount
- TCS calculation worksheets
- Challan receipts (proof of TCS deposit)
- Form 27EQ filing acknowledgments
- Form 27D certificates issued
Quarterly TCS workflow
- During the quarter: Collect TCS on each international package booking
- By 7th of following month: Deposit TCS via Challan 281
- Within 15 days of quarter-end filing: File Form 27EQ
- Within 15 days of filing 27EQ: Issue Form 27D to all clients
How TripDraft helps
TripDraft automatically calculates and adds TCS as a separate line item on all international tour package quotes. When you generate a PDF quote, the client sees the base price and TCS clearly separated - no manual calculation, no missed compliance.
Quote with automatic TCS calculation →
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