How to Claim TDS Refund from Google Ads in India (Step-by-Step)

Google Ads is widely used by Indian businesses to run online ads. Since Google charges advertising fees in India, advertisers must follow TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) rules under the Income Tax Act.

 

But here’s the common problem:

 

👉 Google charges the full invoice amount including GST.

So you cannot deduct TDS before paying Google.
This means you pay TDS separately from your own pocket, even though legally it should be deducted from Google’s payment.

 

The good news?

Google allows advertisers to claim a TDS refund (reimbursement) for the TDS they pay.

This simple guide explains how to claim your Google Ads TDS refund, who is eligible, deadlines, documents, and the complete step-by-step process.

 

Is TDS Required on Google Ads Payments?

Yes. Under Section 194C of the Income Tax Act, you must deduct TDS if:

• Your yearly Google Ads payments are more than ₹1,00,000, OR
• Any single payment is more than ₹30,000  

 

TDS Rate: 2%
Calculate TDS on: Invoice amount without GST
❌ Never calculate TDS on GST.

 

How to Claim Google Ads TDS Refund (Simple Step-by-Step)

1. Deposit TDS to the Income Tax Department

Pay the TDS amount under Section 194C.

 

2. File Your TDS Return

While filing, make sure the TDS entry is linked with Google’s PAN, which you will find on your Google Ads invoices.

 

3. Download Form 16A

Login to the TRACES portal and download Form 16A for the correct quarter.

 

4. Email All Documents to Google

Send an email to:

📧 tds.certificates@google.com

 

Attach:

• Form 16A
• Google Ads invoices
• Google Ads Account/Billing Number
• TDS + Invoice summary (Excel is recommended)
• Your contact details (Phone & Email)

 

5. Google Reviews and Credits Your Refund

After verification:

✔ Google credits the refund amount to your Google Ads account
✔ Refund is given as ad credits

 
You can use these credits to run future ads.

 

Important Points You Must Remember

• Form 16A is mandatory for each request.
• Submit TDS certificates every quarter.
• Google accepts TDS certificates of the current financial year only.
• Previous year certificates must be sent before May 31.
• TDS must be calculated only on the taxable amount, not on GST.
• TDS Rate for Google Ads = 2% (excluding GST).

 

Who Can Claim the TDS Refund? (Eligibility)

You can apply for a Google Ads TDS refund if:

• You are a Google Ads advertiser, or
• You closed your Google Cloud Billing account
• You submit Form 16A within quarterly deadlines
• Your TDS amount correctly matches Google’s billing details

 

Quarterly Submission Deadlines (Very Important)

Quarter	Period	Last Date to Submit
Q1	April – June	July 30
Q2	July – September	October 30
Q3	October – December	January 30
Q4	January – March	May 15

 

Final Cutoff:

•  All TDS certificates of the previous financial year must be submitted by

• Missing deadlines may result in refund rejection.

 

📩 Where to Send Your TDS Documents?

Send everything to:

📧 tds.certificates@google.com

 

Include:

• Form 16A
• Google Ads invoices
• Google Ads Account Number
• TDS summary (Excel format preferred)
• Contact details

 

Refund Method

💡 Google will add the refund amount to your Google Ads account as ad credits.

You can use these credits to run your ads.

 

Official Source

You can also check Google’s official page: Taxes in your country – Google Ads Help

 

Conclusion

Claiming a TDS refund from Google Ads may seem complicated at first, but the process is actually simple once you understand the steps. As long as you deposit TDS correctly, file your TDS return, download Form 16A, and submit all required documents within deadlines, Google processes the refund smoothly.

 

The most important thing is to submit your TDS certificates every quarter without missing the cutoff date. Once approved, Google credits the refund directly to your Google Ads account as ad credits, helping you reduce your advertising cost.

 

By following this updated guide, Indian advertisers can easily get back the TDS amount they pay from their own pocket and ensure full compliance with tax rules.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I claim TDS refund from Google Ads?

Yes. Google allows advertisers to claim a TDS refund when TDS is deducted and deposited on payments made for Google Ads services.

2. How will Google issue the TDS refund?

Google will credit the refund as ad credits directly into your Google Ads account. These credits can be used to run future ads.

3. Where do I send my TDS documents?

Email all required documents to: tds.certificates@google.com

4. What documents are required for the Google Ads TDS refund?

• Form 16A
• Google Ads invoices
• Google Ads Account/Billing Number
• Invoice & TDS summary (Excel)
• Your contact details

5. What is the TDS rate for Google Ads?

TDS rate is 2% on the invoice amount excluding GST.

6. When should I submit my TDS certificates?

• July 30 (Q1)
• October 30 (Q2)
• January 30 (Q3)
• May 15 (Q4)

Final cutoff: May 31 of the next financial year.

7. Can I claim a TDS refund for an old financial year?

You can only claim it if certificates are submitted before May 31 of the following year. After that, Google will not accept them.

8. What happens if I miss the deadline?

If deadlines are missed, Google may reject your TDS refund request for that quarter or financial year.

9. Is TDS calculated on GST also?

No. TDS is calculated only on the taxable invoice amount, not on GST.

10. Can I get a cash refund instead of ad credits?

No. Google only provides ad credits, not cash refunds.