Difference between 15G and 15H

 

Feature	Form 15G	Form 15H
Purpose	To prevent deduction of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on income if taxable income is below limit	Same purpose: prevent TDS if taxable income is below exemption limit
Eligibility	Resident individuals below the age of 60 years, HUFs, and trusts	Resident senior citizens (aged 60 years or above)
Age Criteria	Must be less than 60 years	Must be 60 years or older
Tax Liability Condition	Total taxable income must be NIL	Total taxable income must be NIL
Applicable To	Fixed deposits, EPF withdrawals, interest income, etc.	Same as Form 15G
PAN Requirement	Mandatory	Mandatory
Income Threshold (FY 2025-26)	Should not exceed basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh for individuals below 60)	Should not exceed basic exemption limit (₹3 lakh for 60–79 years, ₹5 lakh for 80+)
Can HUF Submit?	Yes	No
Form Type	Form 15G is composed of Part I (by individual) and Part II (by deductor)	Same structure
Common Use Case	Bank FD interest below ₹40,000 but PAN not updated or to avoid premature TDS	Senior citizens earning high FD interest but below exemption limit
Submission Frequency	Once every financial year or when new deposit is made	Same as Form 15G
Submission Deadline	Before interest income is credited, preferably at start of financial year	Same
Digital Submission	Available in most banks and financial institutions	Same
Penalty for False Declaration	Punishable under Section 277 of the Income Tax Act	Same
CBDT Guidelines	Governed under Section 197A of the Income Tax Act	Also governed under Section 197A
Key Difference in Audience	Designed for non-senior citizens	Designed specifically for senior citizens

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📝 Additional Notes:

• Form 15G and Form 15H are self-declaration forms submitted to avoid unnecessary TDS deductions when income is below the taxable limit.
• False declaration can lead to penalties and prosecution, so they must be filed with complete honesty.
• With digital banking, most institutions allow uploading Form 15G/15H through their net banking portals.
• It is not a method to avoid tax, but a way to prevent premature TDS when no tax is actually payable.