TDS Plus GST Filing in One Dashboard – Is it Worth It?

Managing taxes is already tough, and if you’re handling both TDS and GST, it can feel like you’re always juggling deadlines, logins, forms, and errors. Sound familiar?

Whether you’re a CA with 25+ clients, a small business owner, or a school accountant, switching between separate systems for TDS return filing and GST compliance is frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s why many businesses in India are now shifting to TDS Plus GST filing dashboards – an all-in-one solution where you can manage both from a single screen.

But the question is: Is it really worth it? Let’s break it down.

1. TDS and GST: A Quick Recap

Before we dive into software talk, let’s quickly recap the basics.

✅ What is TDS?

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted when payments like salary, rent, interest, contractor bills, etc. are made. Businesses have to file quarterly TDS returns using forms like 24Q, 26Q, etc.

✅ What is GST?

GST (Goods & Services Tax) is applicable to businesses that sell goods or provide services. Depending on your turnover and nature of supply, you need to file monthly or quarterly GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9, etc.)

So, if you’re running a business or firm, you’re likely dealing with both — TDS on outgoing payments and GST on your income and sales.

2. Why Separate Filing Gets Messy

Here’s what happens when you manage TDS and GST separately:

• You have to log in to different portals (NSDL/TRACES for TDS and GSTN for GST)

• Maintain different formats for importing data

• Missed due dates and penalties start piling up

• More chance of data duplication or mismatch

• Hard to reconcile tax reports during audits
  

This is why more and more users are exploring combined TDS return filing software + GST filing software, also called tax preparation software.

3. What is a Unified Filing Dashboard?

Think of it like this: Instead of using two different apps for cab booking and food delivery, you use one super app that does both — like Uber.

That’s what TDS + GST software offers. It allows:

• Single login

• Central dashboard

• Common data import system

• One view for TDS return status + GST filing status

• Alerts and reports for both in one place
  

It’s all about saving time, reducing effort, and improving compliance.

4. Key Features of TDS Plus GST Filing Software

If you’re considering switching, look for these key features in the software:

• Dashboard View: Tracks GST & TDS filing status in one glance

• Data Import: Upload Excel/CSV/Tally data once – use it for both GST and TDS

• Auto Validation: Checks for invalid PANs, GSTINs, and mismatches

• Reminders: Sends SMS or email alerts before every filing due date

• Auto Calculation: Automatically calculates interest, late fees, tax amounts

• FVU + JSON File Generation: Prepares files ready for NSDL and GSTN upload

• Multi-User Access: Teams can collaborate securely
  

According to a 2023 report by CAClubIndia, companies using combined tax software reduced compliance time by 30%–40% per month.

5. Benefits of Using One Dashboard

Let’s go over the real advantages of using combined tax preparation software:

✅ No More Duplication

You enter vendor data or invoices only once — the tool uses it for both GST and TDS.

✅ Avoid Penalties

With automated alerts, you’ll never miss due dates for GSTR-3B or 26Q again.

✅ Quick Reconciliation

Cross-check purchases, payments, TDS deductions, and GST liabilities without switching software.

✅ Easier Audit Trail

Centralised data helps in scrutiny, GST audits, or income tax assessments.

✅ Cost-Efficient

Rather than buying two tools, a combo dashboard often comes at a bundled price — saving you money.

6. Who Should Use Combined Filing Software?

This kind of tool is ideal for:

• Chartered Accountants managing multiple clients

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

• Startups with lean finance teams

• NGOs, educational institutions, hospitals – with both salary and service transactions

• Retailers and service providers who deal with contractors and goods
  

Basically, if your business has both incoming and outgoing transactions, you will benefit.

7. Popular TDS Plus GST Filing Software in India

Here are some well-known tools you can explore:

🔹 Webtel

• One of the earliest to offer TDS + GST in one dashboard

• Cloud + desktop options available

• Ideal for multi-branch businesses
  

🔹 ClearTax

• Easy interface, great for first-time users

• Offers plans for small businesses and tax professionals

• Strong support and automation
  

🔹 HostBooks

• Built for accountants and CAs

• GST return, TDS return, and e-invoicing support

• Includes mobile app and cloud storage
  

🔹 Genius by SAG Infotech

• Best for firms with high compliance load

• Customisable reports and robust audit trail
  

🔹 Zoho Books (with TDS + GST Add-on)

• Ideal for businesses already using Zoho ecosystem

• Integrated with e-invoicing and banking features

8. Cost vs Convenience: Is It Worth It?

Let’s do a quick cost-benefit breakdown:

So yes — if you’re spending ₹2,000–₹4,000 more on a unified dashboard, you’re easily saving that in time, salary hours, and avoiding penalties.

9. Challenges You Should Know

Of course, no system is perfect. You may face:

• Initial setup time and learning curve

• Software dependency – if the tool has downtime, both TDS and GST get affected

• Need for proper data discipline – garbage in, garbage out still applies!
  

That’s why choosing a reputed vendor with good support matters.

10. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you’re managing both TDS and GST, a combined dashboard is not just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a must-have.

Especially in India where:

• TDS returns are due quarterly

• GST returns are monthly or quarterly

• Mistakes and delays can cost you thousands in penalties
  

With everything moving digital – GSTN, NSDL, TRACES, AIS – it only makes sense to go digital on your end too.