Trapped Cash Calculator
How much of your cash is frozen in excess TDS?
TDS is deducted at a flat rate that assumes you owe full tax. If you don’t, the excess becomes a refund locked for a year or more. See your number in two minutes — then whether a Section 395 (Form 128) certificate can free it.
Your figures
Type any value directly, or drag the sliders.
Frozen
Real tax
₹0
Enter your figures to see the estimate.
Locked for14 mo
Opportunity cost₹0
–
Fill in your figures and we’ll tell you whether it’s worth pursuing.
Book a free Form 128 assessment →
Or message us on WhatsApp with “FORM 128” — we’ll send the checklist. Prefer a call?
How this is calculated & when we flag a Form 128 case ›
When we flag a case. We call it a strong case when at least ₹1,00,000 is trapped and that is 30%+ of the TDS deducted. We suggest a review when ₹25,000+ is trapped. Below that, the benefit is usually too small to justify the filing effort. These are guide thresholds — a Form 128 application is judged by the Assessing Officer on your projected total income, so a review confirms your specific position.
Indicative estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are based on the numbers you enter and simplifying assumptions (a single blended rate, no surcharge/cess nuance, straight-line refund timing). Actual eligibility, the exact deduction rate applicable to you, and outcomes depend on your specific facts and the law in force. From 1 April 2026 the lower/nil TDS certificate is governed by Section 395 (formerly 197) of the Income-tax Act, 2025, applied for in Form 128 (formerly Form 13) on the TRACES portal; TDS on payments to non-residents falls under Section 393 (formerly 195). Please seek specific advice before acting.