TDS deduction: Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) plays an important role in the Indian tax system, ensuring that taxes are collected at the source of income itself. It's important to not only deduct TDS at the specified rate but also to ensure the accurate deduction based on one's PAN-Aadhaar linking status. Failing to do so can lead to higher TDS rates if the PAN is inoperative or inactive due to non-linkage with Aadhaar. As per an ET report, the TDS deductor or collector may face legal consequences and tax penalties for failing to check the dedutee's PAN status and deducting a lower TDS amount than required.