TDS is a mechanism where a person deducts tax at the time of making certain specified payments to another person. Key persons responsible for deducting TDS (deductors) include company principals, DDOs in government offices, and those making payments of interest, dividends, contracts, lottery/game winnings, etc. Deductors must obtain a TAN, deduct tax at the correct rate, deposit the deducted amount timely, issue TDS certificates, and file quarterly TDS statements in the prescribed format and by the due dates. Maintaining compliance is important to ensure deductees get proper tax credit and deductors avoid penalties.