ver wondered what income tax is all about and where it eventually goes? Or rather, where is it supposed to go?
Join the club.
Let me begin with a quote by Kalidas, in which he eulogises King Dalip. I find it very apt to understand the concept of taxation:
'It was only for the good of his subjects that he collected taxes from them, just as the Sun draws moisture from the Earth to give it back a thousand fold.'
Ask people today for their view on taxes and nothing as profound will emerge. You would instead hear snide remarks about how income tax is enforced by the the government to lighten your pocket.
In case you think income tax is a recent phenomenon, let's correct your perception.
- Tax has been in existence for more than 2,500 years.
- People had to pay tax based on the profession they were in.
- Sages were the finance ministers who guided the kingdom's treasury.
- India has been a pioneer in developing a stable and rational tax system.
-
Now comes the googly: the current tax laws are more or less similar to the ones that existed nearly 2,000 years ago (some things don't change, do they?).
What is Income Tax?
Income tax is a charge or levy collected by the government based on what you earn. Tax laws are broadly based on laws of equity. Which means the more you earn, the more you pay. Sounds fair, doesn't it?
For sheer convenience, income (or what you earn) has been categorised as follows:
1) Salary
2) House/ Property
3) Business and Profession
4) Capital Gains
Don't feel too thrilled in case your 'income' does not fit into any of the above categories. There is one more head for the leftovers. It's called:
5) Other Sources
Though the charge or levy on each of the heads is the same, certain special concessions are available for each category. An individual is supposed to includel his/ her income under all these heads when calculating his entire income.
Who has to pay tax?
Since tax is a charge on income, it includes everyone. All individuals, whether Indian or not, have to pay tax on income earned in India. This tax is the individual's contribution towards the development and well-being of the country.
What are the current tax rates?
Once a year, the parliament comes out with the nation's annual budget.
This budget is presented by the finance minister, approved and passed by Parliament and signed by the president. The budget fixes the income tax rates for the year.
Take a look at the current rates.
|
Income Slab |
Surcharge |
Education Cess |
Tax Rate |
|
Rs 0 Rs 50,000 |
No |
No |
0 percent |
|
Rs 50,001 Rs 60,000 |
No |
Yes |
10 percent |
|
Rs 60,001 Rs 1,50,000 |
No |
Yes |
20 percent |
|
Rs 1,50,001 Rs 8,50,000 |
No |
Yes |
30 percent |
|
Exceeds Rs 8,50,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
30 percent |
How is income tax calculated?
Let's assume Mr X earns an annual income of Rs 4,50,000.
| Income |
Tax rates |
What it means for the tax payer |
|
Rs 0 Rs 50,000 |
No tax |
-- |
|
Rs 50,001 Rs 60,000 |
10 percent |
Since no tax is levied up to Rs 50,000, tax in this case is calculated on Rs 10,000 (Rs 60,000 Rs 50,000). Rs 10,000 x 10 percent = Rs 1,000 |
|
Rs 60,001 Rs 1,50,000 |
20 percent |
Since you have already paid tax on Rs 60,000, you now pay tax on Rs 90,000 (Rs 1,50,000 Rs 60,000). Rs 90,000 x 20 percent = Rs 18,000 |
|
Above Rs 1,50,000 |
30 percent |
You have already paid tax on Rs 1,50,000, so you now pay tax on Rs 3,00,000 (Rs 4,50,000 Rs 1,50,000). (Rs 3,00,000 x 30%) = Rs 90,000 |
|
Total Tax |
|
Rs 1,000 + Rs 18,000 + Rs 90,000 = Rs 1,09,000 |
|
Surcharge |
10 percent |
Not applicable |
|
Education Cess |
2 percent |
Rs 2,180 |
|
Total tax payable |
|
Rs 1,11,180 |
Now, let's take a look at Mr Y.
He earns an annual income of Rs 9,00,000, so he ends up paying a surcharge as well.
|
Income |
Tax rates |
What it means for the tax payer |
|
Rs 0 Rs 50,000 |
No tax |
-- |
|
Rs 50,001 Rs 60,000 |
10 percent |
Since no tax is levied up to Rs 50,000, tax in this case is calculated on Rs 10,000 (Rs 60,000 Rs 50,000) (Rs 10,000 x 10 percent) = Rs 1,000 |
|
Rs 60,001 Rs 1,50,000 |
20 percent |
Since you have already paid tax on Rs 60,000, you now pay tax on Rs 90,000 (Rs 1,50,000 Rs 60,000) (Rs 90,000 x 20 percent) = Rs 18,000 |
|
Above Rs 1,50,000 |
30 percent |
You have already paid tax on Rs 1,50,000, so you now pay tax on Rs 7,50,000 (Rs 9,00,000 Rs 1,50,000) (Rs 7,50,000 x 30 percent) = Rs 2,25,000 |
|
Total Tax |
|
Rs 1,000 + Rs 18,000 + Rs 2,25,000 = Rs 2,44,000 |
|
Surcharge |
10 percent |
(Rs 2,44,000 x 10 percent) = Rs 24,400 |
|
Tax including surcharge |
|
Rs 2,44,000 + Rs 24,400 = Rs 2,68,400 |
|
Education Cess |
2 percent |
(Rs 2,68,400 x 2 percent) = Rs 5,368 |
|
Total Tax Payable |
|
Rs 2,73,768 |
Hey, cheer up! You won't end up paying that much if you invest smartly.
Look at instruments that offer a tax benefit. Sell your shares a year after buying them so you don't have to pay capital gains tax.
The government has given you options that can reduce the amount of tax you pay. Use them to your advantage.
Relax With Tax is a Mumbai-based personal tax & finance solutions provider.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
