Income Tax in India: Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Income Tax in India is what the government levy for the objective of financing several operations. Basically, there are two major Types of Taxes - direct and indirect. In the former category, income tax is covered. And, VAT, excise, service tax, as well as goods and services tax (GST) all come in the indirect taxes.

Along with funding governmental activities, collected taxes are also used as a fiscal stabilizer that helps in the adequate distribution of wealth among the population. There are several aspects that Indian income taxation system comprises. Let's find out more about it.

Types of Income Tax in India

Income tax can be divided into three different categories, based upon the payee and the time of payment, such as:

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)

Any sort of income tax that is deducted and paid on the taxpayer’s behalf by a second person (who generates the source of income for the taxpayer) is called TDS. This tax is a measurement method that the income tax department uses to ensure timely payment of taxes.

Advance Tax

Throughout the financial year, professionals and businessmen have to pay the income tax in four instalments. Those instalments are known as Advance Tax. There are certain fixed dates for the payment of these taxes, such as:

• Before or on 15th June: 15% of the AD
• Before or on 15th September: 45% of the AD
• Before or on 15th December: 75% of the AD
• Before or on 15th March: 100% of the AD

Self-Assessment Tax

Self-assessment tax means any sort of balance tax that is paid by the taxpayer on the calculated income after taking TDS and advance tax into account.

The Income Source

As per the Indian Income-tax laws, income in India, when generated from the following sources, is meant to be taxable:

• Salaries
• House property income
• Gains and profits of profession or business
• Capital gains
• income from other sources

The income sum from all of these sources is calculated as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act. The tax rates vary based on the earnings of the individual and are called Income Tax slab rates. During the budget, every year, these income tax rates get revised.

Difference Between Financial Year and Assessment Year

A financial year is that year in which you have earned your income. Assessment year, on the other hand, is the succeeding year in which you have to file the Income Tax Return for the previous year. So, for instance, you have earned your income in 2019, it will be considered as your Financial Year. And, since you are going to file the return for 2019 in 2020, it will be considered as your Assessment Year.

Documents Required to File ITR in India

When it comes to filing the ITR online, you would require a certain set of documents. These documents vary as per the source of income.

Below-mentioned is the detail regarding the same:

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are certain mandatory documents as well, like bank account details, and PAN card.

Income Tax Forms

Income tax forms are the approved forms from the income tax department. These are the ones used by taxpayers to furnish information regarding the earned income and paid taxes for that financial year. In total, there are seven different forms, and each of them belongs to a set category of taxpayers.

So, for instance, a form that is approved for income tax for professionals in India cannot be used by salaried individuals and vice versa.

Income Tax Slab for FY 20 - 21 (AY 20-21)

As mentioned above, the income tax is chargeable as per the income of an individual. The more the income, the more will be the tax. Basically, there are three categories of taxpayers, such as:

• Residents and non-residents (below 60 years of age)
• Senior citizens (60 and above years but below than 80 years of age)
• Resident super senior citizens (above 80 years of age)

So, when talking about income tax and slab rates as per FY 19-20 and AY 20-21, the below-mentioned rate will be applicable for different categories.

Residents, Non-Residents, and HUFs upto 60 years

Here's the income tax slab rates FY 20 - 21 (AY 20-21) for-

Note: Rebate under section 87(A) 100% Tax Rebate subject to maximum of INR 2,500 available to residents whose total income does not exceed INR 3.5 lakhs.

Senior Citizens (60 to 80 years of age)

Here's the income tax slab rates FY 20 - 21 (AY 20-21) for-

Note: Rebate under section 87(A) 100% tax rebate subject to maximum of Rs. 2,500 available to resident whose total income does not exceed Rs. 3.5 lakhs.

Resident Super Senior Citizens (above 80 years of age)

Here's the tax slab from super senior citizens of India:

Domestic Companies

Tax rates for domestic companies:

Conclusion

With the introduction of e-filing, the process to file ITR and claim deductions has become an easier one. Being a young earning individual, you would no longer have to undergo a strenuous process of filing. Now that this post covers almost every aspect of income tax in India, don’t miss out on your responsibilities.