23/10/2024
Facts that you must know about difference in Direct and indirect taxes structure in india
In India, taxes are broadly categorized into Direct Taxes and Indirect Taxes. Here's a breakdown of each category:
A. Direct Taxes
Direct taxes are taxes levied directly on an individual's or an entity's income, wealth, or profit. These are paid directly to the government by the taxpayer.
Types of Direct Taxes:
1. Income Tax:
Tax on individual and corporate income.
Applies to salaries, business income, house property, capital gains, etc.
Governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. Corporate Tax:
Tax on the profits of companies.
Different tax rates for domestic and foreign companies.
3. Wealth Tax (Abolished in 2015):
Previously, it was a tax on the net wealth of an individual.
4. Securities Transaction Tax (STT):
Tax on the sale and purchase of stocks and securities traded on stock exchanges.
5. Gift Tax (included under Income Tax Act):
Tax on gifts received exceeding a specified threshold (₹50,000) from non-relatives.
6. Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) (Abolished in 2020):
Previously levied on companies for distributing dividends to shareholders. Now, dividends are taxable in the hands of the recipient.
Characteristics of Direct Taxes:
Paid directly by the taxpayer.
Based on the ability to pay,(higher rates for higher income brackets).
Cannot be shifted to others.
B. Indirect Taxes
Indirect taxes are taxes levied on goods and services. These taxes are collected by intermediaries (like retailers) from the consumer and then paid to the government.
Types of Indirect Taxes:
1. Goods and Services Tax (GST):
A comprehensive indirect tax that replaced many other indirect taxes (like VAT, Service Tax, Excise Duty, etc.).
Applicable on the sale, manufacture, and consumption of goods and services.
2. Customs Duty:
Tax on the import and export of goods.
Aims to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and raise revenue.
3. Excise Duty (Merged with GST):
Earlier, it was a tax on the manufacture of goods within India.
Now, only applicable to specific items like petroleum and liquor.
4. Value Added Tax (VAT) (Merged with GST):
A tax on the sale of goods, collected at each stage of production and distribution.
Still applicable on certain goods like alcohol and petroleum.
5. Service Tax (Merged with GST):
Previously, it was a tax on services provided.
Now replaced by GST.
6. Stamp Duty:
Tax on the legal recognition of documents like property deeds, agreements, and other legal instruments.
7. Entertainment Tax (Merged with GST):
Tax on entertainment services like movies, exhibitions, amusement parks, etc.
Now subsumed under GST.
Characteristics of Indirect Taxes:
Levied on goods and services.
Paid by consumers, but collected and remitted by businesses.
Regressive in nature (same rate applies to everyone regardless of income level).
Shifts the tax burden from manufacturers/service providers to end consumers.
Regards
CA DEEP KANWAR SINGH
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