Taxes, along with taxation rules are one of the most complex and confusing topics of any financial system. This complexity arises because of different types of taxes with different tax rates and continuous amendments in the taxation rules which are retrospective and prospective at times. Through this article, we will try to figure out different types of taxes levied in Indian financial system and their effects.

Types of Taxes

Taxes represent the amount of money we pay to the Government at predefined rates and periodicity. Taxes are the basic source of revenue to the Government using which it provides various kinds of services to the tax payers. There are mainly two types of Taxes, direct tax and indirect tax which are governed by two different boards, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).

Let’s discuss the two types of taxes in detail.

Direct Taxes

Direct taxes are the personal liability of tax payer. These are collected directly from the tax payers and they have to be paid by the persons on whom it is imposed. Important direct taxes are listed below:

Income Tax

This is most important type of direct tax and almost everyone is familiar with it. TDS is its famous synonym and whosoever is earning above a minimum amount (tax exemption limit) has to pay income tax.

Wealth Tax

This is in addition to the income tax and is levied if your net wealth exceeds Rs 30 Lakh at the rate of 1% on the amount exceeding Rs 30 Lakh.

*Note – In Budget 2013-2014 Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram introduced a surcharge of 10 percent on taxpayers with an annual taxable income of more than 1 crore (10 million) rupees.

Property Tax/Capital Gains Tax

This is levied on the capital gains arrived by selling property and stocks. Tax rates are different for long term and short term capital gains.

Gift Tax/ Inheritance or Estate Tax

Amount exceeding Rs. 50000 received without consideration by an individual/HUF from any person is subjected to gift tax as income under “other sources”. There are exemptions like money received from relatives is not taxable. Marriage gifts and money received through inheritance are also exempt from gift tax. Inheritance tax was earlier in practice but has been repealed by the government.

Corporate Tax

Companies operating in India are taxed as per the corporate tax rate on their income. This tax is one of the major sources of revenue for government.

Indirect Tax

Impact and incidence of indirect Taxes fall on different persons as opposed to direct taxes where impact and incidence is on the same person. These taxes are recovered from different groups of people but the liability remains with the person who collects it. Tax payer recovers the indirect taxes paid from their consumers and clients and finally pays it to government.

For example, when we purchase any product we pay VAT, when we eat in restaurants we pay service tax which are ultimately deposited in government’s kitty by the service providers. Brief about various types of indirect taxes is given below:

Service Tax

Service providers in India are subject to service tax, which is charged on the aggregate amount received by the service provider. Services like leasing, internet/voice, transport, etc are subject to service tax.

Custom Duty

Custom duties are indirect taxes which are levied on goods imported to/exported from India. There are different rules for different types of goods and sectors. Government keeps on changing these rates so as to promote import/export of specific goods.

Excise Duty

Excise duties are indirect taxes which are levied on goods manufactured in India for domestic consumption. Like custom duty, there are a number of rules which keep on changing as per government discretion.

Sales Tax and VAT

Sales tax is levied by the government on sale and purchase of products in Indian market. As customers, whatever you buy from the market, you pay sales tax on it. Now, sales tax is supplemented with new Value Added Tax so as to make it uniform across country.

Security Transaction Tax (STT)

STT is levied on transactions (sale/purchase) done through the stock exchanges. STT is applicable on purchase or sale of various financial products like stocks, derivatives, mutual funds etc.

Finding Information

I have intentionally not presented details of various tax rates and tax slabs as they keep on changing at regular frequency. For details regarding correct rates and slabs it’s recommended to visit government’s income tax website.