1. Introduction to Income Tax
1. Introduction to Income Tax
UNIT-I
CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION TO INCOME TAX
The taxation system in India is such that the taxes are levied by the Central Government and
the State Governments. Some minor taxes are also levied by the local authorities such as the
Municipality and the Local Governments.
To run the government and manage the affairs of a state, money is required. So the government
imposes taxes in many forms on the incomes of individuals and companies.
Classification of Taxes
Direct Taxes
A direct tax can be defined as a tax that is paid directly by an individual or organization to the
imposing entity (generally government). A direct tax cannot be shifted to another individual or
entity. The individual or organization upon which the tax is levied is responsible for the fulfilment
of the tax payment.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes deals with matters related to levying and collecting Direct
Taxes and formulation of various policies related to direct taxes.
A taxpayer pays a direct tax to a government for different purposes, including real property tax,
personal property tax, income tax or taxes on assets, FBT, Gift Tax, Capital Gains Tax, etc.
Indirect Taxes
The term indirect tax has more than one meaning. In the colloquial sense, an indirect tax such
as sales tax, a specific tax, a value-added tax (VAT), or goods and services tax (GST) is a tax
collected by an intermediary (such as a retail store) from the person who bears the ultimate
economic burden of the tax (such as the consumer).
The intermediary later files a tax return and forwards the tax proceeds to the government with
the return. In this sense, the term indirect tax is contrasted with a direct tax which is collected
directly by the government from the persons (legal or natural) on which it is imposed.
Transfer
Not transferable Can be transferable
of liability
Tax
Complex Quite convenient
Collection
Types Income Tax and STT Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Income Tax: Income tax is tax on income. Income tax is a central subject according to the
Constitution of India. Income tax is a very important direct tax. It is an important and most
significant source of revenue of the Government. The government needs money to maintain law
and order in the country; safeguard the security of the country from foreign powers and promote
the welfare of the people. It is the foremost duty of the government to bring out such welfare and
development programmes which will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. For this
purpose, mobilization of funds from various sources is required. These sources may be direct
or indirect. Income tax is one of the most important tools to achieve balanced socio-economic
growth.
Any sum received by the assessee from his employees as contributions to any provident fund
or superannuation fund or any fund set up under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 or any
fund for the welfare of such employee; [Sec. 2(24)(x)]
Any amount received under the Keyman insurance policy including the sum allocated by way of
bonus; [Sec. 2(24)(xi)]
Any sum chargeable to income-tax u/s 56(2)(v), (vi);
Any sum of money or specified movable or immovable properties received without consideration
or inadequate consideration as provided u/s 56(2)(vii), (via);
Any consideration received for issue of shares as exceeds the FMV of shares referred to in
section 56(2)(viib);
Any sum of money received as advance in the course of negotiation for transfer of a capital
asset, if such sum is forfeited as the negotiation do not resulted in transfer of the asset 56(2)(ix);
Any sum chargeable to income-tax u/s 56(2)(x);
Any compensation or other payment referred to in Sec. 56(2)(xi);
Income shall include assistance received in the form of a subsidy or grant or cash incentive or
duty drawback or waiver or concession or reimbursement (by whatever name called) from the
Central Government or a State Government or any other authority or body or agency in cash or
kind to the assessee other than:
(a) the subsidy or grant or reimbursement which is taken into account for determination of the
actual cost of the asset in accordance with the provisions of Explanation 10 to clause (1) of
section 43,
(b) the subsidy or grant by the Central Government for the purpose of the corpus of a trust or
institution established by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may
be.
Capital receipts are generally non-recurring, and a business or a government can't record it as
their regular source of income. In other words, they are cash inflows from capital gains generated
from the sale of investments or assets like buildings, land, or jewellery.
As capital receipts are the result of transactions of assets and liabilities, they are part of the
balance sheet. They are not reflected in the income or profit-and-loss statement.
These revenues are recurring in nature as they are the products of the daily business of a
company or government. It is part of the profit-and-loss or income statement of a company.
From the definition, it is clear that any type of receipt needs to satisfy one of the two conditions
CLASSES BY: Dr. JATIN LAMBA
GIBS TAX LAW BBALLB 7SEM INTRODUCTION TO INCOME TAX
These are generated by creating Derived from the daily business activities of an
liabilities or selling assets. enterprise. It primarily involves selling of goods
and services.
They are shown in the balance sheet. They are reflected in profit-and-loss or income
statements.
It is non-recurring. It is recurring.
Usually not subject to income tax. In This type of income is subject to taxation.
some cases, capital gains tax may be
applicable.
Capital receipts cannot be used for Revenue receipts are one of the sources for
creating reserve funds in the business. creating reserves
Short Title: This may be called the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Extent: It extends to whole of India. (It also means people of Jammu and Kashmir earning
income is required to pay income tax to Government of India).
Commencement: This act comes into force on 1st day of April, 1962
3. A company
4. A firm(partnership)
5. An Association of Persons (AOP) or a Body of Individual (BOI), whether incorporated or
not e.g. clubs, co operative societies etc.
6. A local authorities e.g. MCD, DDA etc.
7. Every artificial judicial person not falling within any of the preceding sub-clauses e.g.
Delhi University.
A Deemed Assessee
A person who is deemed to be an assessee for some other person, is called Deemed
Assessee. For example, (i) after the death of a person, his legal representative (ii) a person
representing a foreigner or a minor or a lunatic
Assessee in Default
When a person is responsible for doing any work under the Act and he fails to do so, he is
called an assessee in default. For example- if a person is liable to deduct income tax while
making any payment to another person & he does not deduct or does not deposit it in the
Govt. Treasury.
First Previous year for a business/profession newly set-up during the financial year
or for a new source of income:
From the date of setting up of the business or from the date of the new source came to
existence To the last date of that financial year i.e. 31st of March.
shall be deemed to be income of the taxpayer. The master of the ship shall submit a
return of income before the departure of the ship from the Indian port. Such return may
be submitted within 30 days of the departure of the ship, if the Assessment Officer is
satisfied that it will be difficult to submit the return before departure & if satisfactory
arrangement for payment of tax has been made.
3) AOP/BOI formed for short duration (Section 174A): If it appears to the Assessing
Officer that any AOP/BOI is likely to be dissolved in the assessment year in which it
was formed, the total income of such AOP/BOI for the period from first day of that year
to the date of its dissolution shall be chargeable to tax in that assessment year.
5) Discontinued Business (Section 176): The income for the period commencing from
the first day of the assessment year to the date of discontinuance, is taxed in the
assessment year of discontinuance.
Note
It may be noted that in first four cases, it is mandatory for the AO to charge the tax in the
same P/Y. But in last case, there is a choice for the AO i.e. if he wishes he can case or he
can wait till the A/Y.
(A) For Resident Senior Citizen (age 60 years but less than 80 years Men/Women )
Total income up to Rs.3, 00,000 Nil
Total income above Rs.3,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000 5% of excess of Rs. 3, 00,000
Total income above Rs.5,00,000 to Rs. 10, 20% of excess of Rs. 5, 00,000
00,000
Total income above Rs. 10, 00,000 30% of excess of Rs.10, 00,000
Surcharge
10% of the Income Tax, where total taxable income is more than Rs. 50,00,000 and 15% of
Income Tax if total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore.
Surcharge
10% of the Income Tax, where total taxable income is more than Rs. 50,00,000 and 15% of
Income Tax if total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore.
(C) For Other Individuals (men/women)/AOP/BOI etc. (other than Firm &Company)
Surcharge
10% of the Income Tax, where total taxable income is more than Rs. 50,00,000 and 15% of
Income Tax if total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore.
Tax Rates for A/Y 2023-24 (Under Alternative Tax Regime U/S 115BAC)
An individual/HUF can opt for the alternative tax regime where tax rates are lower than
the regular rates. However, a few tax incentives are blocked. So, taxable income is
CLASSES BY: Dr. JATIN LAMBA
GIBS TAX LAW BBALLB 7SEM INTRODUCTION TO INCOME TAX
*Exemption limit is Rs.2,50,000 even in case of senior citizens and super senior citizens.
*Rebate U/S 87A is available.
*Surcharge and education cess are applicable same as under regular tax regime.
liability under the both tax regimes, one can find out whether alternative tax regime is better
or not.
*NOTE: If the amount of blocked incentives is Rs.2,50,000 or more, regular regime is better.
If this amount is less than Rs.2,50,000 then one must separately calculate tax liability under
both regimes and compare where it is less.
1) Regularity of Income
a) To be taxed it is not necessary a source of income is regular
b) Thus even casual income like lotteries, winning from races etc. are taxable
4) Disputed Income
a) Any dispute regarding the title of income cannot hold up the assessment of the
income
b) In such case it is AO who decides regarding the taxability of such disputed income.
Introduction
Diversion of income and application of income are two concepts that are recognized under the
Income Tax Act, 1961 in India. These concepts are used to determine the taxability of income in
certain situations where income is diverted or applied by a taxpayer in a manner that may affect
its tax liability. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of these concepts as per the Income Tax Act,
1961:
1. Diversion of Income:
Diversion of income refers to a situation where income is legally diverted by a taxpayer to a third
party before it reaches the taxpayer, and the diverted income is not considered as the taxpayer's
income for tax purposes. In other words, the income is diverted to another person before it
becomes taxable in the hands of the taxpayer.
Under the Income Tax Act, for a diversion of income to be recognized, the following conditions
must be met:
a) Existence of a legal obligation: There must be a legal obligation on the taxpayer to apply the
income in a particular manner before it accrues or arises to the taxpayer. This legal obligation
can arise from a contract, an agreement, a statute, or any other legal arrangement.
b) Diversion before accrual or arising of income: The income must be legally diverted to a third
party before it accrues or arises to the taxpayer. Once the income accrues or arises to the
taxpayer, it becomes taxable in the hands of the taxpayer unless it satisfies the conditions for
diversion of income.
c) Diversion without the taxpayer's control: The income must be diverted to a third party without
the taxpayer having control over it. The taxpayer must not have any power or control over the
diverted income after it is diverted.
d) Genuine and bona fide transaction: The diversion of income must be a genuine and bona fide
transaction, and it must not be a sham or colorable transaction intended to evade taxes.
If all these conditions are met, the diverted income will not be treated as the taxpayer's income
for tax purposes, and it will be taxable in the hands of the third party to whom it is diverted.
2. Application of Income:
Application of income refers to a situation where income is applied by a taxpayer for a specific
purpose or utilized in a particular manner, and such application or utilization is considered as a
taxable event. In other words, the income is applied or utilized by the taxpayer for a particular
purpose, and it is treated as the taxpayer's income for tax purposes.
Under the Income Tax Act, the concept of application of income is primarily used in cases where
income is accumulated or set apart for the benefit of a specific person, such as a trust or a fund.
In such cases, the income is considered as the taxpayer's income and is taxable in the hands of
the person for whose benefit it is accumulated or set apart.
Mr. A is liable to pay Rs. 2,000/- per month M/s ABC is a partnership firm in which A and
to Ms. B (his ex-wife) as an alimony sum. his two sons B & C are partners. The
Mr. A being an employee of Mr. C, instructs partnership deed provides that after the
him to pay Rs. 2,000/- per month out of his death of Mr. A, B & C shall continue the
salary and disburse the remaining salary to business of the firm subject to a condition
him. Whether this amount of Rs. 2,000/- per that 20% of profit of the firm shall be given to
month be included in the Total Income of Mrs. D (Wife of Mr. A/ Mother of B & C). After
Mr. A or is it a case of diversion of income the death of Mr. A, whether this 20% amount
of Mr. A and not taxable in his hands? of profit be included in the Total Income of
Firm M/s ABC or is a case of diversion of
This is a case of Application of Income by income of M/s ABC and not taxable in its
Mr. A and not diversion of Income and hands?
hence it will be included in the Total Income
of Mr. A. This is because this amount of Rs. This is a case if Diversion of Income and the
2,000/- per month is an obligation of Mr. A said 20% amount shall not be included in the
to pay to Ms. B out of his income and not an Total Income of M/s ABC, i.e., it is deductible
income in which Ms. B had over riding from its Total Income. This is because the
entitlement from Mr. C before being earned clause mentioned in partnership deed has
by Mr. A. In other words, this is an Income given an overriding title of 20% profit to Mrs.
of Mr. A, which is applied by him to fulfill an D and such income is a precondition for the
obligation and hence included in his Total firm to continue its business. In other words,
Income and a mere arrangement to make this 20% profit reaches Mrs. D before it
Mr. C make such payments directly to Ms. becomes income of the firm and hence it is a
B won’t make it a case of Diversion of case of diversion of Income.
Income.
Tax liability is lower under the regular tax regime. X should not opt for the alternative tax
regime.
Working Notes:
Income Tax
First Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Above Rs.2,50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 Rs.12,500 (5% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,00,000 Rs.1,00,000 (20% of 5,00,000)
Above Rs.10,00,000 Rs.2,46,000 (30% of 8,20,000)
Total Rs. 3,58,500
Income Tax
First Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Above Rs.2,50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 Rs.12,500 (5% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.7,50,000 Rs.25,000 (10% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.7,50,000 to Rs.10,00,000 Rs.37,500 (15% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.10,00,000 to Rs.12,50,000 Rs.50,000 (20% of Rs. 2,50,000)
Above Rs.12,50,000 to Rs.15,00,000 Rs.62,500 (25% of Rs.2,50,000)
Above Rs.15,00,000 Rs.1,77,000 (30% of Rs.5,90,000)
Total Rs. 3,64,500
Question2: Mr. Y (23 years) is an individual. His net income under regular tax regime is
Rs.22,50,000. It is calculated after claiming a few deductions/incentives (i.e., standard
deduction: Rs.50,000 and deduction u/s 80C: Rs. 10,000).
Find the tax liability of Mr. Y for A/Y 2023-24 under both regular and alternative tax regime.
Also suggest which tax regime should he opt?
Working Notes:
1. Income tax under regular tax regime:
Income Tax
First Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Above Rs.2,50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 Rs.12,500 (5% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,00,000 Rs.1,00,000 (20% of 5,00,000)
Above Rs.10,00,000 Rs.3,75,000 (30% of 12,50,000)
Total Rs. 4,87,500
Income Tax
First Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Above Rs.2,50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 Rs.12,500 (5% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.7,50,000 Rs.25,000 (10% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.7,50,000 to Rs.10,00,000 Rs.37,500 (15% of 2,50,000)
Above Rs.10,00,000 to Rs.12,50,000 Rs.50,000 (20% of Rs. 2,50,000)
Above Rs.12,50,000 to Rs.15,00,000 Rs.62,500 (25% of Rs.2,50,000)
Above Rs.15,00,000 Rs.2,43,000 (30% of Rs.8,10,000)
Total Rs. 4,30,500
2. Total income of Mr. Malhotra, aged 56 is Rs. 3, 26,500. It is calculated after claiming
a few deductions/incentives (i.e., Blocked incentives of Rs.50,000). Compute his tax
liability for A/Y 2023-24 under both regular and alternative tax regime. Also suggest which
CLASSES BY: Dr. JATIN LAMBA
GIBS TAX LAW BBALLB 7SEM INTRODUCTION TO INCOME TAX
3. Total income of Mr. Sarna, aged 70 a resident of India for assessment year 2023-24 is12,
90,450. It is calculated after claiming a few deductions/incentives (i.e., Blocked incentives of
Rs.2,80,000). Compute his tax liability for A/Y 2023-24 under both regular and alternative tax
regime. Also suggest which tax regime should he opt?
4. Total income of Mr. Arora, aged 45 a resident of India is Rs. 18, 94,000. Compute his tax
liability for A/Y 2023-24 under regular tax regime.
5. Total income of Mrs. Arora, aged 75 a non-resident of India is Rs. 17, 46,300. Compute
her tax liability for A/Y 2023-24 under regular tax regime.
6. Total income of Mrs. Arora, aged 55 a non-resident of India is Rs. 18, 46,300. Compute
her tax liability for A/Y 2023-24 under regular tax regime.
7. Total income of Mr. Sharma, aged 60 a resident of India for assessment year 2023-24 is
18, 90,460. Compute his tax liability under regular tax regime.
8. Total income of Mrs. Sharma, aged 54 a resident of India for assessment year 2023-24 is
27, 45,640. Compute her tax liability under regular tax regime.
9. Total income of Mr. Shyam, aged 70 a resident of India for assessment year 2023-24 is
19, 54,430. Compute his tax liability under regular tax regime.
10. Total income of Mr. Vipin, aged 80 a resident of India for assessment year 2023-24 is
18, 94,000. Compute his tax liability under regular tax regime.