25 Types of Taxes in India

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: India Money Advice

Taxes in India are classified into Direct Taxes (paid directly to the government) and Indirect Taxes (paid via goods/services). Here's a comprehensive list:


Direct Taxes

  • Income Tax: Tax on income exceeding taxable limits. Rates vary by income slab.
  • Capital Gains Tax: On profits from selling assets like property or shares; categorized as short-term or long-term.
  • Securities Transaction Tax (STT): Tax on transactions in stock exchanges, applied directly.
  • Perquisite Tax: Tax on non-monetary benefits from employers (e.g., cars, ESOPs).
  • Corporate Tax: Annual tax on a company's income, differing for domestic and foreign firms.

Indirect Taxes

  • Sales Tax: Charged on goods' sales, varying for interstate and intrastate transactions (now replaced by GST).
  • Service Tax: Tax on paid services (e.g., banking, hospitality). Current rate: 14.5%.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): State-level tax on goods; rates vary. Merged into GST.
  • Custom Duty: On imported goods, payable at entry points like ports.
  • Excise Duty: Tax on goods manufactured in India.
  • Anti-Dumping Duty: Imposed to prevent unfair pricing of imported goods.

Other Taxes

  • Professional Tax: Levied on salaried individuals by state governments. Rates vary.
  • Dividend Distribution Tax: Paid by companies on dividends distributed to shareholders (current rate: 15%).
  • Municipal Tax: Property tax imposed by local municipalities.
  • Entertainment Tax: State tax on movies, shows, cable, and DTH services.
  • Stamp Duty & Registration Fees: Charged on property ownership transfers.
  • Education Cess & Surcharge: Additional tax for funding education and government initiatives (3% of total tax).
  • Gift Tax: Taxed if the gift's value exceeds50,000 annually.
  • Wealth Tax: Previously levied on net wealth exceeding30 lakh, now replaced by a surcharge on income.
  • Toll Tax: Charged for using infrastructure like roads or bridges.
  • Swachh Bharat Cess: 0.5% tax on services for the Swachh Bharat initiative.
  • Krishi Kalyan Cess: 0.5% tax on services to support farmers' welfare.
  • Dividend Tax: 10% tax on dividend income exceeding10 lakh annually.
  • Infrastructure Cess: Levied on cars and utility vehicles, rates based on engine size and type.
  • Entry Tax: State tax on goods entering jurisdiction (e.g., via e-commerce).

Key Insights

  • Purpose: Taxes fund infrastructure, defense, and public welfare.
  • Taxpayer Rights: Understand and maximize exemptions like agricultural income or scholarships.
  • Reforms: Many indirect taxes are now unified under GST, simplifying compliance.

"Taxes are paid, nations are made!"


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