For a layman, tax-free income can be best described as income that is not subject to taxation by the government. This is because they do not form part of the taxable income that you declare when preparing your tax returns. It's important to remember that tax laws can be intricate and subject to change, so consult a professional tax advisor like the ones at Mind Your Tax for the best solutions. They are among the best freelancers in Bangalore.
The following are some of the most frequent tax-exempt incomes usually found in India:
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common tax-free income categories in India:
Interest on Savings Account: This means that the interest that an individual earns on savings accounts up to a given level is exempted from taxes. Currently, this has not been capped and is allowed up to a maximum of Rs. 10,000 per financial year for a foreign employee or a foreign company.
Agricultural Income: Income derived from farming, animal farming, gardening, and other forms of farming activities are often exempted from taxation. However, there are certain contingencies and exceptions that may be considered.
Scholarships: Any scholarship received by students for the purpose of pursuing education (school, college, or higher studies) is exempt under the Income Tax Act. This comprises grants that one receives for purposes such as books, hostel charges, etc.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): For instance, if you are a salaried employee and receive HRA as part of your package it is partly or fully tax-free depending on your place of residence and the type of house you occupy.
Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): Travel allowance received by employees from their employer for travel expenses that are incurred on vacation travel within India are also tax-free provided that some conditions are met.
Medical Reimbursement: Any payment received from your employer for yourself or your dependents’ medical expenses are usually tax-free.
Disability Pension: Those people who receive pension are having disabilities, and therefore their pension is tax-free.
Exemption Limits: If you are entitled to several categories of exempt income, there could be restrictions on the amount that is allowable under each head.
Investment-Linked Savings: Income received from some saving schemes like PPF, EPF, and NSC is tax-free if interest earned is received on investments made in these saving schemes. However, the amount invested in the principal and the amount of money to be received at the end of the maturity period may be liable for tax under the particular scheme.
As with any area of the law, tax laws are not always simple to understand, and it can be difficult to know when certain laws are changing. This blog provides a basic framework, but it's crucial to consult a tax advisor like the experienced professionals at Mind Your Tax. For specific information, the readers are advised to consult the official website for further assistance. They can assist you in correctly identifying the amount of tax-free income, making the most of deductions, and filing the tax returns in the most appropriate way.
This is a team of professional tax consultants from Bangalore, India with an adequate understanding of the local tax laws. They provide all types of tax services such as income tax return filing for business, tax consultancy, and investment planning. No matter if you are a salary earner, a freelancer, or the owner of a business, Mind Your Tax can assist you in managing all the taxes in India and following all the rules.
Hiring an income tax expert is one of the best decisions an individual can make since he or she will be in a position to help you avoid situations that will lead to you spending a lot of money in the long run.