The income tax is levied on the total income earned by an individual or entity during a specific financial year (April to March). The income includes salary, wages, business profits, capital gains, rental income, interest, dividends, and other sources of revenue.
India has a progressive tax rate system, where the income is divided into different slabs, and each slab is taxed at a different rate. The tax rates vary depending on the total income earned by the taxpayer.
The Income Tax Act provides for various exemptions and deductions that reduce the taxable income. Common deductions include those for investments made under Section 80C (e.g., Employee Provident Fund, Public Provident Fund, life insurance premiums), deductions for medical expenses, donations to charitable institutions, and more.
Taxpayers are required to pay their income tax in advance through the system of advance tax, especially for those with a significant tax liability. Additionally, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a mechanism through which certain payments, like salary and interest, are subject to deduction of tax at the source before being paid to the recipient.
Every individual and entity with taxable income is required to file an income tax return with the tax department. The return must be filed by a specified due date, and it reflects the income earned, deductions claimed, and the tax paid.
Failure to pay income tax or file the income tax return on time can lead to penalties and interest. In some cases, it may also attract prosecution under the Income Tax Act.
India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with many countries to prevent double taxation of income for individuals and entities with cross- border income.
While income tax is a direct tax, India also has a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services.
Our lawyers assist clients in resolving income tax disputes with the tax authorities, including the Income Tax Department. This can involve challenges to tax assessments, rectification of errors, and disputes over tax demands.
If a taxpayer disagrees with an income tax assessment or other tax- related decisions made by the tax authorities, our lawyers can help file appeals before the appropriate appellate authorities. They represent clients during the appeal hearings and present arguments to support their case.
Our lawyers represent clients during income tax assessments and audits conducted by tax authorities. They ensure that the taxpayer's rights are protected, and the tax authorities follow due process in conducting the assessment.
Our lawyers assist taxpayers in claiming income tax refunds due to excess tax paid or deductions claimed. They follow up with the tax authorities to expedite the refund process.
Our lawyers provide tax planning advice to individuals and businesses to minimize their tax liabilities legally. They help clients understand the tax implications of various financial decisions and transactions.
Our lawyers assist clients in responding to income tax notices and inquiries from tax authorities. They provide guidance on the appropriate course of action and ensure that the taxpayer's rights are upheld.
In some cases, our lawyers will engage in settlement negotiations with tax authorities to resolve disputes or achieve favorable outcomes for their clients without going through lengthy litigation.
If income tax disputes escalate, our lawyers can represent clients before various judicial forums, such as the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), High Courts, and the Supreme Court of India.
Our lawyers with expertise in international taxation can handle disputes related to cross-border income, transfer pricing issues, and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).
In cases of serious tax evasion or non-compliance, our lawyers can represent clients facing tax prosecution before the tax authorities or in courts.
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