All about Taxes in India

India has a very simplified and well-developed tax structure, wherein the authority
is clearly segregated between the Central and State Governments and local bodies.

Central Government has the authority to levy taxes on income (except the
agricultural income tax, which the State Governments can levy), customs duties,
central excise and service tax.

Value Added Tax or VAT (Sales tax in States where VAT is not yet in force), stamp
duty, State Excise, land revenue and tax on professions are levied by the State
Governments.

Local bodies are empowered to levy tax on properties, octroi and for utilities like
water supply, drainage etc.

In last 10-15 years, Indian taxation system has undergone tremendous reforms. The
tax rates have been rationalized and tax laws have been simplified resulting in
better compliance, ease of tax payment and better enforcement. The process of
rationalization of tax administration is ongoing in India.

Since April 01, 2005, most of the State Governments in India have replaced sales
tax with VAT.

Taxes Levied by Central Government

Direct Taxes
1. Tax on Corporate Income
2. Capital Gains Tax
3. Personal Income Tax
4. Tax Incentives
5. Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty

Indirect Taxes
1. Excise Duty
2. Customs Duty
3. Service Tax
4. Securities Transaction Tax

Taxes Levied by State Governments and Local Bodies

1. Sales Tax/VAT
2. Other Taxes

Central Government Taxes: Direct Taxes

Direct Taxes: Direct Tax is a tax which is directly paid to the Central government,
e.g., Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. Studies reveal that over a past few years,
India has seen a steady rise in the net collection of Direct Taxes.

All the collections of the direct taxes in India like the Corporate Tax, Personal
Income Tax, Securities Transaction Tax, Banking Cash Transaction Tax, and
the Fringe Benefit Tax have been going through a healthy ascent. This growth in
the rate of Direct Tax reflects a continued increase in the economy, high tax
compliance, and better tax administration.