Last updated: January 28th, 2020 3:44 PM

Presumptive Taxation in India

Presumptive taxation is a concept introduced in the Income Tax Act for providing relief to taxpayers whose turnover is less than two crore rupees. The word "presumptive" is defined in the dictionary as presumed in the absence of further information. Thus, the presumptive taxation scheme is a scheme wherein the person adopting can declare income at a prescribed rate and be relieved from the tedious job of maintenance of books of account and auditing of accounts. In this article, an overview of presumptive taxation in India is provided.

Compliance Relief for Small Tax Payers

Any person involved in a business is required to maintain books of accounts and have the accounts audited, as per the income tax rules in India. However, maintenance of book of accounts and auditing of accounts could be a cumbersome process for small taxpayers. Hence, to provide compliance relief for small taxpayers, the presumptive taxation scheme allows a person to declare income at a prescribed rate and be relieved from the maintenance of books of account and audit.

Eligibility

The presumptive taxation scheme can be adopted by a resident individual, resident Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) or resident Partnership Firm (not Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)). Further, only persons who have a total business turnover or gross receipt of NOT more than Rs.2 Crore can opt for the presumptive taxation scheme.

Section 44AD

Under Section 44AD, relief from audit and book of accounts maintenance is provided to small taxpayers. The taxpayers engaged in any business are eligible for the scheme, except for the business of plying, hiring or leasing of goods carriages. Also, a person who is carrying on any agency business or who is earning income from commission or brokerage is not eligible. Further, any person providing the services of legal, medical, engineering, architectural, accountancy, technical consultancy or interior decoration not eligible for the presumptive taxation scheme under section 44AD.

Section 44AE

Section 44AE is designed to provide compliance relief for small taxpayers engaged in the business of plying, hiring or leasing of goods carriages. Hence, the scheme can be adopted only by a person who does not own more than ten goods vehicles. The requirement not to own ten vehicles applies throughout the year.

Concessional Rate of Tax

Usually, income tax is calculated on the basis of taxable business income, which is income less allowable deductions - as per income tax act. However, in the case of a person opting for the presumptive taxation scheme, the provisions for deductions will not apply and income computed at the presumptive rate of 8% will be the final taxable income of the business. Hence, under the scheme, no further expenses will be allowed or disallowed.

To know more about the presumptive taxation scheme, get in touch with an Income Tax Consultant through IndiaFilings.com