Taxes and indirect tax
India levies direct taxes such as income tax and indirect taxes such as GST, customs duty and, for specified transactions, state taxes. GST is governed principally by the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and applicable state GST legislation. Section 9 of the CGST Act provides for the levy of central GST on taxable intra-state supplies, subject to statutory exceptions. Section 22 addresses registration thresholds, while section 24 identifies categories requiring compulsory registration. Refer to the GST portal and CBIC GST resources for current notifications and rates.
Service tax and most state VAT or sales-tax regimes were largely replaced by GST from 1 July 2017, although legacy disputes and taxes on certain goods may remain relevant. Gift tax as a separate enactment is no longer levied; certain gifts may instead be taxable under section 56(2)(x) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, subject to exceptions.
Income tax and assessments
The Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax Act, 2025 must be considered according to the relevant tax year and commencement or transitional provisions. Under the 1961 Act, section 139 deals with income-tax returns, section 143 with assessment procedures, section 144 with best-judgment assessment, section 246A with specified appeals to the Commissioner (Appeals), and section 253 with appeals to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. Section 115JB addresses minimum alternate tax and the computation of book profit for applicable companies. For current return forms, tax deductions and operative provisions, use the Income Tax e-Filing portal and Income Tax Department.
Older TDS charts, filing guides and financial-year-specific documents below are retained as archives, not as current compliance instructions.
- Type of Income Tax Assessments
- Income Tax Assessment with Assessing Officer (AO)
- Income Tax Appeal with Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT)
- Income Tax Appeal with Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)
- Meaning of Book Profit and Calculation
- TDS rates for FY 2011-12 (archive)
- ITR documents for FY 2012-13 (archive)
- Income tax return filing guide (legacy)
Wealth tax archive
The Wealth-tax Act, 1957 was abolished with effect from assessment year 2016-17. These articles are preserved for historical research and any relevant legacy proceedings; they do not describe a currently payable annual wealth tax.
Company law and registrations
Company incorporation, filings and governance are regulated principally by the Companies Act, 2013 and related rules. Section 7 concerns incorporation, section 92 annual returns, and section 137 filing of financial statements. Limited liability partnerships are governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. Ordinary partnership firms are governed by the Indian Partnership Act, 1932; section 69 specifies important consequences of non-registration. Verify filing forms, additional fees and current notifications with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Professional services
Business and property resources
Stamp duty and registration requirements depend on the state, the nature of the instrument and the transaction. Property transfers may require a registered instrument under the Registration Act, 1908 and applicable transfer-of-property law. For Delhi-specific services and prevailing charges, consult the Delhi Revenue Department.
Information updated: 8 October 2026. This general guide is not a substitute for advice on individual circumstances.