Tax Planning refers to the analysis of the financial position concerning the payable tax liability. Tax Planning enables the person to reduce tax liability legally. Tax Planning is an important component of Financial Planning. Financial Planning has got a larger perspective. Tax Planning is equally important for both individual and Businessmen. It helps them in rationalizing their tax liabilities.
STEPS IN TAX PLANNING:
The following are the steps in Tax Planning:
1.Forecasting of Total Income and Taxable Income: The total income for the year to be estimated in advance. Based on the total income and taxable income also to be estimated. This will help in proper tax planning for the ensuing financial year.
2.Investment and Expenses: Once expected total income for the year is known. The expenses and the amount available for investment can be estimated. Investment in tax savings schemes may be started at the beginning of the year. We may start investing in Equity Linked Savings Scheme of Mutual Funds through monthly SIP or start contributing to the PPF scheme. This will reduce the pressure at the fag end of the financial year.
3. Assessing Tax Liability regularly: During the year tax liability is to be assessed regularly based on the income. This will help in keeping the tab on tax liability so that there will be no panic at the end of the year.
4. Paying Advance Tax: As per the forecast of the tax liability, if advance tax is to be paid we must pay the same within the stipulated time to avoid interest for the delayed period.
5.Filing of Income Tax Return(ITR): We must file our Income Tax Return at the end of the year within time to avoid any penalty.
6.Safekeeping of documents: All the documents viz; Details of investments, Transactions, Bank statements, etc are to be kept safely in one place. It is advisable to maintain the same financial year wise.
TYPE OF TAX PLANNING:
The following are the types of Tax planning:
1.Purposive Tax Planning: It is done keeping in mind the specific purpose like a replacement of assets, change in residential status, Diversifying business activities which will result in tax savings.
2.Permissive Tax Planning: It is done keeping in view various deductions available in income tax laws viz; Availing tax benefits under Section 80C,80DD,80G, etc.
3.Short Term and Long Term Planning: Short Term planning is done keeping in view the specific object and is executed at the end of the year. Whereas Long Term Planning is done at the beginning of the year and is followed throughout the year.
TYPE OF TAXES:
The following are some of the major types of taxes we are required to pay:
1.Income Tax: This falls under the category of direct taxes. An individual having an annual income of more than Rs 2.50 lacs per annum is required to pay the tax. Tax is levied at various tax slabs basing on the income.
2.Corporate Tax: It is payable by the Corporate entities.
3.Capital Gain Tax: It paid on the profit made on the sale of the Fixed Assets or Shares or Stocks. In the case of fixed assets, the benefit of indexation is allowed. It is divided into long-term and short term capital gain, which attracts a different tax rate.
4.Goods and Service Tax(GST): This falls under the category of Indirect Taxes. It has been introduced in place of Sales Tax. It is charged on all Goods and Services produced. It is the major source of revenue for the government.
5.Property Tax: It is levied by the Local authorities Like Municipal corporations etc on the residential and commercial properties.
6.Excise Duty: It is charged on Petroleum and Liquors.
7.Customs Duty: It is charged on the items imported in India from other countries.
NON TAXABLE INCOME:
The following type of income is exempted from income tax:
1. Income from Gifts received from close relatives and property inherited
2. Discounts received from a retailer on items purchased
3. Alimony received in the divorce decree
4. Payments received for maintenance of a child
5. Money received for the welfare purpose
POPULAR TAX SAVINGS SCHEMES:
The following are the most popular tax savings methods:
1.Equity Linked Tax Savings Schemes(ELSS) of Mutual Funds
2. Premium paid towards Life Insurance Policies
3. Premium paid towards Health insurance Policies
4.Donations to Prime Minister Relief Fund
5.Five-year Tax Savings Deposits of banks
6.Contribution to the National Pension Scheme(NPS)
7.Pension plans of life insurance companies
8.Investment in National Savings Scheme(NSC)
9.Contribution to Employees Provident Fund(EPF)
10. Contribution to Public Provident Fund (PPF)
COMMON MISTAKES IN TAX PLANNING:
The following are the common mistakes committed in Tax planning:
1.Procrastination: This is the most common mistake. Any delay in planning leads to a last-minute rush and paying more taxes. Sometimes it may lead to paying penalties and litigation also.
2. The investment made in Life Insurance products: Many times investments are made in the insurance products without an assessment of its requirement just for the sake of availing tax benefit. This results in erratic investment planning.
3. Failing to avail the tax benefits available in other sections of Income Tax: Section 80C is the most popular section for availing tax benefits. Whereas tax benefits are available in other sections also viz; Section 80DD,80E,80G,80GGA,10(1), etc.
4. Not assessing the estimated income for the ensuing financial year properly. Accrued but not received income not included in the total income.
BENEFITS OF TAX PLANNING:
The following are the benefits of proper tax planning:
1.Helps in assessing proper estimated income for the ensuing financial year and assessing the correct tax liable to be paid
2.Helps in planning the proper investment plan to save the taxes
3. Saves from the last-minute rush in assessing and paying taxes. Which may lead to paying more taxes and inappropriate investment plan
4. It enables us to file the Income Tax Return(ITR) in time.
5. It helps in avoiding imposing of penalties and payment of interest
6. It helps in maximizing the tax relief and reducing tax liabilities
Everybody must pay the taxes honestly. It helps in the development of our country and economy. The efficient Tax planning helps us in determining the correct amount of taxes to be paid after legitimate deductions allowed under various sections of Income Tax law.