Taxation is the main way the government raises money to run the country and provide public services. Taxes in India are broadly of two kinds: direct taxes and indirect taxes. The difference between them and examples of each are frequently tested.
Direct Taxes
A direct tax is paid directly by a person or company to the government. The burden cannot be shifted to someone else.
- Income tax - on the income of individuals.
- Corporate tax - on the profits of companies.
- Capital gains tax - on profit from selling assets.
- Direct taxes are managed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
Indirect Taxes
An indirect tax is collected by one party (like a shopkeeper) but ultimately paid by the consumer. The burden can be shifted.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) - the main indirect tax since 2017.
- Customs duty - on imports and exports.
- Excise duty - on the production of certain goods like petroleum.
- Indirect taxes are handled by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
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Direct vs Indirect Taxes
- Direct taxes are progressive - the rich pay more; indirect taxes are regressive - the same rate falls on all.
- The burden of a direct tax cannot be shifted; that of an indirect tax can.
- Indirect taxes are easier to collect and harder to evade.
Key Facts
- The Constitution divides the power to tax between the Centre and the States.
- Tax revenue is the largest source of government income.
- GST replaced many older indirect taxes like VAT, service tax and excise on most goods.
Quick Revision Points
- Two types of taxes: direct and indirect.
- Direct tax burden cannot be shifted; indirect tax burden can.
- Examples of direct tax: income tax, corporate tax.
- Examples of indirect tax: GST, customs duty.
- Direct taxes managed by CBDT; indirect by CBIC.
- Direct taxes are progressive; indirect taxes are regressive.