Are you planning to buy or sell a real estate property? It's important to understand the tax implications involved in such a transaction. In this newsletter, we will give you a simple and creative overview of the tax implications on the sale or purchase of property. From capital gains tax to rental income, we will cover everything you need to know to ensure that you are fully informed about the tax implications on your real estate transaction
.
Capital Gains Tax:
Every time when you sell a property in India, you'll have to pay capital gain tax on the profit earned after considering the inflation and indexed purchase cost. The amount of tax you owe will depend on your income level and how long you owned the property. If the property is held for for more than two years, you can claim an indexation benefit, which adjusts the purchase price of the property for inflation.
Long-term capital gains tax is levied at 20% on the profit earned from the sale of the property. However, if the property is sold within two years of purchase, it is considered a short-term capital asset, and the gains are taxed as per the individual's income tax slab rate.
Property Tax:
Property tax is a tax that is levied on the owner of a property based on the value of the property. The property tax rate varies from state to state and even from one locality to another within the same state.
The tax is calculated based on the area of the property, the type of property, and the tax rate in the local jurisdiction. The tax is calculated based on the annual rental value (ARV) of the property, which is determined by the local authorities based on various factors such as the size and location of the property, its age, condition, and amenities.
Property taxes are usually paid annually, either in lump sum or in installments.
GST on Real Estate:
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax levied on the sale of under-construction properties or new properties that have not yet received a completion certificate. The tax rate applicable on under-construction properties ranges from 1% to 12% depending on the property type (residential or commercial/affordable or non-affordable) and location.
The GST rate applicable on the sale of properties varies depending on the construction stage of the property at the time of purchase. The tax rate is 18% for properties purchased during the pre-construction phase, i.e., before the start of construction, and 5% for properties purchased after the construction completion certificate is issued.
If the property is purchased for rental income, the GST paid can be claimed as a credit against the GST payable on the rental income earned from the property.
Stamp Duty:
Stamp duty is an important source of revenue for state governments. This is a duty levied by the state government on the purchase or transfer of property. The stamp duty rate varies from state to state and can range from 3% to 10% of the property value or the ready reckoner rate (whichever is higher) of the property.
Typically, the buyer is typically responsible for paying the stamp duty, although in some cases, it may be split between the buyer and the seller. The stamp duty must be paid at the time of registration of the property transfer deed. It is crucial to ensure that you understand the stamp duty rates and rules in your state and factor them into your budget when buying or selling a property in India.
Rental Income:
Any income generated from renting out a property is taxed under the head "Income from House Property" as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The net annual value of the property, which is the gross rent received minus the municipal taxes paid, is added to the individual's total income and taxed as per the applicable income tax slab rate.
For instance, if an individual owns a rental property that generates a gross rent of Rs. 5,00,000 per annum and pays municipal taxes of Rs. 50,000 per annum, the net annual value of the property would be Rs. 4,50,000. If the individual falls in the 30% income tax slab, they would have to pay Rs. 1,35,000 as income tax on the rental income earned
Bottom Line
While real estate taxes may not be the most exciting topic, they are a crucial aspect to consider when buying or selling a property. Remember, understanding the tax implications can save you a lot of money in the long run. So, if you're thinking of making a move, don't forget to consult a tax professional to ensure you're making an informed decision. Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we promise to bring you more fun and exciting topics related to taxes. Until then, happy house hunting!