How much tax on capital gains do other countries levy?
To get some clarity on these rates and whether they make sense, let’s take a look at what other countries charge their people on their capital gains. In the United States, capital gains (long-term) are taxed at three slabs - 0 percent, 15 percent, or 20 percent. The slab is fixed based on the income level of the taxpayer. In the United Kingdom, the rate is either 10 percent or 20 percent, and again this is decided based on the income level.
In Australia, long-term capital gains are taxed at regular income tax rates, however, there is a twist. They only tax 50 percent of your long-term capital gains. And then there are France and Denmark, the party poopers. France charges up to 30 percent on capital gains while Denmark charges 42 percent on gains (exceeding 61,000 Danish Krones) from transfer of securities. Yes, you read that right. Looks like the Danish government doesn’t like people selling their shares.
So yeah, in comparison India’s tax rates are not the harshest. Now, let’s move on to the budget expectations in Capital Gains.
Expected Changes in Capital Gains Taxation
The changes expected in the taxation of capital gains mostly have something to do with bringing some uniformity in how listed and unlisted shares and securities are handled. Firstly, the holding period for unlisted securities is likely to be reduced to 12 months from 24 months, bringing them on par with listed securities.
In terms of tax rates as well potential changes are foreseen. The long-term gains from transfer of listed and unlisted securities are expected to be taxed similarly irrespective and this is supposed to be similar for both residents and non-residents. Currently the treatment differs based on residential status.
Thirdly, the limit of ₹1 lakh up to which the long-term gains on transfer of securities are not taxed, is also anticipated to be raised, considering how it has not changed since 2018, when it was introduced.
Now, let’s move on to some other budget 2024 expectations.
Proposed bill to enable retraction of retrospective GST notices
Imagine how it would feel when your favourite show had ended, but then they announced another surprise season? That is what retrospective GST notices feel like, but these surprises aren’t as pleasant. One day, the government just decides you owe them taxes from years ago. And you have to pay them. GST remissions are a significant part of our government’s tax revenue.
Well, the proposed Finance Bill wants to change that. Provisions relating to retracting of these retrospective notices are likely to find a place in Finance Bill 2024. This will be a sigh of relief for the business fraternity, who would not be worried about raids of tax demand from the past. This definitely is a star feature of budget 2024 expectations.
Adjusting lock-in periods for Section 80C deductions
Section 80C in India has evolved into the Swiss Army knife (the one with million kinds of blades for several purposes) of tax deductions, covering life insurance premiums, tuition fees, and a raft of other investments and expenses, all of which help you save up to ₹1.5 lakh in taxes. But the catch here is the concept of lock-in periods.
At present, investments such as an ELSS - an Equity Linked Savings Scheme - are required to be locked-in for a period of three years. Others, like the Public Provident Fund or PPF, have a 15-year term. How these lock-in periods are reduced for the upcoming budget will tinker and attract more flexibility to an investor. Think of it as the government giving you more freedom to do what you want with your money, which is always a welcome revision in rules.
Home loan relief
With interest rates on the rise, EMIs have become burdensome, especially for home loan consumers. They are looking forward to this budget hoping for something to smile about. The deduction limit under Section 24(b) could be what they are looking for.
The section talks about home loan interest and currently there is a limit of ₹2 lakh up to which interest paid on home loan can be deducted from taxable income. This limit is likely to go up. This will make things easy for the homeowners to a great extent.
In conclusion
This year’s budget expectations offer some interesting changes to look forward to. Well, potential changes to be precise, we don’t know how many of these predictions would actually come true. Budget trackers can only make educated guesses. As for areas of change, from adjusting capital gains tax to more worthy provisions for senior citizens, there is much that is highly awaited in this regime.
Pretty straightforward, wasn’t it? Stay connected with Bajaj Broking for all the latest Union Budget updates. Kyunki Bajaj Broking ke saath, #BudgetSimpleHai
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