Synopsis:
Securities transaction tax (STT) is levied on the buying and selling of securities listed on the Indian stock exchanges. This tax was introduced in 2004 to curb tax evasion in the securities market and help the government earn revenue.
STT is payable on the trade of securities, like equities, derivatives, and units of equity-oriented mutual funds. The rate of STT varies based on the nature of the instrument and the type of transaction.
For example, in the case of buying or selling of equity shares, a 0.1% STT is levied on the transaction value. However, in the case of intraday transactions, an STT of 0.025% is levied only on the sale of securities (not on the purchase).