Monday, January 13, 2014

Benefits of discontinuing income tax for individuals and HUF in India.


There are proposals to discontinue the income tax on individuals and HUF in India by certain political parties. These proposals are welcome and rational. This would be most beneficial to all the citizens of the nation. Money is taxed in multiple means and in many instances. These would reduce the tax burden of the citizens and bring about major changes to the people, society and nation. Some of the benefits foreseen are listed.
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1.00 Psychology and Physical : -
1.01 The citizens would lead a life of peace and tranquility, free from the burden of compliance of income tax laws, exemptions, etc., without the fear of any violation even inadvertently.
1.02 The psychological relief would bring about better health and wellness among the citizens.
1.03 No bribes to pay. No threats of wrong assessments, no penalties and no litigation.

2.00 Savings & Banking :-
2.01 The citizens would put the money available with them , relentlessly into safe means of savings like in bank deposits and other interest earning bonds.
2.02 The decisions on the avenues to save are more open; and not directed by various exemption schemes laid down by the Income tax act. The decisions will be based on the individual needs and aspirations, than otherwise dictated by the tax savings schemes of insurance, mutual funds, equity schemes etc.
2.03 The savings will be directed into approved avenues of the RBI and not into schemes claiming high rates of returns.
2.04 Large accumulation of deposits in banks and other financial institutions will enable to bring about resurgence of fresh deployment as investment in industry, infrastructure etc.
2.05 Transactions will be routed through banking channel, need for more bank accounts, bank branches , banking network; resulting in hoarding of cash and the money with the people be put to productive use.

3.00 Expenses :-
3.01 Statutory expenses arising out of fees , filing fees, fees to auditor, advocates etc are avoided.
3.02 Depreciation claimed as an exemption ceases, resulting in avoiding purchase of unnecessary equipment, car, etc just to avail the exemption and the purchases are made more on the needs. The value of the purchase are also made need based. This could lead to lesser number of cars on the road, drop in value of cars in case of purchase by individuals.

4.00 Foreign exchange and Rupee value :-
4.01 Disincentive to money laundering - There will be no incentive to siphon out the money to foreign lands / bank accounts outside India. The money can as well be retained in India legally and secure without fear . This will arrest the flight of money through illegal routes like hawala, under invoicing of exports, over invoicing of imports, trans border transactions merely for the purpose of money laundering.
4.02 Rupee value appreciation - The demand for forex will drop , resulting in Rupee value appreciation. The rupee value would appreciate between 10% to 30 % in a year of announcing the discontinuing of income tax on individuals and HUF.
4.03 Flight of forex to India – There will be large transfer of forex to India , resulting in huge build up of forex at low cost.
4.04 Decrease in cost of essential imports - The essential imports like petroleum etc would cost less , resulting in the lowering of retail prices of petrol, diesel, LPG ; directly influencing the economy by lowering the cost of transport, resulting in arrest of inflation and stimulate real growth in the economy.

5.00 Nation stands to gain :-
5.01 The unproductive and wasteful expenditure incurred by the govt in realising the income tax is eliminated. The cost of revenue realisation in case of income tax is very high and disproportionate compared to the other revenue streams.
5.02 The Income tax establishment may be moved to other revenue departments .
5.03 No filing work, no need to engage return filers, auditors, advocates for various litigation with the tribunals and courts; resulting in elimination of unproductive work in the department side as well.
5.04 No black economy , Only one economy.
5.05 All round drop in prices, cost of labour, increase in productivity and efficiency; reduced cost of food, transport, travel bring about spiralling drop in the expense levels of the citizens.
5.06 Overall consolidation of our economy, bringing about competitiveness in our export front and discourage imports of non essentials.
5.07 Better revenue realisation in other means due to better compliance.

6.00 Real Estate & Gold :-
6.01 Property prices are appreciating mainly on account of depreciating rupee , easy availability of home loans, deductions for interest paid , deductions on repayment etc. The property prices would slide and stabilise to a realistic level, bringing in more people requiring homes within easy reach .
6.02 Multiple property purchase as an investment avenue will be eliminated due to the slide in the property prices.
6.03 Construction costs would fall; practices and management would become more productive and efficient. Profits from operations and not from speculation.
6.04 Increased revenue collection from stamp duty , registration due to realistic declaration in documents.
6.05 Drop in gold prices, off take. No incentive to buy and hoard gold. Gold turns into a negative yield asset. Gold retains its only advantage of instant liquidity.