"Professional Tax" is a direct tax levied by concerned State Governments of India, a quantum of remuneration of every salaried individual, working and earning an income per month. It can be spotted in the pay slips. The Tax slab varies from state to state and the exact liability depends on the employees’ income slab, regardless of which the professional tax for a month shall not exceed Rs.2,500/-. This page will show the exact quantum, state wise.
The respective state governments in India levy professional tax on income from profession or employment. The professionals earning an income from salary or other practices such as lawyer, teacher, doctor, chartered accountant, etc. are required to pay professional tax. In the case of salaried and wage earners, the professional tax is liable to be deducted by the employer from the salary/wages and the same is to be deposited to the State government. In the case of other classes of individuals, this tax is liable to be paid by the employee himself. The tax calculation and amount collected may vary from one state to another, but it has a maximum limit of ₹ 2500.00 per year.
Professional Tax Registration is mandatory within 30 days of employing staff in a business or, in the case of professionals, 30 days from the start of the practice. Professional tax needs to be deducted from the salary or wages paid. Application for the Registration Certificate should be made to the assessee's state tax department within 30 days of employing staff for his business. If the assessee has more than one place of work, then the application should be made separately to each authority for the place of work under the jurisdiction of that authority. If an employer has employed more than 20 employees, he is required to make the payment within 15 days from the end of the month. However, if an employer has less than 20 employees, he is required to pay quarterly (i.e. by the 15th of next month from the end of the quarter).
If the employees were engaged during the national and festival holidays, at his option, be entitled to (a) twice the wages; or (b) wages for such day and to avail himself of a substituted holiday with wages on any other day. (vary from state to state).
The states which impose professional tax in India are listed below: (Click on the state name for more details)
There are exemptions provided for certain individuals to pay Professional Tax under the Professional Tax Rules.
The following individuals are exempted to pay Professional Tax:
Parents of children with permanent disability or mental disability
Members of the forces as defined in the Army Act, 1950, the Air Force Act, 1950 and the Navy Act, 1957 including members of auxiliary forces or reservists, serving in the state
Badli workers in the textile industry.
An individual suffering from a permanent physical disability (including blindness)
Women exclusively engaged as agents under the Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana or Director of Small Savings
Parents or guardians of individuals suffering from a mental disability
Individuals, above 65 years of age
The employer is responsible for deducting professional tax from the salaries of his employees and paying the amount so collected to the appropriate state government. An employer has to furnish a return to the tax department in the prescribed form within the specified time along with proof of tax payment.
The maximum amount of Professional Tax that can be imposed by any state in India is ₹ 2500.00. The total amount of Professional Tax paid during the year is allowed as a deduction under the Income Tax Act. The Professional Tax is a source of revenue for the State governments which helps in implementing schemes for the welfare and development of the region. Professional Tax is deducted by the employers from the salary of the salaried employees and is deposited with the State government. Other individuals, pay it directly to the government or through the local bodies appointed to do so.