Practice Area
Tax Law
Navigating complex tax regulations
ITAT benches across India
Standard deduction under new tax regime
Standard GST rate for most services
Corporate tax rate for domestic companies
Overview
Tax law in India encompasses a comprehensive framework of direct and indirect taxation governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Acts (CGST, SGST, IGST, and UTGST Acts, 2017), and various state-level levies. The Indian taxation system has undergone revolutionary changes in recent years, most notably the introduction of GST on July 1, 2017, which subsumed over a dozen indirect taxes into a unified regime. At NyaySevak, our tax law practice provides end-to-end advisory, compliance, and litigation support to individuals, businesses, HUFs, trusts, and NRIs navigating India's complex tax landscape.
Direct taxation under the Income Tax Act, 1961 touches every earning individual and entity in India, with a progressive slab structure for individuals and a corporate tax regime that has been significantly reformed (22% for existing domestic companies and 15% for new manufacturing companies under Section 115BAA and 115BAB). Tax disputes frequently arise from assessment proceedings, search and seizure operations, transfer pricing adjustments for international transactions, and denial of exemptions and deductions. Our tax litigation team represents clients before Income Tax Officers, Commissioners of Income Tax (Appeals), the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), High Courts, and the Supreme Court.
On the indirect tax front, GST compliance involves registration, monthly/quarterly return filing (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B), annual returns (GSTR-9), input tax credit management, e-way bill compliance, and navigating the anti-profiteering provisions. We also handle GST audit proceedings, departmental investigations, and appeals before the GST Appellate Authority and the yet-to-be-fully-constituted GST Appellate Tribunal. Our advisory practice covers tax-efficient structuring of transactions, advance ruling applications, and opinion on the applicability of tax provisions to complex business arrangements.
Governing Framework
Key Legislation & Statutes
What We Offer
Our Tax Law Services
Income Tax Filing & Assessment
Preparation and filing of income tax returns for individuals (ITR-1 to ITR-4), HUFs, firms, LLPs, companies (ITR-5, ITR-6), trusts (ITR-7), and NRIs. We also represent clients during scrutiny assessments under Section 143(3), best judgment assessments, and income escaping assessment proceedings under Section 147/148.
GST Registration & Compliance
GST registration for regular taxpayers, composition scheme dealers, casual taxable persons, and e-commerce operators. Ongoing compliance support includes GSTR-1 (outward supplies), GSTR-3B (summary return), GSTR-9 (annual return), GSTR-9C (reconciliation statement), input tax credit reconciliation, and e-way bill management.
Tax Notices & Demands Response
Expert handling of tax notices including intimation under Section 143(1), scrutiny notices under Section 143(2), notices for income escaping assessment under Section 148/148A, demand notices under Section 156, and penalty proceedings under Sections 270A, 271, and 276. We draft detailed replies with supporting documentation to protect our clients' positions.
Tax Appeals (ITAT, GST Tribunal)
Representation before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)/Joint Commissioner (Appeals), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) across all benches, GST Appellate Authority, High Courts on substantial questions of law, and the Supreme Court. We also handle revision petitions before the Commissioner and applications for rectification of orders.
TDS Matters
Advisory on TDS obligations under various sections (192, 194, 195, etc.), TDS return preparation and filing, handling TDS default and short-deduction notices, Section 197 applications for lower/nil withholding certificates, and resolution of TDS credit mismatch issues through rectification and correction statements.
Tax Planning & Structuring
Strategic tax planning for individuals and businesses including optimal use of deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C, 80D, 80G, etc.), capital gains tax planning through exemptions (54, 54EC, 54F), business restructuring for tax efficiency, ESOP taxation advisory, and transfer pricing documentation for international transactions.
Jurisdictions
Relevant Courts & Forums
Quick Reference
Services at a Glance
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income tax slabs in India for the current assessment year?
India offers two tax regimes. The New Tax Regime (default) offers lower rates: nil tax up to Rs. 3 lakhs, 5% for Rs. 3-7 lakhs, 10% for Rs. 7-10 lakhs, 15% for Rs. 10-12 lakhs, 20% for Rs. 12-15 lakhs, and 30% above Rs. 15 lakhs, with a standard deduction of Rs. 75,000 but limited exemptions. The Old Tax Regime allows deductions under Section 80C, 80D, HRA, etc., with slabs of nil up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs, 5% for Rs. 2.5-5 lakhs, 20% for Rs. 5-10 lakhs, and 30% above Rs. 10 lakhs. The choice depends on the taxpayer's deduction profile.
What happens if I receive an income tax notice in India?
Receiving a tax notice is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. Common notices include Section 143(1) intimations (processing adjustments), Section 143(2) scrutiny notices (detailed examination of returns), and Section 148/148A notices (income escaping assessment). You must respond within the stipulated timeline—typically 15-30 days. Ignoring a notice can lead to best judgment assessment, penalty, and prosecution. It is advisable to consult a tax professional immediately to understand the notice and prepare an appropriate response.
How does GST input tax credit work?
GST input tax credit (ITC) allows a registered taxpayer to reduce the GST payable on output supplies by claiming credit for GST paid on input supplies (goods and services used for business purposes). ITC is available subject to conditions: the supplier must have filed their GSTR-1, the recipient must possess a valid tax invoice, the goods/services must be received, the tax must have been paid to the government, and the ITC claim must be reflected in GSTR-2B. Blocked credits under Section 17(5) include motor vehicles (with exceptions), food and beverages, health and fitness, and personal consumption.
What is the penalty for late filing of income tax returns in India?
Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, a late filing fee of Rs. 5,000 is levied if the return is filed after the due date (July 31 for individuals, October 31 for audit cases). If total income does not exceed Rs. 5 lakhs, the late fee is reduced to Rs. 1,000. Additionally, interest under Section 234A at 1% per month is charged on the outstanding tax liability from the due date until the date of filing. Delayed filing also means loss of the ability to carry forward certain losses (capital losses, business losses) to future years.
Do NRIs need to file income tax returns in India?
NRIs must file income tax returns in India if their total income earned or accrued in India (including income from property, capital gains on Indian assets, interest on Indian bank accounts, or business income with Indian connection) exceeds the basic exemption limit of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. NRIs are taxed only on Indian-source income and income received in India. They can claim benefits under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) to avoid being taxed twice. NRIs must use ITR-2 or ITR-3 for filing.
Need Help with Tax Law?
Connect with our verified legal professionals specializing in tax law matters across all courts in India. Get expert guidance today.