Understanding the five heads of income tax is essential if you want to file your income tax return accurately and avoid compliance issues. The Income Tax Act classifies your total earnings into specific categories or “heads” to ensure correct computation and taxation. Whether you are salaried, self-employed, or earning through rent or investments, your income will fall under one of these defined heads. These categories simplify your income tax return filing, help track tax rebate eligibility, and enable you to assess your tax obligations more effectively. In this guide, you will explore each head in detail to improve your financial awareness.
Income from salary
This head covers the compensation you receive as an employee from your employer. It includes your basic salary, allowances, perquisites, bonuses, and retirement benefits. Tax under this head is calculated on your gross income after considering exemptions and standard deductions.
Before we begin, you should understand that your employer deducts tax at source under Section 192. These deductions appear in your Form 16 and help you while filing your return.
Basic salary and allowances
Your monthly fixed salary plus allowances like HRA, LTA, and conveyance are considered part of taxable income.
Perquisites and bonuses
Benefits such as rent-free accommodation, company car, or annual bonuses are taxed as per rules on perquisites.
Retirement benefits
Pension, gratuity, and leave encashment are taxed based on conditions of exemption or employer type.
Deductions and exemptions
You can claim deductions under Section 16 and exemptions like HRA or standard deduction to reduce taxable income.
Form 16 and salary slips
These documents serve as proof for your income tax return filing and must be retained for every financial year.
Income from house property
This head applies when you earn income by letting out residential or commercial properties. Even a self-occupied property is considered here, though treated differently for tax purposes. Deductions are allowed for municipal taxes and interest on home loans.
Before exploring the details, you should know this head covers only buildings and lands attached to them—not agricultural land or open plots.
Let-out property
Rental income from residential or commercial properties is taxed after allowing certain standard deductions.
Self-occupied property
If you own one self-occupied house, its annual value is considered nil, with interest deductions allowed under Section 24(b).
Deemed let-out rule
If you own more than two properties, the others may be considered deemed let-out even if vacant.
Municipal tax deduction
You can deduct actual municipal taxes paid during the year to arrive at net annual value.
Interest on loan
You can claim up to ₹2 lakh deduction on interest paid for self-occupied property and full interest for let-out property.
Income from profits and gains of business or profession
If you run a business, practise a profession, or work as a freelancer, your earnings are taxed under this head. It includes profit from trade, professional fees, and speculative income.
Before reviewing the points, you should know that this head requires you to maintain books of account if your income crosses specific limits.
Business income
Profit from trading, manufacturing, or services like retail shops, agencies, or online businesses is taxable here.
Professional income
Fees earned by doctors, lawyers, architects, and consultants are considered under this category.
Speculative income
Intraday share trading or futures/options gains may fall under speculative or non-speculative business income.
Presumptive taxation
Small businesses or professionals can opt for simplified tax calculation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE.
Books and audit
If your income exceeds set limits, you must maintain books and get them audited for income tax return filing.
Income from capital gains
Capital gains arise when you sell assets like shares, property, or mutual funds. This head categorises gains as short-term or long-term based on the holding period and applies different tax rates.
Before diving in, you must understand that the cost of acquisition and indexed cost are important while computing capital gains.
Short-term capital gains (STCG)
Assets held for a short duration (less than 12 or 24 months depending on asset type) are taxed at STCG rates.
Long-term capital gains (LTCG)
Gains from assets held for longer periods are taxed at a lower rate but have limited exemptions.
Exemptions under Sections 54 to 54F
You may claim tax rebate or exemption by reinvesting in residential property, bonds, or other notified avenues.
Capital loss adjustment
Losses from sale of capital assets can be set off against gains and carried forward for up to 8 years.
Indexed cost of acquisition
Long-term assets are eligible for indexation benefit, which adjusts the purchase price for inflation before calculating gains.
Income from other sources
This is the residual head for income not covered under any of the above. It includes interest, dividends, lottery winnings, gifts, and other non-specified earnings.
Before exploring the items, note that this head can impact your total taxable income significantly if not declared accurately.
Interest income
Interest from savings accounts, fixed deposits, or bonds is taxable under this head.
Dividend income
Dividends from Indian companies are taxed in the hands of shareholders if they exceed ₹5,000.
Gifts received
If the total value of gifts from non-relatives exceeds ₹50,000 in a year, it becomes taxable.
Lottery and winnings
Winnings from games, quizzes, or lotteries are taxed at a flat rate of 30% without deductions.
Family pension
If you receive a pension after the demise of a family member, it is taxed under this head with limited deductions.
Sources of income vs heads of income
Many people confuse income sources with heads of income. A source is where income originates—like salary, rent, or dividends—while a head is the legal classification used for tax computation.
Before we start, you should note that one source can contribute to more than one head, depending on how the law defines it.
Salary as a source vs head
Salary is both a source and a head—it is directly mapped under “Income from Salary.”
House rent as a source
Rental income is a source that falls under “Income from House Property” as per tax rules.
Interest and dividends
These come from financial instruments but are grouped under “Income from Other Sources” for taxation.
Capital investment returns
Returns from share or property sales are sources that lead to capital gains under the relevant head.
Business operations
Any income from trading, freelancing, or profession originates from a source and falls under the business/profession head.
Conclusion
Knowing what are the 5 heads of income tax helps you file returns accurately, track deductions, and ensure compliance. Whether you earn a salary, rent, capital gains, or business income, your earnings are classified under specific heads. This classification not only simplifies your income tax return filing but also helps you claim the right tax rebate where eligible. Being aware of how your income is taxed under each head puts you in a better position to manage taxes efficiently.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult a professional tax adviser for personalised guidance based on your financial situation.