Short Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares: Computation

Short Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares: Computation

May 10, 2023

5 Minutes

Navigating Short-Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares: A Comprehensive Guide

Short-term capital gains arise from the sale of capital assets held for less than 36 months, making the proceeds from the sale of shares subject to taxation. Understanding Short-Term Capital Gain Tax (STCG) on shares is crucial, distinguishing between gains falling under Section 111A and those that do not.

Tax Implications on Short-Term Capital Gains on Equity Shares:

1. Section 111A:

  • Taxing short-term equity gains on shares under Section 111A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

  • Applicable to gains from equity shares, equity-oriented mutual funds, etc., sold through recognized stock exchanges.

  • Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is levied on these assets.

2. Non-Section 111A:

  • Gains from shares not listed under-recognized stock exchanges are taxed based on income tax slabs during income tax filing.

How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax on Shares:

  1. Compute Capital Gains:

    • Calculate the net profit or capital gains by subtracting the sale price from the purchase price.

  2. STCG Tax Calculation:

    • Utilize the formula: Short-term capital gains = Sale Value - (Cost of Acquisition + Expenditure incurred during the sale + Cost of Improvement).

STCG Tax Calculation Example:

Example:

  • Mr. Singh invested in 500 equity shares at Rs. 100 per share in May 2017 and sold them in January 2018 at Rs. 120 per share (with brokerage charges). Let's break down the tax liabilities.

  1. Particulars:
    • Salary of Mr. Singh: Rs. 6,30,000

    • Short-term capital gains: Rs. 9,000

    • Gross total income: Rs. 6,39,000

    • Deductions (under Sections 80C, 80U): -

    • Total taxable income: Rs. 6,39,000

    • Tax liability: Rs. 1,32,444

  2. STCG Calculation:
    • Sale Value: Rs. 60,000

    • Expenses incurred: Rs. 1,000

    • Net sale value: Rs. 59,000

    • Cost of asset acquisition: Rs. 50,000

    • Cost of asset improvement: -

    • Short-term capital gain: Rs. 9,000

Exemptions & Deductions Under STCG Tax on Shares:

Exemptions:

  • Certain income levels exempt individuals from paying tax on short-term capital gains on shares.

  • Examples include resident individuals aged 80 or above with an annual income up to Rs. 5 Lakh.

Deductions:

  • No deduction under Section 80C is available for STCG on shares under Section 111A.

  • Deductions can be claimed for other short-term capital gains.

Tips to Reduce the Burden of STCG on Shares:

  1. Adjust Losses:

    • Adjust short-term capital losses on shares against other short-term or long-term gains.

    • Caution: Avoid excessive reliance on this strategy.

  2. Carry Forward Losses:

    • Carry forward losses as a tax adjustment for up to 8 financial years.

  3. Explore Tax-Saving Mutual Funds:

    • Consider tax-saving Mutual Funds schemes to enhance earnings and lower the tax burden.

Navigating the complexities of STCG on shares requires careful calculation and strategic planning. Individuals can explore avenues to optimize their tax liabilities and make informed investment decisions. Invest wisely to align with your financial goals.



Navigating Short-Term Capital Gain Tax on Shares: A Comprehensive Guide

Short-term capital gains arise from the sale of capital assets held for less than 36 months, making the proceeds from the sale of shares subject to taxation. Understanding Short-Term Capital Gain Tax (STCG) on shares is crucial, distinguishing between gains falling under Section 111A and those that do not.

Tax Implications on Short-Term Capital Gains on Equity Shares:

1. Section 111A:

  • Taxing short-term equity gains on shares under Section 111A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

  • Applicable to gains from equity shares, equity-oriented mutual funds, etc., sold through recognized stock exchanges.

  • Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is levied on these assets.

2. Non-Section 111A:

  • Gains from shares not listed under-recognized stock exchanges are taxed based on income tax slabs during income tax filing.

How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax on Shares:

  1. Compute Capital Gains:

    • Calculate the net profit or capital gains by subtracting the sale price from the purchase price.

  2. STCG Tax Calculation:

    • Utilize the formula: Short-term capital gains = Sale Value - (Cost of Acquisition + Expenditure incurred during the sale + Cost of Improvement).

STCG Tax Calculation Example:

Example:

  • Mr. Singh invested in 500 equity shares at Rs. 100 per share in May 2017 and sold them in January 2018 at Rs. 120 per share (with brokerage charges). Let's break down the tax liabilities.

  1. Particulars:
    • Salary of Mr. Singh: Rs. 6,30,000

    • Short-term capital gains: Rs. 9,000

    • Gross total income: Rs. 6,39,000

    • Deductions (under Sections 80C, 80U): -

    • Total taxable income: Rs. 6,39,000

    • Tax liability: Rs. 1,32,444

  2. STCG Calculation:
    • Sale Value: Rs. 60,000

    • Expenses incurred: Rs. 1,000

    • Net sale value: Rs. 59,000

    • Cost of asset acquisition: Rs. 50,000

    • Cost of asset improvement: -

    • Short-term capital gain: Rs. 9,000

Exemptions & Deductions Under STCG Tax on Shares:

Exemptions:

  • Certain income levels exempt individuals from paying tax on short-term capital gains on shares.

  • Examples include resident individuals aged 80 or above with an annual income up to Rs. 5 Lakh.

Deductions:

  • No deduction under Section 80C is available for STCG on shares under Section 111A.

  • Deductions can be claimed for other short-term capital gains.

Tips to Reduce the Burden of STCG on Shares:

  1. Adjust Losses:

    • Adjust short-term capital losses on shares against other short-term or long-term gains.

    • Caution: Avoid excessive reliance on this strategy.

  2. Carry Forward Losses:

    • Carry forward losses as a tax adjustment for up to 8 financial years.

  3. Explore Tax-Saving Mutual Funds:

    • Consider tax-saving Mutual Funds schemes to enhance earnings and lower the tax burden.

Navigating the complexities of STCG on shares requires careful calculation and strategic planning. Individuals can explore avenues to optimize their tax liabilities and make informed investment decisions. Invest wisely to align with your financial goals.



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