What are the key benefits of SBI Credit Cards?

SBI Credit Cards offer a wide range of benefits, including rewards, cashback, lounge access, discounts, and insurance coverage.

How can I apply for an SBI Credit Card?

You can apply for an SBI Credit Card online through the Paisabazaar platform, where you can compare card options and check for pre-approved offers.

What factors should I consider when choosing an SBI Credit Card?

Consider your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals to select a card that best suits your needs, such as travel, shopping, or rewards.

How can I manage my SBI Credit Card efficiently?

SBI Card offers a user-friendly mobile app and online banking services to help you manage your card, check statements, make payments, and access additional features.

What precautions should I take to avoid accumulating credit card debt?

Responsible credit card usage includes paying bills on time, managing credit limits wisely, and avoiding unnecessary spending to prevent debt accumulation.

Special Allowance: Understanding Types, Taxability, and Conditions

As employees, we often come across various allowances such as transport, conveyance, and uniform allowance, among others. These special allowances are provided by employers to meet specific requirements and have certain conditions for taxability. In this article, we will explore the different types of allowances, their taxability, and the conditions for claiming exemptions.

An allowance is a fixed amount of money that employers offer to their employees in addition to their basic pay and dearness allowance. These allowances are meant to fulfill specific needs of the employees. However, they are also a part of the salary and are therefore taxable. Depending on the type of allowance, they may be exempt from tax or subject to taxation.

Special allowances, in particular, are given to employees to cover their expenses incurred while performing their job duties. The amount of these allowances varies from one company to another, based on individual needs. These allowances are considered a part of the fixed pay and can usually be found in the offer letter or monthly pay slip. Since they are a part of the salary, they are taxable for the employees.

However, there are exemptions for special allowances under section 10(14) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. If the allowance is granted specifically to cover expenses that are wholly, necessarily, and exclusively incurred in the performance of job duties, it is exempt from tax. In addition, any allowance granted to compensate for increased cost of living or personal expenses related to the place of office or residence is also exempt.

The taxability of special allowances depends on certain conditions. Firstly, the allowance should not be a perquisite. Secondly, it should not be of a personal nature. Lastly, it should only be offered to meet expenses that are wholly, necessarily, and exclusively incurred in the performance of job duties. The exemption is limited to the amount received by the employee and actually spent for that purpose. There is no upper limit set by the Income Tax Act for the amount of allowance an employer can offer.

Different types of special allowances have varying exemption limits. For example, the Children Education Allowance has an exemption limit of up to Rs. 100 per month per child for a maximum of 2 children. The Hostel Expenditure Allowance has an exemption limit of up to Rs. 300 per month per child for a maximum of 2 children. Transport Allowance, on the other hand, has an exemption limit of Rs. 3,200 per month for employees with certain disabilities.

It is important to understand the exemption limits and conditions for each type of special allowance in order to accurately calculate the taxable income. Employers and employees should consult the Income Tax Act and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with the tax laws.

In conclusion, special allowances play an important role in meeting the specific needs of employees. While they are a part of the salary and taxable, certain allowances are exempt from tax based on their purpose and conditions. By understanding the types, taxability, and conditions of special allowances, both employers and employees can make informed decisions regarding their financial matters.