May 25, 2024, Posted by Admin
The Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) has long been recognized as a powerful tool for tax planning in India. In this blog, we'll delve into the intricacies of HUFs, exploring their formation, key components, taxation aspects, and the significant benefits they offer in terms of tax savings.
Understanding the Core Concepts: Karta, Coparceners, and Members
At the heart of every HUF lies the Karta, the individual entrusted with managing its affairs. Typically, the Karta is the eldest male member of the family, assuming responsibility for financial decisions and asset management. In the event of the Karta's demise, the mantle of leadership passes to the next senior male member.
Coparceners form the backbone of the HUF, comprising male and female descendants within four generations descending from a common male ancestor. This includes individuals born into the family as well as those adopted. Notably, since a pivotal legal amendment in 2005, daughters also enjoy coparcenary rights, retaining their status even after marriage.
Members of the HUF, encompassing spouses, children, and their offspring, contribute to the family's collective assets. While coparceners possess the right to seek partition and assume the role of Karta, members are entitled to maintenance and a share of the HUF's assets upon partition but cannot instigate partition themselves.
Formation and Composition of HUF:
HUF can be formed by Hindu, Sikhs, Jain, Buddhists. HUF should be formed by a family.
HUF is created by executing HUF deed on stamp paper. After execution of deed, PAN is applied in the name of HUF. Thereafter bank account can be opened in the name of HUF.
The assets of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) typically include common ancestral properties, gifts, proceeds from the sale of joint family property, property acquired through a will, and contributions made by HUF members to the common fund. This way the corpus can be created for HUF.
Incomes that can be earned by HUF:
Except salary, all incomes can be earned by HUF. Such incomes may include:
i) Rental Income from House Property
ii) Income from Business or Profession
iii) Capital Gains from shares, securities, properties and Others
iv) Income from Other Sources including interest, dividend.
Residential Status:
Resident: A HUF would be resident in India if the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly or partially in India.
Non-Resident: If the control and management is situated wholly outside India, it would become a non-resident.
Resident and ordinarily resident/ Resident but not ordinarily resident: If Karta of resident HUF satisfies both the following conditions, HUF will be called Resident and Ordinarily Resident.
Karta of resident HUF should be resident in at least 2 previous years out of 10 years proceeding the relevant previous year.
The stay of Karta during 7 previous years immediately preceding the relevant previous year should be 730 days or more.
If it does not satisfy any of the conditions above, it will be treated Resident but not Ordinarily Resident.
Taxation Aspects of HUF:
HUF is taxed separately like Individuals as it has its own PAN and files an independent income tax return. Following tax benefits are available to HUF:
a) HUF is taxed at the same rates as Individual. HUF enjoys the basic exemption limit as the Individuals do.
b) There must be at least two coparceners to qualify as an HUF for taxation.
c) As a distinct entity under the Income Tax Act of 1961, a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can claim separate deductions. These include up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C, medical insurance premiums for family members under Section 80D up to Rs 25,000, and up to Rs 50,000 if any member is a senior citizen. Additionally, deductions under Section 80TTA are available up to Rs 10,000, and for senior citizens, the limit extends to Rs 50,000.
d) HUF can also claim exemption from capital gains u/s 54
e) It can claim deductions under Section 24B for interest paid on a home loan.
f) An HUF is permitted to engage in business activities. However, the funds utilized must belong to the HUF. Additionally, the HUF can give salary to its Karta and other family members involved in its business operations.
g) Gifts upto Rs. 50,000/- received from non-relative are not taxable.
h) HUF can also open DEMAT Account, make investments accordingly.
i) According to Indian Income Tax laws, if you have more than one home that you live in yourself, only two is treated as your own residence, and you have to pay taxes on the others as it is treated as deemed to be let out. However, if you register as a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), you can own multiple homes without paying taxes on them.
It is important to note that if a member transfers his self-acquired property to the HUF without proper sale consideration, income from such property is not taxable in the hands of the HUF. It will continue to be taxed in the hands of the member who makes transfer.
Partition of HUF:
There are two types of partition namely Total partition and Partial Partition. It is important to note that Income tax laws in India recognize only total partitions. This means that for tax purposes, a partial partition is not acknowledged by the income tax. Partition needs to be done through deed to be executed on stamp paper.
Conclusion:
Forming a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) provides substantial tax benefits by offering separate tax exemptions and deductions similar to those available to individuals. This structure allows for income to be divided among family members, which can significantly reduce the overall tax liability, leading to considerable tax savings for the family.
At Jain Anurag & Associates, Chartered Accountants, we pride ourselves on being a premier consultancy firm dedicated to serving the unique needs of Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). Our expertise spans the entire spectrum of HUF consultancy, from inception to intricate tax planning strategies within the legal framework. We meticulously navigate the complexities of HUF creation and offer personalized solutions for tax optimization, guaranteeing full compliance and financial efficiency for our esteemed clients. With our comprehensive services, we strive to empower HUFs to achieve their goals with confidence and precision.
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