Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by BFSLTeam BFSLTeam
Table of Content
What are bonds?
Bonds are financial instruments that are used to raise capital by corporations, municipalities, and governments. They are essentially loans made to the bond issuer by the investor, who receives regular interest payments until the bond reaches maturity, at which point the principal amount is returned to the investor. While bonds are generally considered a relatively safe investment option, their exits an event of taxation of bonds, including the application of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
Is TDS applicable on Bonds?
Sec 193 of the Income Tax Act says about tax deduction protocol where the tax will be deducted instantly during a payment transaction. It is a tax collected at the source of income by the payer, which is then deposited with the government. It is applicable to various sources of income, including salaries, rent, and interest payments. When it comes to bonds, whether TDS is applicable or not depends on the type of bond and the terms of the bond agreement.
In general, for taxation of bonds in India, TDS is applicable to bonds that are subject to interest payments. For example, if you invest in a bond that pays interest, the issuer may be required to deduct TDS at a certain rate before making the interest paid to you. The rate of TDS varies depending on the type of bond and the terms of the bond agreement.
Calculation of taxable income.
To calculate the taxable income on bonds, you need to first determine the total interest income you receive from the bond. This is typically calculated by multiplying the bond’s interest rate by its face value. Once you have the total interest income, you can deduct any TDS that has been deducted by the issuer. The remaining amount is your taxable income, which is subject to income tax as per your applicable income tax slab.
What are tax-free bonds?
Tax on bonds is not applicable on Tax-free bonds, on the other hand, are bonds that are exempt from income tax. These bonds are typically issued by government entities and offer a lower interest rate than taxable bonds. The advantage of tax-free bonds is that the interest income you receive is not subject to income tax, which can help you save on taxes.
Types of tax-free bonds
There are two types of tax-free bonds – government-issued tax-free bonds and private-sector tax-free bonds. Government-issued tax-free bonds are issued by entities such as NHAI, IRFC, and PFC, among others. Private sector tax-free bonds are issued by companies such as HDFC, ICICI Bank, and L&T Finance, among others.
Tax-free bonds vs tax-free savings
When it comes to choosing between tax-free bonds and tax-saving bonds, there are a few factors to consider. Tax-saving bonds, such as the National Savings Certificate (NSC) and the Public Provident Fund (PPF), offer a tax deduction on the amount invested, which can help you save on taxes. However, these bonds typically have a longer lock-in period and lower interest rates than tax-free bonds.
In contrast, tax-free bonds offer a lower interest rate but are completely tax-free, which can help you save on taxes in the long run. These bonds also typically have a shorter lock-in period than tax-saving bonds, which can provide more flexibility in terms of liquidity.
Final Thought
In conclusion, TDS is applicable on bonds that offer interest payments, and the rate of TDS varies depending on the type of bond and the terms of the bond agreement. Tax-free bonds offer a lower interest rate but are completely tax-free, while tax-saving bonds offer a tax deduction on the amount invested but have a longer lock-in period and lower interest rates. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of bond before making a decision, based on your individual financial goals and tax planning needs.
Disclaimer: Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
