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Professional Tax: All You Need to Know

When you take a look at your payslips, you will notice a small deduction mentioned on it, along with the other components like HRA, conveyance and basic salary break ups. This deduction is usually around Rs. 200 and is termed as professional tax. Generally, this type of tax varies from state to state and in certain places, you may realise that there is no deduction made under this heading. Let’s begin by answering the most basic question- “What is professional tax?”

What is Professional Tax?

Professional tax can be defined as a tax that is levied by a state government on all individuals who earn a living through any medium. This must not be confused with the definition of other professionals such as doctors or lawyers. This is a type of tax that needs to be paid by each and every individual earning income. The calculation of this tax and the amount collected differs from one state to another. However, the limit has been set to Rs. 2500 per year.

Why does professional tax vary for different people?

Since professional tax is levied by the state government, it tends to differ for various states. Each state declares a slab and the professional tax is deducted on the basis of these slabs. However, there are few states and union territories in India that do not charge professional tax too. It is paid by dividing the annual professional tax due into 12 equal instalments, which are to be paid every month. February, as a month, is an exception where the tax is higher than the other months.

There might be situations where sources of income falling under different sectors are also liable for a separate tax. To cite an instance, in some states, an individual running a business in the transport industry might be liable to pay a professional tax of about Rs. 50 per annum for every vehicles he owns. This may be subject to a cap of Rs. 1,000 per annum.

Who collects this tax?

Employers collect a certain amount as professional tax from the monthly salaries of their employees. This portion is then paid by the employer to the government. In case they fail to do so, they can be subject to penalties for not collecting or failing to pay the professional tax. Also, if you do it for anyone, then you are liable to pay the professional tax yourself.

If you are a professional who does not work with an employer, you can pay your professional tax by registering for it by applying through a form. Once you receive the form, a registration number will be issued to the individual. Payment of the professional tax can be made under these registration numbers at banks. It is important to note that, in some states, the government provides rebates on the taxes if it is paid in a lump sum for a couple of years together. This is done so it is worth enquiring about the rules of professional tax in your state.

Professional Tax slabs in different states

Each state tends to have its own slab for professional taxes. Here is a list of the slabs for various states and union territories in India.

Professional Tax in Maharashtra:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 7,500 for men	Nil
Up to 10,000 for women	Nil
7,500 to 10,000	175
10,000 and above	200 ( And 300 for February)

Professional Tax in Karnataka:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 15,000	Nil
More than 15,000	200

Professional Tax in West Bengal:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 8,500	Nil
8,501 to 10,000	90
10,001 to 15,000	110
15,001 to 25,000	130
25,001 to 40,000	150
More than 40,000	200

Professional Tax in Madhya Pradesh:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 1.5 Lakhs	Nil
1.5 lakhs to 1.8 lakhs	125
1.8 lakhs and above	212

Professional Tax in Tamil Nadu:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 21,000	Nil
21,001 to 30,000	100
30,001 to 45,000	235
40,001 to 60,000	510
60,001 to 75,000	760
75,001 and above	1095

Professional Tax in Andhra Pradesh:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 15,000	Nil
15,001 to 20,000	150
Above 20,000	200

Professional Tax in Gujarat:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 5,999	Nil
6,000 TO 8,999	80
9,000 to 11,999	150
More than 12,000	200

Professional Tax in Odisha:

Monthly Salary (in Rs.)	Tax (Per month in Rs.)
Up to 5,000	Nil
5,001 to 6,000	30
6,001 to 8,000	50
8,001 to 10,000	75
10,001 to 15,000	100
15,001 to 20,000	150
More than 20,000	200

FAQs

Is it mandatory to pay professional tax?

Yes, if you are a salaried individual, it is mandatory to pay professional tax.

Who are exempt from Professional tax in Maharashtra?

The following are exempt from paying professional tax in Maharashtra-

Members of army, air force, navy and related auxiliary forces or reservists.
Persons on establishment of defence ordnance factories.
Badli workers in textile industry.
Persons with permanent physical disability including blindness.
Parents or guardian of any person suffering from a physical disability or mental retardation.
Women exclusively engaged as agents under MPKBY scheme of directorate of small savings.
Persons who have completed the age of 65 years.

Why does Professional tax differ from one state to another?

Since professional tax is a tax levied by the state government, it usually differs from one state to another. Each state has its own slab that it declares and the professional tax is deducted based on these slabs.

Is Professional tax applicable in Union territories?

As Union Territories are small regions of the country, they tend to generate lower revenue than states. Hence, professional tax is not applicable for employees working in a Union Territory.

What is the maximum amount of professional tax levied by a state?

The maximum amount of professional tax levied by a state is Rs. 2,500 which is allowed as a deduction from your salary.