Source of Income
Updated on July 18, 2023
The Income Tax Act 1961 classifies income into 5 different sources through which an individual or entity generates income. These sources are mentioned below:
Salary – Income earned by an individual through employment or services rendered under an employer-employee relationship.
Income from House Property – Rental income received from the ownership or letting out of a house, building, or land.
Profit and Gains from Business or Profession – Income generated from any business, trade, profession, or vocation carried on by an individual or entity.
Capital Gains – Income arising from the sale or transfer of capital assets such as property, securities, or investments. It is classified into short-term capital gains (assets held for less than 36 months) and long-term capital gains (assets held for more than 36 months).
Income from Other Sources – This category includes income that does not fall under any specific head mentioned above. It covers various types of income, such as interest income, dividend income, rental income from machinery or equipment, lottery winnings, etc.
Points to remember for taxability of income from different sources
Income can be subjected to taxation either when it is received or when it accrues and does not differentiate between legal and illegal income.
Income can be earned periodically or can be a one-time income and can be taxable whether received in a lump sum or in installments, income is liable to be taxed.
The Income Tax Act considers both income whether they are revenue receipts or capital receipts in nature accounting for losses as well
For individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), any gift received above Rs. 50000 during the financial year is considered income.
