Taxation or Robbery? Where to Draw the Line?

Posted by: on Nov 2, 2011 | 6 Comments

Taxation has been defined as “that part of the revenues of a state which is obtained by the compulsory dues and charges upon its subjects” by The Encyclopedia Britannica. In this definition, the word ‘compulsory’ definitely looms large; and taxation continues to be one of the widely contested topics in India. There are always people who feel that the government levies way too many taxes on them.

 

Taxation in India: Where Does Your Money go?

In India, individuals as well as corporations are subject to direct taxes, which generally are higher than 30%. This means that if your annual income exceeds a certain amount, you are liable to pay a third of your income to the government. There’s more though.

 

The goods and services available in our country are subject to several indirect taxes, thus increasing the net price of the offering. This directly impacts the purchasing power of the people. Some of these indirect taxes are:
Central Sales Tax (CST): This is approximately 4% on the cost of the manufactured goods.
Local Sales Tax (LST): This can be as high as 15%, as determined by the state legislature.
Excise Duty: This is typically between 0 to 16%. However, for some items, such as tobacco, motorcars and air-conditioners, it is as high as 32%.
Customs Duty: The rate varies from 0 to 30%.

 

Taxation: The Need to Draw the Line

One of the biggest disadvantages of taxation is that it takes money from wealth producing business people into the hands of bureaucrats. Taxation thus discourages investments.
While there’s isn’t a definitive answer to how much tax is enough, there is a need for the government to un-complicate the taxation system and not rob the people of their hard-earned money. Remember also that countries with zero or low taxes have thrived. Dubai became rich with zero income tax. Singapore and Hong Kong arose from poverty stricken fishing villages to what they are trading with taxes in income below 20%.

6 Comments

  1. Shuchi
    November 13, 2011

    Even i feel that a line should be drawn to control these excessive taxation policy. The taxes we pay are mostly uplifting the corrupt politicians n the common people are getting no relief even after paying the state with both hands

    Reply
  2. Janelle
    November 29, 2011

    Thanks alot – your answer solved all my problems after several days struggling

    Reply
  3. Brian Moseley
    December 6, 2011

    I am so much excited after reading your blog. Your blog is very much innovative and much helpful.

    Reply
  4. admin
    December 8, 2011

    Please click on the RSS logo on the right hand menu of the page. It’s working fine.

    Reply
  5. Jason Takagi
    December 24, 2011

    Couldn’t have said it better myself.

    Reply
  6. Sandip Roy
    January 6, 2014

    Sir,

    I have some below mentioned queries regarding the Taxation system in India and would really appreciate if you could provide me answers in very lehmans language.

    1) What is total number of existing Taxes that are levied on common man?

    2) Where is this money going and how we can get the details of where and how this amount was spent?

    3) What benefit is there for a Nation of having these Taxes?

    Reply

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