Tax Benefits of Being on a Contract Job in India
- Almas Sayyed
- May 25, 2023
- 6 Minute Read
India boasts a larger population of self-employed individuals compared to those working in traditional jobs. This has earned our country the reputation of being a thriving gig economy, thanks to the significant presence of self-employed individuals who have shaped this landscape.
In today’s dynamic job market, contract jobs have gained popularity due to their flexibility and diverse opportunities. Unlike traditional full-time employment, contract jobs are temporary engagements where individuals work on a project or assignment basis. These jobs offer the freedom to choose remote work and provide a range of tax benefits.
Understanding Contract Jobs in India
Before delving into the tax benefits, let’s briefly understand what contract jobs entail. Contract jobs are temporary employment arrangements where individuals work on a project or assignment basis rather than being employed full-time. They offer flexibility, diverse opportunities, and the freedom to work remotely.
With the advent of technology, remote contractual work has gained momentum, providing talent in India with access to global job markets and the ability to work for international companies from the comfort of their homes.
Types of Contract Jobs
- Fixed-Term Contract: A fixed-term contract has a predetermined end date and is commonly used for specific projects or seasonal work.
- Project-Based Contract: Project-based contracts are short-term arrangements focused on completing specific assignments or tasks.
- Part-Time Contract: Part-time contracts involve working fewer hours than full-time employees, providing flexibility and work-life balance.
Global Companies Hiring Remote Contractors in India
One of the significant advantages of contract jobs in today’s digital age is the ability to work remotely for global companies. With advancements in technology and the rise of remote work, talented professionals in India now have access to a wide range of international opportunities. Global companies, recognizing the talent pool and cost-effectiveness of remote workers, often hire contractual employees from India for various roles and projects.
Now that we have an understanding of the different types of contract jobs and the potential for working with global companies, let’s delve into the tax benefits that make contract jobs an attractive option for talents in India.
Importance of Tax Benefits
Understanding the tax benefits associated with contract jobs is crucial for talents seeking remote work opportunities in India. These benefits not only optimize one’s financial position but also contribute to long-term savings.
In this blog, we will explore the tax advantages of contract jobs and provide valuable insights for individuals considering remote contractual work.
Tax Benefits of Being on a Contract Job
Lower Tax Liability
One of the significant advantages of contract jobs in India is the potential for lower tax liability. Under the Indian income tax system, individuals are subject to different tax slabs based on their income. Contract jobs often fall into lower tax brackets compared to full-time employment, resulting in reduced tax burdens.
Tax Deductions for Work-Related Expenses
Contract workers can claim tax deductions for various work-related expenses. These deductions include expenses for office supplies, equipment, internet bills, and other necessary expenditures. By deducting these expenses from their taxable income, contract workers can effectively lower their tax liability.
Access to Tax-Saving Investments and Deductions
Contract workers can take advantage of various tax-saving investments and deductions. Investments such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension Scheme (NPS), and others offer tax benefits under different sections of the Income Tax Act, such as Section 80C and Section 80D. By investing in these avenues, contract workers can not only save taxes but also secure their financial future.
Careful Selection of Tax Methods
Careful consideration when selecting the appropriate tax method is essential for self-employed individuals. Analyzing expenses plays a vital role in determining the most suitable tax method, and seeking advice from an accountant or tax advisor is advisable.
There are two main options to choose from: ITR-4 and ITR-4S. The ITR-4 Form is designed for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) whose primary source of income is from their proprietary business or profession. It is applicable when the turnover or gross receipts from the business exceed Rs. 1 crore.
On the other hand, individuals whose business earnings are below Rs. 1 crore can utilize the ITR-4S form.
Presumptive Tax Scheme
The government of India has introduced a presumptive tax scheme for self-employed professionals earning up to Rs. 70 lakhs per year. Businesses with an annual turnover within Rs. 2 crore are eligible for this scheme. Under the presumptive tax method (44ADA), individuals can declare profits of 8% for non-digital transactions or 6% for digital transactions. It allows self-employed professionals to claim expenses of up to 50% of their total income.
The income tax is then calculated on the remaining 50% after adding any interest income. One of the advantages of the presumptive tax method is that it eliminates the need for separate proof of expenses or the maintenance of detailed accounting records.
Presumptive Tax Benefits for Contract Jobs
- If your expenses amount to less than 50% of your total income, opting for the presumptive tax method may be more advantageous. It simplifies the tax filing process and eliminates the need for maintaining detailed accounts and providing expense proofs.
- Once you have chosen the presumptive tax method, it is important to continue using it for the next five consecutive years without any breaks. Switching to a different method before the completion of five years will disqualify you from re-selecting the presumptive tax method for the subsequent five years.
- The presumptive tax system is particularly suitable for individuals who prefer to avoid the complexities of maintaining accounts and providing expense proofs over an extended period of time. It also benefits those who want to minimize the chances of an audit of their books.
Comparison: Contractual Job vs. Full-time Employment
To better understand the tax benefits of contract jobs, let’s compare the tax treatment for talents appointed on payroll versus those appointed on a contract basis. Consider the following table:
| Particulars | Tax Treatment Talent Appointed on Payroll (Tax Calculated as per new regime) | Tax Treatment Talent Appointed on Contract Basis (Assuming 60% profit on gross sales/receipts – Tax Calculated as per new regime) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Total Income | 70,00,000 | 70,00,000 |
| Net Total Income (After Presumptive Tax Benefit/44ADA) | 70,00,000 | 42,00,000 |
| Less: Standard Deduction | 50,000 | – |
| Net Income After Allowance | 69,50,000 | 42,00,000 |
| Net Income After Deductions | 69,50,000 | 42,00,000 |
| Total Tax | 20,42,040 | 9,98,400 |
**Please note that the above table is based on the provided assumptions and tax calculations as per the new regime. It’s important to consult a tax professional or refer to the official tax authorities for accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances.
The table above illustrates the tax treatment for individuals appointed on payroll versus individuals appointed on a contract basis in India. It compares the tax calculations as per the new tax regime, taking into account various factors such as gross total income, net total income, standard deduction, net income after allowance, deductions, net income after deduction, total tax calculated based on individual income tax slabs, TDS deductions, and net tax payable.
Notably, the table assumes that the individual appointed on a contract basis discloses 60% profit on gross sales/receipts.
Tax Implications of Working for Global Companies
Tax Residency Status
Contract workers need to determine their tax residency status based on the duration and nature of their work. Tax residency rules vary among countries and may impact the tax obligations in both India and the country where the global company is located.
Tax Obligations in India
Indian residents are subject to income tax on their global income. Contract workers must comply with the tax laws of India, including filing income tax returns and paying taxes on their earnings.
Tax Treaties with Other Countries
India has signed tax treaties with several countries to avoid double taxation and provide relief to individuals working in both countries. These treaties determine the taxation rules and provide mechanisms for claiming tax credits or exemptions.
Conclusion
Contract jobs offer substantial tax benefits to talents and individuals pursuing remote work opportunities in India. With lower tax liability, tax deductions for work-related expenses, GST benefits, and access to tax-saving investments, contractual workers can optimize their tax positions while enjoying the flexibility and diverse opportunities associated with remote work.
Understanding the tax advantages of contract jobs empowers talents to make informed decisions and maximize their financial gains in the ever-evolving job market.
Also Read:
Taking up Contract Roles can actually be a smart career move. Here’s why!
