Top Freelance Platforms India
Compliance and filing guide

Common customer situations

• customers who want to compare verified professionals
• business owners hiring for finance and compliance work
• experts who want relevant leads with better context
• people who prefer online discovery before sharing contact details

Documents or details to keep ready

• clear service requirement
• budget and timeline
• location or online preference
• documents specific to the service
• any notices, prior filings or special complexity

Pricing expectations

Customers can post requirements for free. Experts spend credits when they decide a lead is relevant, helping reduce blind outreach and improving transparency.

Questions to ask the expert

• Have you handled this exact service type before?
• What documents do you need before confirming price?
• What is included and excluded in the fee?
• What timeline is realistic if all documents are ready?
• How will corrections, notices or follow-up queries be handled?

Good signs in a response

• The expert mentions your actual service type and context
• The price explanation is tied to complexity, not just a flat vague quote
• They ask for the right documents
• They explain timeline, assumptions and next steps clearly
• Their profile, ratings and service categories match the requirement

Red flags

• Very low quote without understanding scope
• No mention of AIS, GST reconciliation, books, notices or documents when relevant
• Pressure to move outside the platform immediately
• Unclear deliverables
• Poor explanation of timelines or responsibility

How is the sale of mutual funds taxed in India?

Equity mutual funds (>65% equity) are taxed at 12.5% LTCG (>12 months holding) above the ₹1.25 lakh exemption, or 20% STCG. Debt mutual funds purchased after April 1, 2023 are taxed at slab rates regardless of holding period.

What is the holding period for LTCG on equity vs debt mutual funds?

Equity funds qualify for LTCG if held for more than 12 months. Debt mutual funds purchased before April 1, 2023 qualify for LTCG if held for more than 36 months (taxed at 20% with indexation). Debt funds purchased after that date do not qualify for LTCG.

Are dividends received from shares tax-free in India?

No, dividend income from equity shares and mutual funds is fully taxable at your individual income tax slab rates. Dividend TDS at 10% applies if the payment exceeds ₹5,0,000 (or ₹10,000 for some types) in a financial year.

What is Section 54EC and how does it exempt capital gains on property?

Section 54EC allows you to claim exemption on LTCG from property sale by investing the gains in NHAI, REC, PFC, or IRFC bonds within 6 months of the sale date. The maximum investment is capped at ₹50 lakh in a financial year.

Are Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) tax-free on maturity?

Yes, capital gains arising to an individual on the redemption of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) at maturity (8 years) are completely tax-exempt under Section 47(viib) of the Income Tax Act.

How is the sale of gold taxed under capital gains?

LTCG on physical gold or gold mutual funds/ETFs (held for >24 months) is taxed at 12.5% without indexation (or 20% with indexation if applicable under historical choice). STCG (held <=24 months) is taxed at slab rates.

Do I need to file an ITR if my capital gains are below the exemption limit?

Yes, if your gross total income before claiming exemptions/deductions (including the Section 54/112A capital gains exemptions) exceeds the basic exemption limit, you must file an ITR.

What is the difference between SIP and lump sum investments for taxation?

For tax purposes, each installment of a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is treated as a separate investment. The holding period for capital gains is computed individually for each installment from its purchase date.

How does the double tax avoidance agreement (DTAA) help NRI investors?

Under DTAA, an NRI can avoid paying tax on the same income in two countries by claiming lower tax rates or tax credits. A Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and Form 10F are mandatory to claim treaty benefits.

What is the TDS rate on mutual fund redemptions for residents?

TDS does not apply to mutual fund redemptions for resident taxpayers. However, for NRIs, TDS is deducted at source: 12.5% for equity LTCG, 20% for equity STCG, and individual slab rates for debt fund gains.

Can I claim capital losses to offset my salary income?

No. Capital losses (both short-term and long-term) can only be set off against capital gains. They cannot be set off against salary income, business income, or other heads of income.

What is the carry-forward period for short-term and long-term capital losses?

Unabsorbed capital losses can be carried forward for up to 8 assessment years, provided you file your ITR on time. Short-term capital losses can offset both STCG and LTCG. Long-term capital losses can only offset LTCG.

How does the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) help in tax preparation?

The CAS (issued by NSDL or CDSL) provides a consolidated view of all mutual fund holdings and transaction histories across different portfolios. It is the primary source to reconcile purchase costs and holding periods for capital gains.

What is the tax rate on NRI capital gains on property sale in India?

LTCG on property sold by an NRI is taxed at 12.5% without indexation. STCG is taxed at slab rates (up to 30%). The buyer must deduct TDS at 20% (for LTCG) or 30% (for STCG) under Section 195.

Is interest earned on NRE accounts tax-free for NRIs?

Yes, interest earned on Non-Resident External (NRE) savings and term deposits is completely exempt from income tax in India under Section 10(4)(ii), provided the individual is a person resident outside India under FEMA rules.