03 May 2019
1. I am in Maharashtra. I was Regd for Prof Tax in Last FY 18-19 when I was working and was Regd for Prof Tax and same was paid in full. I am a Tech Consultant. I file ITR4A.
2. In Current FY 19-20, I am not working as I am doing a fulltime course from Mumbai Univ. So have No Consulting or Salary income. I was told that de-registering an dlater registering is tedious process.
Query: Do I need to pay Prof Tax in Current FY 19-20 even though I am not having any Salary or Consulting income? I am filing NIL GST returns. As and when I start working, I can then start paying at Rs 200 pm for balance months in FY. Is above acceptable as per Prof Tax rules? Please let me know asap. Thanks
09 July 2024
In Maharashtra, the Professional Tax (PT) liability is linked to earning income from a profession or employment. Here’s how it applies to your situation:
1. **Professional Tax Liability for FY 2019-20:** - Since you are not earning any income from consulting or salary in the current FY 2019-20 due to your full-time course, you are not liable to pay Professional Tax for this period. - Professional Tax is applicable only when you have income from a profession or employment exceeding the exemption limit, which varies based on the monthly income slab.
2. **Deregistration Process:** - If you were registered for Professional Tax in FY 2018-19 but do not have any income in FY 2019-20, you do not need to deregister formally. Your liability to pay PT is based on your income status for each financial year. - There is no need to pay PT if you have no taxable income during FY 2019-20.
3. **Resuming Professional Tax Payment:** - When you start earning income again and exceed the exemption limit, you should register for Professional Tax and commence payments. - The PT registration and payment can be started when you begin working again, and you can pay the applicable amount (like Rs. 200 per month) for the balance of the financial year.
4. **GST Returns and PT:** - Filing NIL GST returns does not impact your PT liability directly. PT is based solely on your income from profession or employment.
5. **Compliance:** - Ensure to keep your PT registration details updated as per your income status each year. - If there are any changes in your income or employment status in future financial years, you should review your PT liability accordingly.
Given your current situation of being a full-time student without income from consulting or salary, you are not required to pay Professional Tax for FY 2019-20 in Maharashtra. When you re-enter the workforce, you can resume PT payments based on your income at that time. Always consider consulting with a local tax professional or checking with the Maharashtra PT authorities for any recent updates or specific advice pertaining to your circumstances.
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