Taxation of AOP in hospital

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07 January 2021 Assess maintained a private hospital recently new pan card number received AOP registered in I.t. act.
Question:
Assess taxation of AOP for hospital and accounting records maintained producer

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

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11 July 2024 When a private hospital is operated as an Association of Persons (AOP) under the Income Tax Act in India, here are some key points regarding taxation and accounting:

### Taxation of AOP:

1. **Income Tax Rate**: AOPs are taxed at the applicable income tax rates based on their income slab. For hospitals, income could include earnings from medical services, consultations, surgeries, diagnostic tests, pharmacy sales, etc.

2. **Deductions**: AOPs can claim deductions under various sections of the Income Tax Act, such as Section 80D for health insurance premiums, Section 80G for donations, Section 10AA for deductions related to specific income from newly established hospitals, and others applicable to healthcare services.

3. **Tax Compliance**: AOPs are required to file income tax returns annually, reporting their income and claiming deductions as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act.

### Accounting Records:

1. **Books of Accounts**: AOPs must maintain proper books of accounts to record all financial transactions related to the hospital's operations. This includes receipts, payments, purchases, sales, expenses, assets, liabilities, and any other income or expenditure.

2. **Accounting Standards**: The accounting standards applicable to AOPs in India, such as those issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), must be followed. These standards ensure that financial statements present a true and fair view of the hospital's financial position.

3. **Audit Requirements**: AOPs may be required to get their accounts audited annually if their turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold under the Income Tax Act. The audit ensures compliance with accounting standards and provides assurance to stakeholders.

4. **Financial Statements**: AOPs prepare financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Cash Flow Statement (if applicable), and any other required statements as per the Companies Act or Income Tax Act.

### Compliance and Regulations:

1. **GST Compliance**: If the hospital's turnover exceeds the GST threshold, GST registration and compliance are mandatory. GST is applicable to healthcare services but certain services may be exempt or taxed at a concessional rate.

2. **Regulatory Compliance**: Hospitals must comply with local health regulations, licensing requirements, and any other applicable laws governing the healthcare sector.

### Conclusion:

Operating a private hospital as an AOP involves compliance with both income tax laws and accounting standards in India. Proper maintenance of accounting records, adherence to tax regulations, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws are crucial to the smooth operation and financial health of the hospital. It's advisable for AOPs, including hospitals, to engage with professional accountants and tax advisors to ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met efficiently.