States in India, including Odisha, levy a professional tax (PT) in accordance with Article 276 of the Indian Constitution. Professional tax in Odisha is a direct tax that applies to businesses, salaried individuals, entrepreneurs and professionals in various occupations. Even though only a small amount is deducted, professional taxpayers in Odisha need to be well-versed in the subject. Continue reading to learn more about professional tax payments in Odisha.
The Odisha Professional Act Tax, 2000, governs the provisions of professional tax in Odisha. The Commercial Taxes Department of the Odisha government is in charge of collecting this tax. The state can levy professional tax with a minimum value of Rs 125 per month and a maximum of Rs.300 per month.
Odisha state tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employment Act, 2000, came into effect intending to levy tax on individuals associated with various professions, trades, callings and employment. Every employer in Odisha needs to register under this act as a Professional Tax Deductor. Additionally, every self-employed professional needs to register themselves if they are liable to pay professional tax.
Apart from employed and self-employed individuals, this tax is applicable to companies, firms, LLPs, corporations, HUFs, clubs, etc. Take a look at the points below to understand professional tax applicability in Odisha:
The professional tax imposition depends on the income of earning individuals. Check the table below to find out the professional tax slab rate in Odisha:
Annual Gross Salary | Professional tax amount |
Up to Rs 1,60,000 | Nil |
Between Rs 1,60,000 and Rs.3,00,000 | Rs 125 per month |
Above Rs.3,00,000 | Rs. 200/- per month for first 11 months and Rs. 300/- for the month of April. |
On the other hand, for professionals like Medical Consultants, legal practitioners, estate agents, brokers, technical and professional consultants, etc., where the annual gross income comes into the picture, the tax slab rate is mentioned below:
Annual Income | Professional tax amount |
Rs.1.6 Lakh | Nil |
Rs.1.6 Lakh to Rs.3 Lakh | Rs.1,500 per annum |
Above Rs.3 Lakh | Rs.2,500 per annum |
If you are wondering how to make professional tax payments online, you can follow these simple steps.
For those who enroll before May 31 of a financial year, the professional tax due date is June 30. Simultaneously, people who enroll after May 31 are required to pay professional tax within one month of enrolment.
Employer shall furnish a return in Form-V before the end of the succeeding month disclosing all the tax deductions made during the month from his employees salary. It is challan-cum-statement Form.
Not paying professional tax or deducting it from an employee’s wages will lead to the payment of simple interest of 2% on the due amount or a portion of the remaining unpaid tax period. Additionally, in Odisha, failure to pay professional tax without a valid reason could result in a penalty of 25% to 50% of the total due amount with interest charges.
According to the statute, members of the armed forces of the Union serving in any region of Odisha are exempt from paying professional tax.
If you are liable to pay professional tax in Odisha, make sure to follow the simple steps mentioned above to pay the tax on time. Once you know your applicable tax slab rate, you can make payment effectively to avoid any hefty penalty charges.
Professional tax in Odisha is governed by the Odisha Professional Tax Act, applicable to various professionals and entities, with rates based on income levels. Online payments are available, penalties for late payment exist, and exemptions are granted to specific groups. Required documents include PAN card, lease agreement, and S&E certificate. Odisha taxpayers should ensure timely payments to avoid penalties.