Professional Tax Punjab: Tax Slab, Payment, Applicability, Login, Due Date, Exemption

Individuals, who earn their living through professional careers, labour, or businesses, are subject to paying professional tax. The self-employed working population also pays professional taxes to the respective state government. In this regard, the payment of professional tax in Punjab is facilitated per the provisions of the Punjab State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Act, 1975. 

But is it mandatory to pay this tax? How to pay for it? Read on to find out!

Professional Tax in Punjab

Clause 2 of Article 276 of the Indian Constitution covers the provision of professional tax payment in India. The Punjab government imposes a professional tax of Rs 200 per month for those who earn their income as a salary or from a business as per the Income Tax Act of 1961. 

Punjab Professional Tax Act / Punjab Professional Tax Rule

Professional tax is levied and collected from individuals engaged in various professions, trades, callings and employment as per the Punjab State Development Tax Act, 2018.  It came into effect on April 19, 2018. This tax is imposed as a welfare benefit for the state of Punjab; it is applicable throughout the state of Punjab, for offices of anybody owned by the state and offices of the government of Punjab. 

Professional Tax Applicability in Punjab

Let's get a comprehensive idea about professional tax applicability in Punjab. The different categories of individuals liable to pay this tax in Punjab are: 

• Person working for an organization that operates in any part of Punjab and is owned or controlled by the Central Government or any state government, regardless of whether that organization is incorporated.
• A government individual who receives a salary from the railway fund, any state government or Central Government.
• Government servants receive salaries from the revenues of the Punjab state, even though their office is outside this state.
• An employee of an organisation, whether or not it is incorporated, that is owned or controlled by Punjab and conducts business within or outside of the state.
• A person working for an employer not included in the abovementioned categories. Such an employer should be responsible for the salaries of his/her employees regularly. This may include the employer's manager or agent as well as the officer in charge of paying the salaries or wages.  Sole proprietors, societies, trusts, clubs, HUF, partnership firms, an institution, local authorities, etc., are also included in the list.

Professional Tax Slab Rate in Punjab

The imposition of professional tax in Punjab depends on the income of earning individuals. Go through the table below to know the professional tax rate in Punjab.

Punjab Professional Tax Online Payment

If you are a salaried individual, the professional tax will get deducted from your salary every month. Employers can pay professional tax through online mode. Here are the steps: 

1. Visit the Punjab State Development tax portal and log in with your username and password. 
2. Under the Challan section, enter necessary details like month, year and the number of taxable employees. Click on ‘request challan’, follow the on-screen instruction, and choose the preferred payment mode to complete the transaction. 

If you are self-employed, you must pay this tax directly to the state government. You need to obtain a certificate of enrolment from a designated tax officer. 

Punjab Professional Tax Payment Due Date

The due date for payment of professional tax in Punjab varies depending on when an entity has been enrolled. For instance, if the entity/organisation is enrolled before May 31, the due date is June 30. However, if the entity is enrolled after May 31, the professional tax payment is expected in the span of one month from the date of enrolment. 

Punjab Professional Tax Late Payment Penalty

If an employer fails to deduct professional tax at the time of payment or wage or neglects to pay the tax as required by the Act, he/she is liable to pay simple interest at a rate of 2% of the amount of the tax pending for each month.  

Punjab Professional Tax Exemption

Here are the individuals who are exempted from paying professional tax in Punjab:

• Individuals who are completely reliant on agricultural activity for earning.
• Senior citizens.
• Individuals earning wages on a casual basis.

Final Word

Most Indian states have their own set of professional tax slab rates. All individuals liable for professional taxes must pay this before the due date. If you are an employer or self-employed individual in Punjab, paying professional tax in Punjab must be paid within the due date. The person responsible for late payment may also be subject to legal action or penalty charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional tax compulsory in Punjab?

Ans. Payment of professional tax is mandatory in Punjab. If you earn your living from employment or are self-employed, you are liable to pay professional tax. 

How much is the professional tax in Punjab?

Ans. The minimum professional tax in Punjab is Rs 175 per month for individuals drawing a monthly salary or wage of Rs 7501 to Rs 10,000 per month. However, the maximum professional tax amount cannot exceed Rs 2500 annually.

Who is eligible for professional tax in Punjab?

Ans. If you earn your living from employment or work in professions like trading, calling, etc., you are liable to pay professional tax in Punjab.

Who is exempt from professional tax in Punjab?

Ans. Senior citizens, people who are completely reliant on agricultural activities to make a living, and workers who are compensated on a regular basis are exempted from paying professional tax.

How to pay professional tax in Punjab?

Ans. You can pay professional tax in Punjab online through the Punjab State Development tax portal. However, register with proper documents to proceed with professional tax payments without any hitch.