As of now, 17 Indian states levy professional tax on employed or self-employed individuals, and Tamil Nadu is also one of them. Professional tax in Tamil Nadu is one of the state's major revenue sources. It applies not only to employees but also to individuals associated with all types of trades, professions, and employment. So, if you want to learn the basics of professional tax, you have come to the right place.
The professional tax payable in Tamil Nadu depends on the income of professionals and salaried individuals. If you are an employee, it will be deducted from your salary every month. However, when it involves company directors, individual partners, partnerships, businesses, and self-employed directors, it will be deducted from the company's previous year's gross turnover.
According to Article 276 of the Indian Constitution, the total amount due for professional tax must not exceed Rs 2500.
Professional tax in Tamil Nadu is levied under the Tamil Nadu Panchayats, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations Rules, 1998. This rule came into effect on October 01, 1998, and is applicable to all towns, panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations in the state. In Tamil Nadu, businesses and individuals associated with any profession, trade, calling, or employment are subject to professional tax.
According to Section 138C of Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws Second Amendment Act 59 of 1998, professional tax in Tamil Nadu is applicable for the following categories:
Additionally, private establishments owned by a business are subject to professional tax. A Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), any company, firm, corporation or other corporate body, any society, club, group of people or association are also liable to pay this tax.
The application must be in Form 1 along with the below-mentioned docs
In Tamil Nadu, the amount of professional tax payable is based on the average monthly income of an individual/entity. Take a look at the table that displays the Tamil Nadu professional tax slabs.
Average Monthly Income | Payable Tax Amount |
Up to Rs 21,000 | Nil |
From Rs 21,000 to Rs 30,000 | Rs 100 |
From Rs 30,001 to Rs 45,000 | Rs 235 |
From Rs 45,001 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 510 |
From Rs 60,001 to Rs 75,000 | Rs 760 |
Above Rs 75,000 | Rs 1095 |
Now that you know the professional tax slab rates in Tamil Nadu and related details, let’s examine the process for online payment.
If you are a salaried individual or employer, you can pay professional tax online.
For each half-year, professional tax payments are due on April 01 and October 01. If you fail to make the professional tax payment on time, the state government will impose hefty penalty charges.
Employers and individuals who fail to pay their professional tax obligation are subject to a monthly penalty of 2%. Additionally, non-payment of professional tax will draw in an extra penalty of 10%. Also, if you provide false or inaccurate information, you will be accountable for paying a penalty equal to three times the amount of taxes owed.
The following categories of individuals are exempted from professional tax payment in Tamil Nadu:
Every resident in Tamil Nadu who engages in a profession, trade, calling or employment is required to pay this tax to the state government. If you are liable to pay professional tax in Tamil Nadu, make sure to pay it on time to avoid hefty penalty charges.