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Topics / Economy

Taxation

Asked 22 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2025

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Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, income from allied agricultural activities like poultry farming and wool rearing in rural areas is exempted from any tax. Statement II: In India, rural agricultural land is not considered a capital asset under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2025Economy
ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Explanation

Income from allied agricultural activities like poultry farming and wool rearing in rural areas is not completely exempt from tax in India. However, rural agricultural land is indeed not considered a capital asset under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

Which one of the following situations best reflects 'Indirect Transfers' often talked about in media recently with reference to India?

2022Economy
AAn Indian company investing in a foreign enterprise and paying taxes to the foreign country on the profits arising out of its investment
BA foreign company investing in India and paying taxes to the country of its base on the profits arising out of its investment
CAn Indian company purchases tangible assets in a foreign country and sells such assets after their value increases and transfers the proceeds to India
DA foreign company transfers shares and such shares derive their substantial value from assets located in India

Explanation

Indirect transfers refer to situations where shares are transferred, and their substantial value is derived from assets located in India. This scenario has been a topic of discussion in the media due to its implications for taxation and capital gains.

Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

2021Economy
ADiversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing
BInvestment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones jewellery gold etc.
CLarge donations to political parties and growth of regionalism
DLoss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion

Explanation

Creation of black money in India leads to tax evasion, resulting in a significant loss of revenue to the State Exchequer. This loss affects the government's ability to fund essential public services and infrastructure development, thereby hindering the country's overall economic growth and welfare programs.

With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements'. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2018Economy
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In 2016, India implemented a 6% equalization tax on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities through a separate legislation under the Finance Bill. This tax does not allow non-resident entities to claim a tax credit in their home country under the 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements'. Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Consider the following items: 1. Cereal grains hulted 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspaper containing advertising material. Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

2018Economy
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1, 2 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

In the given list, cereal grains are exempt from GST. However, processed and canned foods like fish (#3) are taxable under GST. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) - 1, 2, and 4 only.

With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements'. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2018Economy
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services by non-resident entities in India was implemented in 2016 through a separate legislation under the Finance Bill. This tax does not allow non-resident entities to claim a tax credit in their home country under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements. Therefore, both statements are incorrect, making the correct answer (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing 'Goods and Services Tax (GST)'? 1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. 2. It will drastically reduce the 'Current Account Deficit' of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. 3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2017Economy
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is expected to bring several benefits. Firstly, it will replace multiple taxes levied by various authorities, creating a unified market within the country. Secondly, it may help in reducing the Current Account Deficit (CAD) and increasing foreign exchange reserves. Lastly, it has the potential to contribute to the growth and expansion of the Indian economy. However, it is important to note that under GST, exports will be rated as zero. While GST may not completely eliminate CAD or lead to a significant increase in the size of the economy, it still offers advantages in streamlining taxation and fostering economic development.

The term 'Base Erosion and Profit Shifting' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

2016Economy
Amining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas
Bcurbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
Cexploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
Dlack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects

Explanation

Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) is a tactic employed by multinational corporations to avoid paying taxes by moving their profits from high-tax countries to low-tax or tax-free jurisdictions. BEPS is designed to address the issue of tax evasion by multinational companies.

The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

2014Economy
Atax imposed by the Central Government
Btax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government
Ctax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government
Dtax imposed and collected by the State Government

Explanation

When you buy toothpaste, the sales tax you pay is collected by the State Government. This tax is imposed and managed by the State Government as part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

Under which of the following circumstances may 'capital gains' arise? 1. When there is an increase in the sales of a product 2. When there is a natural increase in the value of the property owned 3. When you purchase a painting and there is a growth in its value due to increase in its popularity. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

2012Economy
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Capital gains can occur under two circumstances: when the value of a property increases naturally, or when the value of an investment, such as a painting, grows due to increased popularity. Therefore, option (b) 2 and 3 only is the correct answer.

Which one of the following is not a feature of 'Value Added Tax'?

2011Economy
AIt is multi-point destination-based system of taxation.
BIt is a tax levied on value addition at each stage of transaction in the production distribution chain.
CIt is a tax on the final consumption of goods or services and must ultimately be borne by the consumer.
DIt is basically a subject of the central government and the state governments are only a facilitator for its successful implementation.

Explanation

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a type of tax that is imposed on the value added at each stage of a transaction in the production and distribution chain. It is a multi-point destination-based system of taxation and is ultimately borne by the consumer. However, it is important to note that VAT is primarily under the jurisdiction of the central government, with state governments playing a supporting role in its implementation.

In India, the tax proceeds of which one of the following as a percentage of gross tax revenue has significantly declined in the last five years?

2010Economy
AService tax
BPersonal income tax
CExcise duty
DCorporation tax

Explanation

In the past five years, the percentage of gross tax revenue from excise duty has decreased significantly in India. In 1992-93, excise duty contributed 41.3 percent to the total tax revenue, but by 2006-07, this had dropped to 25.1 percent.

Consider the following statements: In India, taxes on transactions in Stock Exchanges and Futures Markets are 1. levied by the Union 2. collected by the States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2010Economy
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In India, taxes on transactions in Stock Exchanges and Futures Markets are imposed by the Union government. However, these taxes are collected by the States. The correct statement is that taxes are levied by the Union government only.

Consider the following: 1. Fringe Benefit Tax 2. Interest Tax 3. Securities Transaction Tax. Which of the above is/are Direct Tax/Taxes?

2009Economy
A1 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the given options, all three - Fringe Benefit Tax, Interest Tax, and Securities Transaction Tax - are examples of Direct Taxes. Fringe Benefit Tax was levied on most fringe benefits, while Securities Transaction Tax was applicable on taxable securities transactions. Interest Tax was a special tax imposed on accrued interest in specific cases.

Which one of the following is the correct statement? Service tax is a/an:

2006Economy
Adirect tax levied by the Central Government
Bindirect tax levied by the Central Government
Cdirect tax levied by the State Government
Dindirect tax levied by the State Government

Explanation

In the context of poverty planning, it is important to understand the nature of service tax. Service tax is classified as an indirect tax and is imposed by the Central Government. Indirect taxes are those that can be passed on to another party.

Consider the following statements: 1. Global Trust Bank has been amalgamated with the Punjab National bank. 2. The second report of the Kelkar Committee dealing with direct and indirect taxes has maintained its original recommendation including the abolition of exemptions relating to housing loans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2005Economy
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The amalgamation of Global Trust Bank Ltd occurred with the Oriental Bank of Commerce on 14th August, 2004.

Which of the following is not a recommendation of the task force on direct taxes under the chairmanship of Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar in the year 2002?

2004Economy
AAbolition of Wealth Tax
BIncrease in the exemption limit of personal income to Rs. 1.20 lakh for widows
CElimination of standard deduction
DExemption from tax on dividends and capital gains from the listed equity

Explanation

The task force on direct taxes led by Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar in 2002 did not propose increasing the exemption limit of personal income to Rs. 1.20 lakh for widows. Instead, it recommended a higher exemption limit of Rs. 1.50 lakh for widows and senior citizens.

The Kelkar proposals which were in the news recently were the:

2003Economy
Arecommendations for reforms in the power sector
Brecommendations for tax reforms
Cguidelines for the privatization of public sector undertakings
Dguidelines for reducing vehicular pollution, and the promotion of CNG use

Explanation

The Kelkar proposals that have been in the spotlight lately pertain to recommendations for tax reforms. The Vijay Kelkar Committee on Direct Taxes initially presented its report in 2003.

Consider the following taxes: 1. Corporation tax 2. Customs duty 3. Wealth tax 4. Excise duty. Which of these is/are indirect taxes?

2001Economy
A1 only
B2 and 4
C1 and 3
D2 and 3

Explanation

Indirect taxes are those imposed on goods and services rather than directly on individuals or companies. Examples of indirect taxes include Value Added Tax, Central Sales Tax, Central Excise Duty, Customs Duty, stamp duties, and expenditure tax. Direct taxes, on the other hand, are levied on individuals or corporations, such as Property tax, Corporation tax, and Wealth tax.

The Standing Committee of State Finance Ministers recommended in January, 2000 uniform rates across the states in respect of:

2000Economy
Avalue-added tax
Bsales tax
Cstamp duty and registration fees
Dagricultural income tax

Explanation

The Standing Committee of State Finance Ministers proposed in January 2000 that all states should have consistent rates for the following: value-added tax, sales tax, stamp duty and registration fees, and agricultural income tax. The correct option among these is sales tax, which is a tax imposed on the purchase of specific goods and services.

Which one of the following statements regarding the levying, collecting and distribution of Income Tax is correct?

1999Economy
AThe Union levies, collects and distributes the proceeds of income tax between itself and the states
BThe Union levies, collects and keeps all the proceeds of income tax to itself
CThe Union levies and collects the tax but all the proceeds are distributed among the states
DOnly the surcharge levied on income tax is shared between the Union and the states

Explanation

In India, income tax is imposed and gathered by the Union government, also known as the central government, and then shared between the Union and the states.

Corporation tax:

1995Economy
Ais levied and appropriated by the States
Bis levied by the Union and collected and appropriated by the States
Cis levied by the Union and shared by the Union and the States
Dis levied by the Union and belongs to it exclusively

Explanation

Corporation tax is a direct tax imposed by the central government, and it is collected and utilized exclusively by the Union. This tax revenue cannot be allocated to the states.