Dividend Distribution Tax:  Tax Rate, New Changes & Who Should Pay

Income Tax

A dividend is a return on investment or profits earned by domestic companies in a given financial year. Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) is paid by the companies to the Government on dividends paid to their investors and shareholders. Section 115-O of the Income Tax Act deals with Dividend Distribution Tax. 

This post breaks down Dividend Distribution Tax down to its minute details.  Read on to get a comprehensive idea of DDT and its various aspects.

What is Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT)?

Dividend Distribution Tax is levied on domestic companies that distribute dividends or profits earned to their investors and shareholders in a particular year. However, the income obtained as a dividend from domestic companies is exempted from taxation as per the Income Tax Act of India. Notably, this tax is also levied on income received from mutual fund investments.

DDT Applicability on Mutual Funds 

Dividend distribution tax can also be applicable to mutual funds. The DDT for debt-oriented funds stands at 25% or 29.12%, including cess and surcharge. For equity-oriented funds, the dividend distribution tax rate is 10% as introduced by the Union Budget of 2018. This dividend distribution tax rate would stand at 11.648% with surcharge and cess.

Who Should Pay Dividend Distribution Tax?

As per Section 115-O of the Income Tax Act, all domestic companies are liable to pay a 15% Dividend Distribution Tax on the gross dividend amount. Under Section 2(22)(e) of the Income Tax Act, the DDT is 30%. 

When is Dividend Distribution Tax Applicable?

The Dividend Distribution Tax is applicable when:

• A dividend is declared.
• A dividend is paid. 
• A dividend is distributed.

Dividend Distribution Tax Rate 

Domestic companies distributing or declaring dividends to their shareholders need to pay the dividend distribution tax at a 15% rate on the amount it pays as dividend as per provisions mentioned in Section 115O. The effective rate is, however, 17.65% (this rate excludes surcharge and cess). 

Although the applicable dividend distribution tax rate under Section 115O is 15%, for dividends, as referred to the Section 2(22)(e) of the IT Act, the dividend distribution tax rate stands at 30%. To have a better understanding, let’s take a look at how to calculate DDT in the following section.

How to Calculate Dividend Distribution Tax 

Let’s say that, a company has declared a dividend that amounts to Rs. 3,00,000. In order to find the DDT on this dividend amount, you have to calculate the grossed-up dividend. 

Step 1: Calculate 17.65% of Rs. 3 lakh and then adding it with Rs. 3 lakh. The grossed-up dividend is equal to Rs. 3,52,950. 

Step 2: Next calculate 15% of Rs. 3,52,950. This will amount to Rs. 52,942.50.

The DDT on Rs. 3 lakh would be Rs. 52,942.50.

Time Limit for DDT Payment

As per mandates of the IT Act, a company has to pay the necessary dividend distribution tax within 14 days of distribution, payment or announcement of dividend (whichever is earliest).

If a company fails to pay DDT within this timeframe, it will have to pay an interest of 1% of the amount of DDT. The interest calculation will take place from the date immediately after the due date of DDT payment till the date on which the company pays its DDT. The provisions regarding delayed payment of DDT are available under Section 115P. 

Is DDT Abolished for Domestic Companies?

Up to Assessment Year 2020-2021, the investors were exempted from paying dividend tax.  However, the Finance Act 2020 abolished DDT for domestic companies. Meaning, for all dividends earned after 1st April 2020, the tax is payable by the investor and not the domestic companies.

List of New Changes Related to DDT

After the abolition of the Dividend Distribution Tax, here’s a list of new changes to keep in mind:

• Tax is levied on shareholders on the dividend earned. 
• For AY(2021-2022), exemption under Section 10(34) is no longer applicable.
• Section 115BBD is no longer applicable.
• Tax is deducted under Section 194 at the rate of 10% if the dividend amount is more than Rs. 5000.

TDS Deducted on Dividends

After the abolition of the Dividend Distribution Tax, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) at 5% for dividend income over Rs. 5000 in a given financial year. The companies distributing dividends will deduct TDS before transferring the amount to the investors and shareholders. 

How is Dividend Income Taxed?

• Hindu Undivided Family, individuals, private trusts, or any partnership firm earning an income of more than Rs. 10 lakh through dividend is liable to pay a 10% tax.
• Companies will have to pay the DDT in addition to the regular income tax liability, and they cannot claim any deduction on the DDT amount.
• Deductions regarding any expenses, allowances, set-off of any loss are not applicable while calculating dividend distribution tax.
• As per Section 115BBD of the Income Tax Act, domestic companies earning a dividend from foreign subsidiaries have to pay a concessional 15% tax on the dividend.

How do Dividends Affect Net Asset Value (NAV)?

NAV is impacted if the dividends are reinvested. NAV is calculated by dividing the value of funds by the number of outstanding shares of the fund. However, if the fund distributes dividends to the shareholders, the NAV declines. Meaning, that every time dividends are paid to the shareholders, the NAV declines. Investors must keep this in mind before investing in shares and mutual funds of a domestic company. 

Should You Invest in Dividend Paying Domestic Companies?

If you want to enjoy the double benefit of regular income and value appreciation, you may invest in dividend-paying stocks and mutual funds. They also provide a hedge against inflation and are considered safer than growth stocks.  

Should You Reinvest Dividends?

If you want to grow wealth over time, you can consider reinvesting the dividends. Reinvesting helps you buy more shares and increase the value of your investment instead of withdrawing cash. However, if you are investing in debt mutual funds for more than 3 years, it would qualify for long-term capital gains tax at the rate of 20%. Before dividing to reinvest your dividend income, talk to a financial advisor to get the maximum benefit. 

Also Read: Differences Between Taxes On Long-Term and Short-Term Capital Gains

Difference Between Dividends And Capital Gains

Also Read: Best Dividend Paying Mutual Funds

Final Word

Dividends offered by a domestic company were exempted in the hands of shareholders until AY 2020-21. Companies had to pay the required DDT. However, this has changed with the Finance Act 2020, which has eliminated DDT for domestic companies. In other words, now dividends are taxable in the hands of all investors. 

FAQs on Dividend Distribution Tax

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.