Taxability of Gratuity: Is Gratuity Taxable?
Mr Sharma is retiring next month after his 24 years long association with a private organisation. Under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, he is going to receive a lump sum amount of Rs. 22 lakh as gratuity after retirement. Now, he is wondering if gratuity is taxable or if there is an exemption available under the Income Tax Act.
Well, the answer is yes! The IT Act of India allows tax exemptions on the amount received as gratuity if the employee meets certain conditions. Read on to know about the recent changes related to that, gratuity taxability, exemption limit, and more!
Who is Eligible for Gratuity?
Gratuity is basically a financial benefit, employees who have been associated with the company for 5 years receive at the cessation of their employment.
As per the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the following persons will be eligible for such benefits:
- Employees who have retired
- Employees who have worked for a company (comprising more than 10 persons) for a minimum term of 5 years
- Those who are eligible for superannuation
- Employees who have become disabled because of any illness or accident (the benefit will be available in case of the death of an employee as well.)
Now that you know who is allowed to claim this monetary benefit, let’s understand what gratuity taxability depends on and when you can avail of the exemption.
Income Tax Exemptions Available on Gratuity
The amount employees receive as gratuity after their retirement is taxable according to existing laws. However, the Central Government also offers certain exemptions up to a specific amount of gratuity, enabling individuals to save money. The tax-free limit has been increased from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. Both private and government employees can benefit from this facility.
However, before proceeding further, you should also know how much you can actually claim as an exemption on gratuity. Find the tabular representation of the maximum exemption available for both government and non-government employees below:
| Type of Employee | Tax Treatment |
| Private sector employees covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 | The tax exemption amount will be available up to the least of the following: Rs. 20,00,000Actual amount received as gratuity list salary (DA + basic) x total number of years served for the organisation x 15/26 |
| Private sector employee who is not covered under Gratuity Act, 1972 | The amount of tax exemption should be the least of the following: Rs. 20,00,000Actual gratuity amount received ½ of average salary x total years of employment |
| Government employees | Fully exempt |
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Final Word
In case you find the manual calculation of available tax exemption on your gratuity amount difficult, use a Gratuity Calculator for the same. Note that the gratuity taxability differs depending on what kind of organisation you used to work for.
Now that the maximum exemption limit has been increased, individuals falling under the high salary group will benefit from this amendment.
FAQs
Ans: Yes, since you worked there for more than 5 years, the organisation will provide you with a monetary benefit once you retire. This gratuity amount will depend on two primary aspects, such as the last basic salary you received and the total number of years you worked for that company.
Ans: If the employee has been associated with the organisation for more than 5 years, he/she will be eligible for gratuity. That particular employee’s nominee or legal heir will receive this gratuity amount. Note that this amount will be taxable under the “Income from other sources” heading.
Ans: Yes, an employer has a right to do that. However, this is only possible if that company decides to terminate the employee on account of any misconduct or any kind of unacceptable offence.
Ans: Yes, as per the norms of the Income Tax Act, individuals working in the defence sector will be eligible to avail of tax exemption on the amount they receive as gratuity. The same applies to people who work in any local authority.
Ans: According to the Payment of Gratuity Act, employees who are a part of any establishment possessing 10 or more employees will receive gratuity. In case the total number of employees goes below 10 for any organisation, the facility will not be withdrawn if the Act was already applicable to that employer.
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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.
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