Taxes

India — Tax: Corporate Tax

Domestic companies with turnover up to ₹400 crore are taxed at 25%; larger domestic companies at 30%. Concessional regimes exist: Section 115BAA lets any domestic company opt into a flat 22% rate (foregoing most exemptions), while Section 115BAB offers new manufacturing companies (incorporated after 1 October 2019, production started before 31 March 2024) an effective rate of roughly 17.16% (15% base + surcharge + cess). Foreign companies are taxed at a base rate of 35% on India-attributable business income, with surcharge and cess pushing the effective rate to roughly 36.4–38.2%. The Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate was reduced from 15% to 14% effective 1 April 2026.

Income Tax Department of India / PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · Last verified 2026-07-20

Key Facts

  • Domestic companies: 25% (turnover ≤ ₹400 crore) or 30% (larger); Section 115BAA offers an optional flat 22% in exchange for foregoing most exemptions.
  • Section 115BAB gives new manufacturing companies (incorporated after 1 Oct 2019, production started before 31 Mar 2024) an effective rate of ~17.16%.
  • Foreign companies: 35% base rate on India-attributable income, ~36.4–38.2% effective after surcharge and 4% cess.
  • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) reduced from 15% to 14% for all companies, effective 1 April 2026.

Required Documents

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • PAN and TAN
  • Audited financial statements

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming the concessional 22% (115BAA) or 17.16% (115BAB) rates apply automatically — both require an explicit election and forfeiture of most standard exemptions/incentives.
  • Overlooking MAT liability under the standard regime when book profits exceed taxable income under normal computation.

Related Topics

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