dividend_tax

Latest Rules for Taxation on Dividend Income in India 2025

  • Profile picture of MI
  • by MI September 24, 2025

Dividend income has become an important source of earnings for investors in India, whether from shares, mutual funds, or corporate deposits. The rules for taxation of dividend income have evolved over the years, and in 2025, it is crucial for taxpayers to understand the latest provisions, tax rates, TDS implications, and exemptions.

1. Taxability of Dividend Income in 2025

From FY 2020-21 onwards, dividend income is taxable in the hands of the shareholder. In 2025, the rules continue as:

  • Dividend income is added to your total income and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab.
  • Earlier, dividends were exempt in the hands of shareholders under Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT), but DDT has been abolished.

2. Tax Rates on Dividend Income

Dividend income is taxed according to the individual’s or entity’s income tax slab:

Income SlabTax Rate on Dividend Income
Up to ₹2,50,000 (Individual, below 60 yrs)Nil
₹2,50,001 – ₹5,00,0005%
₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,00020%
Above ₹10,00,00030%

3. TDS on Dividend Income

For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26):

  • If a company pays dividend exceeding ₹5,000 in a financial year, it is required to deduct TDS at 10% for residents.
  • Non-residents are subject to TDS at rates specified under the Income Tax Act or relevant DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement).
  • Form 15G/15H cannot be submitted to avoid TDS on dividends.

4. Exemptions and Special Provisions

  • Dividends from mutual funds (equity or debt) are taxed in the hands of investors; previously exempt schemes now taxable.
  • Section 115BBDA: Applies to dividend income received by individuals or HUFs exceeding ₹10 lakh from domestic companies; taxed at 10% above ₹10 lakh.
  • For senior citizens, dividend income is taxable as per slab; no separate concessional rate.

5. Example of Dividend Tax Calculation

Suppose Mr. Sharma receives ₹12 lakh as dividend in FY 2024-25 from Indian companies.

  • Dividend up to ₹10 lakh: Taxed as per slab
  • Dividend above ₹10 lakh: ₹2 lakh taxed at 10% under Section 115BBDA = ₹20,000
  • Total taxable dividend = ₹12 lakh

6. Reporting Dividend Income in ITR

  1. All dividend income must be reported under ‘Income from Other Sources’ in ITR.
  2. Check Form 26AS for TDS credit and reconcile before filing ITR.
  3. Mutual fund dividends and equity dividends should also be reported even if TDS was not deducted.

7. Key Points to Remember

  • DDT is abolished; all dividends are now taxable in shareholder hands.
  • Section 115BBDA applies only to individuals/HUFs receiving dividend > ₹10 lakh from domestic companies.
  • TDS on dividend exceeding ₹5,000 is mandatory.
  • Dividend from foreign companies is also taxable and may require credit under DTAA.

Conclusion

In 2025, dividend income in India is fully taxable in the hands of investors. Understanding TDS rules, Section 115BBDA provisions, and slab rates is crucial for proper tax planning. By reporting dividends accurately in your ITR and utilizing applicable exemptions, taxpayers can remain compliant and minimize tax liability.

Comments

Add new comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.