Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office concern for Indian businesses. From managed security operations centres (SOCs) and penetration testing to vulnerability assessments, threat monitoring, and incident response, demand for these services is rising sharply. If you provide or purchase cybersecurity services, you need clarity on how Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies. This 2026 guide…
If you have filed your income tax return in India, the first official communication you are likely to receive is an intimation under Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act. This is not a scrutiny notice and, in most cases, is nothing to worry about. It is simply the outcome of the automated processing of…
Starting a business alone no longer means settling for an informal proprietorship. The One Person Company (OPC) structure lets a single entrepreneur enjoy the credibility and limited liability of a company while retaining full control. Introduced by the Companies Act, 2013, the OPC has become a popular first step for solo founders, consultants and freelancers…
Short-term capital gain (STCG) on listed shares is one of the most common tax items for Indian investors, and the rules changed significantly in 2024. If you sold listed equity shares, equity-oriented mutual funds or units of a business trust within a short holding period, your gain is likely taxed under Section 111A of the…
Digital marketing is now a core spend for almost every Indian business, from D2C brands running Meta ads to SaaS startups paying for SEO retainers. But whether you sell these services or buy them, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has a direct impact on your pricing, invoicing and cash flow. This 2026 guide breaks…
Setting up a company in India comes with one requirement that frequently catches foreign founders and investors off guard: the mandatory appointment of a resident director. Under Section 149(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, every company registered in India must have at least one director who has actually stayed in the country for the required…
Deemed income is one of the most misunderstood and heavily taxed concepts in Indian income tax. In simple terms, it is income that the law treats as taxable in your hands when you cannot satisfactorily explain the source of money, an investment, or an asset. In 2026, such amounts are taxed at a flat and…
The presumptive income taxation scheme lets small businesses and professionals in India declare income at a fixed percentage of turnover instead of maintaining detailed books and undergoing a tax audit. For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), Sections 44AD, 44ADA and 44AE continue to offer this simplified route with revised higher turnover limits. This guide explains who…
The income tax surcharge is an additional charge levied on high-income taxpayers in India, calculated on the tax payable and not on total income. For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), the surcharge slabs, the crucial concept of marginal relief, and the key difference between the old and new regimes remain important for anyone with income above…
Transferring shares in a private limited company is a routine but legally sensitive event that must follow the process laid down in Section 56 of the Companies Act, 2013. Whether you are bringing in an investor, exiting a co-founder, or gifting shares within a family, the transfer only becomes valid once it is properly executed…