With the COVID 19 Economic Impact hitting us - Do we have a Plan B?



Quick Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for economic resilience and a 'Plan B'. This article suggests looking back at traditional structures like the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) business model as a potential solution. Historically, HUFs fostered wealth creation and early entrepreneurship by pooling resources and reinvesting profits, offering a cohesive business structure beyond just tax benefits.

Planning for two streams of revenue / income is a thought most of us have when we become stable with a job or a full time profession. Some of us are lucky to find a part time profession in our passion but many of us are not. I feel the answer lies in tracing our roots and culling out what is relevant for today's life.

Today, success is measured by education / job profile. And not by skill set. In fact, we can say that "skill based training" is completely lost barring a few professions. In the days of our grandparents, most Indian families had a ‘family’ business. And the Hindu Joint families' business is a recognised entity under Income Tax Law - the HUF.

But is HUF a mere tax saving tool?

Keeping aside the taxation point of view for now, let us look at it only as a cohesive business structure and a wealth creation tool.

A child becomes a member by birth in an HUF. Dividends issued to members of HUF were credited to their accounts. Money distributed as dividend is re-invested in family business and interests were credited to members’ accounts. This money grows as the child grows and is available to him when he wants to continue with the business or branch out into a different entity with a different business model.

COVID-19 Economic Impact: Your Plan B with HUF

I am sure many of us today realise and understand what that kind of capital means!!!

Of course like any other business structure, HUF has its own pros and cons. But it can be eliminated if the HUF is managed with the intent of growing the family business as a whole and by being transparent.  Further it encourages entrepreneurship at a very early age.

 

What could be income earning activities/avenues for HUFs today?

  • Rent earning property,
  • Interest earning Deposits,
  • Dividend earning stocks etc.
 

Surplus from an individual’s earnings can be pooled into an HUF account (tax implications to be considered), which will enable wealth creation.




About the Author

Practicing CA

CA Unnamalai Lis a Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India since May 2008 along with a Bachelor degree in Commerce. She has a professional experience of more than 12 years. Working in the Industry for a decade before getting into Practice gave her the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. ... Read more

Comments :

Related Articles


Loading


Popular Articles





CCI Pro

CCI Articles

submit article


Company
29 August 2026
Chartered Accountant

Velionit Consulting PVT LTd

Mumbai

CA

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 01 September 2026
Article Assistant

SGNG & Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 25 August 2026
CA Article's

Saini Pati Shah & Co LLP

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
25 August 2026
Senior Accountant

MG Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 26 August 2026
Article Assistant

ANIVESH CONSULTANTS LLP

Gurgaon

CA Inter

View Details
Company
09 September 2026
Semi Qualified CA / CA Inter - 2 Groups Cleared

Getmyca Consultant Pvt Ltd

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
21 August 2026
Accountant

A G International

Kolkata

B.Com

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 September 2026
Article Assistant

MANUJ SHARMA AND COMPANY

Noida

CA Inter

View Details