Income Tax for Salaried Individuals Earning Income from Stock Market

Introduction

With the growing participation of salaried individuals in the stock market, it is common to earn income not only from salary but also from shares, mutual funds, dividends, and trading activities. However, many taxpayers are confused about taxability, applicable sections, and ITR reporting of such income.

This article explains the income tax implications for salaried individuals earning income from the stock market, along with practical examples.

1. Types of Stock Market Income

A salaried person may earn income from the stock market in the following forms:

1. Capital Gains from Shares or Mutual Funds
2. Dividend Income
3. Intraday Trading Income
4. F&O (Derivatives) Trading Income

Each type is taxed differently under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

2. Tax on Capital Gains

A. Equity Shares & Equity Mutual Funds

Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) - Section 111A

• Holding period: Up to 12 months
• Tax rate: 15% (plus cess)

Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) - Section 112A

• Holding period: More than 12 months
• LTCG up to Rs 1,00,000: Exempt
• Above Rs 1,00,000: 10% without indexation

B. Debt Mutual Funds

Gains are taxable as per slab rates, irrespective of the holding period.

3. Tax on Dividend Income

• Dividend income is taxable under "Income from Other Sources"
• Taxed at normal slab rates
• TDS @10% deducted if dividend exceeds Rs 5,000

4. Tax on Trading Income 

A. Intraday Trading

• Treated as Speculative Business Income
• Taxed at slab rates
• Losses can be carried forward for 4 years

B. F&O Trading

• Treated as Non-Speculative Business Income
• Taxed at slab rates
• Losses can be carried forward for 8 years

5. Practical Example 

Case Study: Mr. A is a salaried individual with the following income during the year:

• Salary Income: Rs 12,00,000
• STCG on equity shares: Rs 1,20,000
• LTCG on equity shares: Rs 2,00,000
• Dividend income: Rs 30,000

Tax Treatment

Salary Income
Taxed as per the applicable slab. 

STCG (Section 111A)

• Tax @15% on Rs 1,20,000 = Rs 18,000 

LTCG (Section 112A)

• Exempt up to Rs 1,00,000
• Tax @10% on Rs 1,00,000 = Rs 10,000

Dividend Income

• Rs 30,000 taxed at slab rate

6. Deductions Allowed

• Deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C, 80D, etc.) can be claimed against salary and dividend income
• Deductions cannot be claimed against STCG u/s 111A and LTCG u/s 112A

7. Which ITR Should Be Filed?

Type of Income     Applicable ITR

• Salary + Capital Gains ITR-2
• Salary + Trading Income ITR-3

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating trading income as capital gains
• Ignoring dividend income
• Selecting the wrong ITR form
• Not reporting exempt LTCG
• Not adjusting losses correctly

Conclusion

Salaried individuals earning income from the stock market must carefully classify each type of income to ensure correct tax treatment and ITR filing. Proper understanding helps in tax compliance, loss set-off, and avoiding notices from the Income Tax Department.

Disclaimer: The above article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Tax provisions are subject to change. Readers are advised to consult a tax professional before filing their income tax return.