24 January 2015
What is the tax treatment of income earned from Vermi compost? Is it Agricultural income- as it is related with the treatment of agro by products only and re used in agricultural activities only. If not an Agricultural Income than to be included in which head and Why?
26 July 2025
Great question! Hereโs a clear explanation on the **taxability of income from vermi compost**:
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### Is Income from Vermi Compost Agricultural Income?
* **Agricultural Income** is defined under Section 2(1A) of the Income Tax Act and generally includes:
* Rent or revenue derived from land which is used for agricultural purposes. * Income from agricultural operations on the land. * Vermi compost production **does not qualify as agricultural income** because:
* It involves **processing and manufacturing** (production of compost through worms). * This is considered a **business activity** rather than pure agricultural operation.
Therefore, income from vermi compost **is not treated as agricultural income**.
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### Under Which Head of Income Is It Taxed?
* Income from vermi compost is taxable under:
* **Profits and Gains from Business or Profession (PGBP)** if the taxpayer carries on this activity as a business. * Alternatively, if it is incidental and not regular business, it could be taxed under **Income from Other Sources**.
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### Is Section 80JJA Applicable?
* Yes! Section **80JJA** provides a deduction for profits from the business of:
* **Vermi compost production** or * Manufacture of organic manures. * Conditions:
* The deduction is 100% of profits for **5 consecutive years**. * The taxpayer must maintain proper books of accounts.
So, if the taxpayer is engaged in vermi compost production as a business, they can claim deduction under **Section 80JJA**.
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### Summary:
| Aspect | Tax Treatment | | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Income from vermi compost | Not agricultural income | | Taxable under | Business income (PGBP) or Other Sources | | Applicable Deduction | Section 80JJA (100% deduction on profits for 5 yrs) |
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If you want, I can help draft an example computation or detailed explanation of claiming 80JJA deduction. Would you like that?