How Much Is Gift Tax On A Car In India?

Rakibul Hasan
Chief Editor of - Autos Donation

Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car...Read more

When it comes to gifting a car in India, it’s important to understand the tax implications involved. The Indian government imposes gift tax on certain types of gifts, including vehicles. In this article, we’ll explore how much gift tax you can expect to pay on a car in India and what factors can affect the final amount. So, if you’re planning to gift a car to someone in India, read on to learn more about the tax implications of your generous gesture.

Gifting a car can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation or love for someone in your life. However, it’s important to be aware of the tax laws surrounding this type of gift. Whether you’re giving a car to a family member, friend, or colleague, understanding the gift tax rules can help you avoid unexpected expenses and potential legal issues. So, let’s dive into the details of gift tax on a car in India and find out what you need to know before making your generous gift.

How Much is Gift Tax on a Car in India?

Understanding Gift Tax on a Car in India

If you are planning to gift a car to your family member or friend, it is important to understand the gift tax laws in India. Gift tax is a tax levied on the transfer of property by one person to another without any consideration or payment in return. In this article, we will discuss the gift tax on a car in India and how it is calculated.

What is Gift Tax?

Gift tax is a tax levied on the transfer of property by one person to another without any consideration or payment in return. It is governed by the Gift Tax Act, which was introduced in India in 1958. The Act was repealed in 1998, and now the tax is levied under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Gift Tax Exemptions

There are certain exemptions available under the Income Tax Act on gifts received from specific sources. Some of the common exemptions are:

  • Gifts received from relatives
  • Gifts received on marriage
  • Gifts received under a will or inheritance
  • Gifts received from a local authority

Gift Tax on a Car

If you gift a car to your family member or friend, it will be considered as a gift under the Income Tax Act. The value of the car will be taken into consideration to calculate the gift tax. The tax is calculated on the fair market value of the car, which is the price at which it would be sold in the open market.

Calculation of Gift Tax on a Car

The gift tax on a car is calculated based on the fair market value of the car and the relationship between the donor and the donee. If the donor is a relative of the donee, no gift tax is applicable. However, if the donor is not a relative, the gift tax is calculated as follows:

  • If the fair market value of the car is less than Rs. 50,000, no gift tax is applicable
  • If the fair market value of the car is between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 lakhs, the gift tax is 10% of the fair market value
  • If the fair market value of the car is more than Rs. 5 lakhs, the gift tax is 20% of the fair market value

Benefits of Gifting a Car

Gifting a car to a family member or friend has several benefits. It can be a way to show your love and affection for them. It can also help you save on taxes, as gift tax is generally lower than the tax you would have to pay if you sold the car. Additionally, gifting a car can help you avoid the hassle of selling the car, as you can simply transfer the ownership to the donee.

Gift Tax vs. Income Tax

Gift tax and income tax are two different taxes levied by the government. Income tax is levied on your income, while gift tax is levied on the transfer of property without any consideration. If you gift a car to a family member or friend, you will have to pay gift tax on the fair market value of the car. However, if you sell the car, you will have to pay income tax on the profit you earn from the sale.

Conclusion

Gifting a car to a family member or friend can be a great way to show your love and affection for them. However, it is important to understand the gift tax laws in India before you do so. The gift tax on a car is calculated based on the fair market value of the car and the relationship between the donor and the donee. By following the gift tax laws, you can avoid any legal issues and enjoy the benefits of gifting a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gifting a car in India, many people wonder about the gift tax that they may have to pay. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers regarding gift tax on a car in India.

Q: Is gift tax applicable when gifting a car in India?

Yes, gift tax is applicable when gifting a car in India. The gift tax is levied on the fair market value of the car on the date of the transfer of ownership. It is important to note that gift tax is only applicable when the value of the gift exceeds Rs. 50,000.

However, if the car is gifted to certain relatives such as spouse, children, parents, or siblings, then gift tax is not applicable. The transfer of ownership in such cases is considered as a gift and not a sale.

Q: How much gift tax do I have to pay when gifting a car in India?

The gift tax on a car in India is calculated based on the fair market value of the car on the date of transfer of ownership. The gift tax rate varies from state to state and ranges from 5% to 25% of the fair market value of the car.

For example, if the fair market value of the car is Rs. 10 lakhs and the gift tax rate in the state is 10%, then the gift tax payable would be Rs. 1 lakh.

Q: Who is responsible for paying the gift tax when gifting a car in India?

The person who gifts the car is responsible for paying the gift tax when gifting a car in India. The gift tax needs to be paid at the time of transfer of ownership of the car. If the gift tax is not paid, the transfer of ownership will not be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

It is important to note that if the person receiving the car as a gift is a minor, then the gift tax needs to be paid by the guardian or parent of the minor.

Q: Can I claim any deductions on gift tax when gifting a car in India?

No, there are no deductions available on gift tax when gifting a car in India. The gift tax needs to be paid on the entire fair market value of the car on the date of transfer of ownership.

However, it is important to keep all receipts and documents related to the purchase and transfer of ownership of the car as they may be required for future reference.

Q: Are there any exemptions on gift tax when gifting a car in India?

Yes, there are certain exemptions on gift tax when gifting a car in India. If the car is gifted to certain relatives such as spouse, children, parents, or siblings, then gift tax is not applicable. The transfer of ownership in such cases is considered as a gift and not a sale.

It is important to note that if the car is gifted to anyone other than the relatives mentioned above, then gift tax is applicable and needs to be paid at the time of transfer of ownership.

The Gift Tax Explained – What You Need to Know

In conclusion, understanding the gift tax on a car in India is an essential aspect of vehicle ownership. It is important to note that the tax rates depend on the value of the car and the relationship between the donor and the recipient. While the tax may seem like an additional burden, it is a necessary step towards ensuring that the transfer of property is transparent and legal.

Therefore, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a tax professional or lawyer when transferring a car as a gift. This will not only help you determine the exact amount of tax payable but also ensure that the entire process is carried out without any legal hitches.

In summary, the gift tax on a car in India is a crucial aspect to consider when gifting a vehicle to someone. By understanding the tax rates and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer of ownership.

Rakibul HasanChief Editor of - Autos Donation

Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car donations, sponsorships, and gifting, Rakibul combines his passion for automobiles and generosity to revolutionize the car donation landscape. He established Autosdonation to facilitate the car donation and gifting process, making it more accessible and enjoyable for all involved.

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