During the Diwali festive season, people buy gold, clothing, electronics, and gifts, but these personal expenses are generally not tax-deductible.
In India, personal festive purchases such as clothing, sweets, and decorations are considered personal expenses and therefore do not receive any tax benefits. However, the government does provide tax exemptions on certain gift items, especially when given in cash, checks, or drafts.
According to Section 56 of the Income Tax Act, gifts received from family members, such as spouse, siblings, in-laws, etc., are not taxable. However, if cash or gifts received from outside the family exceed ₹50,000 in a financial year, the entire amount is considered taxable. This rule applies to both individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).
It’s important to note that if the total amount of gifts received during festivals exceeds ₹50,000, the entire amount may be taxable. Furthermore, there are separate tax rules for business-related gifts and gifts, where proper documentation and business-related expenses may provide tax benefits. Therefore, it’s important to plan your expenses and understand the tax rules when shopping for festivals to ensure financial security while enjoying the joys of the holidays.
Thus, while personal purchases aren’t tax-deductible, gifts from outside the family offer tax savings by staying within the ₹50,000 limit. Understanding the rules regarding gifting during festivals is beneficial for financial planning.