Tax Insights
Tax Insights
Original, carefully researched explainers and analysis on income tax, GST, TDS, deductions, the Budget and public finance — written in plain language, with official sources.
Featured · Public Finance
Why fiscal transparency and taxpayer awareness matter more than ever
You pay taxes. The government spends them. But do you know where the money goes, how much is borrowed, or whether schemes deliver value? Here is why fiscal transparency is not a bureaucratic nicety — it is a democratic necessity.
Pankaj Choudhary5 min readRead
- Public Finance
Where does public money actually go? Understanding government expenditure in India
The Union Budget runs into tens of lakh crore rupees every year. Where does it all go? Here is a clear breakdown of the major spending heads — from interest payments to defence to subsidies — and why each matters.
Pankaj Choudhary5 min
- Public Finance
Centre and states: how tax revenue is shared, and why the Finance Commission matters
India is a federal republic, and that means tax revenue is divided between the Union and the states. Here is how the Finance Commission decides the split, what vertical devolution means, and how GST changed the game.
Pankaj Choudhary4 min
- Public Finance
How the government actually raises money: the main revenue sources in India
Every year the Union government collects several lakh crore rupees. Where does it all come from? Here is a plain-language breakdown of the main sources — from income tax to GST to borrowing — without jargon.
Pankaj Choudhary4 min
- Public Finance
Direct vs indirect taxes: the core distinction every taxpayer should understand
Not all taxes work the same way. Some are levied directly on your income or wealth; others are hidden in the price of goods and services. Here is the fundamental difference, who collects each type, and why it matters for equity.
Pankaj Choudhary3 min
- Business & Professional Tax
A freelancer's first year: mixing salary and freelance income, and what to file
You started freelancing on the side, then went full-time mid-year. Now you have Form 16 from your old employer, client invoices, some advance tax confusion, and no idea which ITR to file. Here is a worked example and a step-by-step checklist.
Pankaj Choudhary5 min
- Business & Professional Tax
Compliance and record-keeping for the self-employed: books, invoices, GST, and TDS
Being your own boss also means being your own compliance officer. Here is what books to keep, when invoices matter, how GST registration works, and which payments require you to deduct TDS — a practical checklist for the self-employed in India.
Pankaj Choudhary5 min
- Business & Professional Tax
Presumptive taxation under Section 44AD: 8% (or 6%) deemed profit for small businesses
Section 44AD lets small businesses declare a fixed percentage of turnover as profit and skip detailed accounting. Here is how the 8%/6% presumption works, who can use it, and what you give up.
Pankaj Choudhary4 min
- Business & Professional Tax
Income tax for freelancers and independent professionals: the Section 44ADA advantage
If you earn professional income as a freelancer, consultant, or independent professional, you can often skip detailed books and declare profit at a presumed 50%. Here is how Section 44ADA works, who qualifies, and when to pay advance tax.
Pankaj Choudhary3 min