Taxation of Capital Gain on Sale of Shares under the Income Tax Act, 1961

The taxation of capital gains arising from the sale of shares in India depends on several factors such as the type of shares (listed/unlisted), the period of holding, and whether Securities Transaction Tax (STT) has been paid. Below is a structured summary of the applicable provisions:


1. Classification Based on Period of Holding

Type of Share Short-Term Capital Asset Long-Term Capital Asset
Listed Equity Shares (Recognized Stock Exchange) Held for ≤ 12 months Held for > 12 months
Unlisted Shares Held for ≤ 24 months Held for > 24 months

2. Taxation of Capital Gains

A. Sale of Listed Equity Shares (STT Paid)

Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) [> 12 Months Holding]

  • Tax Rate: 10% under Section 112A
  • Exemption: LTCG up to ₹1,00,000 in a financial year is exempt
  • Conditions:
    • STT must be paid on acquisition and sale
  • No Indexation Benefit

Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) [≤ 12 Months Holding]

  • Tax Rate: 15% under Section 111A
  • Conditions:
    • STT must be paid on sale

B. Sale of Unlisted Shares

Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) [> 24 Months Holding]

  • Tax Rate: 20% with indexation benefit
  • Applicable under Section 112

Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) [≤ 24 Months Holding]

  • Tax Rate: Taxed as per normal slab rates

3. Other Points to Consider

✅ Surcharge and Health & Education Cess applicable as per individual total income.

✅ Set-off and Carry Forward of Losses:

  • STCL (Short-Term Capital Loss) can be set off against STCG or LTCG.
  • LTCL (Long-Term Capital Loss) can be set off only against LTCG.
  • Losses can be carried forward for 8 assessment years if the return is filed within the due date.

✅ Non-Resident Indians (NRIs):

  • Taxation similar to residents, but TDS applies at source on capital gains.

✅ Dividend Income:

  • Taxable in the hands of shareholders at applicable slab rates.

4. Important Sections

  • Section 111A: Tax on STCG on listed shares where STT is paid
  • Section 112: Tax on LTCG for unlisted shares or listed shares not covered under 112A
  • Section 112A: Tax on LTCG for listed equity shares where STT is paid

5. Illustrative Example

Suppose you sold 500 listed equity shares after 18 months for ₹5,00,000. The cost of acquisition (post-grandfathering, if applicable) is ₹3,00,000.

  • LTCG = ₹5,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 = ₹2,00,000
  • Exemption available = ₹1,00,000
  • Taxable LTCG = ₹1,00,000
  • Tax Payable = 10% of ₹1,00,000 = ₹10,000 + applicable cess & surcharge

6. Grandfathering Provision (for LTCG on Listed Shares)

For shares acquired before 31st January 2018, the cost of acquisition is taken as:

  • Higher of:

    • Actual cost of acquisition, or
    • Lower of:

      • Fair Market Value (FMV) as on 31st Jan 2018
      • Sale consideration

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