Income Exempted [Schedule II Read with Sec 11]
by Under the Income Tax Act, 2025, certain specified incomes are excluded from total income subject to the conditions prescribed by law. Schedule II read with Section 11 provides exemptions for specified categories of income. These exemptions are intended to provide relief where the nature or source of income is considered deserving of special treatment. Exempt income is not included in taxable income when the prescribed conditions are satisfied. However, exemption is not automatic in every case. The taxpayer or entity must meet the relevant requirements, maintain prescribed records and comply with applicable conditions. The following are important categories of income that may receive exemption under the specified provisions.
1. Agricultural Income
Agricultural income qualifying under the applicable provisions is generally exempt from income tax. It includes specified income arising from agricultural activities carried out on agricultural land situated in India. However, the income must satisfy the statutory definition of agricultural income. Agricultural income may also be considered for certain rate calculation purposes under the applicable provisions, even though it is not directly included in taxable total income.
2. Income of Charitable or Religious Institutions
Income of qualifying charitable or religious institutions may be exempt when the institution satisfies the prescribed conditions. The exemption is generally connected with the application of income towards approved charitable or religious purposes. Registration, compliance requirements, permitted application of income and other statutory conditions may need to be fulfilled. Income that does not satisfy the applicable requirements may become taxable.
3. Income of Certain Local Authorities
Certain income of specified local authorities may be exempt where the conditions prescribed under the Income tax law are satisfied. Such provisions are intended to provide tax relief to qualifying authorities in respect of income falling within the specified categories. The exemption is subject to the nature of the authority and the particular income involved.
4. Income of Specified Institutions
The law may provide exemption to income of certain specified educational, medical, social welfare or other institutions where the prescribed conditions are fulfilled. The purpose of these provisions is to support activities considered beneficial to society. The institution must satisfy the statutory requirements relating to its activities, registration or approval, wherever applicable.
5. Certain Retirement Benefits
Specified retirement benefits may be wholly or partly exempt subject to prescribed conditions. Examples may include qualifying gratuity, pension and leave encashment. The extent of exemption can depend on factors such as the type of employee, nature of employment, amount received and other conditions specified by law. Any amount exceeding the permitted exemption may become taxable.
6. Certain Income of Members
In specified situations, income received by a member from an entity may receive special tax treatment to avoid inappropriate double taxation. The exemption depends on the particular nature of the income and the provisions applicable to the entity and its members.
7. Other Specified Exempt Income
Schedule II may also cover other categories of receipts or income that are specifically excluded from total income. The exemption is available only when the conditions prescribed for the particular category are satisfied. Therefore, taxpayers should identify the exact statutory provision applicable to the income rather than assuming that every similar receipt is exempt.