The development of ‘Taxation’, a term that rings rows of figures and calculations in common parlance, has evolved enormously over time. From the simple concept of material contribution assisting community welfare to the contemporary world of complex financial machinations, the ‘taxation meaning’ has experienced a multitude of shifts and transitions worldwide.
Taxation Meaning
To comprehend the term ‘taxation meaning‘, it is essential to return to its origins. In the ancient era, taxes were not paid in currency, but in the form of products or labour. Tributes in the form of agricultural produce, grains, livestock, etc., were standard practices of generating revenue for the state. In India, during the Mauryan Period (321-185 BC), the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, had detailed tax policies. The rates would fluctuate between 1/6th to 1/4th of the yield, depending on various factors. A tax collector called the Gopa ensured the execution of these policies. In similar vein, during the reign of the Mughals, the well-known tax system named “Zabti System” determined the land’s productivity before finalising the tax amount.
However, with the evolution of trade and commerce, taxation experienced a sea change, transitioning from product or service-based tax to cash-based. The British introduced the modern system of taxation in India. The enacted India Income Tax Act in 1922 added more structure and clarity to the taxation system— thus, giving a more concrete form to ‘taxation meaning’.
The current taxation meaning essentially refers to the compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on personal income, business profits, and added to the cost of certain goods, services, and transactions— in whatever form it may be. In India, taxes are bifurcated as Direct Tax (Income Tax, Corporate Tax) and Indirect Tax (Goods and Service Tax, Excise Duty). Currently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented on July 1, 2017, is the most significant tax reform in India, simplifying the labyrinth of previously existing multiple taxes.
However, with the sophistication of the taxation system, there appeared a dark side—tax evasion. ‘Tax evasion meaning‘ revolves around the illegal act of not paying taxes, by making strategies to hide taxable income. In his book, “The Economics of Tax Evasion,” the Belgian economist Marcel Thëore asserts that tax evasion is as old as the history of taxes itself. As soon as taxation started getting a definitive connotation, so did tax evasion. The black economy in India, an offshoot of tax evasion, is estimated to be a colossal INR 30 lakh crore, or 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The shift from a basic understanding of taxation to incorporating both planned and unplanned economic activities under its spectrum has wide-reaching impacts on society. It aids in moulding the country’s financial structure, supporting public expenditure, and checking inflation.
However, as an investor, caution is paramount. The Indian financial market presenting myriad opportunities also carries inherent risks. It is advisable to understand all possible foreseeable risks and make informed decisions. Cast an eye over regulatory stipulations, changes in the tax tables, inflation rates, and market volatility to harness a bird’s-eye view of these investments’ impact.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Every investment carries risk and it is important you understand these risks and are comfortable with them before making an investment.
Summary
Taxation, a worldwide phenomenon, has seen enormous changes over time. The ‘taxation meaning’, which began as simple contributions in material form, has today morphed into a labyrinth of dos and don’ts involving cash transactions. The British introduced the modern system of taxation in India. Presently, taxes are categorised into Direct and Indirect taxes. With an evolved taxation system, the concept of ‘tax evasion meaning’ also emerged. It refers to strategies that illegally avoid paying taxes. As an investor, it is important to gauge all pros and cons when trading in the Indian financial market as it poses risks.
