Different types of taxes in India

In India, the taxation system is intricate and includes various types of taxes that cater to different sectors of the economy. Here are 20 different types of taxes in India, along with their definitions:

Income Tax: Levied on the income earned by individuals and businesses, it is divided into various slabs and is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Corporate Tax: A tax imposed on the net income of a company. It varies for domestic and foreign companies operating in India.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): An indirect tax that has replaced many indirect taxes in India. GST is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition.
Capital Gains Tax: Levied on the profit from the sale of capital assets. It is categorized into Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) and Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) based on the holding period of the asset.
Short-Term Capital Gains Tax (STCG): Applicable on assets held for a short period (less than 36 months for most assets). STCG on equity shares is taxed at 15%.
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG): Imposed on assets held for more than 36 months (12 months for equity shares). LTCG on equities above INR 1 lakh is taxed at 10% without indexation benefit.
Securities Transaction Tax (STT): A tax payable on the value of securities (excluding commodities and currency) transacted through a recognized stock exchange.
Angel Tax: Tax on capital raised by unlisted companies via the issue of shares where the share price is seen in excess of the fair market value. This excess is treated as income and taxed accordingly.
Presumptive Tax: Introduced to ease the tax compliance burden on small businesses and professionals, allowing them to declare income at a prescribed rate of turnover or gross receipts.
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): Tax levied on dividends distributed by a company to its shareholders. This tax is paid by the company but is eventually borne by the shareholders.
Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): Aimed at bringing ‘zero tax companies’ under the tax net. Companies have to pay a minimum tax of 15% of their book profit if the normal tax payable is less than this amount.
Wealth Tax: (Abolished in 2015) Levied on the net wealth of individuals, HUFs, and companies, it was charged at 1% on wealth exceeding INR 30 lakh.
Property Tax: Imposed by local municipal bodies on the value of the property owned. It varies from one municipality to another.
Professional Tax: Levied by state governments on professions, trades, and employment. The amount varies across states but is capped at INR 2,500 per annum.
Excise Duty: A tax on the manufacture of goods within the country. Post-GST, it is mostly applicable on petroleum and liquor.
Customs Duty: Levied on goods imported into the country and sometimes on exports. It is aimed at protecting domestic industries and generating revenue.
Service Tax: (Merged into GST) Previously levied on the provision of services, it was a part of the indirect tax regime in India.
Gift Tax: Tax on the receipt of gifts above a certain threshold value. Gifts from specified relatives are exempt from this tax.
Luxury Tax: Levied on luxury goods and services, such as high-end hotel accommodations and luxury car rentals. Post-GST, it has been subsumed.
Entertainment Tax: Imposed on entertainment-related activities like movie screenings, events, and amusement parks. This too is largely subsumed under GST.

These taxes form the backbone of India's revenue system, supporting public infrastructure, defense, social welfare programs, and various other government functions.