Frequently asked questions
General answers to common questions. For advice on your own situation, please speak with us.
Income Tax
Income from collaborations, appearances, endorsements and similar work is generally taxable, usually as business or professional income. The exact treatment depends on the facts.
Advance tax generally applies where the estimated tax for the year, after TDS, is above the prescribed limit. Those who opt for presumptive taxation may pay in a single instalment. Please check the limits and dates for the year concerned.
Expenses incurred for the purpose of your work and supported by bills may be allowable. Personal expenses are not. A short note of the business purpose is helpful.
It replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961 and applies from 1 April 2026, which is tax year 2026-27. Section numbers have changed, and earlier years continue to be governed by the 1961 Act.
GST
Registration generally depends on aggregate turnover crossing the prescribed threshold, which is ₹20 lakh for most service providers and ₹10 lakh in certain special category states. Some situations require registration irrespective of turnover.
GST applies to supplies made for consideration, and consideration can be non-monetary. The terms of the arrangement decide how value is treated, so keep the contract or brief.
Yes. Some creators register voluntarily to issue tax invoices, claim credit on business costs or work with a Letter of Undertaking for exports. Registration brings return filing obligations.
TDS
TDS is tax withheld by the payer and deposited with the government in your name. You claim credit in your return, and the deductions should appear in your tax statements.
Where benefits arise from business or profession, the provider may need to deduct tax, generally at 10% of value, subject to a threshold. This was Section 194R of the 1961 Act and is covered by Section 393(1) of the 2025 Act.
Ask the payer to confirm that the deduction was reported correctly and to correct its statement if needed. Credit that does not appear in your statements may lead to queries if claimed.
Foreign Income
For residents, income from all sources is generally taxable in India, including overseas fees and platform payouts. Tax withheld abroad may be claimable as credit, subject to conditions.
A service may be a zero-rated export if all conditions in the IGST Act are met. Each arrangement should be checked, including the place of supply and the mode of payment.
FEMA rules govern how foreign exchange is received and held. Export proceeds are generally to be realised within the period prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India and received through authorised channels.
Notices
Do not ignore it. Confirm that it is genuine through the e-filing portal, note the type, year and response date, gather your records and seek advice before replying.
Log in to your e-filing account directly and check whether the notice appears there. Be careful with messages that ask for payments to personal accounts or for your login details.
Notice handling is one of the services we offer. You may share the notice with us in confidence, and we will explain what it asks for and the time available.
Privacy
You may start an enquiry using an alias. Identification and financial details are needed once compliance work begins, and they are handled in confidence.
An NDA can be signed on request, before you share any details. We can sign our standard mutual NDA or review one you propose.
Your dedicated contact sees the full engagement. Team members see only what they need for their tasks. Information is shared outside the firm only where filings or the law require it.
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Information is general in nature and not a substitute for professional advice.
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