7

Importance of Travel Insurance post COVID

Not many people realize this but travel-related insurance is easily one of the most ignored aspects of international travel and with the entire COVID-19 scenario running roughshod on international travel, it will become all the more important. This kind of insurance has always been essential to cover travel-related risks like missed connecting flights, lost baggage, injury or illness abroad, loss of travel documents, loss or damages caused by weather-related problems, etc. With the evolving Corona Virus situation, however, things will continue to remain exceptionally unpredictable for the foreseeable future, leading to any factors which will lead to increased need and importance of insurance for travel purposes.

 

Factor 1: The lingering risk of Corona Virus infection:

There will be a few long months, maybe more than a year, before you can expect an effective vaccine for coronavirus infection. News shows that while some medicines have shown promising preliminary results in the treatment of Covid-19, a vaccine is always the best choice because it is a preventive measure and as the old adage goes, prevention is always better than a cure. International travel takes place in planes which are enclosed environments and people are too close for comfort in the planes. Did you know that even if you fly business class, you are still not far enough from other people in a plane for sensible social distancing to be possible? Imagine flying a coach in such a scenario! This means that ​travel ​insurance​ is going to be extremely necessary for everyone.

 

Factor 2: Airlines services will continue to be shaky

Airlines are trying very hard across the globe to keep their systems operational but the situation was so bad that they were not even able to find enough parking spaces for all the grounded planes. The fact of the matter is that airlines always run at paper-thin margins because of the highly competitive industry and extremely volatile cost structure. Once they are going to get things in the air once more, there will be a lot of turbulence. Many systems were working by duct tape and hammer blows and getting back these systems to operational level in an understaffed and risk-bearing situation will mean many people will miss connections, luggage will get lost many times and all such risks will be very high, creating a strong need for everyone to buy travel insurance online before they fly to anywhere out of the country.

 

Factor 3: You might get stuck out of India during lock-down

Let there be an assumption that you were able to travel to any country out of India and you landed there all safe and sound, but just before you were supposed to travel back, your host area encountered a sudden rise in infections, making it necessary for the government of that area to suspend all travel activities in and out. In such a situation, you will be stuck in your host country until the government of India can arrange for your return. Travel insurance will be your only help in such a case. It will cover all the extra expenses which you will have to bear during the lockdown.

 

All things said and done, in the coming few months, international travel will change like never before.

8

What is travel insurance ?

With the increase in travel, one of the important things that travellers need to know about is Travel Insurance. This form of insurance helps cover a whole range of uncertainties and scenarios that can drain out a traveller’s finances. Most countries require mandatory Travel Insurance while applying for a visa. But choosing the right Travel Insurance which covers all the risks of travel is important.

 

What does Travel Insurance mean?

Travel Insurance is a type of insurance that covers different risks while travelling. It covers medical expenses, lost luggage, flight cancellations, and other losses that a traveller can incur while travelling.

Travel Insurance is usually taken from the day of travel till the time the traveller reaches back to India. Taking Travel Insurance ensures comprehensive coverage in case of any emergency in another country. Travel Insurance is also available for trips taken in the home country of the traveller like Bharat Bhraman & E-Travel, but it is a more popular option for travel abroad.

Some of the risks covered under Travel Insurance are:

  • Personal Accident Cover, which covers:
    • Insured’s Death
    • Permanent Total Disability
  • Accident & sickness medical expense reimbursement
  • Dental treatment relief
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Repatriation of remains in case of death
  • Baggage delay
  • Loss of checked baggage
  • Loss of passport
  • Flight delay
  • Hijack
  • Home burglary
  • Trip curtailment
  • Trip cancellation
  • Missed connection/missed departure
  • Bounced hotel/airline booking.

There may be more risks covered under individual policies depending on the requirements of the traveller. The amounts to which these risks are covered depends on the policy & plan that the traveller opts for. Travel Insurance also covers additional risks at an additional premium. Some of these risks are specific to the traveller or the place the person is travelling to.

 

Types of Travel Insurance:

There are single trip Travel Insurance policies meant for one journey. But for frequent travellers who travel abroad for business purposes, there is an option to buy a multi-trip Travel Insurance policy. Some policies last for an entire year and cover multiple trips to a particular destination. Opting for such policies is much more cost-effective for businessmen and frequent travellers to a particular destination. We also have student policies which are specially designed for students going abroad for studies at an affordable premium. The maximum trip length can last from 30, 45 and 60 days.

Another type of travel policy is a Group Travel Insurance policy. A group policy covers 7 or more travellers. These policies are cost-effective and offer similar benefits as single trip Travel Insurance policies. Group Travel Insurance policies are based on the age of the travellers which means it works out more cost-effective per traveller. Most travel companies opt for group Travel Insurance policies when they take groups across different countries on tours.

It is easy to pick out a policy once you know the Travel Insurance definition. While planning your trip abroad, pick out a Travel Insurance policy that provides exhaustive coverage with high coverage. It is possible to check the cost of Travel Insurance on insurance aggregators and pick out the best policy. HDFC Bank offers a variety of Travel Insurance policies through the bank’s website like Student Travel Insurance, Domestic, Senior Citizens, Family and even Individual Travel Insurance. You can easily pick out a policy that suits your need and provides the best value for money.

 

Income tax Feature Image (1)

Income-tax Rates FY 2020-21 (AY 2021-22)

Before knowing the tax rates, it is very important to understand the terms Financial year (FY) and Assessment Year (AY).

The below-mentioned tax rates/ slab is on the income earned for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. FY stands for the ‘financial year’ which is from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. AY stands for Assessment year which 2021-22.

For individuals, the due date to file the income tax return for the income earned from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 is 31 July 2021. However, this year due to COVID 19 economic relaxations, the due date is pushed to 30 November 2021

Income tax Rates 

  1. Income Tax Rate & Slab for Individuals & HUF:
    1. Individual (Resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident or non-resident), who is of the age of less than 60 years on the last day of the relevant previous year & for HUF:

 

Taxable income Tax Rate
(Existing Scheme)
Tax Rate
(New Scheme)
Up to Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 5% 5%
Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 7,50,000 20% 10%
Rs. 7,50,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 20% 15%
Rs. 10,00,001 to Rs. 12,50,000 30% 20%
Rs. 12,50,001 to Rs. 15,00,000 30% 25%
Above Rs. 15,00,000 30% 30%

 

  1. Resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident senior citizen, i.e., every individual, being a resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident in India, who is of the age of 60 years or more but less than 80 years at any time during the previous year:
Taxable income Tax Rate
(Existing Scheme)
Tax Rate
(New Scheme)
Up to Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 3,00,000 Nil 5%
Rs. 3,00,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 5% 5%
Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 7,50,000 20% 10%
Rs. 7,50,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 20% 15%
Rs. 10,00,001 to Rs. 12,50,000 30% 20%
Rs. 12,50,001 to Rs. 15,00,000 30% 25%
Above Rs. 15,00,000 30% 30%

 

  1. Resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident super senior citizen, i.e., every individual, being a resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident in India, who is of the age of 80 years or more at any time during the previous year:
Taxable income Tax Rate
(Existing Scheme)
Tax Rate
(New Scheme)
Up to Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 Nil 5%
Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 7,50,000 20% 10%
Rs. 7,50,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 20% 15%
Rs. 10,00,001 to Rs. 12,50,000 30% 20%
Rs. 12,50,001 to Rs. 15,00,000 30% 25%
Above Rs. 15,00,000 30% 30%
  1. Surcharge:
    a) 10% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.50 lakh
    b) 15% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.1 crore
    c) 25% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.2 crore
    d) 37% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.5 crore
  2. Note:Enhanced Surcharge rate (25% or 37%) is not applicable in case of specified incomes I.e. short-term capital gain u/s 111A, long-term capital gain u/s 112A & short-term or long-term capital gain u/s 115AD(1)(b).
  3. Education cess:4% of income tax plus surcharge
  4. Note: A resident or Resident but not Ordinarily Resident individual is entitled to rebate under section 87A if his total income does not exceed Rs. 5, 00,000. The amount of rebate shall be 100% of income-tax or Rs. 12,500, whichever is less. rebate under section 87A is available in both schemes I.e. existing scheme as well as new scheme.

 

  1. Income Tax Rates for AOP/BOI/Any other Artificial Juridical Person:
Taxable income Tax Rate
Up to Rs. 2,50,000 Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 5%
Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 20%
Above Rs. 10,00,000 30%

Surcharge:
a) 10% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.50 lakh
b) 15% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.1 crore
c) 25% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.2 crore
d) 37% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.5 crore

Note: Enhanced Surcharge rate (25% or 37%) is not applicable in case of specified incomes I.e. short-term capital gain u/s 111A, long-term capital gain u/s 112A & short-term or long-term capital gain u/s 115AD(1)(b).

Education cess: 4% of tax plus surcharge

 

  1. Tax Rate for Partnership Firm:

A partnership firm (including LLP) is taxable at 30%.

Surcharge: 12% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore

Education cess: 4% of Income tax plus surcharge

 

  1. Income Tax Slab Rate for Local Authority:

A local authority is Income taxable at 30%.

Surcharge: 12% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore

Education cess: 4% of tax plus surcharge

 

  1. Tax Slab Rate for Domestic Company:

A domestic company is taxable at 30%. However, the tax rate is 25% if turnover or gross receipt of the company does not exceed Rs. 400 crore in the previous year.

Particulars Tax Rate(%)
If turnover or gross receipt of the company does not exceed Rs. 400 crore in the previous year 2018-19 25%
If the company opted section 115BA (Note 1) 25%
If the company opted for section 115BAA (Note 2) 22%
If the company opted for section 115BAB (Note 3) 15%
Any other domestic company 30%

 

Note 1: Section 115BA - A domestic company which is registered on or after March 1, 2016 and engaged in the business of manufacture or production of any article or thing and research in relation to (or distribution of) such article or thing manufactured or produced by it and also It is not claiming any deduction u/s 10AA, 32AC, 32AD, 33AB, 33ABA, 35(1)(ii)/(iia)/(iii)/35(2AA)/(2AB), 35AC, 35AD, 35CCC, 35CCD, section 80H to 80TT (Other than 80JJAA) or additional depreciation, can opt section 115BA on or before the due date of return by filing Form 10-IB online. Company cannot claim any brought forwarded losses (if such loss is related to the deductions specified in above point).

Note 2: Section 115BAA - Total income of a company is taxable at the rate of 22% (from A.Y 2020-21), if the following conditions are satisfied:
- Company is not claiming any deduction u/s 10AA or 32(1)(iia) or 32AD or 33AB or 33ABA or 35(1)(ii)/(iia)/(iii)/35(2AA)/(2AB) or 35AD or 35CCC or 35CCD or section 80H to 80TT (Other than 80JJAA).
- Company is not claiming any brought forwarded losses (if such loss is related to the deductions specified in above point).
- Provisions of MAT is not applicable on such company after exercising of option. company cannot claim the MAT credit (if any available at the time of exercising of section 115BAA).

Note 3: Section 115BAB - Total income of a company is taxable at the rate of 15% (from A.Y 2020-21), if the following conditions are satisfied:

- Company (not covered in section 115BA and 115BAA) is registered on or after October 1, 2019 and commenced manufacturing on or before 31st March, 2023.
- Company is not formed by splitting up or reconstruction of a business already in existence.
- Company does not use any machinery or plant previously used for any purpose.
- Company does not use any building previously used as a hotel or a convention center, as the case may be.
- Company is not engaged in any business other than the business of manufacture or production of any article or thing and research in relation to (or distribution of) such article or thing manufactured or produced by it. Business of manufacture or production shall not includes business of -

  • Development of computer software;
  • Mining ;
  • Conversion of marble blocks or similar items into slabs;
  • Bottling of gas into cylinder;
  • Printing of books or production of cinematographic film; or
  • Any other notified by Central Govt.

- Company is not claiming any deduction u/s 10AA or 32(1)(iia) or 32AD or 33AB or 33ABA or 35(1)(ii)/(iia)/(iii)/35(2AA)/(2AB) or 35AD or 35CCC or 35CCD or section 80H to 80TT (Other than 80JJAA and 80M).

- Company is not claiming any brought forwarded losses (if such loss is related to the deductions specified in above point).

- Provisions of MAT is not applicable on such company after exercising of option. company cannot claim the MAT credit (if any available at the time of exercising of section 115BAA).

Surcharge:
a) 7% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.1 crore
b) 12% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs.10 crore
c) 10% of income tax where domestic company opted for section 115BAA and 115BAB

Education cess: 4% of Income tax plus surcharge.

 

  1. Tax Rates for Foreign Company:

A foreign company is taxable at 40%

Surcharge:
a) 2% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore
b) 5% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs. 10 crore

Education cess: 4% of Income tax plus surcharge.

Taxable income Tax Rate
(Existing Scheme)
Tax Rate
(New Scheme)
Up to Rs. 10,000 10% -
Rs. 10,001 to Rs. 20,000 20% 22%
Above Rs. 20,000 30% -
  1. Income Tax Slab for Co-operative Society:

Surcharge:

  1. a) 12% of Income tax where total income exceeds Rs. 1 crore
  2. b) In case of Concessional scheme, surcharge rate is 10%

Education cess: 4% of Income tax plus surcharge.

Disclaimer: - The articles are for information purposes only. Information presented is general information that does not take into account your individual circumstances, financial situation, or needs, nor does it present a personalized recommendation to you. You must consult a financial advisor who understands your specific circumstances and situation before taking an investment decision.

Income tax Feature Image (2)

Income Tax Slab Rate & Deductions - FY 2017-18 (AY 2018-19)

What is Income Tax Slab?

Income tax is that percentage of income paid to the government by the taxpayers for the betterment of the public at large. This income is categorized into different groups on the basis of the amount of income. Each such group is known as a Tax Slab. Tax is charged at different rates on the range of income falling under different income tax slabs.
The Income Tax Act 1961 is the law that governs the provisions for our income tax in India.
The income tax slab rates are usually revised every year during the budget. Various deductions are allowed to a taxpayer under Section 80C, Section 80D, etc.

Income Tax Slab Rate Post Budget 2017

The tax is calculated according to the income tax slabs announced by the government every year in the Budget. The finance minister has announced the changes in the tax slab structure in union budget for 2017.
Following are the income tax slab rates and deductions in India for different categories of tax payers:

Income Tax Slab Rate For Men below 60 Years of Age

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Rate Education Cess Secondary and Higher Education Cess
Income upto Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil Nil
Income between Rs. 2,50,001 - Rs. 500,000 5% of Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income between Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income above Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax

 

Income Tax Slab Rate For Women below 60 Years of Age

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Rate Education Cess Secondary and Higher Education Cess
Income upto Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil Nil
Income between Rs. 2,50,001 - Rs. 500,000 5% of Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income between Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income above Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax

 

Income Tax Slab Rate For Senior Citizens (Age 60 years or more but less than 80 years)

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Rate Education Cess Secondary and Higher Education Cess
Income upto Rs. 3,00,000 Nil Nil Nil
Income between Rs. 3,00,001 - Rs. 500,000 5% of Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income between Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income above Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax

 

Income Tax Slab Rate For Senior Citizens (Age 80 years or more)

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Rate Education Cess Secondary and Higher Education Cess
Income upto Rs. 5,00,000 Nil Nil Nil
Income between Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax
Income above Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 2% of income tax 1% of income tax

 

Income Tax Slab Rate Hindu Undivided Families (HUF)

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Slab Rate
Up to Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 10% Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,00,000 20% Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000
Over Rs.10,00,000 30% Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000

Income Tax Slab Rate Legal Entities Registered as Associations of Persons

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Slab Rate
Up to Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 10% Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,00,000 20% Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000
Over Rs.10,00,000 30% Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000

Income Tax Slab Rate Legal Entities Registered as Bodies of Individuals

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Slab Rate
Up to Rs.2,50,000 Nil
Rs.2,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 10% Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.10,00,000 20% Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000
Over Rs.10,00,000 30% Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000

Partnership Firms:

Partnership Firms and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) are to be taxed at the rate of 30%

Local Authorities:

Local Authorities are to be taxed at the rate of 30%.

Domestic Companies:

Domestic Companies are to be taxed at the rate of 30%

Income Tax Slab RateCo-operative Societies

Income Tax Slab Income Tax Slab Rate
Up to Rs.10,000 10% Income
Rs.10,000 to Rs 20,000 20% Income exceeding Rs. 10,000
Over Rs. 20,000 30% Income exceeding Rs. 20,000

Also,

Surcharge:

  1. 2% of the income tax amount (If income is greater than Rs.1,00,00,000/-)
  2. 5% of the income tax amount. Subject to marginal relief (If income is greater than Rs.10,00,00,000/-)

Education Cess: 2% extra (charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid)

Secondary and Higher Education Cess: 1% extra (charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid)

Comparison Of Income Tax Slabs For FY 2017-18 and FY 2016-17

Income Tax Slab Income Tax For FY 2017-18 Income Tax For FY 2016-17
Income upto Rs. 2,50,000 Nil Nil
Income between Rs. 2,50,001 - Rs. 500,000 5% of Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000 10% of Income exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
Income between Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 20% of Income exceeding Rs. 5,00,000
Income above Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 30% of Income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000

 

Disclaimer: – The articles are for information purposes only. Information presented is general information that does not take into account your individual circumstances, financial situation, or needs, nor does it present a personalized recommendation to you. You must consult a financial advisor who understands your specific circumstances and situation before taking an investment decision.

2

Income Tax Rate FY 2016 - 17 (AY 2017-18)

What is Income Tax Slab?

Income tax is that percentage of income paid to the government by the taxpayers for the betterment of the public at large. This income is categorized into different groups on the basis of the amount of income. Each such group is known as a Tax Slab. Tax is charged at different rates on the range of income falling under different income tax slabs.

The Income Tax Act 1961 is the law that governs the provisions for our income tax.

The income tax rates are usually revised every year during the budget. Various deductions that are allowed to a taxpayer under Section 80C, Section 80D etc.

Income Tax Slab Rate

Following are the income tax slab rates and deductions for different categories of tax payers:

For Individuals Below 60 Years Of Age

Income Level Tax Rate
Rs. 2,50,000 Nil
Rs. 2,50,001 - Rs. 500,000 10%
Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20%
Above Rs. 10,00,000 30%

For Senior Citizens (Age 60 years or more but less than 80 years)

Income Level Tax Rate
Upto Rs. 3,00,000 Nil
Rs. 3,00,001 - Rs. 500,000 10%
Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20%
Above Rs. 10,00,000 30%

For Senior Citizens (Age 80 years or more)

Income Level Tax Rate
Upto Rs. 5,00,000 Nil
Rs. 500,001 - Rs. 10,00,000 20%
Above Rs. 10,00,000 30%

Surcharge @ 15% of tax will be payable by individuals having total income exceeding Rs. 100,00,000.

 

Income Tax Deductions and Exemptions

Income Tax Section Gross Annual Salary How Much Tax Can You Save? HDFC Standard Life Plans
Sec. 80C Across all income slabs Upto Rs. 46,350/-saved on investment of Rs. 1,50,000/- All our Life Insurance Plans
Buy Life Insurance and Save Tax
Sec. 80CCC Across all income slabs Upto Rs.30,900/-saved on Investment of Rs.1,50,000/- All our Pension Plans
Buy Pension Plans and Save Tax
Sec. 80 D* Across all income slabs Upto Rs. 10,815/-saved on investment of Rs.35,000/-

(Inclusive of Rs. 20,000/- towards health insurance of parents who are senior citizens)

  • All our Health Insurance Plans
  • All the health insurance riders available with our Conventional Plans
  • Buy Health Insurance and Save Tax
Total Savings
Possible **
Rs. 57,165/-

 

  • Rs. 46,350/- under Sec. 80C and Sec. 80CCC and
  • Rs. 10,815/- under Sec. 80D
  • Above figures calculated for an individual with gross annual income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000/-
Sec. 10 (10)D Under Sec. 10(10D), the benefits received by you are completely tax-free, subject to conditions specified therein

 

Disclaimer: – The articles are for information purposes only. Information presented is general information that does not take into account your individual circumstances, financial situation, or needs, nor does it present a personalized recommendation to you. You must consult a financial advisor who understands your specific circumstances and situation before taking an investment decision.

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