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"CAN FEES PAID TO SUKHANIDHI INVESTMENT ADVISORS BE CLAIMED IN INCOME TAX?

UNDERSTANDING TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR INVESTMENT ADVICE EXPENSES"​

Certainly! In India, fees paid to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for obtaining investment advice can have implications on your income tax. Let’s analyze this in detail and provide examples based on the Indian Income Tax Act.

CLAIMING FEES PAID TO REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR AS A DEDUCTION:

Under the Indian Income Tax Act, there are specific provisions that allow taxpayers to claim deductions for certain expenses incurred for earning income. Investment advisory fees can be considered as one such expense if it satisfies the conditions laid down by the Income Tax Act.

CONDITIONS FOR CLAIMING DEDUCTION:

  1. NATURE OF ADVICE: : The advice provided by the Registered Investment Advisor should be directly related to your income-generating investments. It should not cover unrelated personal expenses or non-income generating assets
  2. SOURCE OF INCOME: The investment advice should pertain to investments that generate taxable income, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or other interest-bearing instruments.

  3. PROPER DOCUMENTATION: It is crucial to maintain proper documentation and receipts for the fees paid to the RIA. This includes invoices, payment receipts, and a record of the advice received.

  4. BUSINESS OR PROFESSION: If you are earning income from a business or profession, the fees paid to the RIA can be considered as a legitimate business expense, and you can claim it as a deduction.
SCENARIO 1:

Suppose Mr. A is a salaried individual who invests in the stock market to generate additional income. He hires a Sukhanidhi Investment Advisors to manage his portfolio and pays an annual fee of ₹ 50,000. Mr. A can claim this ₹ 50,000 as a deduction from his taxable income under Section 57 of the Income Tax Act as it is directly related to his income-generating investments.

SCENARIO 2:

Mrs. B is a self-employed professional who earns income as a freelance consultant. She invests in stocks to grow her wealth. She hires an Sukhanidhi Investment Advisors to provide investment advice and pays an annual fee of ₹ 25,000. Mrs. B can claim this ₹ 25,000 as a deduction from her taxable income under Section 36(1)(vii) of the Income Tax Act as it is a legitimate business expense directly related to her profession and income-generating investments.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
  • The deduction is allowed for the actual fees paid to the RIA during the relevant financial year.
  • The deduction is subject to certain limits and conditions as specified in the Income Tax Act. It is advisable to consult a tax advisor or refer to the latest tax rules for the most accurate information.
  • Ensure that the RIA is a registered and recognized entity under SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
  • Keep all relevant documents and records to substantiate your claim in case of an audit by the tax authorities.
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, fees paid to a Registered Investment Advisor can be claimed as a deduction in your income tax return under specific conditions and with proper documentation. It is essential to ensure that the fees are directly related to income-generating investments and comply with the provisions of the Income Tax Act to claim this deduction effectively. Always consult a tax professional for personalized advice based on your specific financial situation and the latest tax regulations.

About Author

Picture of Vinayak Savanur

Vinayak Savanur

Founder & CIO at Sukhanidhi Investment Advisors, a SEBI registered equity investment advisory firm. He has nearly a decade of experience in the stock markets and has been a holistic financial planner.

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