Thursday, October 25, 2018

Difference Between Direct Tax And Indirect Tax

Difference Between Direct And Indirect Tax
The main difference between direct tax and indirect tax can be pointed out as follows:
1. Meaning
Direct Tax: Monetary charge imposed directly on citizen's wealth and income.
Indirect Tax: Monetary charge levied to the consumers while purchasing goods and services.

2. Nature

Direct Tax: It is progressive in nature. It means more tax for more income and wealth.
Indirect Tax: It is regressive in nature because all people (both rich and poor) should pay equal tax.

3. Shifting Of Burden

Direct Tax: Tax burden cannot be shifted to another person.
Indirect Tax: Tax burden can be shifted partially or fully to others.

4. Inflationary

Direct Tax: It is anti-inflationary and helps to control inflation.
Indirect Tax: It is inflationary and promotes inflation if tax rate is increased.

5. Tax Evasion

Direct Tax: There is high possibility of tax evasion or avoidance of tax
Indirect Tax: Very difficult to avoid tax because tax is attached in the product price.

6. Certainty

Direct Tax: There is certainty in direct tax. Tax payer knows the tax amount to be paid and time of payment.
Indirect Tax: The amount of tax is uncertain.

7. Equality

Direct Tax: Amount of tax differs from people to people according to their income.
Indirect Tax: Tax amount is equal for all.

     
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8. Cost And Time Involved

Direct Tax: It involves high cost, time and labor to collect direct tax. So, it is inconvenient than indirect tax. 
Indirect Tax: It involves less cost and time while comparing to direct tax.

9. Examples

Direct Tax: wealth tax, income tax, property tax etc. are some examples of direct tax
Indirect Tax: sales tax, custom duty, service tax etc. are some examples of indirect tax.

Direct Tax Vs Indirect Tax (Comparison Chart)

Basis For Difference

Direct Tax
Indirect Tax
Introduction

Type of tax that is levied directly on people income, wealth and properties.
Type of tax that is levied on consumer goods and services
Nature

Progressive
Regressive
Shifting Of Tax Burden

Impossible
Possible
Inflationary

No
Yes
Chance Of Tax Evasion

High
Less
Certainty

Yes
No
Equality

No
Yes
Time And Cost Needed

More
Less
Examples

Income tax, wealth tax, property tax etc.
Service tax, sales tax, custom duty etc.

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between direct and indirect taxes and to make comparison between them.