In New Delhi, as the tax filing period approaches, social media has become a hotbed for discussions and opinions on the income tax burdens shouldered by India’s working population. A social media post, that recently gained significant traction online, has put a spotlight on the various challenges the salaried class in India faces when it comes to income tax returns.
The message in question, which went viral, points out not only the bureaucratic obstacles but also the seemingly inadequate benefits for taxpayers, especially during times of unemployment. The post raises critical questions about the value for money that Indian taxpayers receive in return for their sizeable contributions to the nation’s coffers.
The post was originally shared by a user named EngiNerd on platform X (formerly known as Twitter), who is recognized for his distinctive perspectives on everyday issues. EngiNerd’s frustrations are evident as he details the perceived disproportionate tax burden on the salaried individuals.
With income tax rates climbing up to a steep 31.2 percent, the post spotlights how a notable portion of taxpayers pay more to the government than what they spend for their own annual needs. In EngiNerd’s view, the returns on these substantial tax payments are disappointingly meager.
Compounding the issue is the lack of a social safety net in situations of job loss, as the original poster elaborates, “You pay lakhs of rupees in tax, and if you lose your job the next year, you don’t even get anything in return. You’re left stranded.”
EngiNerd’s post concludes with a bold proposition that salaried taxpayers receive preferential treatment in government services – an acknowledgment of their contributions. The plea includes priority in railway ticket reservations and expedited assistance in government offices. In a poignant summation, he criticizes government policies that he perceives favor non-taxpayers through free ration schemes to secure votes, while marginalizing the diligent taxpayer.
The viral post has opened the floodgates for a slew of online responses, igniting a debate among netizens. Various users shared their individual gripes, highlighting the stagnation of tax slabs despite inflation and the unchanged limit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, even after more than a decade. Others lamented about the irony of being taxed heavily and then being penalized for missing taxes on trivial amounts such as a dividend income of 130 rupees.
Some comments from frustrated taxpayers included sentiments such as feeling like employees working for the government, yet simultaneously acting as their benefactors through taxes. There was a general consensus on the plight of the middle class, often deemed the real minority in India, lacking protection and support for their contributions to the nation’s economy.
Jocular yet pointed comments suggested an exaggerated tax hike to 99% with GST slashed to 0%, proffering a sardonic solution to taxpayer’s disillusionment. There was also mention of the exodus of High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) from India every year, hinting at the alleged harsh tax environment.
While EngiNerd’s post and the ensuing reactions highlight a sense of disenchantment among India’s salaried class, they also underscore a critical call for an examination of the current tax framework. With these conversations gaining momentum in the public domain, it remains to be seen if this will catalyze any change in the taxation policies or the perceived value derived by the taxpayer.
