What Is a Commodity Transaction Tax?

Dealing with taxes is a constant part of trading. Investors usually take tremendous measures to reduce their tax obligations, and they typically conduct in-depth analyses to assess if an asset qualifies. Chartered accountants are frequently hired by individuals or businesses to seize opportunities and help them manage their taxes effectively. One asset that has always been tax-free to trade is commodities. However, this isn’t the case anymore. Let’s find out more.

A Brief Background 

Before delving into the definition and learning what Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) is, let’s quickly review the history of tax.

• Whenever people purchase a good or service, they are paying a tax that will be given to the government. The Commodity Transaction Tax is a variant of this that also applies to commodities trade. The Indian government enacted this tax in the 2013–14 budget.
• It became effective on July 1, 2013. The Securities Transaction Tax (STT), which is levied on stock market transactions, is comparable to the Commodities Transaction Tax (CTT). A direct tax known as the commodity transaction tax must be paid on each and every exchange.

What Is Commodity Transaction Tax in India?  

Let us now see what CTT is. When trading non-agricultural commodities in India, a tax known as the Commodity Transaction Tax is applied. Increased tax income for the government and more trade transparency were the two goals of its launch. With the 2013–2014 Union Budget, CTT was put into place. Here are a few facts related to this.

• According to the argument, there is no difference between commodities derivatives and stocks other than the underlying asset. Hence, it was developed based on the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) principle, which is for equities, too.
• The commodities and equities markets were also brought closer to parity as a result of it.
• The size of the contract affects the implicit taxes that apply to both buyers and sellers of commodities.
• Moreover, agricultural products are still tax-free. The CTT will also apply to index futures and options starting on April 1, 2020.

This is a list of some goods that are subject to CTT:

• Basic Metals: Brass, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, etc.
• Bullion: Platinum, silver, gold, etc.
• Energy resources include coal, uranium, natural gas, crude oil, and others.

How is CTT Calculated?

Consider buying a commodity for ₹54,000 and selling it for ₹76,000 in the future. The CTT will then be applied at 0.01% on the trade amount of ₹76,000. As a result, the Commodity Transaction Tax will be ₹7.6. The vendor will likewise be subject to the same tax.

What Are the Types of Commodity Transaction Taxes? 

The following table gives an overview of the different kinds of taxes that make up the Commodity Transaction Tax.

How Is Commodity Transaction Tax Levied? 

In India, buyers and sellers of commodities futures contracts must pay a commodity transaction tax. The sum is determined by the size of the contract. Commodity transactions are taxed at the same rates as STT for stocks; 0.01% of the trade price, to be exact. If one can demonstrate that their commodities’ transactions comprise a component of business income, CTT may also be demonstrated as a deductible.

Conclusion 

We can now say the following things summarising the crux of CTT.

• The CTT is levied at a rate of 0.01% between the sides of a transaction.
• Spot trading is exempt from the CTT, which only applies to derivative trade.
• Based on the manner of settlement, there are two forms of profits from trading in commodities: speculative and non-speculative.
• The trader has the choice to carry losses forward for four years in the event of a speculative transaction.
• However, the rule allows up to eight years in the case of non-speculative transactions.