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What is Securities Transaction Tax (STT)?
Securities transaction tax (STT) is a tax levied at the time of purchase and sale of securities listed on stock exchanges in India. STT is governed by the Securities Transaction Tax Act (STT Act). Taxable securities include equity, derivatives, unit of equity-oriented mutual funds, unlisted shares sold under an offer for sale to the public included in initial public offering (IPO) and where such shares are subsequently listed in stock exchanges.
Introduction of STT
This tax was introduced in Union Budget 2004 and came into effect from October 1, 2004. The aim behind the introduction of STT was curbing evasion of capital gains tax on profits earned by transacting in securities.
What is STT rate? How is STT calculated?
The rate of STT is decided by the govt and it is similar to a tax paid at the source. The provisions of collection of STT work in a manner as tax deducted at source (TDS). STT is collected by a recognised stock exchange or lead merchant banker in case of an IPO. The rate of STT differs based on the type of security traded and whether the transaction is a purchase or a sale. For example, while buying an equity share, both the purchaser and the seller have to pay 0.1 per cent of the share value as STT.
| Taxable securities transaction | Rate of taxation | Payable by |
| Sale of an option in securities | 0.017% | Seller |
| Sale of an option in securities, where option is exercised | 0.125% | Purchaser |
| Sale of a futures in securities | 0.01% | Seller |
Latest Updates on Securities Transaction Tax (STT)
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Official figures showed that the gross amount collected under direct taxes as of March 31 was Rs 12.11 trillion
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