India taxes individuals based on a system of income slabs. Different tax rates are assigned to different ranges of income.&nbsp;

Understanding tax slabs is crucial for several reasons.

As a person earns more, the tax liability also increases, creating a fair and progressive tax system in the country. To achieve this, the government regularly updates and announces changes to tax slabs in the Union Budget.

The income tax slabs differ between the old and new tax regimes. Let's explore the specific slab rates applicable to Individuals for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24) and FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25).

Income Tax Slab Rates For FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)&nbsp;

Rates of the old tax regime slabs are categorized into three groups:

The new tax regime applies uniform tax rates to all individuals, eliminating the age-based distinctions in the old system. The new tax regime slabs 2023-24 are outlined below.

Applicability of Surcharge for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25)

The income tax <a href="https://incometaxindia.gov.in/charts%20%20tables/tax%20rates.htm">surcharge</a> is an extra fee imposed on top of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-file-taxes-under-44ada?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">regular income tax</a>. An additional tax is applied to individuals with higher income earnings in a specific financial year. Let’s look at the applicable surcharge rate under the Old and New tax regime.

However, 25% or 37% surcharge rates will not apply to income under the following sections.

Consequently, the highest surcharge rate on the tax payable for such incomes will be 15%.

Starting from the Assessment Year 2023-24, the maximum surcharge rate on tax payable for dividend income or capital gain specified in Section 112 will be capped at 15%.&nbsp;

A 4% Health and Education cess will be applied to all cases’ total income tax liability and surcharges.

Comparison of tax rates under the New tax regime and the Old tax regime for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24)

How do you calculate the income tax from the income tax slabs?

Let’s understand the calculation with an example.

Sanjana, aged 35, has a total taxable income of Rs. 8,50,000. She has opted for the old tax regime. Her income includes income from salary, interest and rental income. Deductions under section 80 have been reduced. Now, Sanjana wants to know her <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/gst-requirements-international-service-sales?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">tax liability</a> for FY 2022-23 (AY 2023-24).

*Sanjana, an individual taxpayer under the age of 60, enjoys an income exemption limit of up to Rs 2,50,000. Other taxpayers, i.e., senior and super senior citizens, have higher income tax exemption thresholds of Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 5,00,000, respectively.

Please be aware that the tax rates in the New Tax Regime are uniform for all categories of individuals, including regular individuals, senior citizens, and super senior citizens.&nbsp;

Individuals with a net taxable income of up to Rs 5 lakh qualify for a tax rebate under section 87A, resulting in zero tax liability in both the New and Old tax regimes. It's important to note that in Budget 2023, the rebate under the new regime has been extended, making income up to Rs 7 lakh tax-free from the FY 2023-24 onward.

Let's delve into effective strategies to maximize your investments while minimizing the associated tax burdens.

ELSS mutual funds provide a dual benefit of potential capital appreciation and tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Investing in ELSS reduces taxable income and offers a path for long-term wealth growth.

2. Explore tax-efficient investment avenues

Health insurance qualifies for tax benefits under Section 80D. You can claim tax benefits on premiums paid - up to Rs 20,000 for senior citizens and Rs 15,000 for others. For example, if you pay Rs 15,000 for your policy and Rs 20,000 for your senior citizen parent, you can claim a total tax benefit of Rs 35,000.&nbsp;

Maturity value is tax-free for sums received under critical illness insurance policies.

This strategy entails selling loss-making assets to realize the capital loss and using it to offset the gains earned by profit-making assets.

For instance, if you have a loss of Rs. 20,000 in Stock A and a gain of Rs. 30,000 from Stock B, you can sell Stock A during a market downturn to offset the gains. This way, you can reduce your taxable income. The saved amount can be reinvested for portfolio growth.

Ensure that tax loss harvesting aligns with your overall financial goals and plan by considering a discussion with a financial professional or tax advisor.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-can-the-right-chartered-accountant-help-your-tech-export-business?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Consult financial professionals or tax advisors</a> for effective tax planning and strategic advice. Their expertise can provide tailored insights aligned with your financial goals and ensure a well-informed approach to optimize your tax situation.

If you need help deciding what is right for you, we will connect you with our panel of Indian and US-based CA / CPAs. Feel free to reach out to us.

Q1. How is a taxpayer's income categorized?

Ans: A taxpayer's income falls into five categories outlined in Section 14 of the Income Tax Act. These include Income from salary, Profits from a business or profession, Income from House Property, Capital Gains, and Income from Other Sources.

Q2. Is it possible to avail of 80C deductions while choosing the new tax slabs 2023-24?

Ans: No, under the new tax regime, several deductions and exemptions, including those under section 80C, are not permitted. Opting for the new tax regime means foregoing the ability to claim deductions under section 80C.

Q3. What do "Previous Year" and "Assessment Year" mean?

Ans: We have two important terms in income tax provisions: (i) Previous Year and (ii) Assessment Year. Previous Year is when you earn income, typically from April 1st to March 31st. The year right after the Previous Year, from April 1st to March 31st, is called the 'Assessment Year.'

For example, the Previous Year is from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024 (FY 2023-24). The corresponding Assessment Year is from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 (AY 2024-25).

Q4. What is the tax exemption limit for calculating income tax rebate under section 87A?

Ans: For FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25), the rebate limit has been increased to Rs. 7,00,000 under the new tax regime. This means a resident individual with taxable income up to Rs 7,00,000 will receive Rs 25,000 or the amount of tax payable (whichever is lower) as tax relief. However, the old tax regime's threshold limit will remain the same, i.e., Rs 12,500 if taxable income is up to Rs 5,00,000.

Q5. How much is the standard deduction for FY 2023-24?

Ans: You can claim a standard deduction of ₹50,000 to the income taxable under the head ‘Salaries.’ The standard deduction is a tax benefit that can be claimed irrespective of the amount spent on Transport or Medical Allowance. It applies to individuals earning a salary or pension income.

Prepare for the upcoming year's tax season by understanding the tax slabs for 2023-24 and optimizing your tax savings. 

Tax Slabs in 2023-24: Plan Ahead for Next Year Tax Savings

Tax Slabs in 2023-24: Plan Ahead for Next Year Tax Savings Th

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Rohit Khuranna

An RBI purpose code is a standardised, alphanumeric label that classifies the reason for a foreign inward remittance (e.g., P1401 salary, P0102 export realisation, P0802 software services). AD banks must capture and report it to the RBI for every incoming transfer under FEMA reporting.

Why the right RBI purpose code is critical (inward remittance)

Picking the correct RBI purpose code for inward remittance isn’t a formality; it directly affects compliance, speed of credit, and your documentation trail.

1) It’s a regulatory must-have (FEMA/RBI).
Authorised Dealer (AD) banks must capture and report every foreign inward transaction to RBI with a valid receipt (“P”) purpose code under FETERS. If the code is missing/wrong, banks can’t file accurate returns, triggering holds or rework.&nbsp;

2) It keeps your paperwork clean (FIRC/evidence).
The purpose you declare flows into your compliance evidence (e.g., FIRC details and audit trails). Declaring the accurate code up front helps your bank issue the right certificate without back-and-forth.&nbsp;

3) It prevents delays, manual reviews, and returns.
A vague or incorrect purpose (e.g., tagging a service payment as goods realisation) often triggers manual checks, queries, or even a return to sender until corrected.&nbsp;

4) It improves accounting clarity and BoP classification.
Purpose codes classify inflows (e.g., P01 goods exports, P08 computer &amp; information services, P10 other business services, P13 transfers, P14 income), allowing clean bookkeeping and accurate national statistics—another reason banks insist on precise coding.

5) It reduces compliance risk later.
If you repeatedly misclassify remittances, you create inconsistencies between invoices/contracts and RBI filings—raising the odds of additional questions or penalties under FEMA. Industry guidance stresses getting the code right at the remitter setup stage (sender’s bank/platform usually captures it) to avoid re-papering.&nbsp;

How to pick the correct code (step-by-step)

Find the right purpose code for inward remittance with Skydo

Our purpose code finder is your shortcut to identifying the correct purpose code for inward remittance and explaining when to use it. You can either search for the activity to find the relevant purpose code or directly look up the specific purpose code for a simple explanation of when to use it.&nbsp;

Please note that this tool doesn't contain the exhaustive purpose code list for inward remittance.&nbsp; For complete compliance and accuracy, it's always advisable to get in touch with your financial advisor for professional advice.

Personal vs. Business: Quick Selector for the Right Purpose Code

Personal / family inflows (individuals):

Business / freelance inflows (exporters, agencies, SaaS, consultants):

Common RBI Purpose Codes for Inward Remittance for Freelancers, Businesses, and Agencies

While there are over 150 RBI purpose codes for inward remittance, we break down below some of the commonly used ones especially for freelancers, businesses and agencies:

RBI Category:&nbsp;Computer &amp; Information Services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Software implementation/consultancy  (other than those covered in SOFTEX form)

When to use:&nbsp;This code signifies a foreign payment in exchange for software consultancy or implementation service, provided to a foreign client. It's important to note that P0802 applies specifically to software consultancy or implementation services that are not reported under the <a href="https://vjmglobal.com/fema/fema-fema/introduction-to-software-export-declaration-softex-form/?no_follow=true">SOFTEX form.</a> If your services fall under SOFTEX, a different code might be used.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Realisation of export bills (in respect of goods) sent on collection (full invoice value)

When to use:&nbsp;This code is used when an Indian company exports goods and receives payment for the full invoice value. Note that this purpose code is applicable only when the foreign client has received the shipment.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Advance receipts against export contracts (export of goods only)

When to Use:&nbsp;This is used when businesses receive advance payment against the contract of the goods to be exported. In other words, here the company receives payment for goods before they are shipped.

RBI category:&nbsp;Other Business services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Business and management consultancy and public relations services

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is applicable when an exporter receives payment against providing a combination of business expertise and/or public image management services to a foreign client.

RBI Category:&nbsp;Other Business services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Advertising, trade fair, market research and public opinion polling services

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is used when exporters receive a payment from a foreign client for providing  advertising, trade fair, market research or public opinion polling services.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Value of export bills negotiated/purchased/discounted etc. (covered under GR/PP/SOFTEX/EC copy of shipping bills etc.)

When to Use:&nbsp;P0101 is used when an Indian company exports goods and receives a foreign payment that is usually backed up by official export documentation like GR, PP, SOFTEX, or EC copy of shipping bills.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Goods sold under merchanting / Receipt against export leg of merchanting trade*

When to Use:&nbsp;This purpose code for inward remittance applies to situations where an Indian company acts as a middleman in an international trade transaction, but the goods themselves never physically enter India.

RBI category:&nbsp;Computer &amp; Information Services

RBI Description:&nbsp;Hardware consultancy

When to Use:&nbsp;This code is used when exporters receive foreign payment for providing hardware consultancy or implementation services abroad.

When to Use:&nbsp;This purpose code for inward remittance is used for foreign exchange transactions related to business travel, particularly when someone converts currency for a work trip abroad.

RBI Description:&nbsp;Off-site Software Exports

When to Use:&nbsp;This code signifies that an Indian company is receiving payment for software development or IT services provided to a foreign client, but the work itself is done in India.

How and Where to Declare the RBI Purpose Code

Choosing the right RBI purpose code for inward remittance is only half the job, you also need to make sure it’s declared at the right stage of the transfer so banks can process it smoothly.

Most international transfers require the sender to enter a purpose when initiating the payment.

(Example: HDFC Bank’s wire transfer form from the US specifically asks for the purpose of remittance and provides a dropdown of RBI-approved codes.)

2. If the bank asks you (as the recipient) later

Sometimes, the bank receiving the funds will seek additional confirmation from you. In this case:

Banks may ask for basic proof to ensure your RBI purpose code for inward remittance matches the transaction. Here’s what’s typically needed:

Tip: Make sure your invoice or declaration clearly matches the selected purpose code, as it reduces bank queries and speeds up credit.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong RBI Purpose Code?

Using the wrong RBI purpose code for inward remittance can create more problems than most exporters, freelancers, or individuals expect. Because banks are required to match the declared purpose with supporting documents and report it to RBI under FEMA, any mismatch immediately slows things down.

Likely outcomes of an incorrect purpose code

Always share the correct purpose code with your payer before the transfer starts. Many international platforms ask the sender to select the code at setup, so confirming it upfront avoids mismatches and saves you from unnecessary compliance hassles.

Decoding RBI Purpose Code: Essential Guide

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Picture this: you're running a successful export business, orders are flowing in, and everything seems smooth until you realise your invoice management system is no longer compliant.&nbsp;

India's GST framework now mandates e-invoicing for businesses above certain turnover thresholds - and if your annual aggregate turnover exceeds ₹5 crore, you must generate e-invoices for all B2B transactions and exports. Not generating valid e-invoices can lead to non-compliance, penalties, and delayed input credits.&nbsp;

This guide explains how e-invoicing applies to exporters, outlines the necessary steps, and provides guidance on automating the entire process.&nbsp;

E-Invoicing involves uploading your invoice details to a government portal, which provides you with a unique ID number and a QR code to verify the authenticity of your invoice.

You create invoices the same way you always have, using your accounting software or billing system. The difference is that now you need to send the invoice data to the <a href="https://einvoice5.gst.gov.in/index">Invoice Registration Portal (IRP)</a> for verification.&nbsp;

Any GST-registered business with an annual turnover above ₹5 crore must generate e-invoices for B2B transactions. This includes all export transactions, whether you're selling goods or services to customers outside India.

All business-to-business invoices for both goods and services. If you're exporting anything from software to steel, from consulting services to consumer products, electronic invoicing applies.

The primary benefit is that your invoice information is automatically transmitted to the GST portal and e-way bill portal. This means that when you file your monthly GSTR-1 return, most details are filled in automatically, eliminating the need for manual data entry. It saves time once the process runs smoothly.

Does e-Invoicing Apply to Exporters? (2025 Thresholds)

The short answer is yes - most exporters doing decent business volume will need to comply with e-invoicing requirements.

You must generate e-invoices for exports if:

Remember that this threshold applies to your total business turnover, not just export sales. So even if your exports are small, if your domestic plus export sales together exceed ₹5 crore, e-invoicing becomes mandatory for all your B2B transactions, including exports.

What are the Consequences of Skipping e-Invoicing for Exporters?

Skipping e-invoicing creates real problems that can seriously impact your export business:

Getting your export e-invoice format right the first time saves you unnecessary amendment issues later. Here's what every export e-invoice needs to include:

💡Tip: Don't let missing shipping bill details delay your invoicing. You can generate the e-invoice first using the electronic invoice system and update shipping bill information later through the amendment process.&nbsp;

This keeps your cash flow moving while ensuring compliance. Just remember to update those details once you receive shipping documentation to maintain complete records.

Step-by-Step: How to Generate an e-Invoice for Exports

Getting your first export e-invoice up and running feels overwhelming, but it's actually a simple five-step process:

Step 1: Create the invoice in your billing software or ERP

Generate your export invoice as you normally would (make sure to add invoice number), ensuring that you mark the invoice type as "Export" and include all required details, such as foreign buyer information. Most modern accounting software has been updated to handle e-invoices and mandatory fields, but double-check that yours captures shipping bill numbers and export-specific data.

Step 2: Push it to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) via direct API integration or manually

Upload your invoice data to an authorized IRP. You can accomplish this through API integration, if your software supports it, or manually via the web portal. The system will validate your invoice details against the GST rate database and check for any errors in real-time.

Within seconds, the IRP sends back your unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code. Add these to your original invoice - this makes it a valid e-invoice under GST law.

Step 4: Share with the client and use for filing GSTR-1

Send the updated invoice with IRN and QR code to your customer. The invoice data automatically flows to your GSTR-1, so monthly filing becomes much easier with pre-populated export details.

Step 5: Use it while applying for export refunds or generating eBRC

When claiming GST refunds or obtaining your Electronic Bank Realization Certificate, please reference your IRN. Banks, tax experts, and authorities use this to verify legitimate export transactions quickly.

💡Pro tip: Ask your accountant or software vendor if your current system is IRP-compliant. Many businesses save time by using integrated e-invoicing platforms that automate steps 2 and 3.

Tools That Simplify e-Invoicing for Exporters

Managing e-invoicing manually gets difficult, especially when you're juggling multiple export orders. Here are a few bulk generation tools to help you out:&nbsp;

<a href="https://gstn.org.in/gsp-ecosystem">GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs)</a> with export invoicing modules

These government-approved providers offer specialized export features beyond basic e-invoicing. They understand export documentation requirements and often include features like automatic shipping bill integration and FEMA compliance checks.

Popular accounting software, such as Tally, Zoho, Busy, and Marg, has built-in e-invoicing capabilities. Once set up, they automatically push invoice data to IRP and retrieve the IRN and QR code without requiring any manual intervention. This works well if you're already using these systems for your accounting.

Custom-built tools for SaaS exporters and MSMEs

Many exporters, particularly in the services sector, require solutions that extend beyond traditional accounting software. These application service providers are specifically designed for digital businesses and address the unique challenges of service exports.

Platforms like Skydo that auto-generate compliant GST invoices

Some fintech platforms combine payment processing with invoicing compliance. Skydo, for instance, creates GST-compliant invoices automatically when you receive international payments, handles <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/automated-firc-simplifying-international-payments-compliance">FIRA</a> generation instantly, and provides real-time payment tracking. This approach works particularly well for freelancers and service exporters who want everything integrated - from invoicing to payment receipt to compliance documentation.

Export payments shouldn't be complicated. Skydo streamlines the entire process by automatically generating GST-rate-compliant e-invoices when you receive international payments. You get instant FIRA generation, zero FX margins, and real-time payment tracking - all in one platform.

Instead of juggling separate tools for invoicing, compliance, and payments, Skydo handles everything seamlessly. Perfect for service exporters, freelancers, and MSMEs who want to focus on growing their business rather than wrestling with paperwork. The platform integrates e-invoicing compliance with actual payment processing, allowing you to stay compliant while receiving payments faster and at a lower cost than traditional banking routes.