Direct Tax Services

At MSA, we don't just file your taxes. We work alongside you - understanding your goals, steering through the complex taxation system in India and helping you make the most out of every rupee. Whether you're an individual or a business, our approach is clear: deliver value, minimise tax exposure and keep you informed every step of the way.

What is Direct Tax?

Direct tax is the tax that the government normally imposes directly on an individual or company's income, profits, or wealth. And these taxes are non-transferable, that means the responsibility lies fully with the taxpayer. In India, the direct taxes are normally regulated by the Income Tax Act of 1961. And, it is managed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

For corporate entities, high-net-worth individuals, and businesses of all sizes, compliance with direct taxes is an essential part of their business financial planning and adhering to regulations. Direct taxes include income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, minimum alternative tax (MAT), and dividend distribution tax (DDT). And these taxes play an important role in government revenue and also equally influence the business decisions, investment strategies, and overall economic growth.

Why Direct Tax Planning Matters

The Indian direct tax landscape is always changing. From changes in income tax slabs to the fine print of corporate taxation, it's easy to miss out on tax-saving opportunities - or worse, end up on the wrong side of compliance.

That's where we come in.

We're not just number crunchers. We're specialists who understand how tax laws affect people across the business lifecycle - from startups and entrepreneurs to high net worth individuals and multinational companies setting up shop in India.

Who We Help

Over the years, we've worked with a diverse set of clients - each with unique tax concerns and ambitions.

Some of our clients are:

• Startups & Entrepreneurs
• Mid-size businesses
• High net worth individuals
• Multinational companies
• Salaried professionals

Our services are fully integrated, so you don't have to coordinate between accountants, tax lawyers and consultants. We take care of the lot.

What We Offer: Our Direct Tax Services

Each direct tax strategy is tailored - not templated. Depending on your profile, our services may include:

Personal & Corporate Income Tax Advisory

We help you optimise your taxable income, keeping your personal tax exposure as low as legally possible.

• Planning around salary, capital gains and investment income
• Tax planning for promoters and directors
• Advice on dividend payouts, restructuring and succession

Income Tax Planning & Compliance

We assist you with structuring your taxes in a way that fits with your short and long-term goals, while staying compliant with the Income Tax Act.

• Assessment of tax liability
• Guidance on exemptions and deductions
• Filing support for businesses and individuals

Corporate Tax Advisory & Compliance

From corporate tax calculations and filings to compliance with transfer pricing regulations, we help businesses like yours decode complex obligations.

• Review of current tax practices
• Transfer pricing and related-party transaction advisory
• Statutory filing and representation before tax authorities

Capital Gains Tax Advisory

When you sell assets, timing and structure matter. We guide you through the implications of short-term and long-term capital gains across all asset classes.

• Equity and mutual fund gains
• Property and real estate transactions
• Business acquisitions and exits

MAT & Dividend Taxation

The Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) and older dividend tax provisions can trip up even seasoned CFOs. We help assess liabilities, maintain compliance and avoid last-minute hiccups.

• MAT liability computation
• Dividend distribution planning
• Tax impact simulation for payouts

Tax Return Preparation & Filing

Whether it's an individual return or a detailed company filing, our team ensures accuracy, timeliness and zero stress.

• ITRs for individuals, firms, LLPs, companies and NRIs
• Review of TDS credits and reconciliation with Form 26AS
• Representation in case of notices and queries
  

Advance Tax Advisory & Filing

Quarterly advance tax payments are often overlooked - until the interest notices start piling in. We'll make sure you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid unnecessary penalties.

• Calculations based on projected income
• Regular updates for tax instalments
• Online payment support and filing

Tax Audit & Reporting

Under Section 44AB, eligible businesses must undergo a tax audit - and the documentation can get messy. We handle the numbers, the narratives and everything in between.

• Preparation of Form 3CA/3CB and Form 3CD
• Review of accounting systems and controls
• Support during assessment proceedings

TDS/TCS Compliance

Withholding taxes are a critical area of compliance. From monthly deductions to annual returns, we help you get it right - every time.

• Calculation of TDS/TCS across sections
• Filing of quarterly returns
• Generation of Form 16/16A and correction of mismatches

International Taxation & Cross-Border Advisory

If you're earning or investing across borders, we'll help you avoid double taxation and maintain compliance.

• Application of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs)
• Tax residency certifications and foreign asset disclosures
• Advisory on repatriation of funds and remittances

More Than Just Compliance

In the fiscal year 2024-25, we saw quite a few key changes that rolled out. These changes were clearly aimed at improving the overall efficiency - thereby giving a gentle push to India's economy. And the numbers tell their own story. By November 10, 2024, India's net direct tax collections hit ₹12.1 trillion, marking a 15.4% rise compared to the same stretch in the previous fiscal year. Also, last year the government issued tax refunds amounting to ₹2.9 trillion - showing the kind of commitment to becoming an efficient tax administration.

But amidst all this reform, facing the practical side of compliance can still be tricky. That's why we're here - not just to crunch the numbers, but to translate policies into clear actions for you and your business.