HUF stands for Hindu Undivided family and it is governed under Hindu law board. It could be formed by a married couple or by members of a joint family. HUF could be formed by two members, at least one of which should be a male member of the family. Senior most male member of the family would become ‘Karta’. Although it is governed by the Hindu law board, it can be formed by Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists as well. The Income Tax Act recognizes the HUF as an independent assessable or taxable entity. Hence, HUFs enjoy all deductions and exemptions under the IT Act independent of the income and tax liabilities of its members. A separate Income Tax Return is filed under Income Tax Act. This helps to separate tax obligations of an individual from that of his family. Tax slabs of HUF are same as that of an individual.
An HUF consists of: Karta: Karta is generally the father of the family or the senior most person of the family who has the right to do all the things for the family and take all the decisions on the behalf of the family. Co-Parceners:Coparcener is the person who has the right to demand the share of the property of family if he/she wants to part away with the family with his/her share. All the coparceners have equal right in the HUF.
In its objects have promotion of commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of environment or any such other object;
Intend to apply its profits, if any, or other income in promoting its objects; and
Intend to prohibit the payment of any dividend to its members,
HUF has to be created keeping in mind the legal and financial requirements.
Formation of HUF can be done in 3 steps which have been summarized below:
Although HUF doesn’t require any specific registrations to operate a business, it is advised to obtain the following registrations to make the business function smoothly.
The major benefit in opening a HUF is that it can provide you with additional tax benefits that may help reduce your tax burden. Some of the benefits available have been summarized below: