HUF Account in India
Making a HUF deed, obtaining a PAN card, opening a bank account for transactions, and filing income tax returns (ITR) all fall under the HUF account in India. HUF stands for Hindu Undivided Family or Hindu Joint Family. Under the Income Tax Act in India, a Hindu Undivided Family (‘HUF’) is considered a separate entity. By obtaining accurate information about the HUF registration online process, you can complete it correctly and easily and take advantage of the benefits offered by an HUF.
Mitakshara and Dayabhaga Schools of Hindu Law under HUF account in India
Hinduism is an ancient and popular religion. It has been interpreted and divided in many ways. Mitakshara and Dayabhaga provide proper guidance on the rights and divisions of families and their properties under Hindu law. Both Mitakshara and Dayabhaga have different explanations and foundations, although they originate from Hindu scriptures. Most states in India follow the Mitakshara system, while some states, including those in the eastern regions, prioritize Dayabhaga. Both have their own distinct characteristics. Both function like a school. Both have a significant contribution in HUF account in India.
Key Points of Mitakshara Law for HUF account in India
- First, we discuss the rights that sons inherit, or in other words, by birth. Here, we are talking about the right to property, whether the son is capable of managing it or not.
- This is followed throughout India, except in a select few states.
- It involves four generations of the same ancestor, who have ownership rights in the division of property.
- A son has the right to demand a division of his family property when the time comes. It does not require his father to be dead. He can do so even in the father’s presence.
- Daughters are also given a share in the division of ancestral property. Although this change was made possible by the Hindu Succession Amendment Act, a wife still does not have the right to claim a division of the property.
- Ancestral property belongs to the entire family, and all its members (except the wife and daughters-in-law) have rights over it. Therefore, the consent and approval of all is necessary for taking any decision related to the property. Therefore, until the property is divided, there is no single owner of the property.
Key Points of Dayabhaga Law for HUF account in India
- Under this system, the son cannot ask for a division of the property as long as the father is alive.
- It is followed only in some selected states of India like West Bengal and Assam.
- After the owner’s death, the property is divided among their heirs. The property is not preserved for the long term or for future generations.
- Even in any special need or situation, the son has not been given the right to demand division of the property while his father is alive.
- Strengthening women empowerment, the daughter and widow of the family can demand a share in the property.
- Under this system, it would be incorrect to call property family property because the property is not passed down from generation to generation. After the owner’s death, his heirs have the right to sell the property.
HUF Creation Process in India
In India, only families belonging to the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities can create a Hindu Undivided Family (‘HUF’). In a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), the eldest male member of the family is called the Karta, and all other members, such as the Karta’s wife, children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, etc., are considered members of this HUF. A HUF is automatically formed after marriage. However, to avail of the income tax benefits, three main steps need to be completed for HUF registration process in India.
1. Making an affidavit for HUF is the first step
This document primarily declares the formation of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). It is also referred to as the HUF deed. The key features of the HUF deed format are the name of the HUF, details of the Karta and other family members, the date of formation of the HUF, and other relevant conditions that are included in it.
2. Applying for a PAN card for HUF is the second step
The HUF PAN card in India is a legal and tax entity recognized under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Obtaining a PAN card is considered the most crucial step for HUF creation in India. Form No. 94 is filed to obtaining a PAN card for a HUF (Hindu Undivided Family). This form is filled out online on the Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) or UTIITSL websites. The completed form is printed, and the required documents are attached. All documents are signed by the Karta and couriered to the address given below:
Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL):
INCOME TAX PAN SERVICES UNIT (Managed by Protean eGov Technologies Limited)
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner, Pune, Maharashtra, 411045
3. Opening a bank account for HUF is the third step:
After becoming a HUF through an affidavit or HUF deed and receiving the HUF PAN card, a bank account for the HUF can be opened at any nearby branch. A rubber stamp is also required when opening a HUF account in India. This is required by the bank and is affixed to the account opening documents signed by the Karta. This stamp mentions the name of the HUF and the Karta. This rubber stamp can be easily obtained from the market, or many online websites offer this service.
Documents Required for Opening an HUF Account in India
Here is the list of documents needed for bank to open an HUF account in India:
- PAN card of HUF
- HUF affidavit or HUF deed
- HUF rubber stamp
- PAN card of Karta
- Aadhaar card of Karta
- Passport-sized photo of Karta
- PAN, Aadhaar, and photo of the authorized signatory other than Karta (if any)
- Email ID & Mobile number
- Account opening cheque from Karta’s personal account
Benefits of HUF Account in India
Here we will talk about the top four benefits of HUF account in India.
- Like an individual, a HUF has a separate PAN card and files a separate income tax return, and when the income is the HUF’s own income, its tax calculation is separate. This also results in tax savings for HUF members and coparceners. However, it is important to ensure that income from the HUF does not fall under the clubbing of income. For example, if the HUF receives income from gifts, that income is added to the income of the members who make the gifts.
- HUF account in India is eligible for deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and various other provisions of the Income Tax Act, similar to an individual taxpayer.
- The HUF can receive rent from inherited property, increasing the corpus of the HUF, and the income generated is not added to the accounts of the HUF members.
- The HUF increases the likelihood of complete integration and prudent management of a family’s ancestral assets.
HUF Demat Account in India
An HUF can trade in the stock market just like any other individual and can open a demat account for trading. Trading in the stock market is considered a good source of capital gains, although it is common to experience occasional capital losses due to market fluctuations. However, timely decisions and accurate information are essential for any business or trading. If an HUF earns profits using its capital through a demat account, it must pay taxes on those profits. For income tax purposes, the HUF must obtain a PAN card. The PAN card plays a crucial role in opening a demat account for an HUF in India. KYC documents of the Karta are required for opening a demat account. Trading through a demat account can be a good option for HUFs for family investment planning.
Benefits of HUF Demat Account in India
Opening a demat account for a HUF in India is a good option and plays a vital role in tax savings for its members and coparceners.
- Although the Karta is named on the HUF’s PAN card, it is considered a separate entity that files its own income tax return. Therefore, if the HUF earns a profit from trading in a demat account using its corpus, it is considered the HUF’s own profit. Therefore, tax is calculated only for the HUF, not for the Karta or other family members.
- HUF members can trade by opening their own demat accounts. Trading and capital gains on the demat account linked to the HUF are not clubbed with the accounts of any family member. However, it is essential that family members are fully aware of the requirements for corpus creation in the HUF under the Income Tax Act, 2025 so that the income generated by the HUF is not added to the accounts of family members.
- An HUF gets the same tax slab as an individual, although there are some exemptions that can be availed only by an individual, yet opening a demat account through HUF cannot be called a loss-making deal. Opening a demat account in India for HUF allows you and your family to access multiple advantages. The primary advantage is that the whole family registered as a HUF is regarded as one unit.
List of Required Documents for Opening of HUF Demat Account in India
Here is the list of documents needed to open a HUF Demat Account in India:
- HUF Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
- Karta’s Personal PAN Card
- Karta’s Aadhaar Card
- Bank Statement of HUF Account in India
Hopefully, this blog will be helpful in providing you with accurate information about HUF account in India. If you are also looking for hassle-free HUF registration services in India, please contact us at +91-9958869427.