Corporate Tax Rates in India in 2025: Latest Slabs and Key Updates

Introduction

Corporate tax rate in India is the percentage of tax that companies need to pay on their profits. In 2025, the Government of India continues to offer different tax rates for domestic and foreign companies. Knowing the latest corporate tax rates helps businesses plan their finances better and stay compliant. This blog will explain the current tax rates, new updates, and other key details for companies in India.

What is Corporate Tax?

Corporate tax is the tax that companies pay to the government on the profits they earn. It applies to both domestic and foreign companies doing business in India. The tax is calculated after deducting all business expenses from the total income. Corporate tax is an important source of revenue for the government and is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961. It ensures that companies contribute their fair share towards the country’s economic development.

Corporate Tax Rate in India

Corporate tax is one of the most important taxes that companies in India must pay on their profits. The corporate tax rates are different for domestic companies and foreign companies, and they also vary depending on the chosen tax regime and annual turnover. Let’s understand the tax rates for both categories in simple terms.

For Domestic Companies

Domestic companies are those that are registered in India and managed from within the country. In 2025, the tax rates for such companies depend on two things; their turnover and whether they choose the old regime (with exemptions and deductions) or the new optional regime (with lower rates but no exemptions).

1. Under the Old Tax Regime:
   Under the old tax regime, domestic companies in India can claim various deductions and exemptions. In the financial year 2025, companies with a turnover up to ₹400 crore (in FY 2022–23) are taxed at 25%, while those with a turnover above ₹400 crore are taxed at 30%. In addition to the basic tax rate, a surcharge of 7% applies if the income is between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore, and 12% if the income exceeds ₹10 crore. A 4% Health and Education Cess is also levied on the total of income tax and surcharge.
2. Under the New Tax Regime (Optional):
   To make doing business easier, the government introduced an optional new tax regime with lower tax rates, but without the benefit of exemptions or deductions. Under Section 115BAA, any domestic company can choose to pay tax at 22%, which comes to an effective rate of 25.17% after adding surcharge and cess. However, they must give up claims like additional depreciation or investment-related deductions. For newly set-up manufacturing companies, Section 115BAB offers an even lower tax rate of 15%, with an effective rate of 17.16%.
3. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT):
   Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) is applicable to companies that do not opt for the new tax regime. The MAT rate is 15%, along with additional surcharge and cess. However, companies that choose to follow the tax rates under Section 115BAA or 115BAB are not required to pay MAT.

For Foreign Companies

Foreign companies are those incorporated outside India but earn income from Indian operations. This could be through a branch, partnership, or any other business agreement or arrangement in India. The tax treatment for foreign companies differs based on the type of income they earn from Indian sources.

• Income from Royalty or Technical Services: If a foreign company receives royalty or fees for technical services from the Indian business or an Indian Government, the tax rate is 50%.
• Income from Other Sources: For other types of income, such as interest, capital gains, or income from business operations, the tax rate is 35%.

Surcharge and Health & Education Cess

Surcharge:
Domestic companies must pay a surcharge on the income tax amount once their net income crosses certain thresholds. If their income exceeds ₹1 crore but remains below ₹10 crore, they pay a 7% surcharge. If their income goes beyond ₹10 crore, the surcharge increases to 12%. Foreign companies face slightly lower surcharge rates: they pay 2% when their income falls between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore, and 5% if it exceeds ₹10 crore.

Health & Education Cess:
The government levies the Health and Education Cess as a compulsory tax on the total income tax and any applicable surcharge. It collects this cess to fund health and education initiatives across the country. The current rate is 4%, and authorities apply it only after calculating the income tax and surcharge amounts.

Latest Amendments and Budget 2025 Updates

1. Lower Tax Rate for Foreign Companies: The tax rate for foreign companies has been reduced from 40% to 35% to attract global investments.
2. Elimination of Equalization Levy: The 2% Equalization Levy on foreign e-commerce companies has been withdrawn effective 1st August 2024.
3. Extended Tax Holiday for Start-ups: The deadline to register and avail tax holiday has been extended from 31st March 2025 to 31st March 2030.
4. Presumptive Taxation for Non-Resident Service Providers: Foreign electronics service providers can opt for taxation on 25% of total payments as deemed income.
5. Simplified Tax & TDS Rules: Budget 2025 merged charitable trust exemptions into one structure, reduced TDS on e-commerce operators from 1% to 0.1%, and removed TDS on mutual fund repurchases.

Old vs New Corporate Tax Regime

Conclusion

In 2025, India’s corporate tax structure continues to offer flexibility and competitive rates for both domestic and foreign companies. With the option to choose between old and new tax regimes, businesses can plan taxes as per their needs. The latest Budget updates also aim to simplify tax procedures and boost investment. Staying informed about these changes is essential for smooth financial planning and compliance.

Suggested Read :

Corporate Tax Rate for companies

Form 10IC and Form 10ID of IT Act

Tax Rate on Domestic Company in India

Startup Filing and Tax Exemption in India

Donation Tax Deductions Under Section 80G

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