Tax Notices on Inheritance in India: Reasons & Solutions

Last published : 2025-06-24

5 minutes read

Sifting through paperwork, searching for answers on why you’re facing a mountain of taxes, when all you wanted was to inherit your family's wealth?

Here's what you need to know.

It’s been a long while since India abolished the inheritance tax, but it does not mean that you will directly get the assets like a piece of cake. Once a person takes over, whatever you do with the property or money is subject to tax.

This means if you plan to sell it, rent it, or even keep it, the government is eligible to keep a close eye on it, and you are liable to pay taxes on all or any kind of activity you indulge in concerning the property.

Key Takeaways

The tax journey for heirs begins when they pay for the inherited property’s income tax for the financial year in which the owner died.

India does not have any direct inherited tax, but there are other essential taxes associated with holding, renting, and selling the property.

Keeping land and movable property may not be subject to any tax, but selling or renting them can be.

The money in the bank of the previous owner is not taxable, but the interest on the same is.

Documenting everything and being thoroughly informed on the terms and conditions of the property is the only way you can understand where these tax notices come from.

Begin securing your future

Full Name* Please enter correct name Please enter the Full name

Mobile Number* Please enter valid mobile number Please enter Mobile Number

Email* Please enter valid email Please enter Email

By submitting my details, I request the company to call me and override my NDNC/ NCPR registration and authorize the Company and its representatives, including its third-party vendors, to validate, evaluate and process this proposal and also to contact me via email, phone, WhatsApp or any other mode. I also provide my consent to share my IP address & location to the company for risk assessment. I confirm that, I have read and understood the Company’s Privacy Policy and agree to abide by it

Consent is required

Income Tax Implications on Inherited Wealth

The most essential point to understand is that even though there is no direct inheritance tax, a legal representative may be required to file the tax return on behalf of the dead person for the year in which the latter died.

Here is how the tax journey begins for the heirs:

Real Estate: Inheriting land will not require you to disclose it in the ITR. However, if you wish to sell the inherited property, you are liable to pay the capital gains tax, which is calculated from the holding period of the previous owner. Meanwhile, if you plan to rent the property, then income from house property or rental income is subject to tax.
Bank Deposits: The interest you inherit from someone’s bank account is taxable and called ‘income from other sources’. Banks also apply Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), shown on your Form 26AS, when certain thresholds are surpassed. You can claim it as a credit when filing your tax return.
Gold and Jewellery: Movable properties such as jewellery, commodities, and more are not subject to any tax as long as you hold on to them. Selling them, however, can be taxable. Just like land property, these costs are also calculated based on the capital gains tax.
Financial Assets- Shares, Mutual Funds, etc: The dividends and interest you earn from the shares are taken as ‘income from other sources.’ Meanwhile, selling financial assets is taxable, just like land property. The transactions related to financial assets are applicable for acquisition cost and holding period rules, just like real estate.

Did You Know?

India abolished the inheritance or estate tax in 1985 because it did not significantly benefit the government and was difficult to manage.

Source: Economic Times

Documentation Required To Avoid Receiving Large Tax Notices

Having a comprehensive will or succession certificate plays a crucial role in calculating and managing the tax. One must carefully go through the property documents at the time of inheritance. Taking over does not mean you are only getting things. Conditions apply, and sometimes you may have to pay out-of-pocket. Carefully go through the bank statements and valuation reports to understand why large tax notices are piling up on your doors.

Conclusion

India doesn't have a specific inheritance tax. However, inherited assets can trigger income tax liabilities when sold or if you are getting income from it via renting or interest. If there have been no such activities and you are still getting tax notices after an inheritance, then expert advice is a must.

Proper planning and professional advice are some of the best ways to get around the tax implications.

Glossary

Estate tax: The tax was once applicable to all those who inherited their ancestral property before it was abolished in 1985.
Income from other sources: Income that does not fit in any of the categories: salary, house property, business, and capital gains.
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS): A type of tax that is deducted at the point of income generation by the government.
Form 26AS: An annual tax credit statement where you can find all TDS, TCS, and other taxes against your PAN.
Indexation benefits: Adjusts investment costs for inflation, reducing taxable income.

FAQs

No. There is no inheritance tax on real estate, financial aspects, bank deposits, and movable property in India.

India abolished inheritance tax in 1985 because the government was spending more on its collection than gaining from it.

Yes. The heir is, however, only liable to pay for the assets he inherited and not the entire ITR of the deceased.

There is no way to avoid the capital gains on the inheritance, but you can minimise it by applying the indexation benefits.

You are not required to pay tax for the inherited shares, but the interest, dividends, and selling them are liable for tax. The best way to avoid this is by carefully understanding the cost of acquisition.

How Do Health Riders In Life Insurance Thum Desktop

Does 80D Medical Expenses Claim Require Proof?

Tax Implications Of Surrendering Insurance Policy Thum Desktop

New vs Old Tax Regime FY 2025-26: Salary Break-Even Guide

Explore Our Online Insurance - Top Selling Plans

We bring you a collection of popular Canara HSBC life insurance plans. Forget the dusty brochures and endless offline visits! Dive into the features of our top-selling online insurance plans and buy the one that meets your goals and requirements. You and your wallet will be thankful in the future as we brighten up your financial future with these plans.

Recommended

Start Young, Pay Less, Stay Secured

Young Term Plan

Life cover till 99 years
Coverage for spouse
Block your premium rate
Child care benefit

Know More

Recommended

Promise Made Today, Wealth Tomorrow.

Promise4Wealth

Market-Linked Returns + Life Cover
3 Plan Options
Premium Funding Benefit
Loyalty Addition & Wealth Boosters

Know More

Wealth Today, Protection Always

Promise4Growth Plus

Life Cover up to 100 Years
13 Fund Options
Fund Switching Option
Waiver Of Premium

Know More

Assured Returns, Zero Risk & Worries

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus

4 Plan options
Life cover + Guaranteed benefits
Accidental death benefit
Premium protection cover

Know More

Recent Blogs

Should I consider buying a life insurance plan if I am single?

Why Do Some People Receive Large Tax Notices After an Inheritance?