Confused About Professional Tax on Stipend During Probation? Need Advice!

I have joined my present company in January 2009 on probation. I was about to get a stipend until I get confirmed. Now in January 2010, I was confirmed. Now our HR people tell me that I have to pay professional tax for the full year, i.e., from April 2009 to March 2010, totaling Rs. 2500/-, and they have also started deducting P.T. from January 2010. They will deduct Rs. 2500 in 3 installments. My question is whether I have to pay the full year's PT?

During my probation, they did not deduct any PT and did not even inform me of the above rule. Please advise me on what I have to do in this regard.

Pururvash Dave

It is mandatory to deduct PTAX in states as declared by the government, and the amount varies from state to state. For Maharashtra, it is Rs. 2500 per annum for salary above Rs. 10,000 per month.

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In Maharashtra, Professional Tax (PT) is applicable based on the monthly salary, wages, or stipend. The PT rates are as follows:
- For the income range of Rs. 2500 to 3500, the PT is Rs. 60.
- For the income range of Rs. 3500 to 5000, the PT is Rs. 120.
- For the income range of Rs. 5000 to 10000, the PT is Rs. 175.
- For any month where the income exceeds Rs. 10000, the PT is Rs. 200.
- In the month of February, the PT is Rs. 300.
- If the yearly salary exceeds Rs. 10000 in the financial year, the PT is applicable.

Please ensure compliance with the Professional Tax regulations as per the income brackets mentioned above.