An HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) Account is a legally recognized entity under Indian tax law. It is established according to Hindu customs, generally upon marriage, and is composed of family members who share a common heritage, residence, and family property. The HUF registration process requires understanding the key roles within the family structure:
The Karta, usually the head of the family, holds the ultimate responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the entire family. This crucial position involves managing family affairs and acting as the representative of the HUF in various legal and financial matters.
Co-parceners are family members who have the right to demand a share of the ancestral property if they choose to separate from the HUF. The relationship of co-parceners extends through four generations:
Grasping the roles of the Karta and co-parceners is essential for the successful registration of an HUF account. This knowledge ensures the proper management of inherited assets and the realization of tax advantages available to the family as a unit.
HUF account members are united through a shared family heritage, with the eldest male, or Karta, often taking on the role of the family head.
An HUF account holds joint ancestral property or assets accumulated using HUF funds. The income generated is considered HUF income, benefiting all members.
HUFs can be involved in business ventures, with the income derived from such activities belonging to the HUF entity, benefiting all members.
As a distinct legal entity with its own PAN, an HUF can earn income, run businesses, and invest in various assets, while enjoying the basic exemption limit of ₹2.5 lakhs.
In India, the Income Tax Act allows only one self-occupied property per individual. However, an HUF can hold multiple residential properties without additional tax implications.
HUFs can also benefit from the same deductions on life insurance premiums under section 80C, just like individual taxpayers, helping to reduce taxable income by up to ₹1.5 lakhs.
HUFs can invest in tax-saving instruments like Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) and enjoy deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakhs under section 80C.
While individuals can claim ₹25,000 for health insurance premiums under section 80D, an HUF can claim an additional ₹25,000, resulting in a total deduction of ₹50,000 for health insurance premiums.