Senior Income Tax Department officials report a significant rise in high-income taxpayers in India, with over 9.39 lakh individuals declaring annual incomes above Rs 50 lakh in 2023-24.
This marks a five-fold increase from 1.85 lakh in 2013-14, reflecting both higher incomes and successful government efforts to improve tax compliance.
In addition to the growing number of high-income earners, the income tax liability of individuals earning above Rs 50 lakh has seen a dramatic rise, soaring more than three times from Rs 2.52 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 9.62 lakh crore in 2024.
Senior tax officials attribute this spike in high-income taxpayers to robust anti-tax evasion measures introduced by the Narendra Modi government.
Further underscoring this trend, the overall number of income tax returns filed in India has also grown substantially. From 3.60 crore in 2013-14, the number of returns has nearly doubled, reaching 7.97 crore in 2023-24 – a 121% increase over the last decade.
This expansion is seen as a clear sign of a broader tax base, supporting a stronger fiscal position for the country.
Direct taxes, considered a progressive method of generating government revenue, are becoming more reliant on the wealthier segment of the population.
Notably, the share of income tax paid by individuals earning below Rs 10 lakh annually has decreased.
In 2014, this group contributed 10.17% of the total tax revenue; by 2024, their contribution had fallen to 6.22%, reflecting both an increase in the number of high-income taxpayers and the government’s efforts to ease the tax burden on lower-income groups.
Modi Govt’s Tax Exemptions For Incomes Up To Rs 7 Lakh Fuel Economic Growth & Spending
Under the current tax regime, individuals earning up to Rs 7 lakh per year are exempt from income tax due to various exemptions and deductions introduced by the Modi government.
This policy has increased disposable income for a large portion of the population, stimulating consumer spending and contributing to economic growth.
In addition to tax reforms, India’s thriving economy and job market are also playing a key role in the rising number of high-income earners.
As the country continues to grow, there has been a noticeable rise in well-paying jobs, further expanding the upper-income tax bracket.
A senior private sector executive noted that the increasing number of higher-income earners is not only a reflection of improved tax compliance but also a sign of India’s evolving economic landscape.
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