1What is the 44AE scheme for transporters?
A presumptive scheme for owners of up to 10 goods carriages that declares a fixed income per vehicle per month, with no audit or detailed books. Rates differ for heavy and other vehicles.
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ArticleTruck and goods-carriage owners have a dedicated presumptive scheme that makes their tax simple if they qualify. Here's how transporters can save tax and stay compliant.
Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13
Quick answer
Goods-carriage owners get the special 44AE presumptive scheme — plus expense and depreciation options. Here's how transporters save tax.
If you own not more than 10 goods carriages at any time in the year, Section 44AE lets you declare a fixed presumptive income per vehicle per month — with no audit and no detailed books. The rate differs for heavy goods vehicles and others; we'll apply the current figures to your fleet. For most small operators this is the simplest route.
If your actual profit is lower than the presumptive amount, you can declare the lower real income — but then you must keep proper books and get them audited. Compare the presumptive figure against your real margins before deciding.
If you keep books, claim depreciation on your vehicles, plus fuel, driver wages, maintenance, tyres, insurance, permits and tolls. For a leveraged or maintenance-heavy fleet, actual expenses can beat the presumptive income.
Buying a vehicle brings depreciation benefits, and interest on a vehicle loan used for the business is deductible when you keep books. Time major purchases with the financial year-end in mind where it suits the business.
On your personal return, use 80C, the Rs 50,000 NPS and 80D health insurance in the old regime. With no TDS on most transport income, pay advance tax in the four instalments if your tax exceeds Rs 10,000, to avoid 234B/234C interest.
A presumptive scheme for owners of up to 10 goods carriages that declares a fixed income per vehicle per month, with no audit or detailed books. Rates differ for heavy and other vehicles.
Yes, if your actual profit is lower — but then you must keep books and get them audited. Compare the presumptive figure against your real margins before deciding.
Yes, when you keep books — depreciation on vehicles, fuel, driver wages, maintenance, insurance and permits are deductible. A maintenance-heavy fleet can beat the presumptive income on actuals.
Own a truck or a small fleet? Write to the firm and we'll apply the current 44AE figures and check whether books save you more.