Buyback capital gains tax taxes only the profit (sale price minus original cost), while dividend tax applies to the entire amount received, making buybacks significantly more tax-efficient for long-term shareholders under India's Budget 2026 rules.

Taxable amount: full proceeds vs only gains

• Dividend tax: Every rupee received is income, taxed at your slab rate (up to 30%+ cess). No deduction for original investment.

• Buyback capital gains: Tax only applies to profit = (buyback price – your cost of acquisition). Original capital returned tax-free.
• Example: Company returns ₹1,200 via dividend → ₹1,200 fully taxable at 30% = ₹360 tax. Same ₹1,200 via buyback (your cost ₹800) → ₹400 gain taxed at 12.5% LTCG = ₹50 tax. Savings: ₹310 (86% less tax).

Tax rates and timing differences

Who benefits most from buybacks?

• Long-term holders (>1 year): 12.5% LTCG on gains only beats 30%+ dividend tax hands down.

• High-income slabs: Difference grows massive (₹400 gain = ₹50 buyback tax vs. ₹360+ dividend tax).
• Loss harvesters: Buyback creates capital losses for set-off against other gains.
• Promoters pay more: Corporate promoters hit with 22–30% effective rate via additional buyback tax (no arbitrage).

Dividend advantages

• Immediate cash flow without selling shares or triggering gains.

• No cost basis tracking needed (simpler record-keeping).
• No STT (0.1% on equity delivery vs. buyback tendering).

Practical example walkthrough

Scenario: You bought 100 shares @ ₹40 (total ₹4,000). Company offers buyback @ ₹60 or pays dividend.

FAQs: Buyback vs Dividend Tax

1. Why are buybacks more tax-efficient?
Tax only on actual profit (12.5% LTCG) vs. entire dividend at slab rates up to 35%+. Your original capital returns tax-free.

2. When did India switch buybacks to capital gains?
Budget 2026 reversed the 2024 "deemed dividend" rule; now purely capital gains for shareholders (promoters pay extra tax).

3. Can I choose dividend or buyback?
Companies decide. Retail investors prefer buybacks (lower tax). Promoters may prefer dividends after 22–30% buyback penalty.

4. What if I have capital losses?
Buyback creates capital losses = your original cost. Set off against other gains or carry forward 8 years.

5. International comparison?
US/UK also favour buybacks: deferral + lower LTCG rates + basis recovery. Dividends taxed immediately on full amount.