Question 1

What are the regulatory charges levied on Indian stock market transactions?

Accepted Answer

Stock trades attract: (1) Brokerage Fee, (2) STT (Securities Transaction Tax), (3) GST at 18% on (Brokerage + SEBI + Transaction Charges), (4) Stamp Duty, (5) SEBI Turnover Fee, and (6) DP Charges on delivery sell.

Question 2

What are the current STT rates for delivery, intraday, and F&O trading?

Accepted Answer

Common STT rates include 0.1% on both sides of taxable equity delivery and 0.025% on the sell side of taxable equity intraday. From 1 April 2026, taxable futures sales use 0.05% and taxable option sales use 0.15% of option premium. Product and exercise treatment must be checked.

Question 3

What is DP (Depository Participant) charge on equity delivery sales?

Accepted Answer

A depository participant may charge for a debit from the demat account, but the amount, per-ISIN/per-instruction basis and GST treatment depend on the DP/broker tariff. Use the current provider charge sheet.

Question 4

What is the difference between Direct Discount Brokers and Full-Service Brokers?

Accepted Answer

Brokerage models vary by provider and segment: flat-per-order, subscription, percentage or zero-brokerage offers may all carry conditions. Compare the current tariff, exchange charges, taxes, DP charges and services rather than relying on a universal ₹20 or percentage range.

Question 5

How is Stamp Duty collected on stock market purchases?

Accepted Answer

As per the Indian Stamp Act, Stamp Duty is collected by exchanges ONLY on the BUY side of transactions: Equity Delivery (0.015%), Intraday (0.003%), Futures (0.002%), and Options (0.003%).

Brokerage & Demat Charges Calculator

Brokerage & Tax Charges Breakdown

Itemized Cost Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)