In an economy as dynamic and aspirational as India’s, corporate tax plays a vital role in shaping national development. It is not merely a statutory obligation—it is a reflection of a company’s contribution to nation-building. The highest tax paying companies in India are not just business entities; they are engines of economic acceleration, societal progress, and investor confidence.

In FY25, several Indian corporates crossed new thresholds of tax contribution, led by diversified groups like Vedanta, Reliance, SBI, and TCS, each balancing profitability with nation-building.]

This blog examines the major corporate taxpayers of India, explores their economic significance, and highlights how many of them also qualify as the best shareholder return companies in India and the most profitable companies in India.

The Strategic Role of Corporate Taxation

Corporate tax is one of the government’s primary sources of income, empowering the state to invest in infrastructure, social welfare, public health, and digital growth. In essence, the highest tax paying companies in India enable large-scale public programmes like PM Gati Shakti, Digital India, Jal Jeevan Mission, and more.

The corporate tax collections grew strongly driven by India’s resilient GDP expansion, with private sector leaders significantly contributing to India’s fiscal strength.

Their tax contributions also signal financial discipline, transparency, and mature corporate governance.

Top 11 Highest Tax Paying Companies in India

India’s corporate tax landscape is shaped by leaders across sectors—from banking to energy, technology to manufacturing. Here are the top companies powering the exchequer:

1. Vedanta Limited

Vedanta, a key player in natural resources and metals, paid over ₹55,349 crore in total taxes in FY25 amounting to almost ₹4.5 lakh crore worth of contribution to the exchequer over the past decade. This includes corporate income tax, royalties, indirect taxes, and employee-related contributions.

Vedanta’s consolidated revenue reached an all-time high ₹1,50,725 crore, with second-highest ever EBITDA of ₹43,541 crore and PAT of ₹20,535 crore, reflecting strong contributions across its aluminium, zinc, oil & gas, and power divisions. Its shareholder payouts totalled ₹18,563 crore in FY25, firmly maintaining its position among the best shareholder return companies in India.

Vedanta is not only among the highest tax paying companies in India but also rightly seen as a best shareholder return company in India and one of the most profitable companies in India.

2. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)

A diversified giant in petrochemicals, retail, and digital services, RIL paid over ₹21,000 crore in taxes during FY24 and over ₹25,700 crore in taxes during FY25. Its innovation-led strategy also places it among the most profitable companies in India and a long-standing best shareholder return company in India.

3. State Bank of India (SBI)

As India’s largest bank, SBI remitted approximately ₹20,000 crore in corporate taxes. With a solid dividend track record and robust earnings, it remains a leading name among the best shareholder return companies in India.

4. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

TCS paid taxes in excess of ₹15,898 crore in FY25. Its global reach, stable margins, and consistent value creation position it among the most profitable companies in India.

5. HDFC Bank

India’s premier private bank, HDFC Bank paid more than ₹18,700 crore in taxes in FY25. It consistently outperforms market expectations, solidifying its position among the highest tax paying companies in India.

6. ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation)

With a tax contribution of ₹11,500 crore, ONGC is vital for India’s energy security. It is also a consistently profitable company in India, even amid global price fluctuations.

7. ICICI Bank

ICICI paid ₹13,900 crore in taxes, with steady earnings, strong governance, and increasing investor returns—truly a best shareholder return company in India.

8. Infosys Limited

Infosys continues its legacy of strong compliance, paying over ₹9,700 crore in taxes in FY25. Its focus on innovation and ESG excellence makes it a model among the most profitable companies in India.

9. Coal India Limited

Contributing ₹8,200 crore in taxes, Coal India plays a strategic role in national energy supply. Its dividend yields and operational cash flows make it attractive for long-term shareholders.

10. ITC Limited

With tax payments of ₹8,900 crore, ITC demonstrates consistency and scale. It is admired for its resilience, ESG disclosures, and shareholder value delivery.

11. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)

Paying close to ₹6,800 crore in taxes, HUL commands the FMCG space with strong brand equity and sustainable business practices.

FY25 Snapshot – Corporate Tax Contributions in India

Company Name	Total Tax Paid (₹ Cr)	Net Profit (₹ Cr)	Sector
Vedanta Limited	55,349 (TTR)	20,535	Metals & Mining
Reliance Industries	25,700+	68,000+	Energy/Conglomerate
State Bank of India	20,000+	68,000+	Banking
TCS	15,898+	42,000+	IT Services
HDFC Bank	18,700+	68,000+	Banking
ONGC	11,500+	35,400+	Energy
ICICI Bank	13,900+	47,000+	Banking
Infosys	9,740+	24,000+	IT Services
Coal India	8,200+	30,000+	Energy
ITC	8,900+	31,000+	FMCG
HUL	6,800+	25,000+	FMCG

Sources: Ministry of Finance, Company Annual Reports, Vedanta’s TTR Report FY25

Governance, Profitability, and Public Value

There is a clear overlap between the highest tax paying companies in India and those considered the most profitable companies in India. Strong financial results allow them to contribute more to the exchequer, reward shareholders generously, and reinvest in innovation and sustainability.

The likes of Vedanta, Reliance, and HDFC Bank follow disciplined capital allocation strategies and robust risk management frameworks. Their performance has consistently exceeded industry benchmarks, and they continue to deliver strong returns to investors – qualifying them as best shareholder return companies in India.

Moreover, their governance standards reflect compliance, transparency, and long-term thinking – qualities that distinguish mature institutions from opportunistic enterprises.

Conclusion

The highest tax paying companies in India are more than corporate leaders; they are catalysts for national transformation. By fulfilling their tax obligations with rigour and consistency, they reinforce the government’s capacity to execute long-term development goals.

Vedanta Limited’s inclusion in this league not only reflects its financial strength but also its proactive role in responsible business. With total tax contributions exceeding ₹55,000 crore in FY25, it stands shoulder to shoulder with India’s largest banks and industrial conglomerates.

From value creation for shareholders to enabling policy through public revenue, these organisations continue to shape India’s growth story. Their impact is measurable not only in tax figures or profits, but in the lives uplifted and infrastructure built. As India strides confidently towards its $5 trillion economic vision, these giants remain firmly at the helm  – taxing responsibly, growing sustainably, and delivering value universally.