Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. At an age when most teenagers are focused on school exams, the 15-year-old cricket prodigy has already become a household name and reportedly built a fortune worth around ₹7 crore.
His explosive performances in IPL 2026, combined with lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities, have transformed him into one of the richest young athletes in the country.
But his growing wealth raises a fascinating question: Can a minor legally earn crores and be taxed on that income?
Can Children Pay Income Tax in India?
Many people believe that a child cannot have a separate tax liability. However, India’s tax laws tell a different story.
Generally, income earned in the name of a minor is added to the income of the parent earning more. This rule, known as “clubbing of income,” applies to earnings from investments such as fixed deposits, bank accounts, mutual funds, and other financial assets held in the child’s name.
As a result, such income is usually taxed through the parent rather than the child.
Why Vaibhav’s Earnings Are Treated Differently
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s case falls into a special category.
The teenager’s earnings are not generated from investments made by his family. Instead, they stem directly from his cricketing talent, IPL contracts, match fees, sponsorship agreements, and commercial endorsements.
Under Indian tax rules, income earned through a minor’s own skill, talent, knowledge, or specialized expertise is not clubbed with a parent’s income. Instead, it can be taxed separately in the minor’s name.
This means Vaibhav’s cricket-related earnings enjoy a different tax treatment from the income generated through investments made by parents.
Not Just Cricketers: Influencers and Child Artists Benefit Too
The same tax principle applies beyond sports.
Young actors, singers, social media influencers, YouTubers, gamers, and content creators who earn money because of their personal abilities may also qualify for separate taxation.
As long as the income is directly linked to the child’s talent and effort, it is generally not added to a parent’s taxable income.
Where Parents Need to Be Careful
Tax experts often warn families about a common misconception.
Many parents assume that any income earned in a child’s name is automatically taxed separately. In reality, income from investments made in the child’s name is usually clubbed with the parent’s earnings and must be disclosed while filing tax returns.
Ignoring this rule can lead to tax-reporting mistakes and compliance issues.
Tax Relief Available Under Clubbing Rules
When a minor’s income is clubbed with a parent’s income, a small tax benefit is available.
Parents may claim a deduction of up to ₹1,500 per minor child, subject to prescribed conditions and limits under the tax laws.
While the relief is modest, it provides some benefit in cases where clubbing provisions apply.
What Happens After Turning 18?
Once a minor reaches adulthood, the tax treatment changes completely.
After turning 18, all income—whether from investments, employment, business, sports, or endorsements—is taxed directly in the individual’s own hands. The person becomes responsible for filing income-tax returns and meeting all legal tax obligations independently.
For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, that transition may still be a few years away. But with crores already reportedly flowing in through cricket and endorsements, his financial journey is proving to be as remarkable as his performances on the field.
