Dividend exclusion rules cover business loans, share buybacks, demerger distributions, and defined inter-group finance transactions. Dividend under section 2(22) excludes specified transactions, including business advances or loans by a money-lending company, set-off of earlier dividend amounts, qualifying share distributions on full cash consideration, purchase of own shares under the Companies Act, and demerger-related share distributions. The provision also defines 'concern' and substantial interest, and with effect from 1 April 2025 adds exclusions for certain inter-group advances or loans involving a Finance Company or Finance Unit and a qualifying listed foreign parent structure.