Tax relief expected in ’17 Budget
Lower taxes on businesses, especially on small and medium enterprises, would BE A BIG fillIp, As SMEs rEmAIn tHE lArGEst CrEAtor oF EmploymEnt.
The global narrative of lower taxation regime might well be implemented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his forthcoming budget to be presented on 1 February 2017, in the form of lower income taxes, both for individual and businesses. Sources reveal that lowering income taxes is very likely on the cards not only to balm the pain due to demonetisation, but also to make Indian businesses more competitive. Lower taxes leave more money in the hands of honest tax- payers, which can either be saved (hopefully in financial instruments) or be used to create more demand, thus benefitting the economy both ways. “For individual tax payers, the tax rates under the existing slabs could be reduced or the existing slab rates may be revised upwards, says Vikas Vasal, Partner & National leaderTax at Grant Thornton India LLP. “For businesses, the long pending demand of lowering the effective corporate tax rate (from 30% to 25%) for a large section of the businesses may also be considered.” Less than 4% of working people (individuals and businesses) pay income tax in India.
Taxation experts explain that presently a person earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh per year is exempt from paying income tax and they believe that this limit might be raised to Rs 3.5 lakh. Or, there could be reduction in tax rates on the existing (three) income slabs. Under the existing rules, income above Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh is taxed at 10%, income above Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh is taxed at 20% and income above Rs 10 lakh is taxed at 30%. All such tax reliefs are, of course, dependent on the fiscal legroom available with the government. Collections happening under the income declaration schemes (black money) in the ongoing demonetisation drive is expected to keep fiscal deficit pressure under control “thus providing the required headroom to cut taxes”, hopes Girish Vanvari, Partner and Head of Tax at KPMG India. Lower oil import bill (if crude stays at $60/barrel) would also help in containing fiscal pressure.
While the economy as a whole is looking at some positive news from the Budget, there are a few sectors which require some special attention like the real estate and construction. These sectors have seen downturn in the recent past and need some immediate support and “therefore, any positive announcements in the forthcoming budget to boost demand in these sectors will be a welcome move”, says Vasal. Individual tax payers are expecting the government to increase the interest on housing loan deduction which is presently capped at Rs 2.5 lakh per year. If the government enhances this limit, it would give a big boost to the housing sector which, in turn, would boost demand for cement, steel, logistics etc. and provide large scale employment to unskilled and semi-skilled labour.
Lower taxes on businesses, especially on small and medium enterprises, would be a big fillip as SMEs remain the largest creator of employment. India’s manufacturing sector is currently operating at about 65% of its capacity due to lower demand in the economy and lower taxes would be an effective tool to address that. Lower taxes on businesses would also ensure success of the government’s “Make in India” programme.
Taxation experts explain that presently a person earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh per year is exempt from paying income tax and they believe that this limit might be raised to Rs 3.5 lakh. Or, there could be reduction in tax rates on the existing (three) income slabs.