Direct Tax Proposals – Budget, 2021

While the Finance Minister briefly touched upon the direct tax proposals, fine print reveals many proposals that may have far reaching impact. Taxation of gains on ULIPs has been brought at par with Mutual Funds, Interest on PF contributions beyond 2.5 lacs has been made taxable, Slump Sale provisions shall cover other modes of transfer of business as well and anomaly leading to double taxation of income that was subjected to Equalisation Levy in FY 2020-21 has been rectified. Further, Budget proposals that seek to promote reduction in time limit for reopening assessment, increasing turnover threshold for tax audits, and providing pre-filled tax returns are aimed at bringing in certainty and making tax compliances easier. These measures coupled with use of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics shall boost the Direct Tax to GDP ratio in ensuing years.

Quote by Kumarmanglam Vijay published in India Tech Online.