My assessment of Union Budget 2023 is that it is highly progressive and the government has clearly defined a transition from a Savings Economy to a Market based Economy. There is emphasis on Go-Local, infrastructure and building new generation businesses and skills in India.
Overall Direction of Budget
Financial discipline – fiscal deficit at 5.9% of gdp
Migration from savings to market economy
Consistency in tax policy
Benefit for all classes including super rich, middle class and low income group
Ease of doing business for MSMEs and solving their problems
Major Benefits for MSMEs in Budget 2023
1. Ease in Recovery of Dues
Any payment due to an MSME beyond 45 days (prescribed time limit under Section 15 of MSMED Act, 2006) as at the year end, shall be allowed as an Expenditure (deduction) in the Books in the year of Payment.
2. Increase in Presumptive Tax Slab
For small businesses -Section 44 AD (Not applicable on LLPs, professions referred u/s 44AA(1), commission/ brokerage income & agency business)
Turnover up to Rs 200 Lakhs [Rs 300 Lakhs - if the Cash Receipt is up to 5% of Gross Receipts]
Deemed Profit –
6% of Gross Receipts received by an account payee cheque or account payee bank draft or use of electronic clearing system through a bank account or such other electronic mode as may be prescribed during the previous year or before the due date specified in sub-section (1) of section 139 in respect of that previous year.
8% of Gross Receipts other than those covered in paragraph above.
3. Composition Scheme for Seller of Goods in Ecommerce
Section 10 – Seller of “Goods” (not Services) on Ecommerce Portal are now allowed to opt for Composition Scheme under GST.
4. GST ITC to Be Paid in Cash On Non-payment to Supplier
Section 16 – Second Provision
It has been provided that where the Recipient of Goods/Services has taken an ITC Credit and the payment for the same is not made to the supplier within 180 days, the assessee has to make the payment of such ITC along with interest to the Government.
30% increased allocation to Infrastructure Sector will benefit Cement, Steel and Capital Goods Companies.
Fintech
Simplified KYC Process and access to Digi Locker and emphasis on Digital India and 5G.
Domestic Tourism
Special Package for Domestic and International Tourism for Select Cities along with higher TCS of 20% on outbound international travel packages will boost Local Tourism.
Education & Skill Development
Heavy allocation and new programmess for Education, Skill Development and R&D by way of setting up new institutions, focus on new generation skills like Coding, Artificial Intelligence etc.
Sectors Not Benefitted by Budget 2023
SECTORS
REASON
Life Insurance
Return on Insurance Premium above Rs. 5 Lakhs p.a. made taxable and benefit of 80C in Tax removed under new scheme.
Silver Jewellery & Articles
With higher Customs Duty of 10% cost of Silver is going to increase. (earlier 7.5% and 6.1%)
Imported Cars
Custom Duty increased from 60% to 70%
You can access my complete assessment of Union Budget 2023, along with analysis of Income Tax Proposals here.
I have also prepared an Income Tax Ready Reckoner, which you can access here.
To analyse the impact of Union Budget 2023 from the lens of SMEs & Business Owners, I conducted a webinar for GlobalLinker members. Watch the highlights below.
At GlobalLinker we believe that every small business has a big potential. So we provide the most powerful network, tools & resources to help you reach that potential.
Image source: Canva
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy or position of GlobalLinker.