|
|
Time to reduce the tax burden
|
|
|
|
| Top Stories |
 |
|
|
|
Bikky Khosla | 27 Dec, 2016
Ahead of the Union Budget, the Indian industry has pitched for a sharp cut in the corporate tax rate. In a pre-Budget meeting convened by the Finance Minister recently, industry leaders have viewed that the Government, instead of looking for phased reduction of the corporate tax rate, should cut it in one go from the existing 30 percent to 18 percent -- the same rate as existing MAT rate -- in the upcoming Budget. In return, all current tax incentives and concessions could be removed. The proposal sounds sensible. It will help to remove many distortions from the tax system.
The corporate tax rate in India is much higher than it is in many other countries, and bringing it down to the level of 18 percent will help bring India in line with some attractive international destinations such as Singapore, Sri Lanka, UK and Turkey. Considering the sharp drop in demand due to the demonetisation scheme, such a move will also provide a much-needed relief to the industry. Economy observers also point out that the US may soon cut its corporate tax rate drastically, a move that could in turn be a big negative for emerging markets like India. So, it is now an economic necessity to bring down our corporate tax rate as well.
India Inc. is also in favour of modifying the personal income tax rates. In fact, according to many, this is an opportune time for the government to go for the much-needed reforms in this domain. One of the arguments put forth is that the impact of demonetisation may bring in more taxpayers into the tax net in coming days. So, it is the right time not only to help the common man get over the demonetisation pains, but also to go for bold reforms, by increasing the exemption limit, taking cues from the initial proposal under the Direct Tax Code. Such a move is expected to boost consumption and help cure the tax evasion menace.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday viewed that those who profit from financial markets must make a fair contribution to nation-building through taxes. Later in a damage control effort, Finance Minister Jaitley clarified that the Centre has no intention to impose tax on long-term capital gains. I don't think it would be a good idea to stress on revenue mobilisation at the cost of the incentive provided to people to invest. For a growing economy like India, the government should instead do its best to promote a savings culture among people and encourage them to invest money in competitive markets.
I invite your opinions. Best wishes for a splendid New Year.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demonetization
R V Chari | Fri Dec 30 06:42:47 2016
Demonetization has pros and cons. Unfortunately it is politicized. It has to be studied further and debated by experts rather than accepting meekly or arguing. Government has to accept flaws if any and rectify instead of justifying action.
Skills - Training
subramanian | Wed Dec 28 10:19:03 2016
I believe the existing practice is not addressing the core issue viz. Quality training. Our Government is ambitious to produce a large number of trained trades and enlisting any and every company with a small fee, neglecting the standard and without ascertaining the background of training centers. Surprisingly companies run by individual with no formal experience claims to provide training to various trades and availing of funds from central and state governments. Government is squandering of tax payers' money.
Reduce the tax to 18%
Rajesh Kumar | Wed Dec 28 05:56:54 2016
Self - strongly feel - we should reduce the tax to 18% and give everyone a fair option to pay taxes. Those who do not pay should be severely penalized, which is fair for the people who pay and not feel cheated. The idea is give a fair chance and then use all force and controls - wherein people should pay to the GOVT. what is due. Finally - the approach of the IT and other authorities should be more matured, not to treat every citizen like a thief, many a times with assistance of an auditor or we also make mistakes on our claims, if so, let the same be fined and collected with dignity for the payee, too. This approach FM the GOVT. and the TAX authorities is a must. We are talking of common man and their businesses. The challenge will be with BIG Corporate house with Political influences and people with Political and Mafia connection, to tackle them and get them to pay what is due to the state.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Customs Exchange Rates |
| Currency |
Import |
Export |
US Dollar
|
84.35
|
82.60 |
UK Pound
|
106.35
|
102.90 |
Euro
|
92.50
|
89.35 |
| Japanese
Yen |
55.05 |
53.40 |
| As on 12 Oct, 2024 |
|
|
| Daily Poll |
 |
 |
| Will the new MSME credit assessment model simplify financing? |
|
|
|
|
|
| Commented Stories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
