UNION BUDGET 2022 - HIGHLIGHTS

Source for Expenditure (Estimates):

Sr.

Sources

Amount                  (in Lakh Crores)

Percentage

1

Corporate-Tax

7.20

18%

2

Income-Tax

7.00

18%

3

Customs Duty

2.13

5%

4

Union Excise Duties

3.35

8%

5

Goods & Service Tax

7.83

20%

6

Non Tax Revenue

2.69

7%

7

Non-Debt Capital Receipts

0.79

2%

8

Borrowings & Other Liabilities

8.45

22%

Budgeted Expenditure

39.44 Lakh Crores

100%

The Fiscal Deficit shot up to 6.9% of GDP for FY21-22 on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS UNDER FINANCE BILL, 2021

A. TAX & COMPLIANCE

1. DIRECT TAX

INCOME  TAX

  • Any gains arising from sale of Virtual Digital Assets (NFT’s & Crypto currency) will be taxed at a special rate of 30%, also no deductions for expenses other than cost of acquisition will be allowed.
  • Any losses from sale of Crypto currency will not be set-off against any other head of Income;
  • Any kind of Gift received in Crypto currency will be taxed at the hands of the receiver.
  • TDS at the rate of 1% will be applicable on the transfer of Virtual Digital Assets above an amount of 10,000/- in case of non-specified persons. However, in case of specified persons the limit will be Rs. 50,000/-
  • Start-ups established before 31st March 2023 (earlier- 31.03.2022, now extended by 1 year) will be provided with tax holiday of 3 years;
  • Last date for commencement of Manufacturing Business for claiming lower tax regime u/s 115BAB will be 31st March 2024 (earlier- 31.03.2023, now extended by 1 year);
  • If Undisclosed Income detected during ‘Search’, no deduction will be allowed on such additional income;
  • Surcharge on Long Term Capital Gains on any asset will be capped at 15%;
  • Health & Education Cess and Surcharge shall not be allowed as Business Expenditure;
  • Provision for filing ‘Updated Return’ with payment of additional tax within 24 months from the end of relevant assessment year in case of any omission or mistake;
  • Tax relief for persons with disability: Allow annuity payment to differently abled dependents when parents attaining age of 60 years;
  • Reduced Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) rates for Co-operative Societies from 5% to 15%;
  • Reduction in surcharge from 12% to 7% for Co-operative Societies with total income of 1 crore to 10 crores;
  • Deduction for National Pension Scheme (NPS) for State Government employees u/s 80CCC made at par with Central Govt.
  • Better litigation management to avoid repetitive appeals;

2. INDIRECT TAX

o   GST

  • The Gross GST Collection touched the all-time-high from its inception due to rapid economic recovery post Covid-19. The Gross GST Collection in January 2022 equals 1,46,986 crores.

CUSTOMS

  • To give a boost to the Gems & Jewellery sector, Custom Duty on cut and polished diamonds and gemstones is being reduced to 5% from 7.5%. Simply sawn diamond would attract NIL Customs duty;
  • Custom Duty on Imitation Jewellery will be atleast 400/kg on its import;
  • Custom Duty on Umbrellas is being raised to 20%;
  • Unblended fuel to attract additional excise duty of Rs.2/litre from October 1 to promote blending biofuels in petrol and diesel;
  • Customs duty cut on certain chemicals including Methanol to promote domestic manufacturing.
  • Certain anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties on certain steel products are being revoked due to high prices;

 

3. KEY POLICY ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Digital Rupee to be issued using blockchain and other technologies; to be issued using by RBI starting 2022-23.
  • Issuance of E-passports will be ruled out in 2022-23 to enhance convenience for citizens.
  • No Changes in Slab rates for Individuals & others;
  • India Economic Growth in FY22 to be at 9.2%.

Economic Growth estimated at 9.2%.

  • MSMEs such as Udhyam, e-shram, NCS & Aseem portals will be interlinked, their scope will be widened, providing G-C, B-C & B-B services.
  • 5 lakh post offices to be connected to core banking.
  • To reduce the delay in payment, an online bill system to be launched which will be used by all Central Ministries.