Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INDIA
statement
2018
Foreword
Budget 2018 was the last full budget for the present Government and
hence, there was a bit of apprehension on the eve of this budget that the
Government may not be able to resist the temptation to come up with a
populist budget before the elections looming ahead in 2019.
INDIA
BUDGET STATEMENT 2018 By eschewing generous freebies and pegging the fiscal deficit to 3.3% of
the GDP for 2018-19, and thereby largely treading the fiscal consolidation
Foreword 1 path, the FM has given a welcome signal that the economic health of the
Budget at a glance 4 country remains above bipartisan politics. This also reinforces the nascent Village Producers’ Organizations
Budget Financials 6 but increasingly accepted notion that good governance can be good (VPOs) in large clusters. The FM
politics too. The critics, though, will cite the overdue slippages in the FRBM announced launch of ‘‘Operation
Economic Indicators 7 Act, which aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit to 3% by 2008. Greens’’ to promote Farmer
Producers Organizations (FPOs),
Post the twin radical interventions of demonetization and GST, it is agri-logistics, processing facilities
Direct Tax Proposals 14
heartening to note that the economy has slowly but surely found its feet and professional management.
back, with GDP growth pegged at 6.3% in the second quarter of 2017 and Other measures include those
Indirect Tax Proposals 36
expected to rise further between 7 to 7.5% in the second half, thereby to liberalize export of agri-
setting the path back for 8% growth in 2018-19. commodities and setting up
Sector Wise Impact
Agriculture Sector 50 Taking a cue from the FM’s speech, this year’s budget priorities were state-of-the-art testing facilities in
Infrastructure Sector 50 clearly cut out as under: all the forty two Mega Food Parks.
Financial Sector 51
• Consolidate on past gains, A novel initiative in this budget is
Rural Sector 52
that NITI Aayog, in consultation
Social Sector 53 • focus on strengthening agriculture and rural economy, with State Governments, will
Education Sector 53
evolve a suitable mechanism
• provision of good health care to economically less privileged,
to enable access of lessee
Glossary 54 • taking care of senior citizens, cultivators to credit without
compromising the rights of the
• infrastructure creation,
land owners.
• and working with the States to provide more resources for improving
For the social sector, key
the quality of education in the country
initiatives include provision of
The budget was expectedly and significantly focused on the agricultural free LPG connections to about
Sector. MSP for the all unannounced crops of kharif has been fixed at least 8 crore poor women and free
at 1.5 times of their production cost. Measures have been announced to electricity connection free of
encourage organic farming by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and
1
charge to four crores poor households have been announced. Under estimated expenditure of INR creation and augmentation of The benefit of much awaited on imported goods, has been
Prime Minister Awas Scheme Rural, 51 lac houses in year 2017-18 and 51 1.22 lac crore in BE 2017-18. Telecom infrastructure. 35000 km standard deduction of INR 40,000 levied with the additional benefit
lac houses during 2018-19, which is more than one crore houses, will be of roads are proposed to be built to salaried class stands diluted to provide funds for social welfare
Financial sector reforms under phase -1 of Bharatmala schemes of the Government. The
constructed exclusively in rural areas. In urban areas the assistance will through withdrawal of present
measures include the Reserve project. Massive outlay has flipside is that India is returning to
cover construct 37 lac houses. exemption in respect of transport
Bank of India’s recent guidelines been done for rail projects at import substitution, which goes
allowance and reimbursement of
The rural sector benefits hugely too, by way of major jump in allocation to nudge corporates to access Mumbai and Bengaluru. It is against the call for globalization.
miscellaneous medical expenses,
of budgetary resources towards creation of livelihood and infrastructure bond market. SEBI will also proposed to increase airport leaving the middle class
in rural areas, to the tune of INR 14.34 lac crore. it is projected that this consider mandating, beginning The budget has banked upon the
capacity by 5 times. Total outlay disappointed with this budget.
expenditure will create employment of 321 crore person days, 3.17 lac with large corporates, to meet announced allocation outlays to
for infrastructure for 2018-19 is
kilometers of rural roads, 51 lac new rural houses, 1.88 crore toilets, and about one-fourth of their Senior citizens should though feel stimulate investment by creating
proposed to be increased to INR
provide 1.75 crore new household electric connections besides boosting financing needs from the bond taken care, by way of increased a favorable sentiment as a whole,
5.97 lac crore against estimated
agricultural growth. market. Bank recapitalization exemption of interest income on in absence of specific measures
expenditure of INR 4.94 lac crore
program has been launched deposits with banks and post through corporate investment.
The health sector focus comes through The National Health Policy, 2017 in 2017-18.
with bonds of INR 80,000 crore offices from INR 10,000 to INR With impending elections, it is
which envisions Health and Wellness Centre’s as the foundation of India’s International trade remains a critical that while implementing
being issued this year. This 50,000 and increased limits for
health system. These 1.5 lac centres will bring health care system closer key priority, keeping in view that the budgetary proposals, fiscal
recapitalization is expected deduction of health insurance
to the homes of people. A very salutary and sorely needed measure India Inc is increasingly and consolidation is not allowed
to pave the way for the public premiums and expenditures.
announced by the FM is the setting up of a flagship National Health confidently venturing out as an to be compromised, as in the
sector banks to lend additional The 10% tax on long term capital
Protection Scheme, to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families investor on the global stage. The past. No budget ever can cater
credit of INR 5 lac crore. gains exceeding INR 1 lac was
(approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) wherein coverage up to INR 5 lac Government hence proposes to the demand of all strata’s
However, doubts remain that in the air, and should not prove
per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This to review existing guidelines and sections of the society, but
the huge NPA’s of the banks will a big dampener for the market
will be the world’s largest government funded health care program. and processes and bring out a a macro economically sound
continue to cast their shadow investors.
Credit access to the marginal sections remains a key concern area for our on the rebounding economy. coherent and integrated Outward budget, at a fundamental level,
Direct Investment (ODI) policy. On the indirect front, with GST serves the unbiased interest of
country. MUDRA Yojana launched in April, 2015 has already led to sanction
Infrastructure focus comes gradually settling down, custom Bharat as well as India.
of INR 4.6 lac crore in credit from INR 10.38 crore MUDRA loans. It is On the direct tax front, the benefit
through the proposal to setup duty and excise duty changes
heartwarming to note that 76% of these loan accounts were to women of reduced corporate tax rate Verendra Kalra & Co.
five lac wi-fi hotspots which were announced to rationalize
and more than 50% to SCs, STs and OBCs. It is proposed to set a target of of 25% has been unexpectedly
will provide broadband access the existing provisions. To boost
INR 3 lac crore for lending under MUDRA for 2018-19. extended to companies whose
to five crore rural citizens. Make in India, Social Welfare
Government’s estimated schematic budgetary expenditure on health, INR 10,000 crore have been turnover was up to INR 250 crore Surcharge, at the rate of 10% of
education and social protection for 2018-19 is INR 1.38 lac crore against allocated in 2018-19 for in the financial year 2016-17. the aggregate duties of Customs,
3
Budget at a glance
Subsidies 9%
Defence 9%
Other expenditure 8%
Corporate Tax 19% Where the rupee comes from Where the rupee goes
Income Tax 16%
Non-tax revenues 8%
Excise 8%
Customs 4%
5
Budget Financials Economic Indicators
GDP Growth
(Amount in INR billion) (Market prices, 2011-12 as base
Particulars 2016-17 2017-18 2017-18 2018-19 year)
Actuals BE RE BE
Year %
GDP Growth (Market Prices,
2011-12) % 2014-15* 7.5
1 Revenue Receipts (2+3) 13,742 15,158 15,054 17,257 9 8.0
8 7.5
7.1 2015-16 # 8.0
2 Tax Revenue(Net to Centre) 11,014 12,270 12,695 14,806 7 6.5
6
3 Non-tax revenue 2,728 2,888 2,360 2,451 5 2016-17 (PE) 7.1
4
4 Capital Receipts(5+6+7) 6,010 6,310 7,123 7,165 3
2017-18 )AE) 6.5
2
Agriculture &
Growth in GVA at 2011-12 prices
9 Scheme Expenditure (10+13) 19,752 21,467 22,178 24,422
Services
Industry
12
Allied
Year
GVA
10 On Revenue account 16,906 18,369 19,443 21,418 10
9.7 9.7
(2.10) (1.90) (2.60) (2.20) 0.7 2017-18 )AE) 2.1 4.4 8.3 6.1
0 -0.2
15 Effective Revenue deficit (14-12) 1,506 1,258 2,496 2,207 2014-15* 2015-16 # 2016-17 (PE) 2017-18 (AE)
*2nd revised Estimate | # 1st revised Estimate | **Advance Estimate
-2
7
Economic Indicators
Growth in Foreign
Foreign Trade Trade [Average] %
25.0 21.8
Deficit Trends (% of GDP)
20.0
Deficit Trends (% of GDP)
Year Exports Growth Imports Growth
15.0 12.1 4.5
2014-15 (1.3) (0.5) 4 4.1
10.0 3.9
5.4
5.0 2015-16
Exports Growth (15.5) (15.0) 3.5 3.5
0.5 3.2
- Imports Growth 3 2.9
2016-17 5.4 0.5
(0.5)
(1.3) Fiscal Deficit
(5.0) 2.5 2.5
2017-18* 12.1 21.8 2 2.1 Revenue Deficit
(10.0) 1.9
(15.0) (15.0) * April-December 2017 1.5 Primary Deficit
(15.5)
(20.0) 1 0.9
0.7
0.5 0.4
Forex Reserves In USD billion 0 0.1
Forex Reserves 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 (RE) 2017-18 (BE)
420.00 In USD billion
400.00
Year Gross Fiscal Deficit Revenue Deficit Primary Deficit
Year In USD billion
380.00
2014-15 4.1 2.9 0.9
2014-15 341.60
360.00
409.37 2015-16 3.9 2.5 0.7
2015-16 360.20
340.00
370.00 2016-17 (RE) 3.5 2.1 0.4
360.20 2016-17 370.00
320.00 341.60
2017-18 (BE) 3.2 1.9 0.1
2017-18* 409.37
300.00 *Provisional Actuals ** Budget Estimates
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18* * December 2017
9
Economic Indicators INFLATION Pay Commission housing rent comfortable. The year 2016-17
allowances, which mechanically was characterized by positive
Average CPI inflation for the first
increase inflation. Stripped of growth in merchandise exports
nine months has averaged 3.2%
all these factors, underlying after two years of negative
GDP GROWTH INDUSTRY AND and is projected to reach 3.7%
inflation has been increasing at growth. Similarly, merchandise
INFRASTRUCTURE for the year as a whole. After 13
After registering GDP growth of over 7% for the third year in succession a more modest pace, reaching imports also printed positive
months of continuously under-
in 2016-17, the Indian economy is headed for somewhat slower growth, IIP growth (April-November 2017 4.3 percent at end-December—in growth in 2016-17 after three
shooting the inflation target by
estimated to be 6.5% in 2017-18, as per first Advance Estimates released over same period in the previous part because firms are passing years of negative growth. This
an average of 130 basis points,
by CSO. year) is 3.2%, real credit growth the incidence of GST on to final was mainly due to a reduction
headline inflation for the first
to industry is still in negative consumers only gradually. in value of imports of crude oil
GDP growth has averaged 7.3% for the period from 2014-15 to 2017-18, time crossed the RBI’s 4% in
territory, and the growth in world and petroleum products along
which is the highest among the major economies of the world. That this November, posting a rate of 5.2%
trade remains less than half its with reduction of gold and silver
growth has been achieved in a milieu of lower inflation, improved current in December 2017.
level of a decade ago. Moreover, FOREIGN TRADE AND FOREX imports.
account balance and notable reduction in the fiscal deficit to GDP ratio
even though the cost of equity The recent upswing in inflation RESERVES
makes it all the more creditable. India’s foreign exchange reserves
has fallen to low levels, corporates stems from rising global oil prices
India’s external sector has reached USD 409.4 billion on
In addition to the introduction of GST, the year also witnessed significant have not raised commensurate (not all of which has been passed
continued to be resilient and December 29, 2017, with a growth
steps being undertaken towards resolution of problems associated with amounts of capital, suggesting on to consumers), unseasonal
strong in 2017-18 so far and of 14.1% on a YoY basis from
non-performing assets of the banks, further liberalization of FDI, etc., thus that their investment plans remain increases in the prices of fruits
the balance of payments (BoP) end-December 2016 and growth
strengthening the momentum of reforms. After remaining in negative modest. In other words, the and vegetables, and the 7th
situation continued to be of 10.7% from end-March 2017.
territory for a couple of years, growth of exports rebounded into positive twin engines that propelled the
one during 2016-17 and strengthened further in 2017-18 economy’s take-off in the mid-
2000s – exports and investment Growth in Gross Value Added at constant (2011-12) Basic Prices (%):
– are continuing to run below
take-off speed.
Industry 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTOR (PE) (1st AE)
The agriculture sector registered significantly higher growth in 2016-17 SERVICES Agricultural & Allied 5.6 -0.2 0.7 4.9 2.1
than the previous two years on the back of normal monsoon. Economic
With a share of 55.2% in India’s
Survey suggests that climate change, whose imprint on Indian agriculture Industry 3.8 7.5 8.8 5.6 4.4
GVA, the services sector
is already visible might reduce farm incomes by up to 20-25% in 2017-18. Mining & Quarrying 0.2 11.7 10.5 1.8 2.9
continued to be the key driver of
Manufacturing 5.0 8.3 10.8 7.9 4.6
The process of development, inter-alia, generally results in decline in share India’s economic growth, and is
Electricity, gas & water 4.2 7.1 5.0 7.2 7.5
of agriculture in GVA, which is being witnessed in India too. The share expected to contribute almost
supply & other utility
of agriculture and allied sectors in GVA declined from 18.2% in 2012- 72.5% of GVA growth in 2017-18.
services
13 to 16.4% in 2017-18 (1st AE). However, the declining share does not The growth of this sector in 2017-
Construction 2.7 4.7 5.0 1.7 3.6
undermine the significance of the sector for employment, livelihood and 18 is expected to be at 8.3%.
Services 7.7 9.7 9.7 7.7 8.3
food security.
GVA at Basic Prices 6.1 7.2 7.9 6.6 6.1
11
Economic Indicators
EXCHANGE RATE deficit of 47 USD billion) but this PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
has been offset by a higher trade MARKET
During 2017-18 (up to December
deficit (18 USD billion) and a
2017), the rupee generally traded The year 2017-18 (April-
reduced services surplus (37 USD
with an appreciating bias against November) witnessed a steady
billion), the latter two reflecting
the US dollar, barring intermittent increase in resource mobilization
a deterioration in the economy’s
depreciation in September in the primary market segment as
competitiveness.
and October 2017. The rupee compared to the corresponding
strengthened by 2.5% to a level Despite these developments, the period in the last financial year.
of INR 64.24 per US dollar during overall external position remains
S&P BSE Sensex, the benchmark
December 2017 from the level of solid. The current account
index of BSE, closed at 34,433
INR 65.88 per US dollar during deficit is well below the 3% of ECONOMIC SURVEY 2017 Employment: finding good jobs
points as on January 10, 2018,
March 2017 on the back of GDP threshold beyond which for the young and burgeoning
witnessing a gain of 16.5% from Major reforms were undertaken over the past year. The transformational
significant capital flows. During vulnerability emerges. Meanwhile, workforce, especially for women.
its closing of 29,621 points on Goods and Services Tax (GST) was launched at the stroke of midnight on
2017-18 (April-December), on foreign exchange reserves Education: creating an educated
March 31, 2017. July 1, 2017. And the long-festering Twin Balance Sheet (TBS) problem
an average, the rupee has also have reached a record level of and healthy labor force.
appreciated against other major about 432 USD billion (spot and During this period, S&P BSE was decisively addressed by sending the major stressed companies for
currencies besides the US dollar. forward) at end-December 2017, Sensex touched its highest level resolution under the new Indian Bankruptcy Code and implementing a Agriculture: raising farm
The appreciation of the rupee well above prudent norms. of 34,443 points on January 9, major recapitalization package to strengthen the public sector banks. productivity while strengthening
indicates that India’s exports 2018 and its lowest of 29,319 As a result of these measures, the dissipating effects of earlier policy agricultural resilience.
may have become slightly less points on April 18, 2017. Nifty actions, and the export uplift from the global recovery, the economy began
Above all, India must continue
competitive. 50, the benchmark index of to accelerate in the second half of the year. This should allow real GDP
improving the climate for rapid
NSE, closed at 10,632 points on growth to reach 6¾ percent for the year as a whole, rising to 7-7½ percent
economic growth on the strength
January 10, 2018, witnessing a in 2018-19, thereby re-instating India as the world’s fastest growing major
of the only two truly sustainable
FISCAL AND REVENUE DEFICIT gain of 15.9% from its closing economy. Against emerging macroeconomic concerns, policy vigilance
engines—private investment and
of 9,174 points as on March 31, will be necessary in the coming year, especially if high international oil
The current account deficit has exports.
2017. During this period, Nifty 50 prices persist or elevated stock prices correct sharply, provoking a “sudden
also widened in 2017-18 and is stall” in capital flows.
touched its highest level of 10,637
expected to average about 1.5-2%
points on January 9, 2018 and its The agenda for the next year consequently remains full: stabilizing the
of GDP for the year as a whole.
lowest of 9,105 points on April 19, GST, completing the TBS actions, privatizing Air India, and staving off
The current account deficit can
2017. threats to macro-economic stability. The TBS actions, noteworthy for
be split into a manufacturing
trade deficit, an oil and gold cracking the long-standing “exit” problem, need complementary reforms
deficit, a services deficit, and a to shrink unviable banks and allow greater private sector participation.
remittances deficit. In the first The GST Council offers a model “technology” of cooperative federalism to
half of 2017-18, the oil and gold apply to many other policy reforms.
balance has improved (smaller Over the medium term, three areas of policy focus stand out:
13
Direct Taxes
RATES OF INCOME TAX Companies have to pay the same Comparative chart of tax rates
tax as paid in last years. The only as applicable to individual are as
Individual – Taxes & Surcharge
change is that the Education cess follows:
There are no changes in the is being increased from 3 to 4%,
tax rate. All persons including to be known as Education and
Individuals, HUF, Firms and Health Cess.
INR 2,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 (INR 0.25 million to INR 0.50 05% 05%
million)
INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 (INR 0.50 million to INR 1 20% 20%
million)
Above INR 10,00,000 (INR 1 million) 30% 30%
Education cess and surcharge as rate. The only change is that in For financial year 2018-19,
applicable the previous year the slab rate of additional surcharge called the
25% was available only to those “Health and Education Cess on
Basic exemption limit for resident
domestic companies having income-tax” shall be levied at the
individuals above 60 years but
total turnover/ gross receipts in rate of 4% on the amount of tax
less than 80 years of age at any
the previous year 2015-16 not computed, inclusive of surcharge
time during the FY is INR 300,000
exceeding INR 50 crores (INR (wherever applicable), in all
(INR 0.30 million) and for resident
500 million), which has now cases. No marginal relief shall be
individuals 80 years of age or
been proposed to INR 250 crores available in respect of such cess.
more is INR 500,000 (INR 0.50
(INR 2500 million) turnover in
million), remains unchanged. Effective tax rates are as under.
2016-17. In other cases, the tax
Domestic company rates remain unchanged at 30%
(excluding applicable surcharge
There are no changes in the tax
and cess).
15
Particulars Taxable income < INR 10 INR 10 million Taxable income > INR
million < taxable income < 100 million
INR 100 million
WIDENING OF TAX BASE executive officer, principal officer be increased by the accumulated
or office bearer or any person profits of the amalgamating
Entities to apply for PAN in
competent to act on behalf of company, whether capitalized or
certain cases
such entities shall also apply not, on the date of amalgamation.
In order to use PAN as Unique to the Assessing Officer for This amendment will take effect
Entity Number (UEN) for non- allotment of PAN. from April 1, 2018 and will
individual entities, it is proposed accordingly apply in relation to
Widening of scope of
to amend section 139A to provide assessment year 2018-19 and
accumulated profits for the
that every person, not being subsequent assessment years.
purpose of dividend
an individual, which enters into
a financial transaction of an To prevent abusive arrangements
amount aggregating to INR 2.50 to escape liability of paying tax on Application of Dividend
lacs (INR 0.25 million) or more in dividend (as defined u/s 2(22)), Distribution Tax to Deemed
a financial year shall be required it is proposed to insert a new Dividend
to apply to the Assessing Officer Explanation 2A in clause (22) of
With a view to bringing clarity
for allotment of PAN. In order to section 2 of the Act to widen the
and certainty in the taxation of
link the financial transactions scope of the term ‘accumulated
deemed dividends, it is proposed
with the natural persons, it is profits’ so as to provide that in
to delete the Explanation to
also proposed that the managing the case of an amalgamated
Chapter XII-D occurring after
director, director, partner, trustee, company, accumulated profits,
section 115Q of the Act (which
author, founder, karta, chief whether capitalized or not, or
excludes applicability to deemed
losses as the case may be, shall
17
dividend as defined u/s 2(22)(e)) section 112A in the Act to provide acquisitions in respect of which capital asset acquired by the asset was traded on such
so as to bring deemed dividends that long term capital gains the requirement of payment of assessee before February 1, exchange shall be the fair
also under the scope of dividend arising from transfer of a long securities transaction tax shall 2018, shall be deemed to be market value; and
distribution tax under section 115- term capital asset being an equity not apply in the case of equity the higher of :
** in a case where the
O. Further, such deemed dividend share in a company or a unit of an share in a company. Similarly,
** the actual cost of capital asset is a
is proposed to be taxed at the equity oriented fund or a unit of the requirement of payment of
acquisition of such asset; unit and is not listed
rate of 30% (without grossing up) a business trust shall be taxed at STT at the time of transfer of
and on recognized stock
in order to prevent camouflaging 10 per cent of such capital gains long term capital asset, being a
exchange, the net asset
dividend in various ways such exceeding INR 1 lac (INR 0.10 unit of equity oriented fund or a ** the lower of :
value of such asset as on
as loans and advances. This million). unit of business trust, shall not
»» the fair market value of the January 31, 2018.
amendment relating to imposition apply if the transfer is undertaken
This concessional rate of 10 per such asset; and
of dividend distribution tax on on recognized stock exchange • The benefit of deduction
cent will be applicable to such
deemed dividend will apply located in any International »» the full value of under chapter VIA shall
long term capital gains, if
to transactions referred to in Financial Services Centre (IFSC) consideration received be allowed from the gross
sub-clause (e) of clause (22) of • in a case where long term and the consideration of such or accruing as a result total income as reduced by
section 2 of the Act undertaken capital asset is in the transfer is received or receivable of the transfer of the such capital gains. Similarly,
on or after April 1, 2018. nature of an equity share in foreign currency. capital asset the rebate under section
in a company , securities 87A shall be allowed from
Further, the new provision of • Fair market value has been
transaction tax has been the income tax on the total
section 112A also proposes to defined to mean :
Long term capital gains paid on both acquisition and income as reduced by tax
provide the following:
exceeding INR 1 lac (INR 0.10 transfer of such capital asset; ** in a case where the payable on such capital gains.
million) to be taxed @10% and • The long term capital gains capital asset is listed on
VKC Insight:
without indexing will be computed without any recognized stock
• in a case where long term
giving effect to the first exchange, the highest Going by the amendment
Under the existing regime, long capital asset is in the nature
and second provisos to price of the capital asset made above, long term capital
term capital gains arising from of a unit of an equity oriented
section 48, i.e. inflation quoted on such exchange gain exemption u/s 10(38)
transfer of long term capital fund or a unit of a business
indexation in respect of cost on the January 31, 2018. in respect of listed STT paid
assets, being equity shares of trust, securities transaction
of acquisitions and cost of However, where there is shares now stands withdrawn,
a company or an unit of equity tax has been paid on transfer
improvement, if any, and no trading in such asset becoming taxable @10% u/s
oriented fund or an unit of of such capital asset.
the benefit of computation on such exchange on 112A. Corresponding provisions
business trusts, are exempt from
of capital gains in foreign the January 31, 2018 , for deduction of tax at source on
income-tax under clause (38) of
currency in the case of a non- the highest price of such this income have also been
section 10 of the Act. Further, sub-section (4) of the
resident, will not be allowed. asset on such exchange introduced.
new section 112A empowers the
It is proposed to withdraw the on a date immediately
Central Government to specify • The cost of acquisitions
exemption under clause (38) of preceding the January
by notification the nature of in respect of the long term
section 10 and to introduce a new 31, 2018 when such
19
Dividend distribution tax on Act, long term capital gain will application of income under the Aligning the scope of “business It is proposed to amend clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 9 of the Act
dividend payouts to unit holders become taxable in the hands provisions of sub-section (1) of connection” with modified to provide that significant economic presence’ in India shall also constitute
in an equity oriented fund of FIIs also, only in respect of the said section, the provisions PE Rule as per Multilateral ‘business connection’. Further, “significant economic presence” for this
amount of such gains exceeding of sub-clause (ia) of clause (a) of Instrument (MLI) purpose shall mean-
As per existing provisions of
INR 1 lac (INR 0.10 million). section 40, and of sub-sections
section 115R, any amount It is proposed to amend the • any transaction in respect of any goods, services or property carried
(3) and (3A) of section 40A, shall,
of income distributed by the provision of section 9 of the out by a non-resident in India including provision of download of data
mutatis mutandis, apply as they
specified company or a Mutual Act so as to align them with or software in India if the aggregate of payments arising from such
Tax deduction at source and apply in computing the income
Fund to its unit holders shall the provisions in the DTAA as transaction or transactions during the previous year exceeds the
manner of payment in respect of chargeable under the head
be chargeable to tax and such modified by MLI so as to make amount as may be prescribed; or
certain exempt entities “Profits and Gains of Business or
specified company or Mutual the provisions in the treaty
Profession”. • systematic and continuous soliciting of its business activities
Fund shall be liable to pay The third proviso to clause (23C) effective. Accordingly, clause (i)
or engaging in interaction with such number of users as may be
additional income-tax on such of section 10 of the Act provides It is also proposed to insert a of sub-section (1) of section 9 is
prescribed, in India through digital means.
distributed income at the rate for exemption in respect of similar proviso in clause (23C) being proposed to be amended
specified in the section. However, income of the entities referred to of section 10 so as to provide to provide that “business It is further proposed to provide that only so much of income as is
in respect of any income in sub-clause (iv) or sub-clause (v) similar restriction as above on connection” shall also include attributable to such transactions or activities shall be deemed to accrue
distributed to a unit holder of or sub-clause (vi) or sub-clause the entities exempt under sub- any business activities carried or arise in India. It is further proposed to provide that the transactions or
equity oriented funds is not (via) of said clause in a case clauses (iv), (v), (vi) or (via) of said through a person who, acting activities shall constitute significant economic presence in India, whether
chargeable to tax under the said where such income is applied or clause in respect of application of on behalf of the non-resident, or not the non-resident has a residence or place of business in India or
section. accumulated during the previous income. habitually concludes contracts or renders services in India. The proposed amendment in the domestic law
year for certain purposes in habitually plays the principal role will enable India to negotiate for inclusion of the new nexus rule in the
It is now proposed to amend VKC Insight:
accordance with the relevant leading to conclusion of contracts form of ‘significant economic presence’ in the Double Taxation Avoidance
the said section to provide that
provisions. Section 11 of the Act Provision of section 40(ia) and by the non-resident. It is further Agreements. It may be clarified that the aforesaid conditions stated above
where any income is distributed
also contains provisions relating 40A (3) and 40A (3A) are being proposed that the contracts are mutually exclusive. The threshold of “revenue” and the “users” in India
by a Mutual Fund being, an equity
to income from property held for made applicable to Charitable should be- will be decided after consultation with the stakeholders. Further, it is also
oriented fund, the mutual fund
charitable or religious purposes. Trust. Expenditure incurred clarified that unless corresponding modifications to PE rules are made in
shall be liable to pay additional • in the name of the non-
without deduction of tax at the DTAAs, the cross border business profits will continue to be taxed as
income- tax at the rate of 10% on At present, there are no resident; or
source on the same or that in per the existing treaty rules.
income so distributed. For this restrictions on payments made
cash will now consequently • for the transfer of the
purpose, equity oriented fund will in cash and no checks whether
not be eligible as application of ownership of, or for the
have the same meaning assigned provisions of TDS under chapter
income under section 10(23C) granting of the right to use, Taxability of compensation in connection to business or employment
to it in the new section 112A of XVII-B of the Act are complied by
and section 11(1)(a). This is an property owned by that
the Act. such charitable or religious trusts It is proposed to amend section 28 of the Act to provide that any
important amendment which will non-resident or that the non-
or institutions. compensation received or receivable, whether revenue or capital, in
affect charitable organizations in resident has the right to use;
connection with the termination or the modification of the terms and
In order to encourage a less the next financial year. Pertinent or
Taxation of long term capital conditions of any contract relating to its business shall be taxable as
cash economy and to reduce to note that the amendment
gains in case of Foreign • for the provision of services business income. It is further proposed that any compensation received or
the generation and circulation comes into effect from the FY
Institutional Investor by that non-resident. receivable, whether in the nature of revenue or capital, in connection with
of black money, it is proposed 2018-19 onwards, prospectively.
the termination or the modification of the terms and conditions of any
Consequent to the proposal for to insert a new explanation to
contract relating to its employment shall be taxable under section 56 of
withdrawal of exemption under the section 11 to provide that for
the Act.
clause (38) of section 10 of the the purposes of determining the
21
Presumptive income under section 44AE in case of goods carriage Enhanced deduction to senior at source on interest income for TAX INCENTIVES to improve bargaining strength of
citizens for medical treatment of senior citizens from INR 10,000 to farmers, undertake agricultural
As per the existing provision of the ITAct, Section 44AE, inter alia provides Deduction in respect of income
specified diseases INR 50,000 activities and to organize farmers
that, the profits and gains shall be deemed to be an amount equal to INR of Farm Producer Companies
into a collective union. Since
7,500 (INR 0.0075 million) per month or part of a month for each goods As per the existing provision of VKC Insight:
Section 80P provides for 100% agricultural income is exempt
carriage or the amount claimed to be actually earned by the assessee, section 80DDB, deduction upto
Though the amendment provides deduction in respect of profit of from tax, to provide exemption
whichever is higher, provided the assessee should not own more than INR 60,000 (INR 0.06 million)in
higher relief to the senior citizens, cooperative society which provide to FPCs is a welcome move.
10 goods carriages at any time during the previous year. The current case of senior citizen and INR
it is pertinent to note that benefit assistance to its members However, since there is no cap on
presumptive income scheme is applicable uniformly to all classes of 80,000 (INR 0.08 million) in case
under section 80TTA was engaged in primary agricultural exemption related to agricultural
goods carriages irrespective of their tonnage capacity. of very senior citizen shall be
available against ‘interest earned activities. It is proposed to extend income, the limit of 1 billion,
allowed to an assessee, being an
In view of the above, it is proposed to amend the section 44AE of the Act on savings account’ benefit similar benefit to Farm Producer although on the higher side, need
individual and Hindu undivided
to provide that, in the case of heavy goods vehicle (more than 12MT gross under section , 80TTB is available Companies (FPC), having a total not have been provided.
family with regard to amount paid
vehicle weight), the income would deemed to be an amount equal to INR against ‘income earned on turnover upto INR 100 Crores
for medical treatment of specified
1,000 (INR 0.001 million) per ton of gross vehicle weight or unladen deposits’, Whether income from (INR 1 billion), whose gross total
diseases.
weight, as the case may be, per month or part of a month for each goods ‘deposits’ held, as mentioned income includes any income Measures to promote start-ups -
vehicle or the amount claimed to be actually earned by the assessee, It is now proposed to raise the in the proposed amendment, from- expanding horizon of deduction
whichever is higher. The vehicles other than heavy goods vehicle will monetary limit of deduction to include savings account, will u/s 80-IAC
• the marketing of agricultural
continue to be taxed as per the existing rates. INR 1 lac (INR 0.10 million) for require a clarification.
produce grown by its In order to improve the
both senior citizens and very
members, or effectiveness of the scheme for
senior citizens.
promoting startups in India, it is
MEASURE FOR PROMOTING EQUITY Standard deduction on salary • the purchase of agricultural
proposed to amend section 80-
income implements, seeds, livestock
Deductions available to senior citizens in respect of health insurance IAC, to make following changes
Deduction in respect of interest or other articles intended for
premium and medical treatment Section 16, inter-alia, provides for in the taxation regime for the
income to senior citizen agriculture for the purpose
certain deduction in computing startups:—
As per the existing provision of section 80D, deduction upto INR 30,000 of supplying them to its
At present, a deduction upto INR income chargeable under the
(INR 0.03 million) shall be allowed to an assessee, being an individual or a members, or • The benefit would also
10,000 is allowed under section head “Salaries”. It is proposed to
HUF, in respect of payments towards annual premium on health insurance be available to start ups
80TTA to an assessee in respect allow a standard deduction upto • the processing of the
policy, or preventive health check-up, of a senior citizen, or medical incorporated on or after the
of interest income from savings INR 40,000 (INR 0.04 million) or agricultural produce of its
expenditure in respect of very senior citizen. April 1 2019 but before the
account. It is proposed to insert a the amount of salary received, members
April 1, 2021;
It is now proposed to increase the monetary limit of deduction to INR new section 80TTB so as to allow whichever is less. Consequently
The benefit shall be available for
50,000 (INR 0.05 million). a deduction upto INR 50,000 in the present exemption in respect • The requirement of the
a period of five years from the
respect of interest income from of Transport Allowance (except in turnover not exceeding INR
In case of single premium health insurance policies having cover of financial year 2018-19.
deposits held by senior citizens. case of differently abled persons) 25 Crore (INR 250 million)
more than one year, it is proposed that the deduction shall be allowed on
However, no deduction under and reimbursement of medical VKC Insight: would apply to seven previous
proportionate basis for the number of years for which health insurance
section 80TTA shall be allowed in expenses is proposed to be years commencing from the
cover is provided, subject to the specified monetary limit. A farm producer company is
these cases. withdrawn. date of incorporation;
a hybrid between cooperative
It is also proposed to amend societies and private limited • The definition of eligible
section 194A so as to raise the companies. Owned and governed business has been expanded
threshold for deduction of tax by farmers, the key objectives are to provide that the benefit
23
would be available if it is engaged in innovation, development or improvement of products or crept into the section, regarding taking into account eligible period of respect of income from left over
processes or services, or a scalable business model with a high potential of employment generation or employment in continuity across financial years to be able to take benefit stock will be available even if the
wealth creation. under the section, has now been clarified in this budget. The other agreement or the arrangement
challenges, like subsequent increase in salary to employee, coverage is terminated in accordance with
The amendment will take effect from April 1, 2018 and will, accordingly, apply in relation to the assessment
of the term ‘employee’, whether the deduction extends to assessee’s the terms mentioned therein. This
year 2018-19 and subsequent assessment years.
engaged in professions employing new personnel, remain unanswered. amendment will take effect from
April 1, 2019.
33
determined on the basis of percentage of completion method except ** income referred to in sub- with a new 7.75% GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018. The interest is further proposed that such
for certain service contracts, and that the contract revenue shall clause (xviii) of clause received under the new bonds will continue to be taxed as in the case Authority shall not admit any
include retention money, and contract cost shall not be reduced by (24) of section 2 shall be of the earlier ones. The provisions of section 193 are proposed to be appeal against any ruling or order
incidental interest, dividend and capital gains. deemed to be the income amended to allow for deduction of tax at source at the time of making passed earlier by it in the capacity
of the previous year in payment of interest on such bonds to residents. However, no TDS will be of Authority for Advance ruling
• amend section 145A of the Act to provide that, for the purpose of
which it is received, if not deducted if the amount of interest is less than or equal to INR 10,000 (INR after the date of appointment of
determining the income chargeable under the head “Profits and gains
charged to income tax for 0.01 Million) during the financial year. Customs Authority for Advance
of business or profession,—
any earlier previous year. Rulings under section 28EA of
** the valuation of inventory shall be made at lower of actual cost or the Customs Act, 1962. In order
Recent judicial pronouncements
net realizable value computed in the manner provided in income MISCELLANEOUS to avoid overlapping, it is also
have raised doubts on the
computation and disclosure standards notified under (2) of proposed that where the Authority
legitimacy of the notified ICDS. Several amendments to the Act have been proposed with a view to
section 145. is dealing with an application
However, a large number of rationalizing the provisions. These amendments have been explained in
seeking advance ruling in the
** the valuation of purchase and sale of goods or services and of taxpayers have already complied the following paragraphs.
matters of the Act, the Revenue
inventory shall be adjusted to include the amount of any tax, duty, with the provisions of ICDS
Exemption to specified income of class of body, authority, Board, Trust or Member shall be the Member
cess or fee actually paid or incurred by the assessee to bring the for computing income for
Commission in certain cases referred to in sub-clause (i) of
goods or services to the place of its location and condition as on assessment year 2017-18. In
clause (c) of sub-section (3).
the date of valuation. order to regularize the compliance It is proposed to amend the clause 46 of section 10 so as to enable the These amendments will take
with the notified ICDS by a large Central Government to also exempt, by notification, a class of such body
** inventory being securities not listed, or listed but not quoted, on a effect from April 1, 2018.
number taxpayers so as to or authority or Board or Trust or Commission (by whatever name called),
recognised stock exchange, shall be valued at actual cost initially
prevent any further inconvenience with effect from April 1, 2018. Appeal against penalty imposed
recognised in the manner provided in income computation and
to them, it is proposed to bring the by Commissioner (Appeals)
disclosure standards notified under (2) of section 145. Penalty for failure to furnish statement of financial transaction or
amendments retrospectively with under section 271J
reportable account
** inventory being listed securities, shall be valued at lower of actual effect from April 1, 2017 i.e. the
It is proposed to amend clause
cost or net realisable value in the manner provided in income date on which the ICDS was made In order to ensure compliance of the reporting obligations under section (a) of the section 253 so as to
computation and disclosure standards notified under (2) of effective and will, accordingly, 285BA, it is proposed to amend the section 271FA so as to increase the also make an order passed by a
section 145 and for this purpose the comparison of actual cost apply in relation to assessment penalty leviable from INR 100 to INR 500 and from `500 to `1,000, for each Commissioner (Appeals) under
and net realisable value shall be done category-wise. year 2017-18 and subsequent day of continuing default, with effect from April 1, 2018. section 271J appealable before
assessment years
• insert a new section 145B in the Act to provide that- Amendments to the structure of Authority for Advance Rulings the Appellate Tribunal, with effect
from April 1, 2018.
** interest received by an assessee on compensation or on In view of the proposed constitution of new Customs Authority for
enhanced compensation, shall be deemed to be the income of the Tax deduction at source on 7.75% Advance Ruling under section 28EA of the Customs Act, it is proposed
year in which it is received. GOI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, to amend the provisions of section 245-O so as to provide that the
2018 Authority for Advance Rulings shall cease to act as such Authority, and
** the claim for escalation of price in a contract or export incentives
shall act as an Appellate Authority for the purpose of Chapter V of the
shall be deemed to be the income of the previous year in which Government has decided to
Customs Act, 1962 from the date of appointment of Customs Authority
reasonable certainty of its realisation is achieved. discontinue the existing 8%
for Advance Rulings under section 28EA of the Customs Act, 1962. It
Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003
35
Indirect Taxes
CUSTOMS zone of India’ to the ‘Exclusive Economic This change would come into force from a date to be notified. ** cover export
Zone (EEZ)’ of India in subsection (28); consignments under
Amendments in Customs Act, 1962 • Section 17 is being amended so as to:
provisional assessment
** provide that ‘notification’ would mean a
(The following changes will be come into effect on ** expand the scope of verification beyond self-assessment to all the of duty by amending
‘notification published in the Official Gazette
the date of the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2018 entries made under section 46 or section 50 by amending sub- subsection (1);
‘and the word ‘notify’ would be construed
when it receives assent from the President, unless section (2) along with consequential changes in sub-section (3);
accordingly (new sub-section 30AA refers). ** insert a new sub-section
otherwise specified.)
** insert a new sub-section (2A) to provide legal backing for the (1A) to empower the
• Section 11 is being amended so as to insert sub-
• Section 1 is being amended so as to expand risk-based selection of self-assessed Bill of Entry or Shipping Bill Board to issue regulation
section (3) providing that prohibition or restriction
the scope of the Customs Act to any offence or through appropriate selection criteria; for providing time-limit for
or obligation relating to import or export of any
contravention committed thereunder outside the importer or exporter
goods or class of goods or clearance thereof ** extend the scope of re-assessment by omitting specific reference
India by any person. to submit the documents
provided in any other law for the time being in to valuation, classification and exemption or concessions of duty
and information, if
• Section 2 of The Customs Act, 1962 has been force, or any rule or regulation made or any order availed consequent to any notification issued therefor under this
required, for finalization of
amended to or notification thereunder shall be executed only Act from sub-section (5);
provisional assessments
if such prohibition or restriction or obligation is
** substitute the definition of assessment in ** omit sub-section (6), in view of the new dedicated Chapter for and for the proper officer
notified under the provisions of Customs Act
sub-section (2); Audit; to finalize the provisional
subject to such exceptions, modifications or
assessment;
** to extend the limit of ‘Indian Customs Waters’ adaptations as the Central Government may • Section 18 is being amended so as to:
into the sea from the existing ‘Contiguous deem fit.
37
** substitute the reference to section 28AB [which does not exist] person concerned established against the person to whom the demand notice has • To insert Chapter VIIA on
with the reference to section 28AA retrospectively; the reasons for non- been issued, then the said notice shall be deemed to have been payments through electronic
determination of duty issued under subsection (1). cash ledger with governing
• A new section 25A is being inserted, so as to empower the Central
or interest under sub- provisions in Section 51A to
Government to exempt goods imported for repair, further processing ** insert an explanation that a notice issued for non-levy, non-
section (8) and in such have a provision for advance
or manufacture [‘Inward Processing of Goods’] from payment of whole payment, short-levy or short payment of duty or erroneous refund
cases the time specified deposit which would enable
or any part of duty of customs, leviable thereon subject to certain after 14th May, 2015 but before the date on which the Finance
in sub-section (9) shall payment of duties, taxes, fee,
conditions. Bill, 2018 receives the assent of the President, shall continue to be
apply not from the date of interest, and penalty through
governed by the provisions of section 28 as it stood immediately
• A new section 25B is being inserted so as to empower Central notice, but from the date electronic cash ledger. It
before the date on which such assent is received.;
Government to exempt goods re-imported after export for repair, when such reasons cease is also proposed to issue
further processing or manufacture [‘Outward Processing of Goods’] to exist. • A new section 28EA relating to ‘Customs Authority for Advance regulations in this regard.
from payment of whole or any part of duty of customs, leviable Rulings’ is being inserted, which empowers the Board to appoint
** insert a new sub-section • Section 83 is being amended
thereon subject to certain conditions. officers of the rank of Principal Commissioner of Customs or
(10A) to provide that so as to include reference to
Commissioner of Customs as Customs Authority for Advance Rulings
• Section 28 is being amended so as to: where an order for goods imported or exported
by way of notification. Till such appointment by the Board, existing
refund is modified in by courier through the
** insert a proviso in clause (a) of sub-section (1) to provide pre- Authority shall continue to pronounce Advance Rulings.
appeal and the amount authorized courier. The extant
notice consultation in cases not involving collusion, willful
of refund so determined • Section 28F is being amended so as to substitute the word provisions in the section
mis-statement, suppression before issue of demand notice.
is less than the amount “Authority” with the words “Appellate Authority” and to provide that relate to goods imported
The manner of pre-notice consultation shall be provided in the
refunded, the excess on appointment of Customs Authority for Advance Rulings, the or exported by post only.
regulations;
amount so refunded applications and proceedings pending before the erstwhile Authority Similarly, Section 84 is being
** insert a new sub-section (7A) to provide for issuance of shall be recovered along shall stand transferred to Customs Authority for Advance Rulings. amended so as to include a
supplementary show cause notice in circumstances and in such with interest thereon at reference to goods imported
• Sub-section (6) of section 28-I is being amended to reduce the time
manner as may be prescribed through regulations within the the applicable rate, from or exported by courier and to
from six months to three months within which the authority shall
existing time period; the date of refund up empower the Board to make
pronounce its advance ruling.
to the date of recovery, regulations in this regard.
** amend the existing sub-section (9) to:
as a sum due to the • Section 30 is being amended so as to: The extant provisions in
»» provide a definite time frame of six months and one year for Government. the section relate to goods
»» include export goods in addition to imported goods as part of
adjudication of demand notices depending upon whether imported or exported by post
** insert a new sub-section the information provided in the manifest;
charges of collusion, willful misstatement, suppression have only.
(10B) to provide a
been invoked. These time periods shall be extendable by the »» provide for prescribing the manner of delivery of manifest
safeguard whereby if a • A new section 109A relating
officer senior to adjudicating authority for a further period of six through regulations.
demand notice issued to ‘Controlled Delivery’
months and one year respectively.
under sub-section (4) is • Section 41 is being amended so as to: is being inserted, which
»» provide that if the demand notice is not adjudicated even within held not sustainable in seeks to authorize the
any proceeding, including ** include imported goods in addition to export goods as part of the proper officer, or any other
the extended period, it would be deemed as if no demand had
at any stage of appeal information provided in the manifest; officer authorized by him to
been issued.
for the reason that the ** provide penalty provisions for late filing of manifest; undertake Controlled Delivery
** insert a new sub-section (9A) to provide certain grounds on charges of collusion, of any consignment of goods
account of which the time limit of six months or one year shall willful mis-statement ** provide for prescribing the manner of delivery of manifest through to any destination in India or
remain suspended and that the proper officer shall inform the etc. have not been regulations. a foreign country. The section
39
affixing it on the notice board ** insert a new sub-section ** insert a new sub-section
of the Customs House etc. (8A) to provide for (8A) to provide for
value of goods when value of goods when
Amendment in the Customs they are sold within the they are sold within the
Tariff Act, 1975 warehousing period for warehousing period
calculation of integrated for calculation of
• Section 3 is being amended
tax goods and services tax
so as to:
compensation cess.
** Amend sub-section (9) to
** Amend sub-section (7) to
include reference to sub-
include reference to sub-
section (10A)
section (8A)
• Amendments affecting rate of BCD [to be effective from February 2, 2018]* [Clause 101 (a) of the Finance Bill,
2018]
HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/
rates rates (Decrease)
also provides, through an explanation, definition of controlled delivery. • A new section 143AA is being
It also seeks to provide that controlled delivery shall be applicable inserted to empower the 2009 21 00 to Fruit Juices and Vegetable juices including Cranberry juice 30% 50% 20%
2009 90 00
on such consignment of goods and in such manner as may be Board to prescribe through
3303 Perfumes and toilet waters 10% 20% 10%
prescribed in the regulations. regulations trade facilitation
3304 Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care 10% 20% 10%
measures or separate
• Section 125 of the Customs Act is being amended so as to: of the skin (other than medicaments), including sunscreen or
procedure or documentation suntan preparations; manicure or pedicure preparations
** insert a proviso to sub-section (1) to provide that where the for a class of importers or 3305 Preparations for use on the hair 10% 20% 10%
demand proceedings against a noticee / co-noticees have been exporters or for categories of 3306 Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture 10% 20% 10%
closed on grounds of having paid the dues mentioned in section goods or on the basis of the fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the
28, then the provisions of this section shall not be applicable if the modes of transport of goods teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages
goods are not prohibited or restricted; 3307 Pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparations, personal 10% 20% 10%
• Section 153 is being deodorants, bath preparations, depilatories and other
** insert sub-section (3) to provide that where redemption fine has substituted so as to align it perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, not elsewhere
with the provisions of the specified or included, prepared room deodorizers, whether or
not been paid within a period of one hundred and twenty days
not perfumed or having disinfectant properties
from the date of option given under subsection (1), then such section 169 of the CGST
option shall become void, except in cases where any appeal Act to include Speed Post,
4011 20 10 Truck and Bus Radial Tyres 10% 15% 5%
against such order is pending.; Courier, and registered email
8407, 8408, Specified parts/accessories of motor vehicles, motor cars, 7.5%/10% 15% 7.5%/5%
as valid modes of delivery 8409, motor Cycles
** insert an explanation that for an order passed under sub-section
and in case of non-service 8483 10 91,
(1) before the date on which the Finance Bill, 2018 receives the 8483 10 92,
by such means, to also
assent of the President, and no appeal against such order is 8511, 8708,
provide for affixing it at some
pending, such option may be exercised within one hundred and 8714 10
conspicuous place at the
twenty days from the date on which such assent is received.;
last known place of business
or residence in addition to
41
HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/ HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/
rates rates (Decrease) rates rates (Decrease)
6401, 6402, Footwear 10% 20% 10% 9506 [except Articles and equipment for sports or outdoor games, 10% 20% 10%
6403, 6404, 9506 91] swimming pools and paddling pools [other than articles
6405 and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics or
athletics]
6406 Parts of Footwear 10% 15% 5% 9507 Fishing rods, fishing-hooks and other line fishing tackle; fish 10% 20% 10%
7117 Imitation Jewellery 15% 20% 5% landing nets, butter fly nets and similar nets; decoy birds and
similar hunting or shooting requisites
8517 12 Cellular Mobile Phones 15% 20% 5%
9508 Roundabouts, swings, shooting galleries and other fairground 10% 20% 10%
3919 90 90, Specified parts and accessories including lithium ion battery 7.5%/10% 15% 7.5%/5%
amusements; travelling circuses, traveling menageries and
3920 99 99, of cellular mobile phones
travelling theatres
3926 90 91,
3926 90 99, 3406 Candles, tapers and the like 10% 25% 15%
4016 99 90, 4823 90 90 Kites 10% 20% 10%
7318 15 00, 9004 10 Sunglasses 10% 20% 10%
7326 90 99,
9611 Date, sealing or numbering stamps, and the like 10% 20% 10%
8504, 8506,
8507, 9613 Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not 10% 20% 10%
8517 70 90, mechanical or electrical, and parts thereof other than flints
8518, and wicks.
8538 90 00, 9616 Scent sprays and similar toilet sprays, and mounts and 10% 20% 10%
8544 19, 8544 heads therefor; powder-puffs and pads for the application of
42, 8544 49 cosmetic or toilet preparations.
8517 62 90 Smart watches / wearable devices 10% 20% 10% * The amendments involving change in the duty rates will come into effect immediately owing to a declaration
8529 10 99 LCD/LED/OLED panels and other parts of LCD/LED/OLED TVs 7.5%/10% 15% 7.5%/5% under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1931.
8529 90 90
VKC INSIGHT:
9401 Seats and parts of seats [other than aircraft seats and their 10% 20% 10%
parts] The major reason of increasing the tariff of items across the board is to encourage the ‘Make-in-India’ concept
9403 Other furniture and parts 10% 20% 10% and give the Indian Entrepreneurs a level playing field with the International Suppliers.
9405 Mattresses supports; articles of bedding and similar furnishing 10% 20% 10%
9406 Lamps and lighting fitting, illuminated signs, illuminated name 10% 20% 10% Changes in rates of Customs Duty
plates and the like [except solar lanterns or solar lamps]
9101, 9102 Wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including 10% 20% 10% • Amendment in the Second schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975
stop watches
9103 Clocks with watch movements 10% 20% 10% HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/
rates rates (Decrease)
9105 Other clocks, including alarm clocks 10% 20% 10%
8545 11 00 Electrodes of a kind used for furnaces Nil 20% 20%
9503 Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls’ 10% 20% 10%
[Introduction of 20% Tariff rate of Export Duty on Electrodes of
carriages; dolls; other toys; puzzles of all kinds
a kind used for furnaces.]
9504 Video game consoles and machines, articles for funfair, table 10% 20% 10%
or parlor games and automatic bowling alley equipment
9505 Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles 10% 20% 10%
43
• Other proposals involving changes in Basic Customs Duty Rates HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/
rates rates (Decrease)
HSN Code Items Existing New Increase/ 1508, 1509, Refined edible vegetable oils, like Ground nut oil, Olive oil, 10% 25% 15%
rates rates (Decrease) 1510,1512, Cotton seed oil, Safflower seed oil, Saffola oil, Coconut oil,
0801 31 00 Cashew nuts in shell [Raw cashew] 5% 2.5% (2.5%) 1513, 1515, Palm Kernel/Babassu oil, Linseed oil, Maize corn oil, Castor oil,
1516 20, Sesame oil, other fixed
2009 11 00 Orange fruit juice 30% 35% 5%
1517 10 21,
2009 12 00
1517 90 10,
2009 19 00
1518 00 11,
2009 81 00, Cranberry Juice 10% 50% 40% 1518 00 21,
2009 90 00 1518 00 31
2106 90 Miscellaneous Food preparations (other than soya protein) 30% 50% 20% 6815 91 00 Other articles of stone containing magnesite, dolomite or 10% 7.5% (2.5%)
5007 Silk Fabrics 10% 20% 10% chromite
8504 90 90/ Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) of charger/adapter and Nil 10% 10% 6901 Bricks, blocks, tiles and other ceramic goods of siliceous fossil 10% 7.5% (2.5%)
3926 90 99 molded plastics of charger/adapter of cellular mobile phones meals or of similar siliceous earths
Any Chapter Inputs or parts for manufacture of: Applicable Nil - 6902 Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic 5% 7.5% 2.5%
a) PCBA, or Rate constructional goods, other than those of siliceous fossil
b) molded plastics meals or similar siliceous earths
of charger/adapter of cellular mobile phones of cellular mobile 6903 Other refractory ceramic goods 5% 7.5% 2.5%
phones
8483 40 00, Ball screws, linear motion guides, CNC systems for 7.5% 2.5% (5%)
8466 93 90, manufacture of all types of CNC machine tools falling under • Levy of Social Welfare Surcharge, as a duty of Customs on imported goods [Clause 108 of the Finance Bill,
8537 10 00 headings 8456 to 8463 2018]:
70 Solar tempered glass or solar tempered [anti-reflective coated] 5% Nil (5%)
glass for manufacture of solar cells /panels/modules HSN Code Items Existing New rates Increase/
70 Preform of silica for use in the manufacture of Nil 5% 5% rates (Decrease)
telecommunication grade optical fibres or optical fibre cables Any Chapter Levy of Social Welfare Surcharge on imported goods to NIL 10% of 10%
8529/4016 12 specified parts for manufacture of LCD/LED TV panels Nil 10% 10% finance education, housing and social security [clause aggregate
8702, 8703, CKD imports of motor vehicles, motor cars, motor cycles 10% 15% 5% 108 of Finance Bill, 2018] duties of
8704, 8711 customs
8702, 8704 CBU imports of motor vehicles 20% 25% 5% Any Chapter Abolition of Education Cess and Secondary and Higher 3% of Nil (3%)
Education Cess on imported goods [clause 106 of aggregate
71 Cut and polished colored gemstones 2.5% 5% 2.5% Finance Bill, 2018] duties of
71 Diamonds including lab grown diamonds-semi processed, 2.5% 5% 2.5% customs
half-cut or broken; non-industrial diamonds including lab- [2% + 1%]
grown diamonds (other than rough diamonds), including cut
and polished diamonds
2710 Motor spirit commonly known as petrol and high-speed - 3% 3%
Any Chapter Raw materials, parts or accessories for the manufacture of 2.5% Nil (2.5%) diesel oil Aggregate
Cochlear Implants duties of
1508, 1509, Crude edible vegetable oils like Ground nut oil, Olive oil, Cotton 12.5% 30% 17.5% customs
1510,1512, seed oil, Safflower seed oil, Saffola oil, Coconut oil, Palm
7106 Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum), - 3% 3%
1513, 1515 Kernel/Babassu oil, Linseed oil, Maize corn oil, Castor oil,
unwrought or in semi-manufactured form, or in powder Aggregate
Sesame oil, other fixed vegetable fats and oils.
form duties of
customs
45
CENTRAL EXCISE
49
SECTOR WISE IMPACT • Bharatmala project: To develop 35,000 KM of roads under phase 1 with an
outlay of INR 5.35 lac crores (INR 5350 billion)
AGRICULTURE SECTOR • Restructured bamboo mission with a fund • Government to introduce pay-as-you-use system for toll payments.
of INR 1200 crores (INR 12 billion) to be set. • Railway capex has been pegged at INR 1.48 lac crores (INR 1480 billion), up
• MSP for kharif crops has been set at 1.5
times the produce price. Centre to work with • Agricultural credit target increased from INR from INR 1.31 lac crores (INR 1310 billion) last year.
states to ensure that all farmers get a fair 8.5 lac crores (INR 8500 billion) to INR 11 lac • All stations with footfall of greater than 25,000 to have escalators. Elimination
price. crores (INR 11000 billion) of unmanned railway crossing and more stations and trains progressively to
• Agricultural market and infra fund of INR • Special scheme to manage crop residue be built with WiFi and CCTV camera.
2000 crores (INR 20 billion) fund to be set up in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi to reduce • Allocation of INR 11,000 crores (INR 110 billion) for Mumbai rail network and
to strengthen the market connectivity. pollution INR 17,000 crores (INR 170 billion) for the Bengaluru metro.
• A sum of INR 500 crores (INR 5 billion) to be • 150 km of additional suburban railway networks to be set up in Bengaluru at
allocated for Operation Green to be launched the cost of INR 17,000 crores (INR 170 billion)
INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR
to promote agricultural products.
• Out of 100 smart cities 99 cities have been • AAI has currently 124 airports. It is proposed to increase the number by at
• Extension of the facility of KCC to fisheries least 5 times to target 1 billion trips a year and INR 60 crores (INR 600 million)
selected, with an outlay of INR 2.04 lac
and for animal husbandry allocated to kick start the initiative.
crores (INR 2040 billion)
• INR 10000 crores (INR 100 billion) set aside • UDAN Scheme to connect 64 unconnected airports across the country.
• 10 prominent tourist sites to be made iconic
for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
tourist destinations, with an amalgamation • Allocation to Digital India scheme doubled to INR 3073 crores (INR 30.73
Fund and same amount for Animal
of private funding, marketing and branding, billion)
Husbandry infra fund.
Construction of new tunnel in Sera Pass to
promote tourism. • 5 lacs (0.5 million) WiFi HotSpots to provide Broadband access to 5 crores (50
million) rural citizens, at the cost of INR 10000 crores (INR 100 billion)
• Defence outlay raised to INR 2.82 lac crores (INR 2820 billion) in 2018-19 from
INR 2.67 lac crores (INR 2670 billion) in current year.
FINANCIAL SECTOR
• SEBI to mull asking large companies to meet 25% debt from bond market and
RBI norms to nudge companies to access bond market for funds
• Recapitalisation will pave the way for public banks to lend an additional INR 5
51
SOCIAL SECTOR
lac crores (INR 5000 billion)
• Government to contribute 12% of the wages of new employees in
• Government to evolve a scheme to assign a Unique ID for EPF in all sectors for next 3 years while women’s contribution to
companies EPF reduced to 8% for first 3 years.
• Disinvestment target of INR 80,000 crores (INR 800 billion) for • Expansion of PM Jan Dhan Yojana: 16 crores (160 million)
FY19 and revision of divestment target for the current fiscal to accounts to be included under micro insurance and pension
INR 10,000 crores (INR 100 billion) for FY 18 schemes
• National Insurance Co, Oriental Insurance Co and United • 1.26 crores (12.6 million) accounts opened under Sukanya
Assurance Co to be merged into one entity and subsequently Samriddhi Scheme
listed.
• Fund allocation for Social inclusion schemes for Scheduled
Castes - INR 52,719 crores (INR 527.19 billion and Social inclusion
schemes for Scheduled Tribes- INR 39,139 crores (INR 391.39
RURAL SECTOR
billion)
• 8 crores (80 million) poor women to free LPG connections.
• INR 3 lac crores (INR 3000 billion) target has been set for the Mudra
• PM Saubhagya Yojana: 4 crores (40 million) poor people to get Yojana for 2018-19 and INR 4.6 lac crores (INR 4600 billion) already
free power connection. The government will spend INR 16,000 sanctioned under MUDRA Scheme
crores (INR 160 billion) on this scheme.
• Food subsidy to rise to INR 1.69 lac crores (INR 1690 billion) in
• 20 million toilets in next fiscal year under Swach Bharat 2018-19 from INR 1.4 lac crores (INR 1400 billion) in current year.
Mission.
• National livelihood scheme to get INR 5,750 crores (INR 57.50 • INR 1 lac crore (INR 1000 billion) allocated to revitalisation and
billion) allocation of funds. upgradation of education sector. Thrust on promoting learning
based outcomes and research.
• In 2018-19, ministries to spend INR 14.34 lac crores (INR
14,340 billion) for creation of livelihood in rural areas • By 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population to have
Ekalvya schools at par with Navodaya Vidyalayas
• INR 9,975 crores (INR 99.75 billion) allocation for social
security schemes for the next fiscal year. • Aim to move from black board to digital board schools by 2022.
53
AAR Authority for Advance Ruling FCEB Foreign Currency Exchangeable Bonds NSE National Stock Exchange
GLOSSARY
AAI Airport Authority of India FCI Food Corporation of India ONGC Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
AE Associated Enterprise FDI Foreign Direct Investment OTS One Time Settlement
AIF Alternative Investment Funds FEMA Foreign Exchange Management Act PAN Permanent Account Number
AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Sciences FIF Financial Inclusion Fund PDMA Public Debt Management Agency
AMT Alternate Minimum Tax FII Foreign Institutional Investor PCBA Printed Circuit Board Assembly
AO Assessing Officer FIPB Foreign Investment Promotion Board PE Permanent Establishment
AOP Association of Persons FMV Fair Market Value POEM Place of Effective Management
APA Advance Pricing Agreement FOB Free on Board POS Point of Sales
AY Assessment Year FPO Follow-on Public Offer PPA Power Purchase Agreement
B2B Business-to-Business FTP Foreign Trade Policy PPP Public Private Partnership
BCD Basic Custom Duty GAAR General Anti Avoidance Rules PSU Public Sector Undertaking
BE Budget Estimate GCF Gross Capital Formation PY Previous Year
BEPS Base Erosion and Profit Shifting GDP Gross Domestic Product QFI Qualified Foreign Investors
BHIM Bharat Interface for Money GDR Global Depository Receipt QIB Qualified Institutional Buyer
BOD Board of Directors GST Goods & Services Tax QIP Qualified institutional Placement
BOI Body of Individuals GSTN Goods & Services Tax Network R&D Research & Development
BPL Below Poverty Line GTA Goods Transport Agency RBI Reserve Bank of India
BSE Bombay Stock Exchange HEFA Higher Education Financing Agency REIT Real Estate Investment Fund
CbC County-By-Country HSD High Speed Diesel RHF Rural Housing Fund
CBU Completely Built Unit HUF Hindu Undivided Family RPF Recognised Provident Fund
CBDT Central Board of Direct Taxes ICD Inland Container Depot RRB Regional Rural Bank
CDT Commodities Transaction Tax ICDS Integrated Child Development Services RSE Recognised Stock Exchange
CEA Central Excise Duty ICT Information & Communication Technology RSP Retail Sale Price
CENVAT Central Value Added Tax,1944 IDR Indian Depository Receipts RTE Right to Education
CER Central Excise Rules,1944 IDS’16 Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 SAD Specific Advaloram Duty
CETA Central Excise Tariff Act Ind-AS Indian Accounting Standards SARFAESI The Securitisation and Reconstruction
CFS Consolidated Financial Statements IEO Independent Evaluation Officer of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
CGST Central Goods and Service Tax IFSC International Financial Services Centre Security Interest Act, 2002
CIF Cost Insurance Freight IIFCL India Infrastructure Finance Company SC/ST Scheduled Cast/Scheduled Tribe
CIT Commissioner of Income Tax Limited SEBI Securities & Exchange Board of India
CKD Completely Knock Down IGST Integrated Goods and Service Tax SETU Self-Employment and Talent Utilization
COA Cost of Acquisition IIM Indian Institute of Management SEZ Special Economic Zones
COI Cost of Improvement IIT Indian Institute of Technology SFC State Finance Corporations
CPSE Central Public Sector Enterprises IISc Indian Institute of Science SGST State Goods and Service Tax
CSI Continental Shelf of India IMR Infant Mortality Rate SHB State Housing Bank
CST Central Sales Tax INR Indian National Rupee SHG Self Help Groups
CVD Counter Vailing Duty Invit Infrastructure Investment Fund SIDBI Small Industries and Development Bank of
DAVP Directorate of Advertising and Visual IPO Initial Public Offer India
Publicity IPTV Internet Protocol Television SITP Software Information Technology Park
DDT Dividend Distribution Tax IRDA Insurance Regulatory and Development SLBC State Level Bankers Committee
DEPB Duty Entitlement Pass Book Authority SPV Special Purpose Vehicle
DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation IT Information Technology SSI Small Scale Industry
DIN Document Identification Number ITAT Income Tax Appellate Tribunal STT Securities Transaction Tax
DISCOM Distribution Company (India) JV/ WOS Joint Venture/Wholly Owned Subsidiary TAN Tax Collection/ Deduction Account number
DOT Department of Telecommunications KCC Kisan Credit Card TCS Tax Collected at Source
DRI Differential Rate of Interest LCD Liquid Crystal Display TDS Tax Deducted at Source
DRP Dispute Resolution Panel LLP Limited Liability Partnership TIES Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme
DTA Domestic Tariff Area LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas TP Tansfer Pricing
DTAA Double Tax Avoidance Agreement LTCG Long-term Capital Gain TPO Transfer Pricing Officer
DTC Direct Tax Code MAT Minimum Alternate Tax TReDS Trade Receivables Discounting System
DTH Direct to Home MCA Ministery of Corporate affaires UID Unique Identification
DUGJY Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana MRP Maximum Retail Price UIDAI Unique Identification Authority of India
ECB External Commercial Borrowings MS Motor Spirit ULIP Unit Linked Insurance Plan
ECGC Export Credit and Guarantee Corporation MSE Micro and Small Enterprises UTGST Union Territory Goods and Service Tax
ECS Electronic Clearing System MSME Micro Small and Medium Enterprises USD US Dollar
EDF Electronic Development Fund MSP Maximum Selling Price VAT Value Added Tax
EEFC Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency MUDRA Micro Units Development Refinance Agency VCC Venture Capital Company
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zones NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural VCF Venture Capital Funds
EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park Development VCU Venture Capital Undertaking
EOU Export Oriented Unit NCD Non-convertible Debentures VRS Voluntary Retirement Scheme
EPCG Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme NHAI National Highways Authority of India WPI Wholesale Price Index
EPFS Employee’s Provident Fund Scheme NHB National Housing Bank WTO World Trade Organization
ESOP Employee Stock Option Plan NPS National Pension Scheme
FCCB Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds NRI Non-Resident Indian
This document summarises the important provisions of the Budget 2018 proposals as placed before the Parliament.
Topics presented are grouped into chapters and sections to facilitate an understanding of the proposals. These are, however, not mutually
exclusive.
Unless otherwise stated, Direct Tax Proposals will be applicable from AY 2019-2020. Indirect Tax Proposals will however, be applicable with
immediate effect under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1931.
The proposals are subject to amendment as the Finance Bill passes through the Parliament.
All reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document. M/s Verendra Kalra & Co., Chartered Accountants, accepts no responsibility
for any errors, if it may contain, whether caused by negligence or otherwise or for any loss, howsoever caused or sustained by the person
who relies on it.
This document is not an offer, invitation or solicitation of any kind and is meant for use of clients and firm’s personnel.
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