nion Budget 2020 launched a brand new tax regime, which got here into impact from FY 2020-21.Taxpayers had a alternative between the previous regime with numerous deductions and exemptions and the brand new tax regime that supplied decrease tax charges for many who had been prepared to forgo exemptions and deductions. The intention behind this transfer was to offer vital aid to the person taxpayers and to simplify the income-tax regulation.
Typically, an worker is anticipated to make a declaration to the employer at the beginning of a monetary yr as to which exemptions and deductions they want to declare. Based on this declaration, the employer deducts TDS (tax deducted at supply). During the final monetary yr (FY 2020-21), most employers pre-selected the previous tax regime for workers, except the worker made an categorical request for the brand new tax regime. Why would the employer pre-empt the previous regime for the worker? This is as a result of numerous workers declare HRA (home lease allowance) or go for reimbursements for phone and/or broadband, gasoline and a number of other different eligible advantages. Also, a lot of them pay insurance coverage premiums (56% of the filers on clear paid medical insurance premium in FY 2020-21). Nearly everybody contributes to worker provident fund (EPF) (eligible as a deduction beneath part 80C), since that is mandated by regulation. Employers may see that workers benefited from being within the previous regime.
Also, most workers are in a position to make the most of the part ₹1.5 lakh restrict of 80C even with out making voluntary investments. This is as a result of an worker’s contribution to EPF is eligible beneath part 80C.
A easy evaluation of the 2 regimes exhibits that by making small changes (claiming exemptions) to their wage and claiming some deductions beneath part 80C, nearly all taxpayers would profit from being within the previous regime. Less than 10% of filers on Clear have opted for the brand new regime.
Now that we’re approaching funds 2022, it’s time for the federal government to analyse and consider the brand new tax regime. To enhance tax compliance there are some things the federal government can contemplate.
One regime with decrease tax burden: Given the backdrop of strong tax collections (as per authorities knowledge, web direct tax collections have elevated by greater than 60% in fiscal 2021-22), it’s time the federal government take a deep have a look at tax charges, and scale back the tax burden within the previous regime. One of the methods is to increment normal deduction yearly based mostly on inflation. Standard deduction permits salaried taxpayers a flat deduction with out submission of any proof.
Offer extra option to taxpayers: One of the claims of the brand new tax regime was that it permits taxpayers the next money circulate (albeit extra tax payout) and the liberty to spend money on merchandise of their alternative. Even although 80C permits a number of investments and bills as deductions, but most choices require a excessive lock-in, should not fairness linked and maybe could not discover favour with those that are flexibility on exit.
The authorities should contemplate a separate part the place taxpayers can declare different forms of investments. Even NPS (nationwide pension scheme) must be saved out of Section 80C and revel in an equally greater exemption of ₹1.5 lakh. Taxpayers can then be allowed a alternative between 80C and a brand new part i.e. conventional merchandise vs new age funding merchandise. This would provide taxpayers extra alternative with tax saving and in flip greater liquidity.
Allow earn a living from home bills, take away redundant tax breaks: The finest solution to clear up and provide a less complicated tax regime is by eradicating redundant exemptions reminiscent of kids’s schooling allowance ( ₹100 per 30 days per little one as much as a most of two kids), hostel expenditure allowance ( ₹300 per 30 days per little one as much as a most of two kids) and permitting deductions for many who earn a living from home and have seen bills for electrical energy, broadband, meals, and so forth. shoot up throughout the pandemic years. Our tax exemptions now require an entire overhaul in keeping with our must favour the brand new workforce who work in startups and like to work flexibly. They want tax advantages to assist them purchase devices and family items in addition to tools to earn a living from home easily.
Remove compliance boundaries: This yr was troublesome for tax filers resulting from glitches within the newly launched e-filing tax portal. This was additionally the yr the federal government launched AIS. Many taxpayers lament that the compliance burden has elevated with two types to be reviewed, Form 26AS and AIS. With the due date for tax filings for FY 2021-22 round 6 months away, it’s time for these two types to be merged and consolidated into one. A steady portal and clean expertise makes tax submitting a pleasing expertise for taxpayers and professionals.
Archit Gupta is founder and CEO, Clear.
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