Startup Taxation

541 Startups Get Angel Tax Exemption: DPIIT Secretary

Recently the government has granted angel tax exemption to 541 startups. Mr. Ramesh Abhishek, secretary of “Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)” said this on 27^th May, 2019. Before this, the board of direct taxes (CBDT) came up with the exemptions for startups in February. Only 36 applications didn’t get the advantage of this exemption due to improper documentation.

Now, let’s get down to it;

What is Angel Tax?

Angel tax was first introduced by the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in the budget of the year 2012-2013 to curb the money laundering practices. It is applicable on startups which receive equity infusion in excess of the fair valuation with the premium being paid by the investors as income.

Why this Update Came?

In February, the government came with the notification as per which changes were notified under section 56 (2) (vii)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. As per this section, in case privately held company issues shares at a price higher than the fair market value, then the excess amount will be taxable as income from other sources.

As the new government is in place, startups are expecting growth support. While immediately after this, DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) came with the angel tax exemption for 541 startups.

The Tweet made by the DPIIT Secretary

Highlights of the Update

• To address deficiencies, startup India team is working with 36 startups;
• CBDT and DPIIT worked together for this;
• In February 2019, DPIIT granted angel tax exemption.

CBDT Clarification on Procedure

CBDT clarified on those startups which have already received assessment notices as per section 56 (2) (vii) (b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 will get angel tax exemption if they comply with the notification arrived this year in February 2019.

In the last month of April, the government was in the frame of mind to grant angel tax relief / exemptions to startups which have raised funds from accredited investors, subject to complying with the net worth criteria. With a view to increase investment flow in startups, this provision was considered by the government to describe ‘accredited investors’.

As per the government official;

Previous Scenario

In the year 2012, provisions of angel tax were first introduced under Section 56(2)(viib) of Income Tax Act in order to test illegal transactions. But later on, it entirely focused on startups that raised funds. Earlier, a huge number of startups were penalized in terms of provision of angel tax under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Startup Sector was demanding angel tax exemption from the government. While, the investors & entrepreneurs were continuously looking for its abolition. However, the government is not planning to go this far.

Startups which have raised capital up to Rs 25 crore can claim for the tax benefit, earlier this limit was up to Rs. 10 Crore.

In this regard, exemptions have been allowed for investments made by non-resident Indians and alternative investment funds (AIFs) and for the capital infusion into start-ups in the form of an equity stake in a listed company.

For better clarification, let’s understand the Startup;

An entity is considered as startup for the next 10 years from the date of its incorporation, while earlier the limit was 7 years. This had been done to avail tax benefits for a longer period.

Besides this, now entity having turnover up to Rs. 100 crore is also termed as startup; earlier the limit was 25 crore.

Takeaway

Startups have to register with the DPIIT to avail the tax exemption benefit. For this, they have to submit an undertaking claiming that they are not making investments in the money laundering practices unless made in the ordinary course of business. After that, this undertaking is forwarded to the CBDT to ensure that startups do not receive notices.

Also Read:

• Startup India Registration Process – The Complete Guide

• Angel tax – Its Effects on Indian Startups