KPMG Budget Survey: A majority say govt should not impose any additional taxes, as economy recovers

KPMG has released the findings of its pre-budget survey for 2021. On tax rates, respondents to the survey largely believe that the government's revenue needs can be met through increased collections as the economy recovers, rather than through the introduction of new taxes.

Many respondents also voted for improved technology-driven tax enforcement. With regard to dispute resolution, a small majority of respondents feel that faceless assessments and appeals in both direct and indirect tax matters will lead to a reduction in disputes.

A vast majority also feel that the government should introduce a mediation scheme in the budget to enable negotiated settlements of tax disputes.

For MSMEs, a large number of respondents have voted for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to introduce a customs assisted assessment and also exemption from customs rules 2020 for certified importers.

The big one, almost 70 percent of the respondents favour a regime for a direct overseas listing of Indian companies.

Sunil Badala, Partner and Head of Financial Services Tax at KPMG India, spoke to CNBC-TV18 to discuss other findings from that survey.

Badala said, “It will be wise for the government not to impose an additional levy of taxes at this point in time. Barring a small COVID cess which is being talked about I don’t expect any new levy of taxes being imposed by the government.”

“A vast majority believe there should be a mediation scheme. We have seen this working very well with few countries across the globe and I think this is something that India should consider very seriously because this will go long way in reducing the disputes, which is in line with the government’s stated agenda.”