Govt. to reduce Presumptive Tax Rate to 6% for digital receipts during FY 2016-17

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Direct Taxes

New Delhi, 19th December, 2016.

Press Release

Measures for Promoting Digital Payments & Creation of Less-Cash Economy

Under the existing provisions of section 44AD of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act), in case of certain assesses (i.e. an individual, HUF or a partnership firm other than LLP) carrying on any business (other than transportation, agency, brokerage and commission) and having a turnover of Rupees Two Crore or less, the profit is deemed to be 8% of the total turnover.

In order to achieve the Government's mission of moving towards a less cash economy and to incentivise small traders / businesses to proactively accept payments by digital means, it has been decided to reduce the existing rate of deemed profit of 8% under section 44AD of the Act to 6% in respect of the amount of total turnover or gross receipts received through banking channel / digital means for the financial year 2016-17. However, the existing rate of deemed profit of 8% referred to in section 44AD of the Act, shall continue to apply in respect of total turnover or gross receipts received in cash.

Legislative amendment in this regard shall be carried out through the Finance Bill, 2017.

(Meenakshi J. Goswami)

Commissioner of Income Tax

(Media and Technical Policy)

Official Spokesperson, CBDT.