Why in News?
The government recently proposed the abolition of the 6% Equalisation Levy (EL) on online advertisements as part of the 59 amendments to the Finance Bill, 2025. The amendments, in this regard, were introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Finance.
This move, seen as a response to international pressure, particularly from the United States, aims to prevent reciprocal tariffs set to be introduced by the US from April 2.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- Equalisation Levy - Meaning, Background and Recent Developments
- US Concerns and International Taxation
- Expert Opinions on EL Removal
- Other Key Amendments in the Finance Bill, 2025
- Conclusion
Equalisation Levy - Meaning, Background and Recent Developments:
- Equalisation Levy (EL) is a direct tax levied on online transactions made to non-resident or consideration received by a non-resident for specific services.
- This tax is not a part of the Income tax act of India but was introduced by the Finance Act 2016.
- Specified services:
- Online advertisement.
- Provide digital advertising space or any other facility for the purpose of online advertisement.
- Any other service notified by the Central Government on this behalf.
- India had already removed a 2% EL on e-commerce transactions in 2024, but the 6% levy on online advertisements remained.
- The removal of the 6% EL is seen as a diplomatic measure to ease trade tensions with the US.
US Concerns and International Taxation:
- The US had threatened reciprocal tariffs from April 2, 2025, if the digital tax was not abolished.
- The US has long argued that digital service taxes, including India’s EL, disproportionately impact American tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
- The removal of EL is a step towards addressing US concerns on unilateral taxation and fostering international tax cooperation.
Expert Opinions on EL Removal:
- The removal of the 6% EL is an attempt to avoid further trade disputes with the US and adopt a more accommodative stance.
- However, it remains to be seen whether this, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, will lead to a softening of the US stance.
- EL was always a temporary measure until a global taxation consensus was reached.
- India’s move to abolish it provides certainty to taxpayers and reassures partner nations regarding unilateral taxation concerns.
- India has also introduced the concept of Significant Economic Presence (SEP) in domestic laws to ensure fair taxation of foreign companies operating digitally within India.
Other Key Amendments in the Finance Bill, 2025:
- Offshore fund investment reforms: The government has proposed amendments to ease offshore fund investments, making regulations less burdensome.
- Changes in tax assessment for undisclosed income:
- Amendments redefine tax assessment for undisclosed income found during search and seizure operations.
- The term ‘Total Income’ has been replaced with ‘Total Undisclosed Income’ to ensure that only hidden earnings face penalties, not disclosed income.
- This clarification addresses concerns from taxpayers regarding undue penalties on declared earnings.
- New power to reconcile tax returns:
- Amendment grants tax authorities the power to reconcile an individual’s tax return with their previous filings.
- This aims to flag inconsistencies and improve compliance among taxpayers.
Conclusion:
The proposed amendments in the Finance Bill, 2025, particularly the abolition of the EL, signal India’s willingness to align with international taxation norms and ease trade tensions with the US.
Other tax assessment changes enhance clarity and fairness in income disclosure regulations, ensuring a more transparent and taxpayer-friendly system.
Experts view these amendments as largely clarificatory in nature, addressing taxpayer concerns and promoting business-friendly policies.
