22Feb

Decoding the Finance Budget 2023-24 for SMEs and Startups

The Union Budget 2023-24 made significant adjustments to the country’s tax policies. The revision of income tax bracket rates for fiscal years 2023–2024 was among the most significant changes.

The new income tax slabs have been changed to provide relief to taxpayers and streamline the tax process.

The administration has revealed some new tax measures. These measures are intended to reduce the burden on the average person while also stimulating investment in the country.

Individual taxpayers’ tax exemption ceiling has been increased. It means that the ordinary person will have more money to spend. The additional disposable income boosts consumer expenditure and domestic product demand.

Both, the old and the new income tax slabs are available for people to select from. The new structure delivers a reduced tax rate in exchange for eliminating exemptions and deductions.

For individuals willing to forego exemptions and deductions, implementing a new tax regime will result in a reduced tax rate. The tax system will be simplified and made more accessible to the ordinary individual due to this.

It will also make tax compliance more straightforward for the government to enforce. Furthermore, the administration has proposed steps to encourage foreign investment in the country in the Union Budget 2023-24.

Among the several tax-saving tools are the following:

  • Public Provident Fund (PPF)
  • National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Similarly, various budgetary efforts have been made in this regard. It offers tax advantages for new businesses and supports entrepreneurship. This progress will spur innovation and create jobs in a variety of industries.

Lastly, the Union Budget 2023-24 emphasizes taxation and benefits for all. The administration has taken many initiatives to assist ordinary citizens and stimulate investment in the country.

This action may benefit taxpayers and encourage more people to abide by tax laws. It is also planned to simplify and improve public access to the tax system. It will generate new job possibilities and contribute to the country’s economic prosperity. Also, it will make consumer purchasing power stronger.

Fundamental Changes Related to Budget 2023 That Affect Payroll Processing

The following payroll processing suggestions are made in the Finance Bill, 2023, introduced in parliament to give effect to the Central Government’s budgetary proposals for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

1. The New Tax Regime should be considered the default tax regime, with the option to select the Old Tax Regime available. All employees will be subject to the New Tax System by default. Employees who wish to remain in the Old Tax Regime must expressly request this.

2. The basic exemption limit for the New Tax Regime would be increased from 2.5 Lakhs INR to 3 Lakhs INR. The following are the tax rates for the New Tax Regime:

  • NIL up to 3,00,000 INR
  • 5% from 3,00,000 to 6,00,000 INR
  • 6,00,000 to 900,000 INR: 10%
  • 9,00,000 to 12,00,000 INR: 15%
  • 12,00,000 to 1500,000 INR: 20%
  • Over Rs. 15,00,000: 30%

3. Inclusion of a 50,000 INR standard deduction under the new tax regime. Workers who choose the New Tax Regime will now get a salary deduction of 50,000 INR.

4. In the New Tax Regime, the surcharge rate on income beyond five crores is cut from 37% to 25%. Surcharge slabs will now differ between the Old and New Tax Regimes. Surcharge rates for the Old Tax Regime remain unchanged.

5. The tax rebate limit for the new tax regime would be enhanced from 5 lakhs INR to 7 lakhs INR. Workers earning up to 7 lakhs INR would now be eligible for reimbursement under Section 87A of the New Tax Regime.

6. The leave encashment exemption limit for non-government employees has been raised from 3 Lakh INR to 25 Lakh INR. This benefit is available to employees under the Old and New Tax Regimes.

7. Net profits from online games are subject to a 30% withholding tax. The minimum threshold of 10,000 INR for taxation on online gaming profits has been eliminated.

How Can ConfluxHR Help?

ConfluxHR is a cloud-based human resources management software that allows SMEs and startups to create a tax-compliant payroll for their employees with a single click. Here is how it works:

Integration With Human Resource Management Systems

ConfluxHR can be used with existing HR systems or as a stand-alone payroll management programme. The interface with HR systems guarantees that all employee data is automatically transferred into the payroll system, including salary, attendance, and leave records.

Calculations That are Performed Automatically

All payroll computations, including gross pay, taxes, deductions, and net pay, are automated by ConfluxHR. This ensures accurate payroll computations and avoids the possibility of errors.

Tax Compliance

ConfluxHR ensures tax compliance by calculating and deducting taxes following local laws and regulations. It also creates tax forms and challans, such as Form 16, Form 24Q, ESI, and PF challans.

Payroll Calculations and Processing With a Single Click

ConfluxHR allows SMBs and startups to create a tax-compliant payroll for their employees with a single click. This eliminates the need for manual payroll processing, saving time and lowering the chance of errors.

Payroll Policies That Can Be Customized

ConfluxHR allows SMEs and startups to tailor payroll policies to their specific needs. This includes defining wage structures, developing bespoke tax components, and establishing bonus and reimbursement policies.

In conclusion, ConfluxHR can assist SMEs and startups in producing a tax-compliant payroll for their employees with a single click by automating payroll calculations, assuring tax compliance, and providing configurable payroll policies. This saves time, reduces errors, and ensures proper payroll processing.