Market experts upbeat on Budget 2017, welcome pro-business measures and tax proposals

Analysts and market experts have welcomed the tax proposals in the Budget saying the slew of pro-business measures along with more inclusive taxation for individuals and small firms, will go a long way in boosting consumption which in turn will help the economy grow faster.

"The commitment to stay with fiscal discipline while continuing with rural and infrastructure spending is a positive outcome. Similarly, reduction in tax for SMEs and income tax for the middle class should result in 'tax inclusion', which is important given the backdrop of demonetisation and the upcoming GST.

"Moreover, the intent of ease of doing business comes through in the form of domestic TP exemptions, abolition of FIPB, introduction of accountability on tax officers and reduction of timelines for scrutiny, are all in the right direction. Also, granting infra status to affordable housing sector will help boost the sector," Gautam Mehra of PwC said

Other forms of reforms, including certainty provided for overseas transfers for offshore funds should continue the flow of capital. Continuing the lower 5 per cent withholding tax rate for debt inflow will also boost capital inflows, Mehra added.

Abhishek Rastogi of Khaitan & Co, terming the budget as an 'average one', said the FM has kept the pet themes of transformation, energisation and cleaning up political corruption.

On retaining MAT, Abhishek Goenka of PwC said there was an expectation that the rate of MAT will be reduced inline with its goal of reducing the headline corporate tax rate to 25 per cent. The Budget while retaining MAT, it has increased to 15years from 10 years the time for carrying forward the future credit claim from MAT, he noted.

Pranay Bhatia of BDO India also welcomed the extension of period for claiming MAT credit to 15 years from the 10years now. He also welcomed the move on not including the FPIs in the capital gains bracket saying this sparing from the implications arising from indirect transfer puts an end to apprehensions of foreign investors. However, Milind Kothari of BDO India said retaining the headline tax rates is a major disappointment for India Incas there was a consensus that the Budget will reduce corporate tax rates.