Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

16-March-2012 13:46 IST

Measures Proposed for Skill Development and Augmenting Funds for SMEs

Turnover Limit for Compulsory Tax Audit Raised to Rs. One Crore

            In order to augment funds for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), theUnion Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in the General Budget 2012-13presented in LokSabha here today, has proposed to exempt capital gains tax on sale of a residential property, if the sale consideration is used for subscription in equity of a manufacturing SME company for purchase of new plant and machinery.

            Further, considering the shortage of skilled manpower in the manufacture sector and in order to generate employment, the Finance Minister, Shri Mukherjee has proposed to provide weighted deduction at the rate of 150 per cent of expenditure incurred on skill development in manufacturing sector in accordance with specified guidelines.

            Providing relief to a large number of SMEs, it has been proposed to raise the turnover limit for compulsory tax audit of accounts as well as for presumptive taxation from Rs. 60 lakh to Rs. One crore.

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DSM/AG/DB/46

Turnover limit for compulsory tax audit increased, easing compliance burden and expanding presumptive taxation eligibility. Proposals include a capital gains tax exemption for reinvestment of residential property sale proceeds into equity of a manufacturing SME for new plant and machinery; a weighted deduction of 150 per cent for qualifying manufacturing sector skill development expenditure under specified guidelines; and an increase in the turnover threshold for compulsory tax audit and presumptive taxation to widen eligibility for simplified compliance.