Author: @nkpal25

Provisions of section 43B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 deals with a list of expenditures which are allowed as deductions under the head ‘Income from business and profession’ only in the year of actual payment.

Recently, section 43B has been stealing the limelight due to the insertion of new clause (h) vide the Finance Act, 2023. Notably, the new provisions are going to be effective from 1st April 2024.

Undoubtedly, the insertion aims to promote speedy payments to micro and small enterprises which ultimately resolves the working capital scarcity issue in the MSME sector.

Vide the present article, let us understand the basics of clause (h) of Section 43B of the Income Tax Act, along with, the impact of the same with the help of illustrations.

Basics of clause (h) of Section 43B of the Income Tax Act –

Bare reading of clause (h) of section 43B –

‘any sum payable by the assessee to a micro or small enterprise beyond the time limit specified in section 15 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006’

Simplification of the above provisions of clause (h) of Section 43B –

• • Assessee is liable to pay any sum on account of buying goods or procuring any service from an enterprise which is registered under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as MSMED Act, 2006);
• • The said sum payable is not paid by the assessee within the time limit specified in section 15 of the MSMED Act, 2006;
• • Such a sum, which is not paid within the time limit, is allowed as a deduction only in the year in which the payment is actually made.

It is vital to note here that only sums payable to micro and small enterprises are covered. Accordingly, clause (h) of section 43B doesn’t deal with the sum payable to medium enterprises.

Provisions of clause (h) of section 43B are even more simplified with the help of following flowchart –

Payment time limit as specified in section 15 of the MSMED Act, 2006 –

As per section 15 of the MSMED Act, 2006, payment is to be made within the following time limits –

Particulars	Time limit
In case, there is a written agreement	Date as agreed upon (however, the time limit cannot exceed 45 days)
In case, there is no written agreement	Within a period of 15 days

Non-applicability of clause (h) of Section 43B of the Income Tax Act –

Provisions of section 43B(h) don’t apply under the following circumstances –

• • Payments to enterprises not registered under the MSMED Act, 2006;
• • Payments to enterprises registered as medium enterprises under the MSMED Act, 2006;
• • Payments for goods purchased from wholesale as well as retail traders, as such traders are eligible only for the Priority Sector Lending benefit;
• • Payments outstanding as on 31st March 2023.

Evaluating the impact of clause (h) of Section 43B of the Income Tax Act –

The impact of clause (h) of Section 43B is simplified via the following table –

Situations	Impact of clause (h) of Section 43B
When the assessee has made payment to a micro/ small enterprise within the time limit specified under the MSMED Act, 2006	• As payment is made within the time limit there will be no effect of clause (h). • Payment will be allowed as a deduction on an accrual basis.
When the assessee has made payment to a micro/ small enterprise beyond the time limit specified under the MSMED Act, 2006	• As payment is made beyond the time limit provisions of clause (h) gets activated. • Payment will be allowed as a deduction on a payment basis i.e. deduction will be allowed in the year of making the payment.

Let us go through the following illustrations for a better understanding of the impact of clause (h) of Section 43B of the Income Tax Act, when payment is made beyond the specified time limit –

Illustration	Impact of clause (h) of Section 43B
Payment made beyond the time limit specified in MSMED Act, 2006, but, in the same Financial Year – Suppose, expenditure accrued in September 2023 and payment is made in March 2024	• Payment made beyond the time limit activates clause (h); • However, there will be no impact of clause (h) as payment is made in the same Financial Year in which the expenditure is accrued. Hence, even if the expenditure is allowed on a payment basis the same is allowable in the Financial Year 2023-2024.
Payment made beyond the time limit specified in MSMED Act, 2006, but, in the subsequent Financial Year – Suppose, expenditure accrued in September 2023 and payment is made in April 2024	• Payment made beyond the time limit activates clause (h); • In this case, expenditure even though accrued in the Financial Year 2023-2024, the same will be allowed as a deduction only in the Financial Year 2024-2025. This is the situation were clause (h) of Section 43B has its impact.

Synopsis –

• • Any amount payable to micro or small enterprises towards procurement of goods or services is required to be made within the time limit specified under section 15 of the MSMED Act, 2006;
• • New clause (h) of section 43B of the Income Tax Act gets activated, as and when such payment is not made within the specified time limit;
• • Post activation of clause (h), deduction will be available only in the year of actual payment and not in the year of accrual.

About the Author:

Poonam Gandhi is a Chartered Accountant and a Lawyer with extensive expertise in both fields. As a Professional Freelance Content Writer/Editor and Educator, she combines her diverse background to draft compelling and informative content. Poonam specializes in creating content that not only delivers results but also caters to search engine optimization strategies, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.

Implementing a new cloud based accounting software is difficult, but having a competent accounting system greatly simplifies business operations. Months or years may pass throughout this process. They are the product of careful work by a dedicated team of experts, sound design, and efficient project management and planning. Inadequate planning might also lead to errors during the execution stage.

As a result, you should treat the creation of your accounting systems as a serious business project. Price is far too often the deciding factor when choosing an ERP system, and the implementation project’s outcomes are lost in the bargaining process. The initial excitement of cutting a tiny portion of the overall cost is quickly eclipsed by the knowledge that your chosen technology partner cannot fulfill their obligation.

The Three Methods For Putting Systems In Place

You can put your new accounting system into practice in three ways.

1. Big Bang

Everyone uses the new system exclusively to reference historical data. Erroneous Big Bang deployments can cause delays and exceed your budget. Your staff members could get irritated if something needs to be fixed.

2. Parallel Running

The safest method of implementation is parallel running. Users simultaneously utilize both platforms. By doing this, students can use the old system in an emergency and progressively learn the new one. Furthermore, issues can still be found and fixed with the previous system remaining in place as a safety net.

3. Phased Adoption/Rollout

The new system is gradually implemented through phased adoption. More crucial modules are implemented initially.

The Accounting Systems Implementation Process

1. Planning for Implementation and Project Launch

Begin at the outset. To discover what is functioning effectively and which areas of your organization may need modification and refinement, a thorough evaluation of your business requirements and processes should be the first step in the implementation process. The rest of the implementation will be guided by your project plan, which will be created based on these business requirements. After these are established, the project should have a plan in place. Examine the rules and procedures that your company follows.

2. Installation of Software

Installing the program on your PCs is now necessary. Your implementation team will then build your pilot system using the project plan generated in Step 1. The project plan’s description of the system’s functionality and business processes is validated using this.

3. Team Project Training

Rather than ensuring a seamless implementation, you are educating them on how to be involved in the process. A sign-off confirming that the progress accomplished thus far is appropriate and consistent with the implementation’s overall goals must be obtained after reviewing the testing and training period’s results.

4. System Design

Your personnel are trained to assist with implementation, and the software has been installed. Information regarding all functional areas, transactions, security, and database and coding structures will be covered in this plan.

5. Configuration of the Accounting System

Using the system design document as a guide, you and the consultant can now configure your accounting system to suit your needs. In this step, everything must be checked to ensure it functions. After that, you’ll approve this to say the system is suitable.

6. Organize Records in the Outdated System

Clean up your records using the old system you are accustomed to using before transferring your data. Making this change will significantly ease the transfer to the new system.

7. Data Transfer

Ensure your data is accessible and backed up before making any system changes. Doing this lets you ensure the software of your choice computes the information correctly. A professional tax accounting software makes the data transfer easy.

8. Instruction in Systems

Working with the consultant, you should develop training materials covering every new product feature. With these training materials, you can ensure seamless business operations by teaching your personnel how to operate the program. The timing of this is crucial. Before the system goes live, you should train your staff as much as possible; however, if you do so too soon, they can forget how to use it.

9. Go Live

Your new accounting system should now be finished, using the information from Steps 2 and 3. A final migration of your old data to the new system is completed, and the project team’s full range of skills and resources are available on-site to assist with the last system transfer.

10. Post-Implementation Support

Now, your software provider ought to offer continuous assistance via a help desk or other mechanism. They might also provide complimentary materials, like webinars, to teach your staff members how to use the system more effectively.

Conclusion

Study and comprehend the accounting software that you have narrowed down. Examine several software programs and select the one that best suits your requirements. When handled correctly, it should represent the pinnacle of the project team members’ commitment and hard work, as well as the design of the execution strategy.

Make sure the partner you choose for your ERP installation follows an ERP implementation strategy that is founded on best practices and their demonstrated outcomes, using a methodology that is established in extensive experience and success-oriented expertise.

Artificial intelligence plays a vital transformative role in modern cloud accounting software. Today, we go through a series of details that bring forth those changes that are forever changing the landscape of emerging technologies in the financial sphere.

Evolution Of Accounting Software

You must know that the journey of accounting software dates back to the advent of computers in the business world. Initially, you had to perform all the tasks manually or through some rudimentary software programs that lacked sophistication and automation. But all thanks to the advancement of technology, accounting software has wholly evolved to streamline processes like bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting.

The introduction of AI marked a central turning point, empowering accounting professionals with intelligent tools capable of automating repetitive tasks, analyzing data patterns, and providing valuable insights for decision-making.

The Modern Ai-Powered Accounting Software Features

• – AI algorithms can easily extract and categorize financial information from different sources like invoices, receipts, and bank statements, eliminating the need for any manual data entry and reducing errors
• – Modern accounting software can analyze historical data patterns and trends to generate forecasts, identify potential risks, and guide strategic financial planning.
• – AI and double reporting tools can generate customizable financial reports with real-time insights dashboards and visualizations, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly
• – The AI algorithms can track and categorize your expenses, detect anomalies, and enforce expense policies, ensuring compliance and cost control full
• – AI-powered tax software can automate your tax calculations and identify the tax deductions and credits while generating accurate tax filings, saving you a lot of time and reducing the risk of errors.

Benefits For Business Accounting Management

• – By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows, AI accounting software can help you free up a lot of time to focus on higher-value activities like analysis and strategic planning.
• – AI-driven automation helps reduce labor expenses linked with manual data entry reconciliation.
• – With access to real-time financial insights and predictive analytics, you can make more informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks effectively

Comparison With Traditional Accounting Methods

• – AI helps you automate all the repetitive tasks like data entry reconciliation and reporting, reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency.
• – AI processes data at a much faster rate as compared to humans, allowing real-time insights and quick decision-making.
• – AI accounting software is completely scalable and adaptable to the needs of the ever-growing business. It can help you accommodate increased data volumes.
• – While the initial investment in AI accounting software might be high as compared to traditional methods, the long-term cost savings in terms of Labor time and resources will outweigh the upfront expenses.

Selecting The Right AI Accounting Software

• – Understanding your business requirement objectives and budget to determine the features and functionality needed in AI accounting solutions.
• – You need to research vendors, read reviews, and seek recommendations from others to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.

Implementing AI- Overcoming Challenges

• – It is a challenge to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness to maximize the effectiveness of AI algorithms and prevent biased outcomes.
• – It is vital to address the skill gap by providing training and education to employees on how to use AI accounting software effectively and interpret the results accurately.
• – Addressing privacy, transparency, and fairness considerations in iAI-driven decision-making is very important to maintain trust and integrity.

Trends For AI based Accounting Systems

The AI-powered analytic tools will likely continue to change, allowing better insights, predictive modeling, and prescriptive recommendations for strategic decision-making. Natural language processing technologies will improve user communication and AI systems, allowing voice commands and conversational interfaces for a better user experience.

Conclusion

Small businesses are likely to benefit significantly from AI-driven accounting solutions. AI automates time-consuming tasks, allowing small businesses to operate more effectively with limited resources and workforce. AI algorithms also ensure data accuracy and integrity, reducing the risk of errors and financial discrepancies, which impact small businesses appropriately.

When selecting the right software, it is the need of the hour to check the accounting software features which can help in the best way possible. With the presence of AI, the modern accounting softwares has improved their quality, as there are more features added to the same. Artificial Intelligence has been a game changer in the Accounting Software industry.

According to an ET Online study, just 18.5% of participants expect populist news on the day of the Indian budget; more than 49% hope that the interim budget will provide the foundation for the full budget. Most people anticipate that the Finance Minister will offer broad economic direction. A direct tax change was ranked as the top priority by 38.4% of participants, whilst alcohol and gasoline inclusion under the GST regime was supported by 24.7%. While 15% of respondents advocated for new economy projects like technology and artificial intelligence, 22% backed steps to make business easier. After the new government is formed, the finance minister is anticipated to propose an interim budget in February and a complete budget in July. Let’s go specific:

Current economic indicators and challenges

With a base growth rate of 6.9% to 7.2% from the fiscal years 2023 to 2024, India’s economic prospects are favourable. However, because of the high cost of food and the unstable oil price, significant inflation is predicted to remain until the second part of fiscal 2024. The relationships between enterprises, industries, governments, and individuals will be impacted by the strategic growth of the nation, which will result in the development of intricate goods, services, and solutions.

India has to use its sizable home market to grow its commoditized product business and maintain its competitiveness. To have a beneficial and long-lasting effect on enterprises and the economy, corporate executives and legislators need to take advantage of new knowledge pool connections. Intensifying technological innovation, such as integrating the best accounting software in India, enhancing governance, and accomplishing decarbonisation targets for sustainability, can lead to inclusion and broad-based growth.

Global economic trends affecting the country

Two types of scenarios may be identified: optimistic and pessimistic. Given the containment of regional conflicts and the little disruption to global supply lines and the economy, the optimistic scenario will likely pass. Political stability is maintained after elections in India and other major industrialised nations, and growth in the US and EU is predicted to pick up steam in 2024. Due to mild inflation, the US Federal Reserve pauses raising policy rates. The global energy transition and the slowing Chinese economy also contribute to the low price of crude oil.

The Reserve Bank of India keeps its monetary policy more stringent to keep pressure on the lending industry at bay. The government is still working to combine spending, and the outcomes of state and federal elections do not signal political instability. PLI capacity investment and strong infrastructure capex drive up private investment spending.

In the gloomy scenario, protracted crises, political unrest, skyrocketing inflation, and increased natural disasters will slow growth. The Reserve Bank of India may raise rates again, but when growth slows down, it will back down. For businesses to gear up, they must adopt the best accounting software in India to keep up with the current situation.

Overview Of The Government’s Fiscal Policy

India refrained from making large fiscal position increases during the COVID-19 pandemic but has subsequently resumed its fiscal consolidation route and increased the openness of its fiscal balance sheet. The federal government and the states have decreased their off-balance sheet borrowings, and their expenditure has shifted to more productive capacity-building initiatives. The government has continued to prioritise productive capital expenditures, as seen by the increase in capex’s percentage of overall spending from 12.1% in FY21 to 22.2% in FY24.

Achieving a budget deficit of less than 5% of GDP in the next two to three years is essential for India’s sustained growth. With bond index inclusions bringing Indian debt markets closer to international investors, it will be critical to lower interest rate volatility and maintain, if not improve, India’s sovereign ratings, which are contingent on a reduced budget deficit.

International Trade And Relations

As one of the countries with the quickest growth rate, India is concentrating on boosting exports and encouraging homegrown manufacturing. The government has implemented policies like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme and free trade agreements with Western nations to accomplish these goals. Through import limitations and mandated standards, the government has also emphasised safeguarding the native industry.

Significant advancements in international trade between India and the rest of the globe have resulted from these efforts. Significant legislative and regulatory changes about foreign commerce have occurred in India in 2023; these advancements are mostly intended to shield the native industry against imports. This emphasis on local security could entice multinational businesses to establish operations in India, expanding the nation’s economic prospects. Consequently, to have a deeper understanding of India’s regulatory structure, comprehensive queries from outside exporters and investors are advised.

Union Budget 2024 : Expectations And Key Points

1. India’s Fiscal Deficit and Tax Environment

• Fiscal deficit expected to be 5.3% of GDP in FY25.

• The government may extend a concessional 15% tax for new manufacturing units until March 31, 2025

• Minosha India MD anticipates a stable tax environment.

• Home Credit India CEO anticipates significant impact from government initiatives.

• Modinomics 3.0 prioritises global leadership and $10 trillion GDP.

• Ministries of Power and New and Renewable Energy seek increased funding and incentives for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

2. Oil and Gas Industry’s Green Energy Strategy

• Expected reallocation of expenditures for green energy.

• The oil public sector aims for net-zero goals and renewable energy investments.

3. Edtech Firms’ Hope for Tax Incentives

• Expressing hope for interim budget tax incentives.

• A potential decrease in GST rates on digital educational content could improve online learning affordability.

4. Budget Cuts and Government Social Spending in India

• RBI balances lower interest rates to combat inflation with economic growth commitment.

• Experts anticipate RBI’s extended pause, with some economists predicting interest rate reductions starting in June 2024.

• Jefferies predicts 7-8% growth in the government’s social spending for FY25, excluding subsidies

• Government plans to augment social expenditure while curbing capital expenditure growth.

• Gahlot suggests reducing double taxation on dividends paid to shareholders.

• Jefferies predicts a deceleration in capex growth.

• Restaurants and hotels are optimistic about government support for the hospitality sector’s growth.

• Power Minister RK Singh seeks more finance and incentives for green hydrogen.

• Standard deduction reintroduced in Budget 2018.

• Healthcare startup COO calls for a GST cut on alternative healthcare services.

• CARE Hospitals CEO Jasdeep Singh suggests enhancing the healthcare budget for better accessibility and affordability.

5. Budget Expectations for Salary Class and Tax Policy Changes

• Increase the basic exemption limit and Section 80C for salaried classes.

• Increase in senior citizens’ savings scheme limit exceeding Rs 30 lakh.

• Enhancement of income tax rebates.

6. New Delhi Metro Corridor Announcement

• The Union Budget will unveil the new Delhi Metro corridor between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh via Delhi.

• Final approval stages for the proposed sixth corridor of Delhi Metro’s Phase IV.

7. Tax Policy Changes

• Budget to simplify tax provisions and compliance.

• The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) urges reducing customs duty and removing ad valorem health cess on medical devices.

Conclusion

As industries await the 2024 budget with great anticipation, expecting a revolutionary change, businesses should adopt the best accounting software in India for seamless operations. Exporters seek a more hospitable climate with a standardised export tax structure to alleviate previous costs. The need to lift operating limitations reflects everyone’s wish for a more robust economic environment in the next fiscal year.

Nobody enjoys receiving a notification in their mailbox from the Income Tax office. Therefore, it becomes the ultimate responsibility of every taxpayer to pay their taxes on time. One such essential document for tax payment is Form 26AS, which we will discuss here.

The Indian Income Tax Department issues Form 26AS annually, which includes income tax paid, TDS, advance tax, and other information. It captures all taxpayer tax transactions according to department records.

Let’s get to know more about it in detail.

26AS Reconciliation: What Is It?

Form 26AS is crucial for ITR filing. Form 26AS Reconciliation involves comparing Form 26AS data to taxpayer’s financial statements. This approach helps discover anomalies in counterparties’ tax deductions or collections and guarantees that the Income Tax Department appropriately registers the taxpayer’s tax credit. The taxpayer must verify that Form 26AS entries belong to him and resolve any data discrepancies before submitting ITR to prevent Income Tax Department notices.

Form 26AS acts as a mirror for taxpayer tax credits. The Income Tax Department of India produces an annual statement that specifies tax deducted, collected, or paid on the taxpayer’s PAN number. It also shows the taxpayer’s income tax refunds for the year. Before completing their income tax return, taxpayers must balance Form 26AS to avoid incorrectly claiming tax credits, which may result in tax notifications, fines, and legal action from the tax authorities.

Procedure for Reconciliation on Form 26AS

• Tax credit verification:

The taxpayer must verify form 26AS tax credits. The taxpayer must match the tax deducted/collected with the counterparty’s TDS/TCS certificate. The taxpayer’s bank statement should match self-assessment tax paid.

• Refunds verification:

The taxpayer must check Form 26AS for refunds. The taxpayer should verify the refund on Form 26AS with the refund received and the tax return refund amount.

• Balancing the Financial Statements and Form 26AS:

Verifying Form 26AS tax credits with taxpayer books of accounts is necessary and complicated.

• Discrepancies Rectification:

If Form 26AS shows errors, the taxpayer must rectify their books of accounts or ask the deductor or collector to alter their TDS/TCS returns. To prevent inaccurate tax credit claims, taxpayers should submit their income tax return after reconciling 26AS and books of accounts.

Why is Ankpal the Best Option for Form 26AS Reconciliation?

Taxilla, one of the top cloud-based
tax filing software for accountants, manages sophisticated and unique reconciliations, including Form 26AS, across industries. Unified RegTech Platform Ankpal automates Record, Reconcile, and Report.

Designed comprehensively for managing finances of an IT firm, Ankpal brings forth the concepts of paper-based invoicing, expense tracking, and in-depth financial reporting.

How Form 26AS simplifies Tax compliance?

• Early Error Detection:

Quickly identifying any inaccuracies in the tax credits recorded in Form 26AS is aided by the reconciliation of Form 26AS. This facilitates the correction of mistakes before the tax return filing date.

• Obtaining Correct Tax Credit:

The taxpayer may ensure their tax credit is appropriately represented in the Income Tax Department’s records by reconciling Form 26AS. It assists in preventing fines or interest costs brought on by mistakes made while claiming tax credits.

• Income Tax Law Compliance:

By confirming the correctness of the tax credit, the reconciliation of Form 26AS guarantees adherence to income tax regulations.

• Quicker Processing of Refunds:

The user may submit their income tax return without making any mistakes in reporting tax credits or liabilities, making processing the return and refunds easier.

Conclusion

The taxpayer must confirm that the tax credits are accurately shown on Form 26AS; otherwise, the taxpayer risks overpaying taxes. Taxpayers may verify that they claim the right tax credits using Form 26AS reconciliation.