Government Eases Angel Tax Exemption Norms for Start-Ups

In News:

The Union Government has eased the norms for start-ups to claim exemption from angel tax. The government has issued a notification in this regard.

Criteria for Availing Exemption as Per New Norms:

The start-up must have a share premium and paid-up share capital below Rs. 10 crore after issuing the share.
The investor must have filed IT return to the tune of Rs. 50 Lakhs in the preceding year.
The net worth of the individual must be a minimum of Rs 2 crore or the investment amount, whichever is higher.
An application is to be filed with the DIPP by the start-ups and investors to claim the tax exemption.
After approval, CBDT will issue a certificate of exemption within in 45 days of the application. Earlier, an Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) gave approval for exemption.

What Has Been Done Away With?

The requirement by the start-ups to get share valuation report from a merchant bankers has been done away. Now, the start-ups can justify the share valuation with proper supporting documents.

Also Read: RBI Eases ECB (External Commercial Borrowing) Norms

What is Angel Tax?

It is a tax levied on unlisted companies that raised capital from issue of shares where share value has exceeded the fair market value of the shares sold. The excess capital is treated as income and is taxed.
It was launched in 2012 to curb money laundering.
It is termed angel tax as its impact is more on the angel investment of Startups.

What is Angel Investment or investor?

These are individual investors who provide capital to a business only to jump start the business. That is they seed fund the business idea. They are opposite to venture capitalists who invest in a business that is looking to expand.