The GST Council is considering introducing an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions below ₹2,000. The final decision is expected to be made during the 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
While this proposal is still being discussed, it has raised concerns, particularly for startups and small businesses in India, which have come to rely heavily on UPI for efficient and low-cost digital transactions.
How UPI Has Benefited Startups and Small Businesses
Since its introduction, UPI has revolutionized the way digital payments are made in India. It allows businesses to carry out quick and affordable transactions, reducing the reliance on traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems, which tend to involve higher transaction fees.
For startups, UPI has made payment processes easier, allowing them to focus on delivering quality services and products without worrying about transaction costs. Especially for small merchants, the convenience of using UPI has been critical in reaching more customers and facilitating cashless payments, helping boost sales and improving financial management.
Is the 18% GST Proposal A Threat to the Ecosystem?
The introduction of an 18% GST on UPI transactions could significantly impact startups and small businesses in the following ways:
Rising Costs for Businesses: If GST is levied on UPI transactions, businesses—especially those that rely on multiple small-ticket transactions—could see their costs go up. Currently, UPI provides an affordable and hassle-free method for digital payments, but with the additional tax, businesses might be forced to bear the brunt of these costs or pass them on to customers.
For example, a business processing multiple ₹1,000 transactions daily would see a significant rise in their transaction costs due to the new tax. Small businesses, which usually operate on thin margins, would feel the most pressure.
Cash Flow Challenges: Startups and small businesses often depend on steady cash flow to keep operations running smoothly. An added 18% tax could create additional challenges, disrupting cash flow. Entrepreneurs could face liquidity issues if their operating costs rise as a result of the new tax.
Shifting Consumer Preferences: Imposing a tax on UPI transactions might discourage some consumers from using digital payment methods, potentially leading to a resurgence of cash payments. This shift would counteract the country’s push toward a cashless economy, and startups that have built their business models around digital transactions could lose customers.
Increased Administrative Burden: With new GST rules on UPI transactions, businesses will have to deal with extra accounting work. Tracking and reporting GST for multiple small transactions can be tedious, and startups with limited resources may struggle to handle the increased paperwork and compliance requirements.
Slowing Financial Inclusion: UPI has played an important role in bringing digital payments to the masses, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. The imposition of GST on UPI could lead to fewer people adopting digital payments, reducing the progress made toward financial inclusion.
Possible Solutions to Lessen the Impact
If the government does move forward with the GST on UPI transactions, there are ways to reduce its negative effects on startups and small businesses:
Exemptions for Small Businesses: One potential solution would be to exempt small businesses or transactions under a certain threshold from the tax. This would help keep transaction costs low for those who depend most on UPI for payments.
Providing Subsidies: The government could also consider offering subsidies to businesses that rely heavily on UPI. This would help them absorb the added tax burden while still encouraging digital payments.
Gradual Implementation: A phased approach to implementing the tax would give businesses time to adjust and explore options for managing the new costs. This would prevent sudden disruptions to their operations and allow for a smoother transition.
The proposed 18% GST on UPI transactions under ₹2,000 could disrupt the digital payment landscape that has helped many startups and small businesses flourish. While the government seeks to raise revenue through taxes, it’s essential to strike a balance that does not stifle the growth of these businesses, which form the backbone of the Indian economy.
Startups and small businesses rely heavily on UPI to simplify payments, enhance customer experiences, and keep costs low. The proposed tax could make it harder for them to thrive, affecting their profitability, customer base, and overall financial health.
As the GST Council’s decision approaches, the business community will be watching closely. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the digital economy and the future of cashless payments in India.