Pre-budget expectations

Infra - Infrastructure is undoubtedly the foremost sector to be watched since there are plenty of opportunities to be available to grab for the companies as well as the lenders. Infrastructure development is a pre requisite for the growth and development of any country. This sector is also correlated with other important sectors of an economy like steel and cement companies stand to gain from the rapid infrastructure development.

Similarly, financial institutions lending for the infrastructure also stand to gain. Long term infrastructure bonds (Section 80CCF) - This section of the act provides deduction to an individual or HUF in respect of subscription towards long term infrastructure bonds to the extent of Rs. 20,000. In the budget for the year 2015-16, this limit is expected to be extended till Rs.50, 000 to promote the investment in the infrastructure sector.

MAT on Infrastructure companies -Government has offered various tax incentive under section 80-IA of the act to the infrastructure companies to boost the infrastructure, but the benefit available to the infra companies under the normal provision of the act get neutralized since the companies are required to pay MAT on their book profit, and to attract more and more investment in infrastructure sector, MAT on infrastructure companies should be abolished.