Honorable finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has just finished her budget announcement. She outlined seven priorities of the budget, which were inclusive development, reaching the last mile, infra & investment, unleashing potential, green growth, youth power, and the financial sector.

There is already a buzz among the business and salaried class about the changes and reforms she is proposing to bring about. It can often be confusing to know how the budget will impact you.

At EnKash, our mission is to enable small and medium businesses and startups to grow with the help of fintech solutions. We have put together a snapshot of the budget highlights that will have an impact on your business.

Capex Outlay hiked by 33% to 10 lakh crores: What this means is that the government will continue to invest in strengthening the infrastructure of our country. The positive impact on connectivity, communication, and logistics

Compliance complications reduced: More than 39000 compliance has been reduced to improve the ease of doing business. This means that your growth and development will become easier with the intention of the government to leapfrog growth.

AI for business and economic development: The creation of centers of excellence for AI development. This means that the government wants to use AI to unleash the potential of our economy.

KYC process simplified and PAN as digital identifier: KYC process to be simplified to become fully amenable to meet the needs of digital India. PAN is to be used as the common digital identifier for businesses to enable ease of operations.

DigiLockers to set up: One-stop solution for updating and reconciling identity to be established using DigiLocker and Aadhar as the basis. “An entity DigiLocker will be set up for MSMEs, large businesses, and charitable trusts. This will be towards storing and sharing documents online securely, whenever needed with various authorities, regulators, banks, and business entities,” Sitharaman said.

Contract relief for MSMEs: 95% forfeited amount to bid or security to be returned by the government to MSMEs. This means that if an MSME fails to carry out a contract during the COVID time, then relief will be provided by the government and government entities

Result-based financing introduced on a pilot basis: For better allocation of funds, now financing will be provided based on the results that businesses are showing rather than input-based.

Paperless onboarding facilitated: Entity DigiLockers would be set up as a critical move for businesses and would facilitate the paperless onboarding of businesses. The scope of documents available in the DigiLocker will be expanded to help with development—storing and sharing documents will be easier.

Credit guarantee to MSMEs: Financial inclusion at scale, credit guarantee for MSMEs - revamped with 9000 crores in the coffers from April 1 onwards. 2 lac crores will be available. What is more, the cost of the credit will be reduced by 1%.

National information registry for credit and financial inclusion: The setting up of this repository to collect, save, and share ancillary and financial data will encourage better flow of credit, ensure financial inclusion, and improve fiscal stability. This will be done in consultation with the RBI.

Digital transactions are up by 76 percent: Digital public infrastructure will get fiscal support and continue to do so.

Presumptive taxation for MSMEs and professionals: If you are an MSME with turnover of Rs.3 crores from Rs.2 crores or a professional with a turnover touching Rs.75 lakhs from Rs.50 lakhs, can get the presumptive taxation benefit as long as you have less than 5% cash receipts.

Keep watching this space to get further insights and updates on the Budget 2023.