Assocham seeks tax simplification to enhance ease of doing business

Industry body Assocham has urged the government to prioritise simplification and rationalisation of the tax system in the upcoming Union Budget 2026–27, emphasising on reforms to strengthen ease of business, promote investment and streamline compliance for the industry.

In the pre-Budget memorandum shared with the Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava, Assocham said the direct and indirect tax systems need procedural clarity, consistency and reduced compliance costs to make India’s manufacturing globally competitive.

On the indirect tax front, the chamber’s presentation outlined GST-related measures and customs framework to cut procedural delay and cost for businesses. Assocham also called for reforms in the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations (MOOWR) Scheme, stressing that the scheme should be made more flexible for exporters and manufacturers by easing procedural requirement for duty deferment and warehousing.

Assocham suggested streamlining the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification process, to reduce approval timelines and facilitate quicker clearances that can improve trade competitiveness.