COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON #BUDGET2026 CORPORATES DEMANDS FOR SIMPLER TAXES
Simpler Taxes and Single-Window Clearances: India Inc’s Top Wishlist for Ease of Doing Business
CXOs say complex tax rules slow growth and increase compliance costs
Survey highlights need for predictable policies, faster dispute resolution, and digitized approvals
By Business Reporter
New Delhi: January 28, 2026:
India has made significant progress in improving its Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings over the past decade. Yet corporate leaders believe that the country still struggles with tax complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and slow approvals. The Deloitte–Moneycontrol CXO Survey (January 2026) revealed that 80.4% of executives ranked simpler tax regimes and compliance—including customs—as the most important reform for boosting investment and business confidence.
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This article explores the survey findings, explains which taxes need simplification, why they matter, and how reforms like single-window clearances and digitized approvals can transform India’s business environment.
Survey Highlights
- Simpler Taxes: 80.4% of CXOs want streamlined tax rules.
- Single-Window Clearances: 54.3% of respondents emphasized digitized approvals.
- Faster Dispute Resolution: 45.7% highlighted quicker disposal of commercial disputes.
- Other Priorities: Land acquisition reforms, predictable policies, and capex momentum.
Which Taxes Need Simplification?
1. Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Problem: Multiple tax slabs (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) create confusion.
- Why Simplify: A uniform GST rate or fewer slabs would reduce classification disputes and compliance costs.
- Impact: Easier invoicing, fewer disputes, and better predictability for businesses.
2. Corporate Income Tax
- Problem: Different rates for domestic companies, foreign firms, and startups.
- Why Simplify: A single, competitive rate would attract investment and reduce tax planning complexities.
- Impact: Boosts investor confidence and reduces litigation.
3. Transfer Pricing Rules
- Problem: Complex documentation and compliance requirements for multinational companies.
- Why Simplify: Aligning with global best practices and easing rules for SMEs would reduce burdens.
- Impact: Encourages cross-border trade and investment.
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4. Customs Duties
- Problem: Frequent changes in tariffs and complex documentation.
- Why Simplify: Stable and predictable customs rules help exporters and importers plan better.
- Impact: Strengthens India’s position in global supply chains.
5. Personal Income Tax
- Problem: Multiple exemptions and deductions make filing complicated.
- Why Simplify: A simpler structure with fewer exemptions would improve compliance.
- Impact: Encourages voluntary tax payment and reduces disputes.
Why Simplification Matters
- Reduces Litigation: India has thousands of pending tax disputes clogging courts.
- Boosts Investment: Predictable tax rules attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Supports SMEs: Small businesses struggle with compliance costs; simplification helps them grow.
- Improves Global Rankings: Simplified taxes improve India’s competitiveness in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.
Single-Window Clearances: The Other Big Demand
Executives also stressed the need for digitized single-window clearance systems for approvals. Reports by ASSOCHAM show that MSMEs face delays due to multiple departments and overlapping regulations. A time-bound, digital single-window system could be a gamechanger for investment climate.
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Wider Context
- Global Headwinds: Despite optimism, CXOs remain cautious about global risks and policy uncertainty.
- Budget 2026 Expectations: Tax experts are urging reforms in transfer pricing, GST rationalization, and customs simplification.
- Government Push: India has already moved towards faceless tax assessments and digitized compliance, but more reforms are needed.
Conclusion
The Deloitte–Moneycontrol CXO survey makes it clear: simpler taxes and faster approvals are the top priorities for India Inc. GST rationalization, corporate tax simplification, transfer pricing reforms, and predictable customs rules can reduce friction and boost growth. Combined with digitized single-window clearances, these reforms could transform India’s business landscape, attract global investors, and empower SMEs.
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