Investment from countries such as Mauritius, Singapore, and the Netherlands in unlisted Indian start-ups will attract angel tax.

The government has notified the list of “specified jurisdictions” featuring 21 nations, including the US, the UK, Australia, and Germany, which will be eligible for immunity from the new tax.

However, countries such as Singapore, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Mauritius, from where most of the investment comes to India, do not find mention in this list.
Investment vehicles in Mauritius and Singapore are used by global investors to enter India and invest in the unlisted space. Experts are of the view that it is not clear whether specific special purpose vehicles (SPVs) located in non-specified countries will get immunity from the tax.

“A limited relief has been granted to certain categories of investors such as category 1 foreign portfolio investors, pension funds, and broad-based investment funds. Even such investors may need to take a re-look at setting up SPVs for investment in India vis-a-vis investing directly to avail of angel-tax exemption. Not including Singapore, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg is surprising, considering a large number of investments are routed to India through these jurisdictions, which are important financial centers,” said Gouri Puri, partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

Last Friday, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) proposed to exempt a host of foreign investors including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, banks, and insurers from angel tax. It had also put out additional valuation norms for those that come within its net.

Barring hedge funds, broad-based pooled investment vehicles or funds in which the number of investors is more than 50 have been excluded from the tax.
Besides, foreign investment in start-ups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will not attract this tax, the CBDT had said.

The CBDT has proposed to accept valuations by a merchant banker done within 90 days of the issue of shares by a start-up.

“By mentioning this list of countries, the government aims to attract more foreign investment into India from countries that have robust regulatory frameworks. This move aligns with the government’s initial intention of bringing foreign direct investment within the purview of angel tax to prevent the circulation of unaccounted money,” said Sandeep Jhunjhunwala, partner, Nangia Andersen LLP.