Equalisation Levy on E-Commerce
Equalisation Levy on E-Commerce
Equalisation Levy was introduced vide the Finance Act 2016 on certain non-resident businesses. Recently, with the enactment of the Finance Act 2020, the scope of the Equalisation Levy has been broadened. The current article briefs up the Equalisation Levy on E-commerce operators, which have been introduced in the Finance Act 2020.
Understanding the important terms
Before understanding the provisions of Equalisation Levy on e-commerce, it is firstly important to understand the terms ‘e-commerce operator’ and ‘e-commerce supply/ services’. Both the terms are explained hereunder-
Section 164(ca) of the Act covers the definition of the term ‘e-commerce operator’. As per the definition, an e-commerce operator means a non-resident who owns or operates or manages digital/ electronic facility/ electronic platform for the online sale of goods/ online provision of services or both.
Section 164(cb) of the Act covers the definition of the term ‘e-commerce supply/ services’. As per the definition, e-commerce supply/ services mean the following-
- Online sale of goods which are owned by the e-commerce operator; or
- Online provision of services which is provided by the e-commerce operator; or
- Online sale of goods or online provision of services or both which is facilitated by the e-commerce operator; or
- Combination of any of the above activities.
Understanding the new provisions relating to Equalisation Levy on e-commerce
The entire new section 165A has been inserted into the Income Tax Act, which defines the scope of Equalisation levy on e-commerce. The gist of provisions of section 165A is explained hereunder-
| Applicability of Equalisation Levy on E-commerce |
The amount of consideration received/ receivable by an e-commerce operator from an e-commerce supply/ services. Such e-commerce supply/ service should be made/ provided/ facilitated too- · A person resident in India; or · A non-resident in following specified circumstances; or 1. Sale of advertisement to the extent it targets the customer who is a resident in India or targets a customer who accesses the advertisement through the internet protocol address located in India. 2. Sale of data to the extent it is collected from a person who is resident in India or collected from a person who uses the internet protocol address located in India. · A person who buys e-commerce goods or services or both using internet protocol address located in India. |
| Rate of Equalisation Levy | 2% |
| Transaction outside the purview of Equalisation Levy on E-commerce |
Equalisation Levy shall not be applicable under the following- · Cases, wherein, Equalisation Levy is applicable under section 165. · Cases, wherein, the E-commerce operator has a permanent establishment in India, and the E-commerce supply/ service is effectively connected with such permanent establishment. · Cases, wherein, the sale or turnover or gross receipt of the e-commerce operator from the e-commerce supply/ service during the year is less than INR 2 Crore. |
It is important to note that the provisions of section 165A are made effective from 1st April 2020.
List of Compliances
If the provisions of section 165A get applicable, the Equalisation Levy is payable by the non-resident e-commerce operator. The due date of payment of Equalisation Levy is tabulated hereunder-
| Quarter | Payment due date |
| April to June | 7th July |
| July to September | 7th October |
| October to December | 7th January |
| January to March | 31st March |
An e-commerce operator is required to furnish an annual statement on or before 30th June of the succeeding financial year.
