With the Finance Act, 2025, the legislature has introduced a new provision aimed at non‑resident entities providing services or technology in India in connection with setting up electronics manufacturing facilities or producing electronic goods. This provision, inserted into the Income‑tax Act as section 44BBD, takes effect from 1 April 2026 and applies from the assessment year 2026‑27. The intent behind the provision is to foster certainty in tax outcomes while encouraging non‑resident participation in India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
The relevant section stipulates that a non‑resident engaged in providing services or technology to a resident company setting up or operating an electronics manufacturing facility under a government‑notified scheme shall have 25 percent of the aggregate of amounts paid, payable, received, or deemed to be received for those services deemed to be taxable business income. The provision begins with a non‑obstante clause overriding sections 28 to 43A of the Income‑tax Act, resulting in a simplified tax computation for eligible non‑residents. However, the provision also expressly restricts the set‑off of unabsorbed depreciation and brought‑forward losses for the relevant previous year.
Further context clarifies that the objective is to position India as a global hub for electronics system design and manufacturing. The government has notified schemes via the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for setting up such facilities. Non‑resident entities providing technological support and related services come within the scope of section 44BBD, benefiting from a presumptive taxation framework tailored to simplify compliance.
The Concept of Presumptive Taxation and Its Relevance to Non‑Residents
Presumptive taxation is designed to remove complexity from income computation, especially when the regular system requires detailed accounts and adjustments under sections 28 to 43A. Instead of beginning with net profit as per books, presumptive taxation infers taxable income using simpler, observable indicators. These indicators might include turnover, receipts, or other proxies. In this context, section 44BBD exemplifies a presumptive regime based on an irrebuttable presumption: the taxable income of the non‑resident is fixed at 25 percent of specified amounts, with no allowance to challenge that amount through audit or evidence.
Whereas some presumptive provisions, such as sections 44AD and 44ADA, allow an assessee to rebut the deeming provision by subjecting their accounts to audit under section 44AB, section 44BBD aligns with other irrevocable schemes—sections 44B, 44BBA, and 44BBB—that offer no such relief. The explanatory memorandum to the Finance Bill, 2025, explicitly describes this regime as a “scheme of presumptive taxation extended for non-residents providing services for an electronics manufacturing facility.”
By simplifying taxable income computation and ensuring certainty, the provision encourages participation by non‑resident service and technology providers in India’s electronics sector. They can plan tax liabilities without exposure to detailed scrutiny under the regular tax code, though at the cost of being unable to avail of certain deductions or carry‑forwards.
The Non‑Obstante Clause and Its Impact on Regular Provisions
Section 44BBD begins with a non‑obstante clause stating “notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in sections 28 to 43A.” Sections 28 to 43A cover a wide range of ordinary business income adjustments, including provisions related to profits as per books, allowances for depreciation, other deductions, and so on. Because section 44BBD overrides those sections, the usual mechanism of determining taxable profits—including detailed allowances—does not apply. The deemed profit of 25 percent is taken to be the full taxable income.
Despite this broad override, several related provisions continue to apply. For instance, provisions under section 43B—covering specific disallowances such as statutory dues and compliance with the MSMED Act—are not overridden, so they remain applicable. Accounting standards notified under Indian tax accounting (ICDS) may apply to determine receipts or turnover, despite the presumptive basis, because ICDS continues to govern such determinations. Section 44AB, requiring audit, is not specifically exempted for 44BBD, meaning that technically the audit requirement could still hold, though its practical utility is limited in a presumptive context.
Moreover, unabsorbed depreciation and brought‑forward business losses are explicitly excluded for the relevant previous year. Thus, a non‑resident with past losses or depreciation cannot set them off against the deemed profit for that year.
The Scope and Applicability of Section 44BBD to Non‑Residents
Section 44BBD applies only to non‑residents who fulfill certain criteria. The assessee must be legally a non‑resident under section 6, including individuals not resident or ordinarily resident, HUFs whose control and management are outside India, foreign companies with their place of effective management outside India, or other persons similarly managed from outside India.
The non‑resident must be engaged in the business of providing services or technology in India. This goes beyond a single transaction; “engaged in business” implies continuity. A sporadic or isolated transaction will not suffice. The activity must indicate that the non‑resident primarily conducts a business of rendering such services, with intent and structure characteristic of regular operations.
The services or technology must be provided either for setting up an electronics manufacturing facility or in connection with the manufacturing or production of electronic goods, articles, or things in India. The recipient must be a resident company that is establishing or operating such a facility under a scheme notified by the appropriate ministry. Further, the resident company must satisfy the prescribed conditions set by the government.
Characterization of the Key Terms: Provide, Services, and Technology
The word “provide” in this context is broader than “make available.” In the India–USA tax treaty, “make available” implies transferring knowledge or the ability to apply technology independently. But section 44BBD refers to “providing services or technology,” which is wider and may include services that do not confer lasting capability. Thu, services like managerial support, software support, or legal assistance might qualify under the term “provide,” even if they do not convey independent expertise to the resident entity.
The term “services” is open‑ended. As defined in constitutional terms, services are anything other than goods. Judicial interpretations confirm its breadth, ranging from professional activities, intellectual labor, to helpful activities. It encompasses legal, financial, managerial, technical, and other such services. Composite or bundled supplies that include both goods and services raise classification questions, but for tax purposes under section 44BBD, what matters is that the non‑resident provides services or technology, irrespective of whether goods are involved in the transaction.
The term “technology” in this provision is similarly broad. It could include proprietary know‑how, design, processes, SOPs, software, technical plans, technical designs, or other intangible technological inputs. Whether these qualify depends on the facts, but the provision does not require that the technology be “made available” in the treaty sense. It suffices that technology or services are provided about electronics manufacturing facilities or the production of electronic goods.
The Mechanics of the Presumptive Income Computation
Under section 44BBD, the taxable business income for the non‑resident is fixed at 25 percent of the aggregate of amounts paid, payable, received, or deemed to be received in connection with service or technology provision. The aggregation covers both actual and deemed receipts.
Since section 44BBD overrides sections 28 to 43A, the normal process of identifying gross receipts, deducting expenses, allowances, depreciation, and so on does not apply. Instead, the deemed profit is a flat proportion—25 percent—of the relevant amounts. The simplicity of this formula ensures ease of compliance and clarity in tax liability.
However, because the provision does not allow the use of depreciation or past losses, it could result in a higher effective tax rate for non‑residents with significant historical losses or capital expenditure. The trade‑off is certainty and simplicity for the taxpayer, against the inability to optimize tax using traditional allowances.
Interplay with DTAA and GAAR Provisions
Although section 44BBD prescribes a domestic tax outcome, double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) may override it if they provide a more beneficial outcome. Under section 90(2), where a DTAA exists, its favorable provisions prevail over domestic law. Therefore, if the DTAA between India and the non‑resident’s country offers a lower tax rate or a different method of taxation, that may apply instead of section 44BBD.
Conversely, section 90(2A) ensures that general anti‑avoidance rules (GAAR) can still apply even if DTAA provisions are more beneficial. Thus, if the arrangement invokes section 44BBD primarily for tax avoidance, GAAR scrutiny may follow, regardless of whether the DTAA or domestic law appears more advantageous.
Treatment Under Other Tax Provisions and Exemption from Overlaps
The legislation expressly ensures that income assessed under this new provision is not subject to overlapping taxation under related sections concerning royalties and fees for technical services. Income determined under this presumptive regime does not invoke sections that would otherwise apply to royalties or technical services in cases involving a permanent establishment or businesses associated with foreign entities. This measure ensures clarity and prevents dual taxation of the same receipts.
This clarity enhances tax certainty. Where normally an overseas service provider might be taxed both under presumptive provisions and also under separate rules for royalties or services linked to a permanent establishment, the new provision shields them from such redundant taxation. As a result, non-residents can rely on a single, straightforward tax outcome.
Tax Rate and Effective Tax Burden
Although taxable income is computed at a presumptive 25 percent of gross receipts, the effective tax burden on that amount can be quite moderate. For foreign companies, applying the standard corporate tax rate along with relevant surcharge and cess yields a relatively low effective tax rate when seen on gross receipts. Estimates suggest that the tax outlay can amount to less than ten percent of the gross amount received. This leverage emerges from the reduced base combined with a flat-rate computation.
This effectively incentivises efficient tax planning. By limiting the taxable base to one-quarter of total receipts, the non-resident provider enjoys transparency in tax exposure while facilitating advance tax estimation and budgeting. The figure may still exceed actual profits where operations are cost-intensive, but the trade-off lies in simplicity and predictability.
Relationship with Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements and GAAR
The newly introduced provision interacts with international tax treaties under double taxation avoidance agreements. If a treaty offers more favorable treatment to the non-resident taxpayer, the treaty terms prevail under general rules governing treaty override. Thus, if the treaty allows lower taxation, or exempts income altogether, that outcome applies rather than the domestic presumptive computation.
Notwithstanding that, general anti-avoidance rules continue to apply. If arrangements appear structured primarily to exploit lower taxation under the new regime without commercial substance, tax authorities may challenge them under anti-avoidance provisions. This ensures that the scheme cannot be misused to unduly minimize tax exposure through contrived structures.
Applicability to Onshore and Offshore Services: Clarity Needed
A question arises whether the provision applies when services or technology are provided entirely from outside the country—that is, off-site or offshore—and yet to set up electronics manufacturing in India. The language applies to services “in connection with” those activities, but it remains unclear whether physical presence or operations within the country are required. This ambiguity suggests the need for administrative clarification or judicial interpretation to determine applicability in cross-border service scenarios with no onshore nexus.
Resolving this will influence planning decisions. Non-residents offering services remotely may or may not fall under the scheme, depending on further guidance. Clarification will be essential for structuring service delivery models and choosing the most beneficial tax regime.
Audit, Record-Keeping, and Compliance Considerations
Though this is a presumptive scheme, other compliance obligations remain. Providers cannot claim further deductions nor offset unabsorbed depreciation or past losses in deriving taxable income. The presumptive amount is conclusive and does not allow adjustments.
In the absence of explicit exclusions, general record-keeping requirements and audit obligations could persist in theory. However, given the prescriptive nature of the calculation and lack of allowances, conducting tax audits may serve little practical purpose. Nonetheless, maintaining documentation of receipts and the basis for eligibility under this scheme helps establish compliance and respond to scrutiny if challenged.
Scope of Application Through Intermediaries and PE Attribution
An important consideration is whether the scheme extends to situations where non-residents provide services through intermediaries or subcontractors rather than directly to the eligible Indian company. The law refers to the amounts received or receivable by the non-resident, directly or on its behalf. The directness of engagement may affect applicability, especially if permanent establishment attribution rules apply. It may remain an open issue whether such receipt-based attribution can trigger tax beyond the presumptive amount, particularly where a permanent establishment already exists.
Clarifying this will shape structuring decisions in contractual relationships and service delivery chains, especially in complex multi-tier service models.
Illustrative Scenario for Clarity
Consider a non-resident company offering design and installation services for a semiconductor manufacturing unit in India. The company receives a total contract payment. Under the presumptive provision, only 25 percent of that amount is treated as business income, on which taxes must be paid. Even if operating costs are high or prior losses exist, none can be offset.
If the standard tax rate with surcharges applies at, say, 35 percent, the effective tax on the gross contract value may be limited to under 10 percent. The provider gains certainty about tax liability but must accept the inability to optimize through losses or capital allowances.
Interpretation Challenges and the Need for Clarification
The introduction of section 44BBD presents novel interpretive challenges. Among them, the implications of the proviso to subsection (2) require attention. It excludes the applicability of sections 44DA (taxation of business income attributable to a permanent establishment) and 115A (concessional rates for non‑resident income, including royalties and technical services) to the amounts specified under section 44BBD, thereby ensuring exclusivity of the presumptive regime. This promotes clarity by preventing dual tax treatment of the same receipts, but it also raises questions about edge cases such as mixed supplies or composite contracts.
Composite or mixed contracts that blend services, technology transfer, or design with goods or equipment raise classification issues. If a contract includes the supply of equipment together with services, the portion related to services or technology would fall under section 44BBD, while the rest may be treated as a sale of goods governed by regular income provisions. Clarity is needed on how to apportion such composite supplies for presumptive treatment; administrative guidelines or judicial interpretation may be required to resolve ambiguity.
Another interpretive question concerns the threshold for engagement. The language “engaged in the business of providing services or technology” suggests continuity rather than an isolated transaction. Yet, whether a one‑off but sophisticated technology deployment qualifies remains uncertain. The risk is that occasional or project‑based service providers might be excluded even when they support manufacturing activities. Determining the nature and duration of engagement demands clarity.
Transitional Arrangements and Grandfathering Provisions
The scheme takes effect from 1 April 2026, applying to assessment year 2026‑27 onwards. Transactions before that date fall under regular provisions. Transitional guidance is needed in scenarios where a project spans both regimes, such as contracts initiated before and completed after 1 April 2026.
A transitional or grandfathering mechanism would ease compliance. For instance, if a non‑resident had already provided services before the effective date but residual amounts are receivable after 1 April 2026, it should be clear which part of the income qualifies for section 44BBD and which follows standard taxation.
Business Restructuring and Resilient Application
Suppose a non‑resident service provider restructures operations—for example, delegating execution to a local affiliate or converting to a joint venture model. The issue of eligibility under section 44BBD may arise. Since the provision covers services provided “to a resident company,” factors such as the recipient’s identity and whether the foreign provider retains control over services or merely facilitates through related entities may matter.
Further complexity arises where a subcontractor provides execution support on behalf of the non‑resident. While payments by a resident company may route through intermediaries, the beneficial owner of income and the contractual structure determine whether the non‑resident still qualifies for the presumptive regime. Clarity on attribution and treatment in such cases is essential to avoid inadvertent disqualification.
Hypothetical Case Illustrations
Envision a non‑resident engineering firm providing design, standard operating procedures, and supervisory technology for a semiconductor plant in India. The resident company pays the firm aggregate fees of USD 10 million. Under section 44BBD, USD 2.5 million (25 percent) is deemed taxable business income of the non‑resident, irrespective of true profit or costs.
In another scenario, a foreign consultancy wins a contract for a turnkey project involving both equipment supply and technical installation. Equipment value is USD 4 million, and the technical service component is USD 1 million. The USD 1 million portion for services qualifies, with USD 250,000 as deemed business income; equipment is outside the scheme.
In another example, a resident company pays USD 5 million for offshore technology consultancy, delivered entirely from abroad with no physical presence in India. If the services are “in connection with” setting up an electronics manufacturing facility, section 44BBD may apply even if delivery is offshore. But the absence of an on‑ground nexus creates interpretive uncertainty.
If a tax treaty offers better treatment—for instance, lower tax or net income taxation as business profits—the treaty would prevail over section 44BBD under the principle of treaty benefit, where more favorable. But absent treaty advantage, the presumptive scheme stands.
Comparative Insights: Jurisdictional Approaches and Global Context
India’s introduction of a presumptive tax regime for non-resident providers in the electronics manufacturing segment mirrors international trends aimed at simplifying cross-border taxation and promoting FDI. Other countries have historically applied withholding taxes on fees for technical services or royalties. India’s move to offer a fixed-rate presumptive basis contrasts with traditional cost-plus or profit-attributable models, providing greater certainty.
The effective tax rate—roughly under 10 percent on gross receipts—compares favorably to withholding tax regimes in the 10–20 percent range seen in many tax treaties. This positions India as a low-friction jurisdiction for non-resident providers, aligning with policy objectives to become a global hub for electronics system design and manufacturing. At the same time, most other jurisdictions still compute income based on actual profit or turnover after deductions, which may generate more volatile outcomes.
By introducing a statutory prescribed margin rather than relying on book profits, India offers a novel and predictable alternative to both domestic and treaty-based taxation models. The success of this model may prompt the creation of similar sector-specific presumptive regimes in adjacent domains, such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, or digital infrastructure, particularly where foreign expertise and technology drive growth.
Strategic Considerations for Non-Residents and Domestic Partners
From the non-resident perspective, the simplicity and certainty under the presumptive regime are major draws. However, assessing whether the 25 percent deemed profit aligns with expected margins is essential. Entities with low-cost, high-volume models may penetrate with confidence; those with high fixed costs may find the regime disadvantageous unless treaty benefits offer better outcomes.
Domestic partners play a critical role. Their compliance with prescribed conditions is essential for the non-resident to access the benefits. Ensuring documentation, certification, and adherence to notified schemes is therefore vital. Otherwise, the non-resident may lose access to the presumptive regime and revert to default treaty or domestic provisions, which may be costlier or more punitive.
Intermediary structures also deserve scrutiny. Contracts routed through affiliates or involving subcontractors may dilute eligibility. It will be critical for contractual wording to align with legal interpretations of direct provision, to ensure that payment chains do not undermine the eligibility under section 44BBD.
Given the regime’s overlap with treaty provisions, tax planning may need to consider hybrid options—opting for treaty-based treatment in some cases (e.g., where profit-based taxation yields lower tax) and presumptive treatment in others, based on effective rate comparisons and sustainability. Entities should model outcomes under both frameworks to choose appropriately.
Administrative Guidance: What Clarifications Could Be Helpful
The government may consider issuing clarifications around several areas to reduce ambiguity and support smooth implementation:
Description definitions outlining the scope of “services” and “technology” would aid in exclusions of pure goods or mixed supplies. Apportionment guidelines for composite contracts combining services and equipment could eliminate disputes about taxable portions.
Guidance on offshore-only provisions would help entities delivering support remotely from their home jurisdiction. If such arrangements qualify, this would expand the regime’s reach. If not, clarity will avoid unwarranted claims or audits.
Provisions for transitional situations—projects straddling the 1 April 2026 threshold—would ensure fair treatment. Specifying how pre- and post-effective date receipts should be taxed would assist in project accounting and tax treatment.
Clarifying the applicability where multiple non-resident entities are involved, or where profits are aggregated at an affiliate level, would help structure and tax planning.
Broader Impact: Driving India’s Electronics Ecosystem
The presumptive tax framework is aligned with India’s broader semiconductor and electronics ecosystem policy. With investments running into billions internationally and the launch of large-scale incentive schemes domestically, the reduction of taxation friction is an enabler. Certainty in tax treatment lowers the hurdle for foreign providers to contribute design, process know‑how, or technology support.
Simplification may shorten negotiation timelines, reduce perceived risk, and make service contracts more attractive to Indian OEMs aiming to onboard foreign experts or technological providers. This contributes to capacity building, knowledge transfer, and faster realization of government‑driven manufacturing targets.
Meanwhile, predictable tax burdens may incentivize longer‑term strategic relationships, with service providers embedding in India via joint ventures or affiliates confident in reliable taxation outcomes, reducing structural tax avoidance.
Conclusion
The new presumptive taxation scheme introduced by the Indian government reflects a progressive step toward simplifying tax compliance, especially for small businesses and professionals. By offering a standardized income estimation model, it reduces the burden of maintaining detailed books of account and undergoing audits, which can be both costly and time-consuming. The expanded eligibility thresholds and clarity on turnover limits indicate the government’s intent to widen the tax base while easing the compliance framework for genuine taxpayers.
However, while the scheme offers significant benefits in terms of reduced paperwork and ease of doing business, taxpayers must carefully evaluate their eligibility and financial structure before opting in. Misuse or misunderstanding of presumptive provisions can lead to penalties and scrutiny. Moreover, since opting for presumptive taxation limits the ability to claim business deductions, taxpayers must weigh the pros and cons in light of their actual profit margins.