Media buyers, startups seek exemption from Google tax

NEW DELHI: Startups, advertisers and media buyers have approached the finance ministry seeking an exemption from the equalisation levy (Google tax) for online advertisers

NEW DELHI: Startups, advertisers and media buyers have approached the finance ministry seeking an exemption from the equalisation levy (Google tax) for online advertisers that will come into effect from June 1. Members of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) recently met minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha and revenue department officials, sources said. The tax will raise the cost of doing business for Indian clients by almost 6%, and give international ad networks edge over their Indian counterparts, the IAMAI said. It will also “severely raise the cost of doing business” for Indian tech startups as their cost of advertising will go up.

HT Image