October 2026
DGFT sets up a sub-committee to review the RELIEF export scheme
Trade Notice 33/2026-27 constitutes a sub-committee of DGFT, the Department of Commerce trade finance division, ECGC and the Department of Financial Services to review the three RELIEF components and the claims processed, and to recommend measures for better uptake to the Export Promotion Mission Steering Committee.
- Issued by
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Reference
- Trade Notice No. 33/2026-27
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Classification clarified: sublimation paper, toys, used-vehicle margin scheme, bio-stimulants
Circular 265/11/2026-GST, on 57th Council decisions: sublimation paper is heading 4809 at 18% with past disputes regularised; the toy entries of Notification 9/2025 cover all heading 9503 toys; used-vehicle margin-scheme suppliers may take credit on inputs other than the vehicles and on input services; seaweed bio-stimulants fall under heading 3101.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 265/11/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
R&D services versus consultancy: self-certification for the GST exemption
Circular 266/12/2026-GST, following the 57th Council meeting, distinguishes research and development services from consultancy services for the exemption at entry 44A of Notification 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) through a self-certification mechanism, noting that the terms are not defined in GST law.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 266/12/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
ESIC New Amnesty Scheme 2025 extended to 31 December 2026
An ESIC Revenue Branch letter extends the New Amnesty Scheme, 2025 (withdrawal of criminal cases against insured persons and employers, and settlement of employer cases under sections 75 and 82 of the ESI Act) by three months, from 1 October to 31 December 2026, on the existing terms.
- Issued by
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation
- Reference
- Q/6/2026-Rev. I
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
PMEGP: ₹1,000 crore margin money subsidy released for 11,333 new micro units
The Ministry of MSME released ₹1,000 crore of margin money subsidy under PMEGP for 11,333 beneficiaries whose banks have sanctioned project loans of about ₹3,260 crore. Earlier in 2026-27 the scheme had supported 25,895 units with ₹794.52 crore of subsidy.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME
- Reference
- PIB Release ID 2329819
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
MCA waives additional fees on FY 2025-26 cost audit reports (CRA-4) filed by 31 Dec 2026
Any CRA-4 (cost audit report in XBRL) for FY 2025-26 filed up to 31 Dec 2026 carries no additional fees. Later filings pay all fees from the date the report was due under rule 6(6) of the Cost Records and Audit Rules.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- General Circular No. 06/2026
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
Scrap and waste suppliers lose the registration exemption; their registered buyers notified under section 51
From 1 Nov 2026 the registration exemption in Notification 5/2017-Central Tax does not apply to suppliers of used cooking oil, plastic and tyre waste, metal scrap (Chapters 72 to 81) and e-waste, and registered buyers of these goods are notified under section 51.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Notifications No. 06/2026-Central Tax and 07/2026-Central Tax
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
Reverse charge on used cooking oil, plastic and tyre scrap and e-waste from 1 Nov 2026
Notification 04/2026-Central Tax (Rate) adds entries to Notification 4/2017-Central Tax (Rate): registered recipients pay GST under reverse charge on used cooking oil, plastic waste, tyre waste and e-waste bought from unregistered persons, from 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 04/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
GST goods rates from 1 Nov: seaweed bio-stimulants and retreaded tractor tyres at 5%
Notification 02/2026-Central Tax (Rate) amends Notification 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate): the 5% organic fertiliser entry now expressly includes seaweed-extract bio-stimulants, and retreaded tractor tyres move to 5% under a new entry 272A; other retreaded or used tyres stay at 18%. Effective 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 02/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Psyllium seeds (isabgol) exempted from GST from 1 Nov 2026
Notification 03/2026-Central Tax (Rate) inserts serial number 87A, psyllium seeds of tariff item 1211 90 13, in the exemption Notification 10/2025-Central Tax (Rate), effective 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 03/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
GST service rates from 1 Nov: EV transport, hotel and restaurant ITC, delivery services
Notification 06/2026-Central Tax (Rate) amends Notification 11/2017: electric-vehicle passenger transport and renting at 5% with same-line input-service credit capped, or at 18%; the 5% hotel, restaurant and catering entries get the same treatment; delivery services through e-commerce operators at 5% without credit. From 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 06/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
New GST service exemptions from 1 Nov: seed storage, coffee curing, NE helicopter travel
Notification 07/2026-Central Tax (Rate) amends Notification 12/2017: exempts storage of seeds for sowing, coffee curing for cultivators, seat-share helicopter travel to North-East airports and Bagdogra, and government grants of toll-collection rights; the goods transport agency exemption no longer covers goods sold through e-commerce. Effective 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 07/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
E-commerce operators to pay GST on delivery services under section 9(5)
Notification 09/2026-Central Tax (Rate) replaces clause (v) of Notification 17/2017-Central Tax (Rate): e-commerce operators pay tax on delivery services (other than postal and courier) supplied through them, except where the supplier is itself liable for registration under section 22(1). From 1 November 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 09/2026-Central Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
CGST (Amendment) Rules, 2026: GSTR-5 due on the 13th and new e-commerce seller registration from 1 Nov
From 1 Nov 2026 rule 63 moves the non-resident return (GSTR-5) to the 13th, rule 62(5) gives a person leaving composition until June, and new rule 14B lets small sellers register in another State using an e-commerce operator's warehouse.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Notification No. 05/2026-Central Tax
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
Sections 153 to 155 of the Finance Act, 2026 in force from 1 November 2026
CBIC appointed 1 Nov 2026 as the date on which sections 153 to 155 of the Finance Act, 2026 come into force.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Notification No. 03/2026-Central Tax
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
E-invoicing extended to RCM supplies from unregistered persons and import of services
Notification 04/2026-Central Tax amends Notification 13/2020-Central Tax under rule 48(4): from 1 January 2027, e-invoicing also covers supplies received from unregistered persons on which the recipient pays tax under reverse charge, and import of services.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- 04/2026-Central Tax
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
CBIC guidelines on processing GST registration applications
Circular 257/03/2026-GST directs officers to ask only for the prescribed documents, raise deficiencies only through FORM GST REG-03, limit utility-bill checks to name and address and avoid subjective assessments of premises; it lists documents, affidavit formats and the rule 14A exit route through REG-32.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 257/03/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
CBIC framework for show cause notices, adjudication orders and first appeals
Circular 258/04/2026-GST gives officers a reference framework: pre-notice intimation under rule 142(1A), structure and quantification of show cause notices, conditions for alleging fraud or suppression, no parallel proceedings, timely issue, personal hearings, reasoned orders, rectification under section 161 and first-appeal procedure.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 258/04/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Pre-deposit for GST appeals: 'admitted amount' and 'tax in dispute' clarified
Circular 259/05/2026-GST defines the admitted amount (paid in full before appeal) and the tax in dispute on which the 10% pre-deposit is computed, says the taxpayer makes that split in Table 14 of APL-01 and Table 20 of APL-05, and covers the quantum for Tribunal appeals and related refunds.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 259/05/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Input Service Distributor questions clarified
Circular 260/06/2026-GST answers seven questions on Input Service Distributors under sections 2(61) and 20 and rules 39 and 54(1A): whether ISD registration is needed for each office, distribution of common credit, the conditions in section 20(2) and the treatment of reverse-charge credit and ISD invoices.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 260/06/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
ITC on demo vehicles allowed to dealers acting as manufacturers' agents
Circular 262/08/2026-GST withdraws paragraph 4.6 of Circular 231/25/2024-GST and clarifies that input tax credit on demo vehicles is not blocked under section 17(5)(a) for authorised agents appointed by manufacturers under the dealer-agency model.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 262/08/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Export proceeds through SNRR and Nostro accounts count as foreign exchange receipt
Circular 263/09/2026-GST: payment for exported services received in convertible foreign exchange or in repatriable rupee accounts (SNRR, INR Nostro, NRE) satisfies section 2(6)(iv) of the IGST Act; the realisation period for goods follows RBI's Master Direction; no rule 96B recovery where the bank has written off realisation.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 263/09/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
Omission of rule 96(10) applies retrospectively from 23 October 2017
Circular 264/10/2026-GST, following a Supreme Court decision, clarifies that the omission of rule 96(10) by Notification 20/2024-Central Tax takes effect retrospectively from 23 October 2017, that pending proceedings are to be handled accordingly, and that the same applies to rules 89(4A) and 89(4B).
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 264/10/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
DGFT revises export factoring support under the Export Promotion Mission
Trade Notice 32/2026-27 drops the UIN and declaration of intent for the Alternative Trade Instruments support; exporters are identified by IEC. The Factor uploads transaction data within a month and the exporter files monthly claims within two months. Shipments with EGM dated on or after 20 February 2026 qualify.
- Issued by
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Reference
- Trade Notice No. 32/2026-27
- Last checked
- 1 Nov 2026
The GSTAT notification of 30 June 2026 fixed 31 July 2026 as the last date to appeal against appellate orders communicated before 1 May 2026. Section 112(6) of the CGST Act lets the Tribunal admit an appeal within three months after that period on sufficient cause, so on our reading of Section 112(1) and (6) as amended a late appeal filed by 31 October 2026 may still be accepted. Admission is at the Tribunal's discretion; confirm with our expert team.
- Issued by
- Government of India, GST Appellate Tribunal; CGST Act, Section 112
- Reference
- F. No. A-50/7/2025-GSTAT-DoR (30 Jun 2026); CGST Act s.112(1) and (6)
- Last checked
- 24 Oct 2026
MCA waives additional fees on FY 2025-26 AOC-4 to 31 Dec 2026 and MGT-7 to 31 Jan 2027
Companies may file FY 2025-26 financial statements (AOC-4 and its variants) up to 31 Dec 2026 and annual returns (MGT-7, MGT-7A) up to 31 Jan 2027 without additional fees. The circular does not extend the time for holding the AGM.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- General Circular No. 05/2026
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
PMEGP: fresh applications unavailable until the scheme’s continuation is approved
The PMEGP portal of the Ministry of MSME shows a notice that fresh application submission under PMEGP is presently unavailable, and that it will be enabled once the continuation of the scheme with revised guidelines is approved by the competent authority. PMEGP was approved for 2021-22 to 2025-26. Entrepreneurs planning a margin-money subsidy application should wait for the portal to reopen and check the revised guidelines before preparing one.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMEGP portal)
- Last checked
- 17 Oct 2026
National Livestock Mission: new online applications to start later; approvals up to 31 March 2026 must finish by 30 September 2026
The National Livestock Mission entrepreneurship portal says submission of online loan applications will be started soon, with the date to be shared on the portal. Projects approved by the Project Approval Committee on or before 31 March 2026 had to be completed, with documents submitted, by 30 September 2026 for release of the subsidy instalment, failing which they are liable to be cancelled. Until the portal reopens, new poultry, sheep, goat, piggery and fodder projects cannot be filed.
- Issued by
- Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (NLM portal, run through SIDBI)
- Last checked
- 17 Oct 2026
E-invoicing for RCM self-invoices (RCMDOM, RCMIMP) opened in IRP sandbox
After the Council decision, Rs 5 crore+ turnover taxpayers will generate IRNs for self-invoices on RCM purchases from unregistered persons (RCMDOM) and imported services (RCMIMP). Sandbox is live; production date to follow.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 678
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for FY 2025-26 enabled on GST portal
GSTN said the FY 2025-26 annual return (GSTR-9) and reconciliation statement (GSTR-9C) went live on 8 Oct 2026. The tile appears only after all GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns for the year are filed.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 677
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
57th GST Council: faster registration, auto-accepted amendments and cancellations
The Council recommended auto-acceptance of most registration amendments (all for rule 14A registrants), phased automatic cancellation once returns and dues are cleared, and registration for small e-commerce sellers using an ECO warehouse as principal place.
- Issued by
- GST Council
- Reference
- 57th GST Council meeting recommendations
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
57th GST Council: late-fee waiver and optional ARQP scheme for small taxpayers
The Council recommended waiving GSTR-3B late fee for taxpayers up to Rs 5 crore turnover who file by month-end of the due month. It approved in-principle an annual-return, quarterly-payment scheme for B2C-only taxpayers up to Rs 5 crore.
- Issued by
- GST Council
- Reference
- 57th GST Council meeting recommendations
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
57th GST Council: no arrests, Rs 5 crore prosecution threshold, lower penalties
Recommended removing arrest powers, raising the prosecution threshold to Rs 5 crore, cutting general penalty to Rs 10,000, and a Rs 10,000 minimum for show-cause notices. E-way bill interception would need specific intelligence.
- Issued by
- GST Council
- Reference
- 57th GST Council meeting recommendations
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
57th GST Council: automated refunds and wider ITC on capital goods and services
Recommended automatic refund of excess cash-ledger balance, 90% provisional refunds for exports and inverted duty, and refund of input-service ITC (from 1 Nov 2026) and capital-goods ITC (from 1 Apr 2027). Several section 17(5) blocks would go.
- Issued by
- GST Council
- Reference
- 57th GST Council meeting recommendations
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
57th GST Council: RCM on scrap, 2% TDS, e-invoice on RCM and 5% ECO delivery
Recommended RCM on plastic, e-waste and tyre scrap and used cooking oil from unregistered sellers, 2% TDS on B2B scrap, e-invoicing of RCM inward supplies for Rs 5 crore+ turnover, and 5% GST without ITC on ECO deliveries.
- Issued by
- GST Council
- Reference
- 57th GST Council meeting recommendations
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CBDT notifies Form 161 for seeking waiver of penalty under section 440(2)
The Income-tax (Sixth Amendment) Rules, 2026, in force from publication, substitute Form 161 as the application for waiver of penalty under section 440(2) of the Income-tax Act, 2025, and extend rule 231 to waivers.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Notification No. 134/2026 (G.S.R. 871(E))
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RBI raises repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%
RBI raised the policy repo rate from 5.25% to 5.50% with immediate effect,; the Standing Deposit Facility is 5.25% and the Marginal Standing Facility 5.75%. This raises the benchmark for repo-linked loans.
- Issued by
- Reserve Bank of India
- Reference
- RBI/2026-27/282
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Cabinet approves ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund for equity in SMEs
Government will commit ₹10,000 crore to an AIF under the SME Growth Fund for growth equity in small and medium enterprises, mostly manufacturing, including clusters in Tier II and III cities. Units cannot apply directly.
- Issued by
- Union Cabinet
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
IC scheme invites proposals for international fairs in Nov–Dec 2026
Ministry of MSME invited industry associations, EPCs and government organisations to apply on ic.msme.gov.in for Market Development Assistance for international fairs abroad and conferences in India held 1 November to 31 December 2026. The window ran from 6 to 18 October 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME (IC Division)
- Reference
- D.O. No. 4(3)/2026-IC
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GST Multistate Registration facility launched for normal taxpayers
Normal taxpayers can now apply for GST registration in several States/UTs under one PAN through a Master TRN. Common details are entered once, within 15 days, then State-specific details and Aadhaar authentication per State.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 674
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Property TDS by individual and HUF buyers moves to challan-cum-statement Form 141
The Income-tax (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026 inserted clause (e) in rule 219(5) from 1 October 2026: a resident individual or HUF deducting tax on the purchase of immovable property files challan-cum-statement Form 141 within thirty days from the end of the month of deduction, and the certificate (Form 132) is due within fifteen days of that date (rule 215).
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Income-tax (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026 (rule 219(5)(e))
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
September 2026
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund extended to 31 March 2027
DA&FW conveyed DoE's further extension of AIF up to 31.03.2027 or approval for the 16th Finance Commission period, whichever is earlier, on existing terms; no fresh sanction is permitted from the 15th FC outlay.
- Issued by
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Reference
- No. R-11016/16/2020-I&P (87654)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RoDTEP export remission extended to 31 December 2026
RoDTEP continues up to 31 December 2026 for DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs at the rates and value caps in Appendix 4R and 4RE as on 30 September 2026.
- Issued by
- Department of Commerce
- Reference
- Notification No. 41/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Tax audit report due date moved to 21 Oct and audit-case ITR to 21 Nov 2026
For AY 2026-27, CBDT extended the ITR due date for assessees in sl. no. 2 of Explanation 2 to section 139(1) (mainly audit cases) from 31 Oct to 21 Nov 2026. The tax audit report date becomes 21 Oct 2026.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Circular No. 07/2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CGTMSE guarantee cover goes live on three TReDS platforms
CGTMSE cover on MSE invoice discounting is now available on M1xchange, RXIL and DTX (KredX): 75% of default, up to ₹10 crore per MSE buyer and ₹2 crore per MSE seller.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME / CGTMSE
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
From 1 Oct 2026 individuals buying property from NRIs can use Form 141 route
The Income-tax (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026 extend the challan-cum-statement route (Form 141, Schedule E) to TDS by resident individuals or HUFs paying non-residents for immovable property, from 1 Oct 2026.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Notification No. 121/2026 (G.S.R. 830(E))
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Rs 25,000 wage ceiling under Social Security Code notified
Under section 2(89) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, the Centre notified Rs 25,000 a month as the wage ceiling for Chapter III (EPF) from publication, superseding S.O. 2702(E) of 29 May 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Reference
- S.O. 5109(E)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified ₹25,000 a month as the wage ceiling for Chapter III of the Code on Social Security, 2020 (provident fund), from 17 September 2026, superseding S.O. 2702(E) of 29 May 2026. EPFO's FAQs say the September 2026 ECR, with contributions split at 16 and 17 September, is due by 15 October 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment / EPFO
- Reference
- S.O. 5109(E), 17 September 2026
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
No RCMC needed for export consignments up to ₹3 lakh
DGFT amended Para 2.57 of FTP 2023: export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3 lakh no longer need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration where the FTP otherwise requires one.
- Issued by
- DGFT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Cabinet approves raising EPFO wage ceiling to Rs 25,000 a month
The Union Cabinet approved raising the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 a month, effective 17 Sep 2026. Employees in that band come under PF, pension and insurance.
- Issued by
- Union Cabinet / Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
PMS scheme opened to informal micro enterprises with Udyam Assist certificate
The Procurement and Marketing Support scheme now covers informal micro enterprises in manufacturing and services that hold a valid Udyam Assist Certificate, as well as Udyam-registered MSEs. The change applies to events from 1 October 2026.
- Issued by
- Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME)
- Reference
- OM No. 5(7)/2024-25/PMS/PMvBen
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GST portal now accepts appeals against NIL or zero demand orders
GSTN removed the portal block on filing APL-01 against demand orders showing NIL or zero demand where liability is disputed and tax was paid before the order was issued.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 671
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ESIC issues SOP for compounding offences under the Social Security Code
ESIC issued an SOP for compounding offences under section 138 of the Code and rule 54 of the 2026 Central Rules. After a Form XXIV notice, the amount is paid within 15 days; a certificate follows within 10 days. Non-payment leads to prosecution.
- Issued by
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation
- Reference
- No. P-11/12/Clarification on CoSS,2020/2025-Rev.I
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
August 2026
MCA further extends CCFS-2026 to 15 September 2026
Citing stakeholder requests, MCA extended the Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme, 2026 a second time, to 15 Sep 2026. All other terms of the scheme stay unchanged.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- General Circular No. 04/2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Aadhaar authentication allowed for Shram Suvidha Portal modules
The Labour Ministry notified voluntary Aadhaar authentication, using Yes/No or eKYC, to verify user details on Shram Suvidha Portal modules, the single portal for labour law compliance by employers.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Reference
- S.O. 4831(E)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ECLGS 5.0 guarantees capped at ₹2.50 lakh crore, first come first served
NCGTC reiterated that ECLGS 5.0 guarantees for MSMEs and non-MSMEs (excluding airlines) cannot exceed ₹2.50 lakh crore and will be given first-come-first-served; sanctions beyond available cover are not admissible.
- Issued by
- NCGTC
- Reference
- 0961/NCGTC/ECLGS5.0
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Rules for Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme 2026 notified
CBDT notified rules and forms for the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme under the Finance Act, 2026, effective 16 Aug 2026. Valuation date is 31 Mar 2026; the last date is 31 Dec 2026.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Notification No. 114/2026 (G.S.R. 732(E))
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
MSMED (Amendment) Act, 2026 (No. 16 of 2026) published
The Act received assent on 13 August 2026. It comes into force on dates the Centre notifies; no commencement notification was found by 20 October 2026. MSE award challenges need a 75% deposit.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department)
- Reference
- Act No. 16 of 2026; CG-DL-E-13082026-275448
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
MSMED (Amendment) Act, 2026 enacted; commencement yet to be notified
The Act adds turnover to MSME classification, mandates CPSEs to settle MSE invoices through TReDS, and sets 90-day limits for council mediation and awards. Provisions start only on dates the Centre notifies.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Law and Justice / Ministry of MSME
- Reference
- Act No. 16 of 2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Parliament passes MSMED (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 7 August after Rajya Sabha on 3 August. It adds investment-plus-turnover classification, a free national registration platform, mandatory TReDS for CPSEs, mediation and award timelines and civil penalties.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME / Parliament
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
EXIM Bank replaces RBI as agency for export credit interest subvention
DGFT moved implementation of the EPM interest subvention from RBI to EXIM Bank with effect from 1 April 2026. Banks now claim reimbursement from EXIM Bank; RBI settles January–March 2026 claims.
- Issued by
- DGFT
- Reference
- Trade Notice No. 17/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ZED certification free for women-owned MSMEs (100% subsidy)
Ministry of MSME restated that women-owned MSMEs get 100% subsidy on ZED certification cost, effective 11 November 2023, plus support up to ₹50,000 for testing/certification, ₹2 lakh handholding and ₹3 lakh for zero-effect solutions.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME
- Reference
- e-File No. 17(2)/MSME Champions/ZED/Women/Full Subsidy/2023-24
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ESIC launches new insured-person registration; Aadhaar check within 30 days
A new ESIC ERP module lets employers register employees and generate insurance numbers, and employees can authenticate on the ESIC Health Connect app. The user manual says Aadhaar validation must be completed within 30 days of registration for uninterrupted benefits.
- Issued by
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation
- Reference
- F.No. P-14011/2/2026-BFT-II
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ECLGS 5.0: fresh sanctions to non-MSME borrowers stopped
NCGTC told lenders to stop fresh ECLGS 5.0 sanctions to non-MSME borrowers (except airlines) with immediate effect; the remaining guarantee outlay is reserved for eligible MSME borrowers.
- Issued by
- NCGTC
- Reference
- 0885/NCGTC/ECLGS 5.0
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
June 2026
CPSEs must settle MSME invoices through TReDS
Ministry of MSME notified that all operating Central Public Sector Enterprises must route settlement of invoices from MSME suppliers through RBI-authorised TReDS platforms and disclose such invoices, with auditor certification.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME
- Reference
- Notification dated 30 Jun 2026 (Gazette)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
ESIC approves new ESI General Regulations; unemployment allowance extended to June 2027
At its 198th meeting, the ESI Corporation approved framing the ESI (General) Regulations, 2026 under the Social Security Code to replace the 1950 regulations. It also extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana from 1 Jul 2026 to 30 Jun 2027.
- Issued by
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation / Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Reference
- PIB Release ID 2279526
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTAT appeals: 31 July 2026 last date for orders communicated before 1 May 2026
A Government notification under section 112 of the CGST Act fixes 31 July 2026 as the last date to appeal to the GST Appellate Tribunal against orders communicated before 1 May 2026; later orders have three months from communication. It supersedes S.O. 4220(E) of 17 September 2025.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue)
- Reference
- F. No. A-50/7/2025-GSTAT-DoR
- Last checked
- 24 Oct 2026
EPFO VISHWAS 2026: settle PF damages disputes at reduced rates
Notified on 29 Jun 2026 in the EPF Scheme, 2026. Damages for pre-14 Jun 2024 PF defaults are recalculated at 0.25%, 0.50% or 1% a month by delay length, if full interest is paid. Window closes 28 Dec 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment (EPFO)
- Reference
- G.S.R. 525(E) dated 29-06-2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
EPFO Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2026 opens until 31 October 2026
Employers can enrol employees left out of EPF between 1 Apr 2009 and 31 Mar 2026, still in service, with waiver of the employee share not deducted earlier. UAN via UMANG face authentication; dues paid through ECR.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment (EPFO)
- Reference
- EPF Scheme, 2026 (effective 29-06-2026)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
EPFO amnesty to regularise exempt status of PF trusts
The EPF Scheme, 2026 gives a one-time amnesty for PF trusts recognised under income tax but lacking an EPFO exemption order. Guidelines were issued 11 Jul 2026; applications close 28 Dec 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Labour and Employment (EPFO)
- Reference
- EPF Scheme, 2026 (notified 29-06-2026)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
PMEGP 2.0, PMS and Samadhaan 2.0 portals launched on MSME Day
The Vice President launched the PMEGP 2.0, SAMADHAAN 2.0, PMS, MSME Global Mart 2.0 and MSME Testing portals and MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0. NSIC was upgraded to a Schedule 'A' CPSE.
- Issued by
- Ministry of MSME
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CBIC clarifies GST jurisdiction when a taxpayer changes principal place of business
CBIC said actions validly taken by the earlier jurisdictional officer stay valid after a taxpayer migrates. Further proceedings, appeals and follow-up actions are handled by the new jurisdictional authority.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Circular No. 255/01/2026-GST
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RBI issues Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) Directions, 2026
New TReDS directions apply immediately. Sellers must be MSMEs; discounting is without recourse to the seller; buyers must pay financiers on the due date; financiers may take government credit guarantee cover; insurance premiums cannot be charged to sellers.
- Issued by
- Reserve Bank of India
- Reference
- RBI/DPSS/2026-27/406
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
FSSAI second amendment, 2026: daily production records only for manufacturers, FIFO not for retailers
The FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) second Amendment Regulations, 2026, in force on publication, limit the licence condition on daily records of production and raw-material use to manufacturing businesses and exempt retailers from the first-in-first-out and first-expire-first-out storage rule.
- Issued by
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Reference
- F. No. REG-11013/1/2026-Regulation-FSSAI, 23 June 2026
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026
MCA extends name reservation and e-form resubmission validity after data-centre fire
After a 5 Jun 2026 data-centre fire, MCA extended to 10 Jul 2026 name reservations and e-form resubmissions expiring 21-30 Jun. Cases expiring 5-20 Jun could seek extension via helpdesk ticket by 30 Jun.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
DPT-3 for FY 2025-26: no additional fee if filed by 31 July 2026
The DPT-3 return of deposits was due on 30 Jun 2026. Because of the 5 Jun 2026 data-centre fire, MCA allowed companies to file DPT-3 for FY 2025-26 without additional fees up to 31 Jul 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- General Circular No. 02/2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CGTMSE launches guarantee cover for MSE invoices discounted on TReDS
Factoring units where both buyer and seller are micro or small enterprises get 75% guarantee cover, up to ₹10 crore per MSE buyer and ₹2 crore per MSE seller, if the buyer is not overdue on any TReDS platform.
- Issued by
- CGTMSE
- Reference
- Circular No. 262/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CGTMSE eases second claim under Micro Credit Card guarantee
For guarantees on Micro Credit Cards (up to ₹5 lakh for Udyam-registered micro enterprises), lenders can claim the balance 25% six months after the first claim or OTS, instead of three years.
- Issued by
- CGTMSE
- Reference
- Circular No. 261/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
April 2026
GST rate schedule HSN entries for beverages aligned with Finance Act 2026
Amends rate notification 9/2025 from 1 May 2026, substituting HSN codes under heading 2202 in the 2.5% Schedule I and 20% Schedule III entries to match tariff changes in the Finance Act, 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Finance (CBIC)
- Reference
- Notification No. 01/2026-Central Tax (Rate); also 01/2026-Integrated Tax (Rate)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RBI sets common framework for loan relief in natural-calamity areas from 1 July
From 1 Jul 2026, banks may restructure loans of borrowers hit by a declared calamity if accounts were standard and under 30 days overdue, after SLBC/DCC recommendation. Resolution must be invoked within 45 days and implemented within 135 days of declaration.
- Issued by
- Reserve Bank of India
- Reference
- RBI/2026-27/44 DOR.STR.REC.33/21-04-048/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Operational guidelines issued for Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
DPIIT issued operational guidelines for FoF 2.0: commitments to Category I and II AIFs in four segments (deep tech, micro VC, manufacturing, sector-agnostic), two-stage AIF selection, and minimum private capital mobilisation. SIDBI implements.
- Issued by
- DPIIT
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
NCGTC introduces Support for Emerging Export Opportunities (SEOE)
NCGTC issued guidelines for SEOE, a Department of Commerce scheme giving guarantee cover to EXIM Bank's partner banks for non-fund credit to Indian exporters in under-served markets.
- Issued by
- NCGTC / Department of Commerce
- Reference
- 0153/SEOE/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
DIR-3 KYC Web fee revised: nil on time, Rs 5,000 if late
Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Amendment Rules, 2026 replace the DIR-3 KYC Web fee: nil if filed within the rule 12A(1) timeline, Rs 5,000 if filed late or to reactivate a DIN, and Rs 500 for each refiling to report changes.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- G.S.R. 300(E)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTR-3B for March 2026 due date extended to 21 April 2026
CBIC extended the due date for monthly GSTR-3B for March 2026 to 21 Apr 2026 for regular monthly filers. The notification took effect from 20 Apr 2026.
- Issued by
- CBIC
- Reference
- Notification No. 01/2026-Central Tax
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTN launches Excel-based IMS offline tool
GSTN released an MS Excel-based offline tool for the Invoice Management System. Recipients can accept, reject or keep pending supplier invoices, individually or in bulk, before generating GSTR-2B.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 658
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
167 iron and steel tariff lines added to export interest subvention for MSEs
DGFT added 167 Chapter 72 tariff lines to the positive list for the 2.75% export credit interest subvention under EPM. The added lines are eligible only for micro and small exporters.
- Issued by
- DGFT
- Reference
- Trade Notice No. 01/2026-27
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RELIEF export support expanded to Egypt and Jordan
RELIEF, a time-bound EPM intervention run through ECGC since 19 March 2026 for exporters hit by West Asia freight and insurance costs, now covers Egypt and Jordan. Exporters with a fresh ECGC Whole Turnover Policy from 16 March 2026 qualify for Component II.
- Issued by
- Department of Commerce
- Reference
- Policy Circular dated 15 Apr 2026
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
MCA seeks comments on draft Incorporation rules and simpler filing framework
MCA placed draft Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026 (public notice 8 Apr 2026) for comments by 9 May 2026, and an IICA concept note on consolidating forms and pre-filled filing under the Companies Act, with comments by 15 May 2026.
- Issued by
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- Reference
- PIB Release ID 2252805
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTN: recompute interest wrongly auto-filled in March 2026 GSTR-3B
GSTN said system-calculated interest for the February 2026 period was wrongly auto-populated in Table 5.1 of the March 2026 GSTR-3B. Taxpayers must follow the advisory's process to compute the correct interest.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 657
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 notified with ₹10,000 crore corpus
DPIIT notified Startup India FoF 2.0. The ₹10,000 crore corpus is committed to SEBI-registered AIFs that invest in DPIIT-recognised startups, across the 16th and 17th Finance Commission cycles. SIDBI is the first implementing agency.
- Issued by
- DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Reference
- Gazette notification (egazette 271764)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GST appeals: pre-deposit percentage made editable on portal
From 6 Apr 2026 the pre-deposit field in appeal form APL-01, earlier fixed at 10% under section 107(6), is editable. Appellants enter the correct percentage and pay; the appellate authority verifies it later.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 656
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
CBDT corrects ITR forms 1 to 7 and ITR-U for AY 2026-27
CBDT issued corrigenda (Notifications 57 to 63 of 2026) to the ITR forms notified on 30 Mar 2026, for example substituting Schedule-IT (advance and self-assessment tax) in ITR-1.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Notifications 57/2026 to 63/2026 (G.S.R. 262(E) to 268(E))
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters closed to fresh applications
NCGTC said CGSE was valid up to 31 March 2026 and allowed a one-time extension to 17 April 2026 only to sanction applications already received on Jan Samarth by 31 March 2026. No fresh applications are accepted.
- Issued by
- NCGTC / Department of Financial Services
- Reference
- 034/NCGTC/CGSE
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
GSTN: route for appeals where demand order shows NIL due to prior payment
GSTN said payment at show-cause stage without admitting liability does not bar an appeal. Where the portal blocks APL-01 because the order shows NIL demand, taxpayers should seek a rectification order first, then appeal within time.
- Issued by
- GSTN
- Reference
- GST portal news item 655
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
MSME schemes continue temporarily beyond 31 March 2026 pending 16th FC approval
O/o DC (MSME) said the Department of Expenditure issued instructions on 23 March 2026 on temporary continuation of schemes beyond 31 March 2026. A proposal to continue the PMS scheme up to 30 September 2026, or until a restructured scheme is approved, was pending with DoE, on the same terms as in 2021-26.
- Issued by
- Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME)
- Reference
- OM No. 5(9)/2021-22/PMS/Misc
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Income-tax Act 2025 and Income-tax Rules 2026 take effect
The Income-tax Rules, 2026, made under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and notified on 20 Mar 2026 (G.S.R. 198(E)), came into force on 1 Apr 2026. They replace the 1962 Rules, with renumbered sections, rules and forms.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Notification No. 22/2026 (G.S.R. 198(E))
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
RBI: collateral-free loan limit for micro and small units rises to Rs 20 lakh
RBI's Lending to MSME Sector (Amendment) Directions, 2026, issued 9 Feb 2026, took effect on 1 Apr 2026. Banks must not take collateral on micro and small enterprise loans up to Rs 20 lakh.
- Issued by
- Reserve Bank of India
- Reference
- Lending to MSME Sector (Amendment) Directions, 2026 (press release 9 Feb 2026)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
TDS and TCS statements move to Forms 138, 140, 143 and 144; TCS statement now due on the 31st
Under rule 219 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026, quarterly TDS statements are Forms 138 (salary), 140 (other residents) and 144 (non-residents), and the TCS statement is Form 143, all due 31 July, 31 October, 31 January and 31 May.
- Issued by
- CBDT
- Reference
- Income-tax Rules, 2026, rule 219 (G.S.R. 198(E))
- Last checked
- 29 Oct 2026