COVID-19: Nasscom urges govt to defer tax payment, return filing for startups, MSMEs

Industry body Nasscom has urged the government to suspend all deadlines, including for tax payment and return filing, until four weeks post lifting of the lockdown to provide relief to startups and SMEs.

To contain the spread of COVID-19, the government has announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown starting March 26.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused high stress on startups, putting their continuity at risk. They are looking to government to provide support and relief…” Nasscom said in a statement.

The industry body said startups are facing severe time loss and project delays due to the prevailing circumstances that has contributed to financial pressure on them.