Swiggy, one of India’s leading food and grocery delivery platforms, has found itself under regulatory scrutiny after receiving two significant tax notices orders for the financial year 2021-22. Combined, these notices amount to a tax demand of over ₹165 crore, raising concerns over the company’s tax practices.
1. First Tax Notice: Maharashtra Professional Tax Demand of ₹7.59 Crore
The first of the two notices comes from the Office of the Profession Tax Officer in Pune, who claims that Swiggy owes ₹7.59 crore due to non-compliance with the Maharashtra State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings & Employments Act, 1975.
Key Allegation: Failure to deduct professional tax from employees’ salaries during the assessment year.
Swiggy’s Response: The company has rejected the allegations, asserting that they are unfounded. Swiggy has initiated steps to seek a review and potentially appeal the decision.
2. Second Tax Notice: Massive ₹158.25 Crore Income Tax Demand
In a separate incident, Swiggy has received a much larger notice from the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Central Circle 1(1), Bengaluru. This notice demands ₹158.25 crore in taxes, with the authorities raising objections about certain business expenditures.
Key Points of Contention:
Cancellation charges paid to partner merchants were disallowed under Section 37 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Interest income on income tax refunds Allegedly not offered to tax.
Swiggy’s Stance:
Swiggy is confident that it has strong grounds to challenge the income tax order. The company is committed to pursuing legal avenues to safeguard its interests.
3. Total Tax Demands Exceed ₹165 Crore for Fiscal Year 2021-22
Combined, these two notices have resulted in a total demand of ₹165 crore. Despite the large sums involved, Swiggy remains optimistic about its legal position. Swiggy emphasises that these tax proceedings are not expected to have a material impact on its financial position or day-to-day operations.
4. Swiggy’s Future Actions: Review and Appeal Process
Swiggy is already in the process of reviewing the assessments for both notices. The team is planning to File appeals to contest the allegations and tax demands.
5. What Does This Mean for Swiggy’s Financial Health?
Despite the hefty tax demands, Swiggy remains confident that the matter will not disrupt its business operations or financial performance. The company has reassured its stakeholders that it is taking proactive steps to resolve these tax-related issues.
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