AKITDA demands uniform tax at five percent on Laptop accessories   

All Kerala IT Dealers Association (AKITDA) has demanded implementation of uniform tax for laptop accessories. The association has appealed the state tax authorities to levy a 5 percent tax on laptop batteries and adapters to eliminate the disparities in taxation.

According the state’s official website, Kerala has the highest tax rate for the batteries at the rate of 14.5 percent compared to other states. AKITDA claimed that higher tax rate would increase the price of laptops and ultimately impact the channel business.

AKITDA delegation led by state president Liju Raju met the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes Rajan Khobragade in Thiruvananthapuram recently and highlighted the issue. Raju said that the laptop battery and adaptor could not be used for other purpose; therefore, it should not come under the high tax range. The delegation pleaded to implement the uniform tax rate of 5 percent applicable in other Indian states.

“We had a healthy discussion with the Commissioner. He has promised us that the department would take appropriate steps to resolve the issue. He has also instructed the Intelligence officer not to take further action till the final decision.”

The delegation led by Kottayam district president Anil Prasad also met the Finance Minister K M Mani and highlighted the issue. AKITDA said that the association was hopeful of appropriate actions by the commercial tax department to resolve the issue soon.