Mixed sentiments on Budget 2017: Poll

Thursday, 13 October 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The latest nationwide survey conducted by research firm TNS Lanka, for business magazine LMD, reveals that citizens have mixed sentiments as to whether Budget 2017 will be taxpayer-friendly or otherwise.

The magazine reports that at least four-in-10 respondents expect the budget to be in favour of taxpayers. Meanwhile, 48% disagree, while the rest are undecided.

“Some in the ‘agree’ camp feel that Budget 2017 will be prepared by ‘correcting the mistakes that took place in the past,’ whilst their rivals assert that ‘the previous budget also did not provide any concessions’,” LMD notes.

Respondents are similarly divided on whether businesses will benefit from the forthcoming budget – 40% are optimistic, 41% aren’t and a further 19% are unsure.

Of the sample population, more than half (55%) believe that steps will be taken to streamline taxes, although close to a quarter are among the naysayers and the rest (21%) are unsure. Where the preservation of accountability is concerned, 74% are either in the naysayers camp’ or uncertain.

Citizens expect the budget proposals to bring forth tax and duty concessions, an end to the so-called harassment of taxpayers and lower taxes, while simplifying the tax system and administration, and introducing measures to curtail tax evasion and ensure policy consistency.

The October edition of the pioneering magazine has been released to leading supermarkets and bookstores in Colombo and the outstations.

Its Cover Story features the Most Connected Brands in Sri Lanka, with insights into the trends that shape the digital landscape of the country (for the full story, log onto www.LMD.lk).