Investors to pay tax on buybacks now; promoter plans may be hit

The new budget shifts share buyback taxes to investors, impacting promoters, large shareholders, and exit strategies, particularly in family settlements. Tax rates on accumulated funds often exceed 23%, according to Ketan Dalal. Prime Database noted 48 firms, including tech companies, spent ₹48,079 crore on buybacks in 2023. The buyback tax started in 2013 for unlisted, extended to listed in 2019.