In a bid to safeguard the interests of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government has rolled out a new payment rule for the assessment year 2024-2025. According to this mandate, buyers are obligated to settle payments for goods procured from MSMEs within 45 days of delivery. Additionally, any pending payments owed to MSMEs must be cleared by March 31, 2024. Failure to comply with the new payment timelines will result in outstanding payments to MSMEs being treated as taxable income.
While the government’s intention is to ensure timely payments and protect MSMEs, the new regulation has stirred concerns in the market, leading to the cancellation of orders to MSMEs. Businesses, especially in sectors accustomed to longer credit periods, are grappling with the implications of this shift.
Addressing Challenges with DPO Extension:
To tackle the challenges posed by the new payment regulation, businesses are exploring ways to ensure timely payments to MSMEs without burdening buyers excessively. Leveraging Days Payables Outstanding (DPO) extension emerges as a strategic approach to navigate reduced credit periods and fulfill payment commitments.
DPO extension allows businesses to balance short-term financial obligations with long-term sustainability goals. By strategically extending payment timelines, businesses can uphold supplier relationships and ensure MSMEs receive payments within the statutory period.
Financial Flexibility through DPO Extension:
The essence of DPO extension lies in providing businesses with additional time to settle outstanding payments to suppliers while preserving liquidity for essential operational expenses. Partnering with financiers becomes instrumental in securing timely credit to fulfill payments to MSMEs, with the flexibility to repay the financier at a later time.
Role of Fintechs in Expediting Payments:
Fintech companies play a crucial role in expediting payments and ensuring financial sustainability for businesses. By implementing tech-enabled solutions, fintechs automate payment workflows, optimize cash flow forecasting, and enhance transparency throughout the procurement and payment cycle.
Using advanced algorithms and digital platforms, fintech solutions enable businesses to set up customized alerts and notifications for impending payment deadlines. Real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities empower businesses to gain actionable insights, identify potential liquidity bottlenecks, and proactively mitigate financial risks.
Advantages of Fintech Solutions:
These fintech solutions bring advantages to both buyers and suppliers, including enhanced liquidity and minimized fluctuations in payment timelines. By making it possible for businesses to extend their payables while accelerating payments to suppliers, fintech solutions contribute to a more resilient and inclusive business ecosystem.
As the market adapts to the new MSME payment rule, these innovative approaches aim to foster transparency, accountability, and financial stability across the supply chain.
