Archive · 8 Jan 2026
AIF Industry Seeks Tax Reforms in Budget 2026
The alternative investment industry in India is asking the government to make changes to the tax rules in the upcoming Budget 2026.
They want private credit funds and Category III alternative investment funds (AIFs) to be taxed fairly.
Right now, these funds are taxed at a higher rate than other similar investment options, which makes it harder for them to grow.
The industry also wants clearer rules so that investors can understand how their money will be taxed.
A recent court decision has already helped by making the tax rules for Category III AIFs clearer.
The industry hopes that these changes will help more people invest in these funds and support important parts of the economy like small businesses and infrastructure.
The alternative investment industry is pushing for tax reforms in Budget 2026 to support the growth of private credit and Category III AIFs.
Private credit AIFs are currently taxed at a higher rate (around 39%) compared to equity-oriented mutual funds (12.5% plus surcharge).
IVCA recommends that AIFs, mutual funds, and bonds with similar risk and return profiles should have similar tax treatment.
Category III AIFs lack a dedicated tax framework, leading to inconsistencies and potential double taxation.
The Delhi High Court ruled in 2025 that Category III AIFs should be taxed as determinate trusts, reducing their tax rate to 12.5% plus surcharge.
- Who
- Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) and the alternative investment industry
- What
- Seeking tax reforms for private credit and Category III AIFs in Budget 2026
- When
- Approaching Union Budget 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To create a level playing field for taxation and provide clarity on complex fund structures
- Total commitments to AIFs
- Rs 15.05 lakh crore
- Investments in AIFs
- Rs 6.11 lakh crore
- Category III AIFs commitments
- Rs 3 lakh crore
- Current tax rate for private credit AIFs
- Around 39%
- Capital gains tax rate for equity-oriented mutual funds
- 12.5% plus surcharge
- Date of Delhi High Court ruling
- July 29, 2025
- Maximum marginal tax rate imposed by CBDT Circular No. 13/2014
- Nearly 40%