INCOME TAX16 Sept 2026
UPI MDR debate intensifies: What MobiKwik’s Upasana Taku, BharatPe’s Ashneer Grover and PhonePe’s Sameer Nigam said | Mint
The government has announced a merchant charge on UPI payments above ₹2,000, under a revised framework effective October 15. Customers still pay nothing. Businesses accepting such payments will bear the cost, and industry leaders are split — Ashneer Grover calls it a tax, while MobiKwik's Upasana Taku calls it positive for a sustainable payments ecosystem. Review your UPI receipts above ₹2,000 before October 15.
Key Statutory Highlights
- The revised UPI merchant discount rate framework puts a charge on merchants for UPI transactions above ₹2,000, and it comes into effect on October 15.
- The government has said customers will continue to use UPI free of charge.
- MobiKwik co-founder Upasana Taku called the move a very positive step for a sustainable payments ecosystem, while former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover questioned why the levy is not simply called a tax.
Actionable Advice for Taxpayers / Founders:If you accept UPI payments above ₹2,000, speak to your CA or payment provider about how this merchant charge applies to you, and keep your collection records ready before October 15.
Statutory Disclaimer: TaxQue Shorts are AI-assisted editorial briefs for compliance awareness. This brief has not passed every source check; confirm the original notification before acting. This does not constitute formal legal or CA counsel.
TaxQue News Desk
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