Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle faces criticism over Nepal tax policies

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle is facing criticism from political figures and citizens regarding recent tax policies and enforcement in Nepal.

Former Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Rabindra Mishra has questioned why rental income is excluded from the income tax exemption. While the current budget exempts income up to Rs 1 million, Mishra noted that local authorities informed him rental income does not qualify. He argued that many citizens rely solely on rent and urged the government to amend the policy to protect honest taxpayers.

Separately, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) members from the Madhesh region confronted Wagle during a public interaction program regarding increased tax enforcement at the Nepal-India border. Participants accused authorities of harassing citizens for bringing small quantities of goods across the open border. Critics claimed the crackdown disproportionately affects border districts and urged the Finance Minister to develop policies that address the needs of the Madhesh, hills, and mountains rather than focusing solely on Kathmandu.