Credit and finance for MSMEs: Addressing the delayed payment crisis faced by micro and small enterprises — among the biggest challenges to their growth — the budget 2023-24 proposed to amend section 43B of the Income Tax act with a new clause (h) in order to include payments made to such enterprises. The section will provide for any sum paid by the assessee (buyer) to MSEs beyond the 45-day time limit (specified in section 15 of the MSME Development Act) will be allowed as deduction only when the payment is actually made to MSEs.