1Can a cloud kitchen use the 44AD presumptive scheme?
Yes, if turnover is within Rs 2 crore (Rs 3 crore where cash is 5% or less). Most sales come digitally so the 6% rate often applies — but thin-margin kitchens may do better on actual books.
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ArticleCloud kitchens and home-based food businesses earn business income through delivery platforms, with real ingredient, packaging and commission costs. Here's how cloud kitchens can save tax and stay compliant.
Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13
Quick answer
Cloud kitchens earn business income with platform commissions and pass-through costs — so the 44AD scheme, expense claims, GST and advance tax matter. Here's how.
If your turnover is within Rs 2 crore (Rs 3 crore where cash receipts are 5% or less), Section 44AD lets you declare 8% of turnover (6% on digital receipts) as income with no audit. Since most cloud-kitchen sales come digitally through platforms, the 6% rate often applies — but thin margins may favour actual books.
Food businesses run on tight margins, so keeping books and claiming real costs — ingredients, packaging, kitchen rent and equipment (through depreciation), gas and utilities, staff, and delivery-platform commissions — often produces lower taxable income than the presumptive rate.
Delivery platforms take commissions and may deduct TDS/TCS that appears in your records. Reconcile the platform statements, claim any tax credit, and report your actual net income rather than gross order value.
Food sales attract GST and require FSSAI registration, with input credit available on many purchases. These are separate from income tax but essential — getting registration and rate treatment right avoids penalties.
On your personal return, use 80C, the Rs 50,000 NPS and 80D health insurance in the old regime. With no employer TDS, pay advance tax in the four instalments if your tax exceeds Rs 10,000, to avoid 234B/234C interest.
Yes, if turnover is within Rs 2 crore (Rs 3 crore where cash is 5% or less). Most sales come digitally so the 6% rate often applies — but thin-margin kitchens may do better on actual books.
Ingredients, packaging, kitchen rent and equipment (via depreciation), gas, utilities, staff and platform commissions , when you keep books — often beating the presumptive rate in a low-margin business.
Yes — food sales attract GST and require FSSAI registration , with input credit on many purchases. These are separate from income tax but essential to keep compliant.
Running a cloud kitchen or home-food business? Write to the firm and we'll sort your scheme, GST and advance tax.