Tax Management India. Com
Law and Practice  :  Digital eBook
Research is most exciting & rewarding
  TMI - Tax Management India. Com
Follow us:
  Facebook   Twitter   Linkedin   Telegram
Tax Updates - TMI e-Newsletters

Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 February Day 22 - Wednesday

TMI e-Newsletters FAQ
You need to Subscribe a package.

Newsletter: Where Service Meets Reader Approval.

TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
February 22, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws



Articles

1. Excise Duty on Branded Readymade Garments

   By: CA.Ankit Gulgulia

Summary: The rollback of excise duty exemption on branded readymade garments has sparked industry protests. The government mandates a 10% excise duty on garments under Chapters 61, 62, and 63 of the Central Excise Tariff when sold under a brand name, effective from March 1, 2011. Excise duty, typically levied on manufacturing, is calculated based on the retail sale price for branded garments. Exemptions apply to non-branded items, small-scale industries, and specific categories like uniforms. Manufacturers can opt for different duty schemes and utilize CENVAT credit for service tax inputs to offset excise duty liabilities.

2. SHOW CAUSE NOTICE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ISSUED BEFORE FINALISATION OF PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: Under the Central Excise Rules, 2002, provisional assessments do not require a show cause notice before finalization. Rule 7 outlines the process for provisional assessments, allowing the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner to finalize assessments based on information provided by the assessee. In the case of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the Tribunal ruled that the absence of a show cause notice does not violate natural justice principles if the assessment is based solely on materials furnished by the assessee. The Tribunal emphasized that issuing a show cause notice in such cases would be unnecessary, as the assessments are based on the disclosed price variations.


News

1. Anand Sharma holds Consultation on Transport Subsidy Scheme.

Summary: The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles held consultations with North Eastern and special category states on the Transport Subsidy Scheme (TSS) and related initiatives. The meeting focused on revamping TSS to address high transportation costs due to poor infrastructure. Discussions included redefining manufacturing, amending the negative list, and incentivizing inland water transport. The government provides subsidies and loans to boost industrial development, with significant investments and employment opportunities in special category states. The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy aims to enhance regional development, supported by substantial financial allocations for infrastructure improvements.

2. Marine Product Exports Grows 18.72% During April – December 2011-12 .

Summary: Marine product exports from India grew by 18.72% in US dollar terms during April to December 2011-12 compared to the previous year. The export quantity increased by 1.48%, with a 21.68% rise in rupee value. Frozen shrimp remained the top export, contributing 51.35% of total earnings, with significant growth in exports to the USA and Japan. Exports to Southeast Asia surged due to regional raw material shortages and trade agreements. The Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Seafood Exporters Association of India are organizing the India International Seafood Show to further boost exports.

3. FM to Present Appreciation Certificates to the Receipients of Presidential Awards.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister will present Appreciation Certificates to thirty-five recipients of the Presidential Award, announced on Republic Day 2011. The Minister of State for Finance (Revenue) will also attend the event. Organized by the Central Board of Excise and Customs, the Investiture Ceremony recognizes Customs and Central Excise officers, as well as officers from the Narcotics and Enforcement Directorate, for exceptionally meritorious service or distinguished records, often at personal risk. The Presidential awards, introduced in 1962, honor outstanding contributions to public service.

4. Government’s Development Objective is to Reduce and Ultimately Remove the Inequalities in All Dimensions of Human Life in Society;.

Summary: The Indian government's development objective is to eliminate societal inequalities by fostering inclusive growth, as highlighted by the Finance Minister at an industry event. The government aims to sustain economic growth through broad-based development across sectors and regions, emphasizing the empowerment of rural populations and skill development. Recent reforms include easing capital controls, liberalizing foreign direct investment, and implementing a new manufacturing policy to boost job creation. The government also advocates for innovation and education to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Collaboration with industry bodies is encouraged to bridge skill gaps and support sustainable economic growth.

5. Status of Admission to Company Secretaries (CS) Executive Programme.

Summary: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India has announced that admissions for the Company Secretaries Executive Programme are open. Graduates in disciplines other than Fine Arts can apply until February 29, 2012, to be eligible for the December 2012 examination. The prospectus and application form are available for purchase at specific locations in Noida and New Delhi or via registered post. The programme includes compulsory postal tuition and optional oral coaching. Admission is open year-round, and completion of the Executive and Professional Examinations, along with practical training, is required to qualify as a Company Secretary.

6. Text of the speech of Finance Minister at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the United India Insurance Company Limited.

Summary: The Finance Minister delivered a speech at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of United India Insurance Company, highlighting its achievements in general insurance since its inception in 1938. The company is recognized for its strong performance in premium growth, profitability, and customer service, and is a leader in social and rural insurance. The Minister emphasized the growth of India's insurance sector post-liberalization, noting increased competition and improved customer services. He urged insurance companies to enhance transparency, streamline grievance mechanisms, and focus on insurance literacy, especially in rural areas. The event also marked the unveiling of new initiatives, including a customer portal and health insurance policy.

7. Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister at the Inauguration of Corporate Office of Oriental Bank of Commerce in Gurgaon and Celebrations of its 70th Foundation Day.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister addressed the inauguration of the Oriental Bank of Commerce's new corporate office in Gurgaon, coinciding with its 70th foundation day. Highlighting the bank's achievements since its nationalization in 1980, he emphasized the importance of financial inclusion, technology upgrades, and product innovation for sustained growth in a competitive environment. The Minister noted the bank's efforts in financial literacy and inclusion, including opening new branches and counseling centers. He also discussed the implementation of an e-payment system for direct government subsidies and the adoption of Basel III guidelines to ensure adequate capital in public sector banks.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

FEMA

1. 81 - dated 21-2-2012

Export of Goods and Services - Receipt of advance payment for export of goods Involving shipment (manufacture and ship) beyond one year .

Summary: Attention is drawn to Authorised Dealer Category-I banks regarding the receipt of advance payments for exports involving shipments beyond one year. Previously requiring Reserve Bank approval, the procedure is now liberalized, allowing banks to permit such transactions under specific conditions. These include conducting KYC and due diligence, ensuring Anti Money Laundering compliance, utilizing the advance solely for exports, and adhering to contract terms for progress payments. Interest rates must not exceed LIBOR + 100 basis points, and refunds should not surpass 10% of the advance in three years. Shipment documents must be routed through the same bank, and any refund requires Reserve Bank approval. Amendments to relevant regulations are forthcoming.

2. 82 - dated 21-2-2012

Release of Foreign Exchange for Imports – Further Liberalisation.

Summary: The circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India announces the liberalization of foreign exchange release for imports. The limit for remittances without documentation has been increased from USD 500 to USD 5000. Authorized Dealers are no longer required to obtain Form A-1; a simple letter with basic details suffices, provided the transaction is a current account transaction and does not exceed USD 5000. These changes aim to simplify the process for import-related foreign exchange transactions. The circular is issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and should be communicated to relevant parties.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Supreme Court Clarifies Distinction Between Bad Debts and Provisions in Rural Banking Under Income Tax Act Section 36(1)(vii.

    Case-Laws - SC : Bad debts versus Provisions for bad and doubtful debts - rural banking - Scope and ambit of the proviso to Section 36(1)(vii) - provisions of Sections 36(1)(vii) and 36(1)(viia) are distinct and independent items of deduction and operate in their respective fields - SC

  • Singapore Company Taxed in India for Offshore Work Due to Permanent Establishment Under DTAA Article 5.5.

    Case-Laws - AAR : DTAA with Singapore – Singapore company entered into contract with IOCL for residual offshore construction work and Installation of SPM - contract with L&T Ltd for installation and construction services for Single Point Mooring (SPM) - the applicant has a PE in India in terms of Article 5.5 of the DTAA and falls within the ambit of Section 44BB of the Act. The consideration received by the applicant for mobilization and demobilization is taxable in India u/s 44BB of the Act. - AAR

  • High Court: Interest Due on Excess Refunds Before Section 234D, Applicable From June 1, 2003, Regardless of Assessment Year.

    Case-Laws - HC : Levy of interest for assessment years prior to the introduction of the section 234D- Regular assessment was completed on 30 March 2004 the provision on interest is not introduced with reference to any assessment year but with effect from 1 June 03 - Assessee is liable to pay interest on the excess refund amount received. - HC

  • Tax Dispute Over Deduction Limits u/s 35E for Diamond Mining and Consultancy Expenses Misinterpreted by Tax Officer.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction under 35E - Business of Prospecting Exploring and mining of Diamonds and also Consultancy - Assessing Officer was indeed in error in capitalizing the expenses which were not directly attributable to the prospecting of diamonds as also in restricting the deductibility of expenses to 30% of the consultancy revenues received by the assessee. - AT

  • Court Rules No Interest Liability for Assessee on Short TDS Deduction After Owner Settles Tax and Interest.

    Case-Laws - HC : TDS - lessee deducted Tax at 15% instead of 20% - Owner paid differential tax with interest - no liability on the part of the assessee to pay any interest for short deduction of TDS as the owner has paid the said tax. - HC

  • Tribunal Mistakenly Allowed Deductions u/ss 80HH and 80-I Before Section 35(2) Deduction in Income Tax Act Case.

    Case-Laws - HC : Tribunal went wrong in allowing deduction under section 80HH and Section 80-I from the gross total income before granting deduction under section 35(2) of the Act, deduction under Section 35(2) has to be first allowed in the computation of business income as a whole and thereafter deduction under Section 80HH and Section 80-I have to be granted only from the net income attributable to the eligible industrial unit - HC

  • Tax on Capital Gains: Include Previous Owner's Holding Period for Gifted or Inherited Assets When Calculating Indexed Costs.

    Case-Laws - HC : Capital gain - If the object of the legislature is to tax the gains arising on transfer of a capital acquired under a gift or will by including the period for which the said asset was held by the previous owner in determining the period for which the said asset was held by the assessee, then that object cannot be defeated by excluding the period for which the said asset was held by the previous owner while determining the indexed cost of acquisition of that asset to the assessee - HC

  • Asset Transfers Between Societies Taxed as Capital Gains, Not Donations, Under Income Tax Law.

    Case-Laws - AT : Trust - Transfer versus Donation - Transfer of assets for consideration, from one society to another, which has been received by way of book entries and cannot be a donation - Taxable as "Capital Gain". - AT

  • Reassessment Validity u/s 147 Affirmed: Income Escape Justifies Action Without Completing Regular Assessment.

    Case-Laws - HC : Validity of Re-assessment under 147 where notice u/s 143(2) has been issued - if the Assessing Officer is of the view that materials available with him or discovered by him are such as to justify income escaping assessment under Section 147, he is free to record the reasons for the belief and proceed to make income escaping assessment under Section 147 without proceeding to make a regular assessment under Section 143(3) of the Act. - HC

  • Court Rules Funds Not a "Loan" Under Interest-tax Act Section 2(7); Section 5 Inapplicable.

    Case-Laws - HC : Interest Tax under section 5 of the Interest-tax Act - Once we find that monies given by the assessee to SWC did not fulfil the aforesaid criteria thereby bringing it within the expression "loan", the question of applicability of section 2(7) of the Interest-tax Act would not arise. - HC

  • Source of Funds Determines Property Ownership in HUF; Agreement Silence on Ownership Status Doesn't Alter Character.

    Case-Laws - HC : Ownership - Mere non-mentioning of the status in the Agreement of purchase or sale does not alter the character of the property especially when the source of funds and that the status of HUF is governed by the investments which were made out of HUF funds and the HUF can purchase property in the name of any member of family. - HC

  • CBDT Notification Grants Institutes Direct Approval, Qualifying Donors for Weighted Deduction u/s 35 of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : There is no requirement that once the Notification is issued by the CBDT the said Institute has to be approved by any other authority. Once Notification is issued donor is qualified for weighted deduction referred in Sec.35 of the Act. - HC

  • Assessing Officer Must Independently Calculate Loss or Unabsorbed Depreciation Each Year u/s 115JB for MAT Deduction.

    Case-Laws - AT : MAT - book profit u/s. 115JB - AO is required to determine amount of loss brought forward or unabsorbed depreciation for each of years without taking said adjustment into consideration and allow deduction in respect of lesser of two amounts. - HC

  • Transfer of 'Development Rights' Classified as Non-Taxable Capital Receipts When Improvement Costs Are Indeterminable.

    Case-Laws - AT : Taxability on compensation received on transfer of 'Development Rights' - a capital asset in respect of which the cost of improvement could not be ascertained and therefore the receipts of consideration for transfer of the said rights cannot be brought to tax as the said receipts will be capital receipts and not capital gain. - AT

  • Partner Takes Over After Dissolution, Income Includes Individual Loss Share Excluding Partnership Losses.

    Case-Laws - HC : Set- off of loss – partnership on dissolution on 18.09.04 taken over by one partner – The income earned by the appellant, as an individual, would include his share of loss as an individual but not the losses suffered by the partnership firm - HC

  • Clarification on Notice Issuance vs. Service for Income Escaping Assessment under IT Act Section 147, Validity Confirmed.

    Case-Laws - AT : Issue of notice versus service of notice - Income escaping assessment - validity of notice u/s 147 - there has been proper issue of notice within the limitation period of six years - AT

  • Doubtful Debts Not Written Off u/s 36(i)(vi) Must Be Included in Book Profit Calculations.

    Case-Laws - HC : MAT - Provision for Doubtful advances and Investments - the said liability is not NPA but the performing assets as they have continued to be forming part of sundry debtors. As the aforesaid doubtful debts were not actually written off under Section 36(i)(vi) from the books the said amount is to be added in arriving at the net income from the book profits. - HC

  • Customs

  • Electronic Automatic Regulators Classified Under Chapter Sub-heading 9032.89 by Central Government Notification.

    Case-Laws - SC : Classification of 'Electronic Automatic Regulators' - in view of the Notification issued by the Central Government, the goods, namely Electronic Automatic Regulators would fall under Chapter sub-heading 9032.89 - SC

  • High Court Rules in Favor of Assessee for Fulfilling Export Obligations Under Notification No. 30/1997 Despite Delay.

    Case-Laws - HC : Advance Licensing - Notification No. 30/1997, dated 1-4-1997 - export obligation - Public Notice dated 7-11-2002 - the assessee was entitled to seek extension of export obligation period of six months from the date of Public Notice for fulfilment of certain conditions - assessee has fulfilled the export obligation though belatedly - Decided in favor of the assessee - HC

  • FEMA

  • FEMA Circular: New Rules Simplify Foreign Exchange Release for Imports, Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Bureaucracy for Importers.

    Circulars : Release of Foreign Exchange for Imports – Further Liberalisation. - Cir. No. 82 Dated: February 21, 2012

  • Guidelines for Exporters on Advance Payments for Shipments Extending Beyond One Year Under FEMA Regulations.

    Circulars : Export of Goods and Services - Receipt of advance payment for export of goods Involving shipment (manufacture and ship) beyond one year . - Cir. No. 81 Dated: February 21, 2012

  • Service Tax

  • Pre-deposit Waived for Appellants in Manufacturing via Business Auxiliary Services Due to Processing of Excisable Goods.

    Case-Laws - AT : Business Auxiliary services - job work - considering the nature of raw materials, the processes undertaken on the said raw materials and the end-product, appellants are undertaking manufacture of excisable goods on job work basis - pre-deposit waived - AT

  • Sai Computer Pvt. Ltd.'s balance sheet figures don't impose tax liability on appellant despite March 13, 2001, agreement.

    Case-Laws - AT : Mere appearance of the figures in the consolidated balance sheet of Sai Computer Pvt. Ltd. does not bring the appellant to the tax liability when from the beginning, Revenue authorities relied upon the agreement dated 13.03.01 as RUD-I and treated the Appellant as a different taxable entry granting a separate registration to it - AT

  • Jurisdiction for Service Tax Must Align with Registered Office Location; Mumbai Office Wins Over Ratnagiri Notice.

    Case-Laws - AT : Issuance of SCN - assessee contested that they have taken service tax registration at Mumbai as their registered office is situated in Mumbai and service has been rendered in Mumbai and, therefore, the Assistant Commissioner at Ratnagiri does not have jurisdiction to issue notice and recover service tax - Decided in favor of the assessee - AT

  • Service distributors can allocate Service Tax across units if services are used where credit is claimed.

    Case-Laws - AT : Head Office distributed credit - The input service distributor can distribute the Service Tax paid on input services amongst its various units only if such services are used among the units where the credit is taken. Firstly service has to qualify as input before it can be distributed - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Daily Production Report Entries Not Reliable for Demands Due to High Temperature Estimates.

    Case-Laws - AT : RG 1 vis a vis Daily production record - Product comes out of reactor in very hot conditions and daily production report maintained on rough estimate basis - Demand on the basis entries made in daily production report which are on estimate basis is not sustainable. - AT

  • Court Rules Administrative and Export Fees Excluded from Assessable Value for Central Excise Purposes.

    Case-Laws - AT : Valuation under central excise - Whether administrative fee/export fee etc are liable to be included in the assessable value - held no - AT

  • Bearing Housings & Brackets Classified Under Chapter 84.83, Not Heading 84.82, Per Central Excise Case Laws.

    Case-Laws - AT : Classification - Bearing Housings and bearing brackets falling under are excluded from the classification under Heading 84.82 and specifically mentioned in Chapter 84.83. - AT

  • Duty Drawback Classification Must Follow Rule 3(a) for Accurate Customs Tariff Interpretation, Avoiding Unnecessary Deviations.

    Case-Laws - CGOVT : Classification for the purpose of duty draw back - There is neither any requirement nor it would be proper to 'jump' to next provision when the classification stands concluded by Rule 3(a) of general rules for interpretation of the Customs Tariff - CGOVT

  • Cutting and grooving aluminum sheets to make composite panels is manufacturing, creating a distinct, commercially recognized product.

    Case-Laws - HC : Cutting, grooving of the Aluminium sheet to make Aluminium composite panels amounts to manufacture of a distinct product commercially known as different. - HC

  • VAT

  • Commissioner Cannot Revise Delhi Sales Tax Act Assessments Suo Motu Under DVAT Act Section 74A, High Court Rules.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether the Commissioner under the DVAT Act can exercise suo motu power of revision under Section 74A of the DVAT Act in respect of assessments that have been completed under the Delhi Sales Tax Act, 1975 - held no - HC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (2) TMI 262
  • 2012 (2) TMI 261
  • 2012 (2) TMI 260
  • 2012 (2) TMI 259
  • 2012 (2) TMI 258
  • 2012 (2) TMI 257
  • 2012 (2) TMI 256
  • 2012 (2) TMI 255
  • 2012 (2) TMI 253
  • 2012 (2) TMI 252
  • 2012 (2) TMI 238
  • 2012 (2) TMI 237
  • 2012 (2) TMI 236
  • 2012 (2) TMI 235
  • 2012 (2) TMI 234
  • 2012 (2) TMI 233
  • 2012 (2) TMI 232
  • 2012 (2) TMI 231
  • 2012 (2) TMI 230
  • 2012 (2) TMI 229
  • Customs

  • 2012 (2) TMI 242
  • 2012 (2) TMI 222
  • 2012 (2) TMI 220
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (2) TMI 240
 

Quick Updates:Latest Updates