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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 February Day 8 - Wednesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
February 8, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs CST, VAT & Sales Tax Indian Laws



Articles

1. ROLE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS IN TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY.

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The telecommunications industry in India has evolved from a government monopoly to a competitive market, significantly influenced by policies like the National Telecom Policy of 1994 and 1999, which opened the sector to private and foreign investments. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and quality service. Cost accountants are vital in this industry for cost auditing, advisory services, and management roles, helping companies reduce costs while maintaining service quality. The New Telecom Policy 2011 aims to enhance telecom services, increase rural connectivity, and promote domestic manufacturing, presenting opportunities for cost accountants to leverage their expertise.

2. India New Budget 2012-13 highlights and expectations

   By: SNEHAL SHAH

Summary: The Union Budget 2012-13 in India is anticipated to benefit the salaried class with proposed restructuring of income tax slabs, potentially increasing the exemption limit from Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The new slabs may align with the Direct Taxes Code Bill, taxing incomes between Rs 2-5 lakh at 10%, Rs 5-10 lakh at 20%, and above Rs 10 lakh at 30%. The iron ore industry is not expected to face additional export duty hikes, despite previous increases. The budget may also include incentives for electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing and value addition in the iron ore sector. The presentation of the budget is delayed due to upcoming state assembly elections.


News

1. Mauritius Trade Minister calls on Anand Sharma.

Summary: The Trade Ministers of India and Mauritius discussed the positive trajectory of their economic and commercial relations, with India being the largest exporter to Mauritius since 2007. They highlighted the untapped potential in sectors like agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Mauritius is the largest source of FDI into India, contributing US$ 62.05 billion from 2000 to 2011. Indian investments in Mauritius have also increased, with major companies like Apollo and Fortis operating there. The Mauritian Minister welcomed India's decision to lift the ban on non-basmati rice exports and sought collaboration in skill development and consumer protection sectors.

2. Finance Minister hopes an Upward Revision in the GDP Growth when full Data for the Year 2011-12 becomes Available; gives Slowdown in Industrial Growth, in Particular in Investment Growth as the Main Reason for Decline in the GDP Growth Numbers as Released today by CSO.

Summary: The Finance Minister expressed optimism for an upward revision in GDP growth once complete data for 2011-12 is available, attributing the current decline to a slowdown in industrial and investment growth. The negative growth in mining and a slowdown in construction also contributed to the GDP decrease. Despite the disappointing advance estimates of 6.9% growth compared to 8.4% the previous year, the Minister noted positive signs such as improved business sentiment, a stable Rupee, moderated inflation, a promising Rabi crop, and a strong service sector performance, which could help regain growth momentum.

3. Auction for Sale of Government Stocks.

Summary: The Government of India announced the sale of three government stocks through price-based auctions: 8.19% Government Stock 2020 for Rs.3,000 crore, 9.15% Government Stock 2024 for Rs.6,000 crore, and 8.97% Government Stock 2030 for Rs.3,000 crore. The auctions, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, will use a uniform price method on February 10, 2012. Up to 5% of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions under a non-competitive bidding scheme. Results will be announced on the same day, with payment due by February 13, 2012. The stocks will be eligible for When Issued trading.

4. Text of the Speech of FM on the Release of National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Highlights of the Policy.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister announced the release of India's National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, aiming to combat drug trafficking and abuse. The policy emphasizes reducing black money generated by drug trafficking and addresses the shift from traditional drugs to synthetic and prescription drugs. Key measures include using satellite imagery to detect illicit crops, allowing private sector production of alkaloids, and ensuring access to opioids for palliative care. The policy outlines a comprehensive plan involving various government bodies to curb drug abuse, improve public health, and support rehabilitation and social reintegration of drug abuse victims.

5. Text of the Speech of Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the India Corporate and Investor Meet.

Summary: At the India Corporate and Investor Meet, the Finance Minister emphasized the importance of merging corporate and investor events to foster growth and inclusivity. He highlighted the rapid growth of the Indian economy, driven by the corporate sector, and stressed the need for increased retail investor participation. The Minister discussed the new Companies Bill, which aims to modernize corporate governance, protect minority shareholders, and enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Bill includes provisions for investor protection, accountability, and efficient legal redressal mechanisms. He underscored the role of good governance and corporate responsibility in national growth and prosperity.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Discrepancies Between Book Balances and Bank Statements Not Treated as Unexplained Credits u/s 68 of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Unexplained credits – difference in bank balance as per books of accounts vs bank balance as per bank statement treated as unexplained credit – there is no basis whatsoever for making any addition under these circumstances u/s.68 of the Act.... - AT

  • Exploring Taxability of Cash Compensation: Capital vs. Revenue Receipts and Their Impact on Income Tax Obligations.

    Case-Laws - AT : Taxability of Cash compensation received – capital receipt vs Revenue receipt - Capital receipt in principle is outside the scope of income chargeable to tax. .... - AT

  • Court Rules Depreciation on Windmills Installed by March 31, 2005, Must Be Allowed if Legal Conditions Are Met.

    Case-Laws - AT : Dis-allowance of depreciation on windmills – windmills installed & put to use on 31.03.05 – generation of electricity started in April 2005 – the claim for depreciation has to be allowed if the conditions prescribed in law are satisfied and admission by the Assessee cannot be the basis to sustain the dis-allowance of depreciation..... - AT

  • Transport Vehicle Depreciation: Claim 100% for Cylinder Component; 40% for Vehicle. Case Laws Highlight Entitlement.

    Case-Laws - HC : Depreciation @ 40% or 100% - transport vehicle as consisting of two parts, viz., cylinder and vehicle - entitled to claim depreciation at 100 per cent .... - HC

  • Clarification on Set-Off of Indexed Long-Term Capital Losses Against Gains Under Income Tax Act Section 70(3).

    Case-Laws - AT : Set off of indexed long term capital loss against non-indexed long term capital gains - the expression "similar computation" used in section 70(3) of the Act does not refer to the computation under sections 48 to 55 of the Act and not the computation second proviso to section 48 of the Act vis-ΰ-vis proviso to section 112(1) of the Act but the computation under sections 48 to 55 of the Act.... - AT

  • Section 269SS: Temporary Advances Exempt from Cash Loan Penalties Under Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Penalty - Provision of section 269SS - Cash loans - The amount taken for a short period. - It has to be considered as temporary advance - If it is a temporary advance, such temporary advances are outside the purview of section 269SS of the Act..... - AT

  • Section 263: Commissioner's powers don't make A.O.'s order erroneous despite lack of verification on share application money.

    Case-Laws - HC : Revisionary powers of Commissioner u/s 263 - Order of the A.O. cannot be regarded as erroneous even if he had failed to carry out necessary verification and required enquiries in respect of the share application money, as no addition has been made on account of the reasons for reopening i.e. investment in FDR, which were recorded before issue of notice u/s 148..... - HC

  • Loans to Non-Shareholders Not Classified as Dividend u/s 2(22)(e) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deemed dividend- an assessee who is not a shareholder of the company, from which it received a loan or an advance cannot be treated as being covered by the definition of the word dividend as provided in Sec.2(22)(e) of the Act..... - HC

  • Sale of Unlisted Securities in 2005 Not Eligible for Tax Exemption u/s 10(38) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Long term capital Gains – benefit of exemption u/s 10(38) - sale of unlisted securities - sale made on 29/30.12.05 by transferring it to escrow a/c - the transaction undertaken by the assessee was not chargeable to STT. - Consequently, the assessee is not entitled to exclude the gains from his total income. .... - AT

  • Court Quashes Orders: Revenue Fails to Prove Accumulation Exceeds Limits u/s 10(23C), No Profit from Activities.

    Case-Laws - HC : Registration under 10(23C) -Revenue failed to show that accumulation exceeding more than 15% has exceeded the period of five years - If no profit arises from the activity, it is not possible to carry on educational activity in such a way that the expenditure exactly balances the income and there is no resultant profit. Orders declining registration are quashed.... - HC

  • Asset Sale Profits Must Be Included in Book Profit Calculation u/s 115JB for MAT, Despite Section 54EC Exemptions.

    Case-Laws - AT : Book profit u/s 115JB - MAT - the profit on sale of assets credited to the profit & loss account cannot be excluded while computing the Book Profit under section 115JB even though the capital gains arising from the sale of that asset is not subject to tax under the normal provisions of the Income-tax Act by virtue of the provisions of section 54EC... - AT

  • Taxpayer Can Offset Long-Term Capital Loss Against Income From Office Sale u/s 74(1)(b) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Set off of loss from assets on which depreciation was claimed - under section 74(1)(b) the assessee is entitled to the claim of set off of long term capital loss against the income arising from the sale of office premises, the gain of which is short term due to the deeming provision but the asset is long term. - set off allowed..... - AT

  • A.O. Must Refer Capital Gains Dispute to DVO if Stamp Duty Value Exceeds Sale Price.

    Case-Laws - AT : Capital Gains – Adoption of valuation made by the Stamp duty authorities as consideration - - Once the assessee claimed before the A.O. that the fair market value determined by the stamp-duty authorities are higher then the actual sale consideration and A.O. is not satisfied with the explanation of the assessee then he should rather bound to refer the matter to the DVO for valuation.... - AT

  • Income from Film Distribution Not Taxable in India Due to No Permanent Establishment Under Agency PE Provisions.

    Case-Laws - AT : Royalty for exclusive rights of distribution of Cinematographic films – assessee has a business connection in India but does not have any P.E. in India. Since the Indian company who obtained the rights is acting independently, Agency PE provisions are not applicable to the assessee company. Thus, the incomes arising outside Indian Territories cannot be brought to tax .... - AT

  • Initiating Proceedings u/ss 148/147 is Justified When Section 158BD Assessment Period Expires in Income Tax Cases.

    Case-Laws - HC : Block assessment versus Income escaping assessment -If the time period for assessment under 158BD has expired the proceedings under section 148/147 of the Act, appears reasonable in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case. .... - HC

  • Renovation costs on leased building for better work environment classified as revenue expenditure, not capital.

    Case-Laws - AT : Renovation expenses – lease building – The building that was taken on lease remained intact. What has been done was only to create a better working environment. - Allowed as revenue expenditure.... - AT

  • Reassessment Invalid Without Timely Notice u/s 143(2); Estoppel u/s 292BB Not Applicable.

    Case-Laws - HC : Validity of reassessment proceedings – reassessment proceedings should not continue as no notice u/s 143(2) was served on the assessee within the stipulated time. - The principle of estoppel under Section 292BB will not apply.... - HC

  • Customs

  • High Court Orders Release of Detained Goods After Customs Misses Deadline for Notice u/s 124(a.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether continued detention of goods can be justified - This period of 6 months can be enlarged by the Commissioner of Customs by a further period of 6 months, by virtue of the proviso to Section 110 (2). Therefore, the respondents had time till 25/26.5.2011, which could have been extended upto 25/26.11.2011. But we are in December 2011. Till date no notice u/s 124 (a) has been issued. - Goods ordered to be released.... - HC

  • Double Recovery of Duty Challenged: Lack of Show Cause Notice Invalidates Penalties Against Appellant.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund - recovery of duty twice from the appellant and from the customers of the appellant -In the absence of any such show cause notice to the appellant holding him as an importer, holding back of the amount collected from him either under force or paid voluntarily, cannot be considered as an amount which need to be appropriated against the proposed penalties..... - AT

  • Indian Laws

  • Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat Cannot Legally Tax or Fee Advertisements on Private Shops, Buildings.

    Case-Laws - HC : Neither the Nagar Parishad nor the Nagar Panchayat have any authority of law to levy a tax or a fee on Advertisements placed by the petitioners over the private shops or buildings where they are carrying on their business..... - HC

  • Service Tax

  • Distributor Role Clarified in Agreement: Key for Service Tax Obligations, Differentiating from Clearing & Forwarding Agent Duties.

    Case-Laws - AT : Clearing & Forwarding Agent or Distributor's Agreement - All the condition state that the appellant were appointed as Distributors and not C&F Agent.-... - AT

  • Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams must pay service tax on accommodation services u/s 65(105)(zzzzw) of the Finance Act, 1994.

    Case-Laws - HC : Accommodation service – Section 65(105)(zzzzw) of Finance Act, 1994 - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) - There is no dispute that it has been running these guest houses for a considerable time. - Liable to pay service tax.... - HC

  • Notification No. 01/2006-ST: Appellants Reverse Credit with Interest; Notification Confirmed Applicable to Their Case.

    Case-Laws - AT : Notification No. 01/2006-ST dated 01.03.2006 - Reversal of credit - appellants have admittedly reversed the credit along with interest - notification in question would be available to them.... - AT

  • Tax Evasion Allegations Dismissed Due to Legal Confusion; Only Normal Tax Demand Upheld, Penalties Waived u/s 80.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cargo handling services - Suppression with intention to evade payment of tax cannot be alleged in this case in view of the confusion in law in this matter prevalent during the time and therefore demand for the normal period of one year only can be sustained in this case and penalties u/s 80 of Finance Act, 1994 are waived. ... - AT

  • Parliament's Authority to Impose Service Tax on Imported Services Upheld, Provision Deemed Constitutional.

    Case-Laws - HC : Constitutional validity of levy of service tax on import of services - Does the Parliament have the powers to legislate “for“ any territory - provision does not suffer from vice of unconstitutionality... - HC

  • High Court Temporarily Blocks Audit of Private Company Under CAG Act Until March 16, 2012, Pending Further Orders.

    Case-Laws - HC : Applicability of CAG (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 for conduct of audit of private company - let there be an interim order directing that no audit be conducted by the authorities till 16th March, 2012 or until further orders, whichever is earlier..... - HC

  • Transporting Coal via Conveyor Belt to Power Station Not Classified as Cargo Handling Services Under Current Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cargo Handling Service - Transporting coal from wagons to Thermal Power Station by conveyor belt and not by any means of transportation - service rendered by Appellants cannot be considered as Cargo Handling Services .... - AT

  • Appellant Liable for Service Tax on Services from Foreign Parent Company u/s 66A, Finance Act 1944, Rule 2(1)(d.

    Case-Laws - AT : Service tax liability - recipient of services - Since parent company does not have any office or establishment in India, by virtue of the provisions of Section 66A of Finance Act, 1944 read with Rule 2(1) (d) of the Service tax Rules, 1994, the appellant would be liable to pay service tax in respect of taxable service received by them .... - AT

  • Rebate u/r 5 not denied for missing export invoice numbers on FICRs; services still validly exported.

    Case-Laws - AT : Rebate under Rule 5 - Export of services - Just because FICRs do not bear the export invoice numbers, it cannot be concluded that the same do not pertain to the service provided by the appellant to their client abroad..... - AT

  • Medical and personal accident insurance costs are part of the final product under CAS 4, eligible for input tax credit.

    Case-Laws - AT : Inasmuch as the medical and personal accident policy insurance etc. form part of the cost of the final product, in terms of CAS 4, the same has to be held as modvatable input services. .... - AT

  • Service Tax Implications for Coaching Centers Offering Books: Analyzing Exemption Under Notification No. 12/2003.

    Case-Laws - AT : Coaching Centres Services - Books along with Services - Books of another company - Standard Text book - Exemption under notification no. 12/2003.... - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Consolidated Invoices in Central Excise: Include Additional Charges in Assessable Value When Selling Above MRP for Tax Purposes.

    Case-Laws - AT : Central Excise Valuation - when the goods have been cleared to the customers/ultimate buyers through a consolidated invoice which includes the price of the product plus OSC/RPP. - the goods have been sold over and above the MRP, therefore the OSC/RPP are includable in the assessable value.... - AT

  • Supreme Court Rules State Cannot Rely on Bank Guarantees in CCE v. Dunlop India Ltd.; Rs. 60 Lakh Denied.

    Case-Laws - HC : Bank guarantee - Supreme Court in CCE v. Dunlop India Ltd. (1984 -TMI - 40039 - SUPREME Court) has held that the State is not run on the Bank Guarantees. Therefore, no permission is granted to appellant to furnish Bank Guarantee to the extent of Rs.60 lacs.... - HC

  • Refund of Excess Interest on Late Duty Payment Not Considered Unjust Enrichment Under Central Excise Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund of excess interest - when the interest was for late payment of duty, there would not be any question of unjust enactment .... - AT

  • Entities Can Claim 50% Duty Credit on Unused Capital Goods Next Financial Year, Ruling Confirms Flexibility in Tax Planning.

    Case-Laws - AT : Eligibility to avail the credit of balance 50% of the amount of duty paid on the capital goods in the subsequent financial year, without installing the same and putting it into use - credit allowed..... - AT

  • CENVAT Credit Claim Valid for Goods Destroyed in Floods; No Reversal Required for Capital Goods Lost to Calamities.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cenvat Credit - Goods destroyed in heavy floods, were cleared as waste and scrap - there was no provision in the law at the relevant time for reversal of CENVAT credit availed on capital goods if the same were destroyed due to natural calamities. .... - AT

  • Undue hardship key in stay or waiver of pre-deposit u/s 35 F, says Apex Court in Benara Valves case.

    Case-Laws - HC : Stay - waiver of pre deposit - As held by the Apex Court in Benara Valves Ltd case (2006 -TMI - 866 - SUPREME COURT OF INDIA), the undue hardship to the person is a relevant factor to be taken into consideration under Section 35 F of the Act. .... - HC

  • Valuation of EOT Cranes: Magnets Excluded from Assessable Value for Excise Duty, Supports Appellant's Argument.

    Case-Laws - AT : Central Excise valuation - The appellant's finished product i.e. EOT cranes were completely manufactured, even without being fitted with magnets. Therefore Value of Magnet cannot be part of Assessable Value.... - AT

  • Optional After-Sales Service Charges Excluded from MRP Valuation under Central Excise Act, Section 4A.

    Case-Laws - AT : Central Excise MRP based valuation - after sales service charges for four years being optional, not includible for valuation while determining MRP under Section 4A of Central Excise Act, 1944 .... - AT

  • VAT

  • Goods from Maharashtra to Mumbai High not an inter-state sale under Central Sales Tax; Mumbai High not a State.

    Case-Laws - HC : Central Sales Tax - movement of goods from the State of Maharashtra to Mumbai High does not constitute a movement from one State to another State. Mumbai High does not form part of any State in the Union of India. Therefore it cannot be regarded as inter-state sale..... - HC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (2) TMI 77
  • 2012 (2) TMI 75
  • 2012 (2) TMI 74
  • 2012 (2) TMI 73
  • 2012 (2) TMI 72
  • 2012 (2) TMI 71
  • 2012 (2) TMI 70
  • 2012 (2) TMI 69
  • 2012 (2) TMI 68
  • 2012 (2) TMI 67
  • 2012 (2) TMI 66
  • 2012 (2) TMI 65
  • 2012 (2) TMI 64
  • 2012 (2) TMI 63
  • 2012 (2) TMI 53
  • 2012 (2) TMI 52
  • Customs

  • 2012 (2) TMI 39
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2012 (2) TMI 62
  • Indian Laws

  • 2012 (2) TMI 76
 

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