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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 June Day 26 - Tuesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 26, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise



Articles

1. COST ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND COST AUDIT.

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued a Master Circular on cost accounting records and cost audits, superseding previous circulars. Key points include the prohibition of appointing a cost auditor as an internal auditor for the same period, the calculation of the number of companies a cost auditor can serve, and the requirement for detailed cost audit reports. The circular specifies exemptions for certain industries and activities from cost audit requirements. Companies must maintain cost records for eight years, and cost auditors must ensure independence from the company. The circular outlines procedures for filing cost audit reports and emphasizes the role of audit committees in discussing audit findings.

2. NON RECEIPT OF ITR-V FORM ELECTRONICALLY FILED WITHIN TIME – VALIDITY OF RETURN?

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The article discusses the legal implications of not receiving the ITR-V form after electronically filing income tax returns in India. It highlights the case where a firm filed its return electronically but faced issues as the Centralized Processing Centre did not receive the ITR-V form sent by ordinary post. The High Court analyzed Section 139(9) of the Income Tax Act, which allows taxpayers to rectify defects in their returns. The court ruled that the tax department's communication declaring the return invalid was misconceived and directed the taxpayer to file verification within a week, setting aside the department's decision.


News

1. STEP CLOSER TO THE GOODS AND SERVICE TAX (GST)

Summary: The Finance Minister released a Guidance Paper on a new service tax approach, marking a shift from a positive list to a negative list, bringing the nation closer to implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This approach aims to simplify compliance and administration. The Guidance Paper, developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, addresses potential taxpayer concerns and aims to reduce litigation. New exemptions include services by advocates, educational institutions, and various government-related services. The Minister highlighted the growth in service tax revenue and expressed confidence in exceeding the targeted collection of Rs. 1,24,000 crore for the current fiscal year.

2. Anand Sharma urges Antwerp Bourse to establish institutional linkage with Bharat Diamond Bourse

Summary: The Indian Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textile led a business delegation to Antwerp, Belgium, for the Global India Business Meeting 2012. He emphasized India's welcoming investment climate, particularly in the retail sector, and urged the Antwerp Bourse to establish ties with Bharat Diamond Bourse for capacity building and skill development. The Minister discussed procedural tax simplification and consignment import of rough diamonds with diamond industry leaders. He highlighted ten areas for India-EU cooperation and expressed optimism about the India-EU BTIA, noting the EU as India's largest trading partner. Business leadership awards were presented to four Indian leaders.

3. RBI announces Further Liberalisation Measures for Capital Account Transactions

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Indian government, has announced liberalization measures for capital account transactions. Indian companies in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors with foreign exchange earnings can now use external commercial borrowing (ECB) to repay or fund capital expenditures, with a ceiling of USD 10 billion. The investment limit for SEBI-registered foreign institutional investors in government securities has increased by USD 5 billion, raising the total to USD 20 billion. Long-term investors like Sovereign Wealth Funds and foreign central banks can now invest in government securities. Qualified Foreign Investors can invest in mutual funds with significant infrastructure holdings.

4. Adjustment of excess service tax paid for the discharge of service tax liability for the subsequent period

Summary: In a decision involving a company and the Commissioner of Central Excise, Rajkot, it was determined that excess service tax payments can be adjusted against future service tax liabilities. This principle has been upheld in several cases, including those involving Powercell Battery India Ltd., Nirma Architects & Valuers, Aurore Trust, Agrimas Chemicals Ltd., Narnolia Securities Pvt. Ltd., Bharti Cellular Ltd., Bayer Diagnostics India Ltd., and Prachar Communications Ltd. These precedents confirm that adjustments for overpaid service tax are permissible under the law.


Notifications

Companies Law

1. G.S.R. 298(E) - dated 5-6-2012 - Co. Law

The Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Rules, 2012

Summary: The Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Rules, 2012, effective from June 11, 2012, introduce changes to the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009. Key amendments include the requirement for individuals consenting to act as partners to file Form-2 with a fee, and the reservation of names upon obtaining a "No Objection Certificate." The use of certain terms like 'Bank' or 'Insurance' requires regulatory approval during incorporation or name changes. Additionally, a fee structure for filing various partner-related changes is outlined, and new forms replace the previous Forms 1 to 31.

Customs

2. 42 /2012 - dated 22-6-2012 - Cus

Seeks to amend Notifications 100/2009-Cus, 101/2009-Cus, 102/2009-Cus and 103/2009-Cus all dt.11-09-2009 and 104/2009-Cus dt.14-09-2009

Summary: The Government of India, through Notification No. 42/2012-Customs, amends previous customs notifications from September 2009. The amendments involve changes to conditions and explanations related to the import of capital goods under various schemes, including adjustments to export obligations and the handling of duty credit scrips. Specific changes include the introduction of new conditions for authorizations issued after June 5, 2012, provisions for green technology exports, and adjustments in the treatment of certain goods and sectors. The amendments aim to refine compliance requirements and enhance the applicability of customs exemptions in line with the Foreign Trade Policy.

Income Tax

3. 24/2012 - dated 19-6-2012 - IT

Section 90 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Double Taxation Agreement - Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of fiscal evasion with foreign countries - Norway

Summary: An agreement between India and Norway for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion was signed on February 2, 2011, and came into force on December 20, 2011. The agreement applies to taxes on income and capital for residents of both countries and includes provisions for eliminating double taxation, non-discrimination, exchange of information, and mutual assistance in tax collection. It covers various forms of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains, and provides guidelines for determining tax residency and permanent establishments. The agreement aims to foster economic cooperation between the two nations.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

Service Tax

1. 16/2012 - dated 14-5-2012

Electronic refund of service tax paid on taxable services used for exports of goods

Summary: A Committee chaired by the Director General of Service Tax has been established to review the electronic refund scheme for service tax on taxable services used in exporting goods. This initiative follows Notification 52/2011-ST, dated December 30, 2011. The Committee's objectives include developing a scientific approach for setting service tax refund rates and proposing a revised schedule, considering the service tax rate increase from 10% to 12% and the shift towards a 'Negative List' taxation approach. The Committee will gather data from relevant stakeholders and submit its report to the Chairman of CBEC by June 20, 2012.

Income Tax

2. 4 of 2012 - dated 20-6-2012

Income-tax authorities - Instructions to subordinate authorities - Authorization of AOs in certain cases to rectify/reconcile disputed arrear demand

Summary: The circular issued by the tax authorities addresses the issue of disputed arrear demands recorded against taxpayers. Assessing Officers (AOs) have been unable to rectify these due to the expiration of a four-year limitation period. The Board, recognizing the hardship caused, authorizes AOs to correct these arrear demands after verification, even if the limitation period has elapsed. In cases where refunds have been adjusted against disputed demands, AOs must verify and issue refunds if necessary. The instructions apply to cases requiring reconciliation of arrear demands, whether uploaded to the Financial Accounting System or remaining in AO records.

3. F. No. 225/124/2012/ITA.II - dated 20-6-2012

Income-tax authorities - Instructions to subordinate authorities - Order extending due date for filing Form 49C for F.Y. 2011-12

Summary: The income-tax authorities have extended the due date for filing Form 49C for the financial year 2011-12 from 30th May 2012 to 30th September 2012. This extension is due to technical difficulties that prevented the electronic filing system from being operational. For this financial year, Form 49C can be submitted in paper form instead of electronically with digital signatures. The paper forms should be sent via registered or speed post to the Director General of Income Tax (International Taxation) in New Delhi. This information should be communicated to all relevant parties.

FEMA

4. 135 - dated 25-6-2012

Foreign investment in India by SEBI registered FIIs in Government securities and SEBI registered FIIs and QFIs in infrastructure debt

Summary: The circular addresses foreign investment regulations in India, specifically for SEBI-registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) in government securities and infrastructure debt. The investment limit for FIIs in government securities has been increased from USD 15 billion to USD 20 billion, with adjusted maturity conditions. Long-term investors like Sovereign Wealth Funds and foreign Central Banks are now allowed to invest within this enhanced limit. For infrastructure debt, the lock-in period has been reduced to one year, and QFIs can invest in mutual fund schemes with significant infrastructure sector holdings. Necessary regulatory amendments are being notified separately.

5. 134 - dated 25-6-2012

External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) – Repayment of Rupee loans

Summary: The circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India permits Indian manufacturing and infrastructure companies to utilize External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) for repaying Rupee loans taken for capital expenditure or for new Rupee capital expenditure. Eligible companies must have consistent foreign exchange earnings over the past three years and not be on the Reserve Bank's default list. The ECB limit is set at USD 10 billion, with individual companies restricted to 50% of their average annual export earnings. Applications must be submitted through designated banks, and funds must be monitored to ensure compliance with foreign exchange regulations.

Companies Law

6. 14/2012 - dated 21-6-2012

Imposing fees on certain e-forms filed with ROC, RD or MCA(HQ) under MCA-21 where at present no fee is prescribed.

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has announced the imposition of fees on specific e-forms filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Regional Directors (RD), or MCA Headquarters under the MCA-21 system, where no fees were previously prescribed. The affected forms include Form 1, Form 23B, Form 24A, Form 36, Form 61, Form 62, and Form 65, with fees determined as per Schedule X to the Companies Act or the Companies (Fee on Application) Rules, 1999. This change will take effect from July 22, 2012, and aims to standardize fee structures for these filings.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Income-tax authorities extend Form 49C filing deadline for financial year 2011-12 to aid taxpayer compliance.

    Circulars : Income-tax authorities - Instructions to subordinate authorities - Order extending due date for filing Form 49C for F.Y. 2011-12 - Order-Instruction

  • Income Tax Authorities Issue Guidelines to Assessing Officers for Rectifying Disputed Arrear Demands, Streamlining Processes.

    Circulars : Income-tax authorities - Instructions to subordinate authorities - Authorization of AOs in certain cases to rectify/reconcile disputed arrear demand - Circular

  • Section 90: India-Norway Pact to Prevent Double Taxation, Boost Trade, and Enhance Tax Compliance and Cooperation.

    Notifications : Section 90 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Double Taxation Agreement - Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of fiscal evasion with foreign countries - Norway - Notification

  • TDS Disallowance u/s 40(a)(ia): Clarification on Sub-Contractor Classification and Risk Transfer in Contracts.

    Case-Laws - AT : Dis-allowance u/s 40(a)(ia) - TDS u/s 194C - Until and unless risk and responsibility of the contract undertaken by the assessee is shifted to the sub-contractors, it cannot be held that these persons are the sub-contractors of the assessee. - AT

  • Expenditure on Rubber Replantation Must Be Capitalized, Not Deducted as Revenue, per Income Tax Rule 7A.

    Case-Laws - HC : Entitlement under Rule 7A of ITR for deduction of expenditure incurred on replantation of rubber - Expenditure incurred for planting and development of the plantation up to maturity has to be necessarily capitalised and is not allowable as a revenue expenditure. - HC

  • CIT Invokes Section 263 on Interest Waiver in Book Profit; Assessment Order Not Flawed or Detrimental to Revenue.

    Case-Laws - AT : Adding back of interest waiver to the book profit u/s. 115JB - CIT invoked the provisions of section 263 - the Assessing Officer having computed the income of the assessee in accordance with the normal provisions of the Act, thus cannot hold that the assessment order passed is erroneous so far as prejudicial to the interest of revenue - AT

  • Court Deletes Cash Credit Addition u/s 68; Decision Lacks Consideration of Factual Evidence in Gift Case.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cash credit - addition u/s 68 - gift - deleting the addition only on the legal grounds without appreciating the facts on record does not bring proper result. - AT

  • CIT Cannot Overrule Assessing Officer's View on Unexplained Cash Credits u/ss 68 and 69 Unless Order is Flawed.

    Case-Laws - AT : Revision u/s 263 - Unexplained cash credit under section 68 / 69 of the Act – CIT cannot replace his own opinion and substitute with that of the Assessing Officer. He can revise the assessment order only and only when the twin conditions i.e erroneous and prejudicial to the interests of the Revenue, are fulfilled. - AT

  • Revaluation Reserve Affects Balance Sheet, Not Profit and Loss; No Book Profit Reduction for Assessee.

    Case-Laws - HC : MAT - creation of the revaluation reserve account being referable to the balance-sheet assets portion and not by way of appropriation to the profit and loss account, the question of the assessee claiming reduction to the book profit did not arise. - HC

  • High Court Rules Bonuses from Previous Years Cannot Be Deducted from Book Profits u/s 115J for Tax Purposes.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether Tribunal was right in holding that earlier year's bonus is to be deducted from the book profit under section 115J - held no - HC

  • TDS Applicability on Medical Equipment Maintenance Contracts: Section 194C vs. Section 194J of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Contract to maintain operation theatre and surgical equipments, RO system, CT Scan Machine, MRI machine, Lift, Sterlisation and Medical equipments - TDS under Section 194C or 194J - AT

  • Keyman Insurance Premiums for Partners Now Deductible as Business Expenses, Boosting Financial Relief for Companies.

    Case-Laws - HC : Keyman Insurance Policy - premium paid for the partners - The premium paid on the Keyman Insurance Policy is allowed as business expenditure - HC

  • High Court Rules Typed Copy of Partnership Deed Satisfies Compliance u/s 184(2) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Partnership firm or AOP - original partnership deed was not with the assessee but was filed before the Registrar of Companies. Before the Assessing Officer a typed copy of the partnership deed duly signed by all the partners was filed. - sufficient compliance of Section 184(2) of the Act. - HC

  • Customs

  • Proposed Amendments to Customs Notifications 100-104/2009-Cus: Updates on Regulations and Procedures.

    Notifications : Seeks to amend Notifications 100/2009-Cus, 101/2009-Cus, 102/2009-Cus and 103/2009-Cus all dt.11-09-2009 and 104/2009-Cus dt.14-09-2009 - Notification

  • Countervailing Duty Demanded on Imported Goods Due to Brand Name Affixed, No MRP Declared on 20 kg Packages.

    Case-Laws - AT : CVD demand on the imported goods based on MRP as the goods were imported in 20 kg packing having no MRP declared on the imported package - The appellants affixed the brand name on the imported package - AT

  • FEMA

  • SEBI Regulates Foreign Institutional Investors in Indian Government Securities and Infrastructure Debt Under FEMA Guidelines.

    Circulars : Foreign investment in India by SEBI registered FIIs in Government securities and SEBI registered FIIs and QFIs in infrastructure debt - Circular

  • New FEMA Circular: Guidelines for Using External Commercial Borrowings to Repay Rupee Loans with Compliance Conditions.

    Circulars : External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) – Repayment of Rupee loans - Circular

  • Corporate Law

  • New Fees Introduced for Electronic Forms Filed with Registrar of Companies Under MCA-21 System Update.

    Circulars : Imposing fees on certain e-forms filed with ROC, RD or MCA(HQ) under MCA-21 where at present no fee is prescribed. - Circular

  • Amendment to LLP Rules 2012: Streamlining Compliance, Enhancing Efficiency, and Simplifying Business Operations for LLPs.

    Notifications : The Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Rules, 2012 - Notification

  • Indian Laws

  • India Moves to Implement GST for Simplified Tax Structure and Unified Market, Aiming to Boost Economic Growth

    News : STEP CLOSER TO THE GOODS AND SERVICE TAX (GST)

  • Company Offsets Overpaid Service Tax Against Future Liabilities, Streamlining Tax Management Per Regulations.

    News : Adjustment of excess service tax paid for the discharge of service tax liability for the subsequent period

  • Service Tax

  • New Guidelines for Electronic Refunds on Service Tax for Exported Goods to Speed Up Process and Ensure Compliance.

    Circulars : Electronic refund of service tax paid on taxable services used for exports of goods - Trade Notice

  • Co-operative banks must pay service tax for banking and financial services per Section 65 (105)(zm) and 65 (12) rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Whether a co-operative bank can be held to be liable for service tax in respect of providing banking and other financial services as covered by the expression "or any other body corporate, or any other person" used in Section 65 (105)(zm) and sub-section 65 (12) - held yes - AT

  • Taxpayers Can Offset Excess Service Tax Paid Against Future Liabilities, Easing Overpayment Corrections.

    Case-Laws - AT : Adjustment of excess service tax paid for the discharge of service tax liability for the subsequent period allowed - AT

  • Liability for Service Tax under GTA: Consignment Agents Responsible, Not Appellants Paying Through Agents.

    Case-Laws - AT : Person liable to pay service tax under GTA -It is not possible to hold that the appellants are paying the freight through their agents and are therefore liable to pay service tax. Consignment agents squarely fall under the category of persons who are liable to pay service tax since they have paid the freight amount themselves. - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Legal heirs not liable for deceased's duties under Central Excise Act; exempt from recovery responsibilities.

    Case-Laws - HC : Recovery of duty from a successor in business - legal heirs of a deceased assessee - the legislature has consciously kept away the legal heirs from answering to liabilities under the Act. - HC

  • Service tax refund in export contracts: Does delivering goods abroad extend the 'place of removal' beyond India?

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund of service tax - Merely because as per the terms of export contract, the goods have to be delivered at the customer's premises abroad, can it be said that the place of removal is extended to a place outside India. - AT


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 577
  • 2012 (6) TMI 576
  • 2012 (6) TMI 575
  • 2012 (6) TMI 574
  • 2012 (6) TMI 573
  • 2012 (6) TMI 572
  • 2012 (6) TMI 571
  • 2012 (6) TMI 570
  • 2012 (6) TMI 569
  • 2012 (6) TMI 568
  • 2012 (6) TMI 567
  • 2012 (6) TMI 566
  • 2012 (6) TMI 565
  • 2012 (6) TMI 564
  • 2012 (6) TMI 563
  • 2012 (6) TMI 562
  • Customs

  • 2012 (6) TMI 561
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (6) TMI 560
  • 2012 (6) TMI 559
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 582
  • 2012 (6) TMI 581
  • 2012 (6) TMI 580
  • 2012 (6) TMI 579
  • 2012 (6) TMI 578
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (6) TMI 558
  • 2012 (6) TMI 557
  • 2012 (6) TMI 556
 

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