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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2019 October Day 31 - Thursday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
October 31, 2019

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Service Tax Central Excise CST, VAT & Sales Tax



Articles

1. DEMURRAGE CHARGES TO BE INCLUDED IN VALUATION?

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The article discusses the inclusion of demurrage charges in the valuation of imported goods under Indian customs law. Demurrage charges are fees imposed by shipping lines when importers fail to clear goods within the allowed timeframe. These charges can accumulate significantly if goods are detained. The Customs Act, 1962, and related rules specify that transaction value should include certain costs, but there is debate over whether demurrage charges should be included. The article references a legal case where the Orissa High Court ruled that demurrage charges should not be included in the valuation, declaring relevant rules ultra vires. This decision was upheld by the Tribunal, which set aside the previous order demanding inclusion of demurrage charges.


News

1. India’s marine exports to China heading for USD 1 billion mark

Summary: India's marine exports to China are approaching the USD 1 billion mark, with exports reaching nearly USD 800 million in the first nine months of 2019. A Chinese trade delegation signed a contract to import USD 500 million worth of Indian marine products over the next two years. The Indian Embassy, along with the Marine Products Export Development Authority, organized a promotional event in Qingdao to boost exports. India is the fourth-largest seafood exporter globally and aims to increase exports to USD 2 billion. The event received significant interest from Chinese importers, highlighting India's growing presence in the sector.

2. CCI receives combination notice under green channel scheme, relating to acquisition of equity stake in Hero Future Energies Global Ltd and non-voting compulsorily convertible preference shareholding in Hero Future Energies Private Ltd. by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company P.J.S.C. - Masdar, on 28th October, 2019

Summary: The Competition Commission of India received a notice under the green channel scheme regarding the acquisition of equity in Hero Future Energies Global Ltd and non-voting compulsorily convertible preference shares in Hero Future Energies Private Ltd by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company P.J.S.C. (Masdar). Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi, focuses on renewable energy and sustainability. Hero Future Energies Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Hero Future Energies Asia Pte. Ltd, operates in India, primarily in renewable energy projects. The proposed acquisition is automatically approved under Regulation 5A of the Combination Regulations upon filing and acknowledgment.

3. PFRDA permitted now Overseas Citizen of India to enroll in NPS at par with Non-Resident Indians

Summary: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to enroll in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) on the same terms as Non-Resident Indians. This follows a government notification allowing OCIs to invest in NPS, with savings repatriable under FEMA guidelines. Contributions to NPS are eligible for additional tax deductions, and recent budget changes increased the tax exemption on lump-sum withdrawals. The NPS, initially for government employees, is now open to all Indian citizens, including OCIs, until age 65, with over 3.18 crore subscribers and assets under management of Rs. 3,79,758 crores.

4. CSR is a true manifestation of Bapu’s Trusteeship Philosophy: President of India

Summary: The President of India presented the first National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards to companies for their outstanding contributions in CSR, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's trusteeship philosophy. The awards, recognizing efforts in categories like excellence in CSR and contributions in challenging circumstances, were part of the celebrations marking Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. The Finance Minister emphasized CSR's role in fostering inclusive societies and encouraged corporate efforts in India's North Eastern region. The awards, instituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, highlight CSR's integration into business strategies for sustainable development and societal benefit.

5. Finance Minister Releases Commemorative Coin on Paramahansa Yogananda to Mark his 125th Birth Anniversary

Summary: The Finance Minister released a commemorative coin honoring Paramahansa Yogananda on his 125th birth anniversary. She highlighted Yogananda's global recognition and his universal message promoting harmony among mankind. The event was attended by the Minister of State for Finance, the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and several monks and devotees. The Finance Minister expressed pride in celebrating Yogananda, describing him as a significant figure who fostered unity and peace worldwide, even when communication was limited.


Notifications

DGFT

1. 27/2015-2020 - dated 28-10-2019 - FTP

Amendment in Export policy of Onions

Summary: The Government of India has amended the export policy for onions, specifically allowing the export of up to 9,000 metric tons of Bangalore Rose onions. This export is permitted through Chennai port and must be completed by November 30, 2019. Exporters are required to obtain a certification from the Horticulture Commissioner of Karnataka, which must be registered with the Additional DGFT office in Bangalore. The Additional DGFT office will monitor the export quantities, and customs at Chennai port will permit exports based on the provided certifications. This amendment is effective immediately.

GST - States

2. S.O. 393 - dated 25-10-2019 - Bihar SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. S.O. 212, dated the 08th May, 2019

Summary: The Governor of Bihar, under section 148 of the Bihar Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, has amended Notification No. S.O. 212 from May 8, 2019. The amendment, effective from October 18, 2019, adds a proviso to paragraph 2 of the original notification. It specifies that the due date for submitting the self-assessed tax payment statement in FORM GST CMP-08 for the quarter of July to September 2019 is October 22, 2019. This change is issued by the Commercial Tax Department and authorized by the Commissioner of State Tax-cum-Secretary.

3. 45/2019-State Tax - dated 9-10-2019 - Chhattisgarh SGST

Seeks to prescribe the due date for furnishing FORM GSTR-1 for registered persons having aggregate turnover of up to 1.5 crore rupees for the quarters from October, 2019 to March, 2020.

Summary: The Government of Chhattisgarh has issued Notification No. 45/2019-State Tax, prescribing the due dates for registered persons with an aggregate turnover of up to 1.5 crore rupees to furnish FORM GSTR-1. For the quarter from October to December 2019, the due date is 31st January 2020, and for January to March 2020, it is 30th April 2020. This notification is under the Chhattisgarh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and applies to the specified class of registered persons as per the recommendations of the Council. Further details will be published in the Official Gazette.

4. 44/2019-State Tax - dated 9-10-2019 - Chhattisgarh SGST

Seeks to prescribe the due date for furnishing of return in FORM GSTR-3B for the months of October, 2019 to March, 2020

Summary: The Government of Chhattisgarh has issued Notification No. 44/2019-State Tax, prescribing the due dates for filing the GSTR-3B returns for the months from October 2019 to March 2020. The returns must be submitted electronically via the common portal by the 20th day of the month following the respective month. Additionally, registered persons must settle their tax liabilities, including any interest, penalties, or fees, by debiting their electronic cash or credit ledger by the specified due date. This directive is issued under the authority of the Chhattisgarh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

5. Order No. 05/2019-State Tax - dated 24-10-2019 - Delhi SGST

Delhi Goods and Services Tax (Fifth Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019

Summary: The Delhi Goods and Services Tax (Fifth Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019, addresses issues arising from the cancellation of GST registrations under section 29(2) of the Delhi GST Act. Many taxpayers were unfamiliar with receiving notices via email or portal, resulting in missed opportunities to appeal or revoke cancellations. The order permits affected individuals, whose registrations were canceled due to non-response to electronic notices, to apply for revocation by July 22, 2019, for orders passed up to March 31, 2019. This measure aims to alleviate difficulties faced by taxpayers in adapting to the new GST notification system.

6. Order No. 04/2019-State Tax - dated 24-10-2019 - Delhi SGST

Delhi Goods and Services Tax (Fourth Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019

Summary: The Delhi Goods and Services Tax (Fourth Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019, issued by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, clarifies the calculation of input tax credit under the Delhi Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Specifically, it addresses the allocation of credit for services related to construction, determining the credit amount based on the taxable and exempt areas of the construction. This order, effective from April 1, 2019, aims to resolve issues related to the attribution of input tax credit to taxable supplies, including zero-rated and exempt supplies.

7. 73/2018–State-Tax - dated 24-10-2019 - Delhi SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 50/2018-State Tax, dated the 5th September, 2019

Summary: The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi issued an amendment to Notification No. 50/2018-State Tax, effective from December 31, 2018. This amendment, under the Delhi Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, introduces a proviso stating that the notification does not apply to the supply of goods or services between specified persons under certain clauses of section 51 of the Act. This change is authorized by the Lt. Governor of Delhi, following the Council's recommendations. The original notification and its amendments were published in the Gazette of Delhi.

8. 61/2018- State Tax - dated 24-10-2019 - Delhi SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 50/2018-State Tax, dated the 5th September, 2019

Summary: The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has issued an amendment to Notification No. 50/2018-State Tax, dated September 5, 2019. This amendment, effective from October 1, 2018, stipulates that the notification does not apply to the supply of goods or services between public sector undertakings, regardless of whether they are distinct entities. This change is enacted under the powers conferred by the Delhi Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, following recommendations from the Council. The amendment was authorized by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and documented by the Finance Department.

IBC

9. IBBI/2019-20/GN/REG049 - dated 25-10-2019 - IBC

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Professionals) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2019

Summary: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India has issued the Second Amendment to the Insolvency Professionals Regulations, 2019, effective upon publication in the Official Gazette. The amendment introduces a requirement for insolvency professional entities to submit an annual compliance certificate in Form H by October 15th for the preceding financial year. Entities recognized as of March 31, 2019, must submit the certificate by December 31, 2019, for the 2018-19 financial year. The amendment also updates Form A for insolvency professional registration applications and Form C for entity recognition applications, among other procedural changes.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

Companies Law

1. 13/2019 - dated 29-10-2019

Relaxation of additional fees and extension of last date in filing of forms MGT-7 (Annual Return) and AOC-4 (Financial Statement) under the Companies Act, 2013

Summary: The Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a circular granting an extension for the filing of forms MGT-7 (Annual Return) and AOC-4 (Financial Statement) under the Companies Act, 2013. Due to requests from stakeholders, the deadline for filing e-forms AOC-4, AOC (CFS), and AOC-4 XBRL has been extended to November 30, 2019, and for e-form MGT-7 to December 31, 2019, without incurring additional fees. This decision has been approved by the competent authority.

Central Excise

2. 1073/06/2019 - dated 29-10-2019

Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019

Summary: The circular addresses clarifications on the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019. It explains that audits pending as of June 30, 2019, are eligible for relief if the tax demand is quantified. Voluntary disclosures are accepted without eligibility verification, and those who paid dues before filing can seek relief for late interest. A single declaration can cover multiple returns, but each return is assessed individually for tax relief. Tax defaulters' assets managed by Asset Reconstruction Companies or cases involving service tax on rent can file declarations under the scheme. Appeals filed post-June 30, 2019, are not covered unless withdrawn.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    GST

  • Tamarind Fruit Classified Under Tariff Heading CTH 08109020 as "Fresh" Due to Lack of Drying Process.

    Case-Laws - AAR : Classification of goods - Tamarind Fruit obtained from the farmers - When a specific Tariff heading is available, there is no necessity to follow further interpretative rules. In the case at hand, the applicant has stated that the Tamarind fruit' purchased by the farmers do not undergo any process of drying either by sun or industrial process and is hence, classifiable under CTH 08109020 as Tamarind, fresh'.

  • GST Law: Time of Supply for Continuous Services Like Property Rent Defined by Section 13(2)(b.

    Case-Laws - AAR : Time of supply of services - continuous supply of services - renting of immovable properties - where no invoice is issued or payment is received - Time of supply is determined by Section 13(2) (b), as the earliest of the date of provision of service, which is the end of recurrent period specified in the agreement after which the rent/license fee is to be paid and the date of receipt of payment, whichever is earlier.

  • Income Tax

  • Excise duty paid under protest is deductible u/s 43B, but reimbursement is taxable u/s 41.

    Case-Laws - AT : Excise duty paid under protest is eligible for deduction u/s 43B - the amount received towards reimbursement of excise duty from its distributor is a trading receipt which is taxable under the provisions of Section 41

  • Bank Loan Repayment Not 'Diversion of Income'; Cannot Deduct Principal from Property Sale Proceeds in Capital Gains Calculation.

    Case-Laws - AT : Computation of capital gains - deduction towards repayment to bank loan which was treated as NPA by the bank - the consideration from sale of property to the extent of principal component of loan adjusted by the bank cannot be treated as ‘diversion of income by overriding title’ and was thus not deductible from the total consideration accrued to the assessee from sale of property.

  • Assessee Proves Share Application Source and Nature, Meets Section 68 Requirements; No Additions Imposed.

    Case-Laws - AT : Addition u/s. 68 - both the nature & source of the share application received was fully explained by the assessee. The assessee had discharged its onus to prove the identity, creditworthiness and genuineness of the share applicants - No additions

  • Income Tax Commissioner Can Revise Orders u/s 264: No Time Limit for Assessee Applications, One-Year Limit Suo-Motu.

    Case-Laws - HC : Revision u/s 264 in favor of assessee - It is manifest that only suo-motu power of the Commissioner under Section 264 of the IT Act, is restricted against an order passed within one year, whereas no such restriction is imposed on the Commissioner to exercise his power in respect of an order, which has been passed more than on year, if such revisional power is sought to be invoked at the instance of the Assessee by making an application under Section 264 of the IT Act.

  • Prior period expenses can offset taxable income without proving a direct link between them, providing tax relief.

    Case-Laws - HC : Prior period expenses adjustment against the prior period income - once the prior period income is held to be taxable, the prior period expenditure also should be allowed to be set off and the assessee is not obliged in law to indicate any direct or indirect nexus between the prior period income and prior period expenditure.

  • Stock Registers Alone Insufficient for Rejecting Books; No Evidence of Unrecorded Sales or Purchases Found by Assessing Officer.

    Case-Laws - AT : Suppression of production/sales - the books of accounts cannot be rejected if the assessee does not maintain the stock registers until and unless it is coupled with other defects such as sales/ purchase outside the books of accounts. But in the instant case, there was no such conclusive finding by the AO.

  • Assessee Can Claim Depreciation on Car Registered in Director's Name if Assessee is Beneficial Owner.

    Case-Laws - AT : Depreciation on car - the assessee is eligible for depreciation on the car purchased by it but registered in the name of the director as the assessee is the beneficial owner of such car.

  • Deduction u/s 80JJAA: No Distinction Between Salary and Wages for Software Industry Employees Providing Technical Services.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction u/s.80JJAA - Whether there is any distinction between salary and wages and whether monies paid to a person working in software industry cannot be termed as “Wages”? - There is no distinction - the employees employed in software development industry render technical services and not services in the nature of supervisory or management character - Deduction allowed.

  • Taxpayer Denied Deduction u/s 10A for Unbilled Revenue Due to Lack of RBI Extension Approval.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction u/s 10A - export turnover being unbilled revenue, which was yet to be billed - assessee raised invoice in March 2008 that is end of subsequent financial year, for which assessee do not have any permission from RBI regarding extension of time. - No relief granted to assessee.

  • CSR Spending Approved for Enhancing Local Community Conditions and Building Goodwill in Business Operation Areas.

    Case-Laws - AT : Expenditure on CSR - expenditure was incurred in the areas where business operations of the assessee company were carried out in order to promote social economic condition of the local community living and in order to win the goodwill of the local people - Claim of expenditure allowed.

  • Corporate Law

  • Deadline Extended for Filing Forms MGT-7 and AOC-4 Under Companies Act, 2013; No Additional Fees Applied.

    Circulars : Relaxation of additional fees and extension of last date in filing of forms MGT-7 (Annual Return) and AOC-4 (Financial Statement) under the Companies Act, 2013

  • IBC

  • India's Insolvency Regulations Amended to Boost Professional Standards and Accountability.

    Notifications : Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Professionals) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2019

  • Central Excise

  • Sabka Vishwas Scheme 2019 Offers Taxpayers Relief on Central Excise and Service Tax Disputes with Penalty Waiver

    Circulars : Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2019 (10) TMI 1205
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1204
  • Income Tax

  • 2019 (10) TMI 1199
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1198
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1197
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1196
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1195
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1194
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1193
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1192
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1191
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1190
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1189
  • Service Tax

  • 2019 (10) TMI 1203
  • 2019 (10) TMI 1202
  • Central Excise

  • 2019 (10) TMI 1201
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2019 (10) TMI 1200
 

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