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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2017 December Day 12 - Tuesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
December 12, 2017

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise Wealth tax



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Articles

1. The observations in the Judgment of the Supreme Court in case of Gemini Distilleries about Circular- a case of improper reliance of Circular having vital difference

   By: DEVKUMAR KOTHARI

Summary: The Supreme Court judgment in the Gemini Distilleries case highlights the improper reliance on a circular with significant differences. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issues circulars to reduce litigation and focus on significant revenue issues. Two key circulars, dated 09.02.2011 and 10.12.2015, differ in their application to appeals. The former applies to new appeals, while the latter applies retrospectively to pending appeals. The Supreme Court ruled that the 09.02.2011 circular is not retrospective. The case underscores the importance of understanding the specific context of circulars to avoid unnecessary litigation.

2. ABSENCE OF TRANSIT DECLARATION FORM

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Governor of Uttar Pradesh mandated that goods in transit valued at 5,000 or more must be accompanied by a Transit Declaration Form (TDF-1) and, upon exiting the state, TDF-2. In a case involving a petitioner transporting goods through Uttar Pradesh, the goods were seized due to the absence of a transit declaration form. The petitioner argued that the detention was unjustified, while the authorities claimed discrepancies in the tax invoice indicated tax evasion. The High Court found the petitioner was not given a chance to respond to these allegations and set aside the seizure and penalty orders, directing a fresh review.

3. A Brief note on Anti-Profiteering Clause

   By: Prasanna CP

Summary: Anti-profiteering rules under the GST framework in India aim to prevent businesses from retaining profits gained through tax reductions or input tax credits without passing these benefits to consumers. Section 171 of the CGST Act mandates that any tax rate reduction or input tax credit benefit must result in a corresponding price reduction for consumers. The government has established a three-tier Anti-Profiteering Authority to enforce compliance, comprising a State Level Screening Committee, a Standing Committee, and the Director General of Safeguards. This authority can order price reductions, refunds, penalties, and even registration cancellations to ensure consumer benefits are realized.


News

1. Frequently Asked Questions - GST

Summary: A restaurant owner with additional service supply worth Rs. 1 lakh is ineligible for the composition scheme under the CGST Act. Job work challans in form ITC-04 must be filed by the 25th of the next quarter, with possible relaxations per Notification No. 51/2017. Export valuation should follow Section 15 of the CGST Act. Export services can be conducted with or without IGST payment under the IGST Act. Government agencies are not exempt from GST. Export transactions with 0.1% IGST are detailed in Notification No. 41/2017. Services to a parent company in Europe are not treated as export services. Transporters must maintain records per Chapter VIII of the CGST Act. Manual applications for advance rulings can be submitted, as outlined in Notification No. 55/2017.

2. The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley holds his 6th Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with Stakeholders from IT (Hardware &Software) Group;Highlights the steps taken by the present Government to make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing;

Summary: The Union Finance Minister held a Pre-Budget Consultation with IT stakeholders, discussing strategies to make India a global electronics manufacturing hub. The government has taken steps such as rationalizing tariffs and increasing incentives for manufacturing. IT sector representatives highlighted the industry's global recognition and employment potential but expressed concerns over protectionist policies abroad. They requested government support to address visa restrictions and economic interests, suggesting measures like tariff adjustments, tax incentives, and policy changes to boost the sector. The meeting included senior government officials and industry leaders, emphasizing the need for continued support to enhance India's IT and electronics industries.

3. Increase social security pension in budget: Experts to FM

Summary: Economists recommended the Finance Minister consider increasing the social security pension from Rs. 200 to at least Rs. 500 or Rs. 1,000, citing the current amount as insufficient. They also urged the implementation of pending maternity entitlements. Former Chief Economic Adviser suggested customs and exim duty reforms, while another economist emphasized the government's commitment to fiscal deficit targets. Discussions included long-term capital gains tax on equity, interest rates, rural distress, and job creation. The Reserve Bank of India has urged banks to pass on rate cuts to consumers, but banks have been hesitant. The meeting included senior finance ministry officials.

4. The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley holds his 5th Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with the leading Economists;

Summary: The Union Finance Minister held a pre-budget consultation with economists, emphasizing India's impressive economic growth despite global challenges. The meeting highlighted India's fiscal consolidation efforts, with fiscal deficit targets being met through expenditure rationalization and innovative revenue strategies. Economists suggested continuing fiscal consolidation, enhancing infrastructure investment, and supporting SMEs and agriculture. Proposals included tax reforms, boosting disinvestment, increasing pensions, and improving social security schemes. Suggestions also covered corporate tax reduction, crop insurance improvements, and promoting private investment in defense. Other recommendations focused on labor reforms, digital payments, and enhancing manufacturing's GDP contribution to create job opportunities.

5. RBI Reference Rate for US $

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India set the reference rate for the US Dollar at Rs. 64.3616 on December 11, 2017, down from Rs. 64.4649 on December 8, 2017. The exchange rates for the Euro, British Pound, and Japanese Yen against the Rupee were also announced. On December 11, 2017, 1 Euro was Rs. 75.8051, 1 British Pound was Rs. 86.3282, and 100 Japanese Yen was Rs. 56.68. The SDR-Rupee rate will be determined based on this reference rate.

6. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) notifies Regulations for handling of Grievances and Complaints

Summary: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has introduced the IBBI (Grievance and Complaint Handling Procedure) Regulations, 2017, effective from December 7, 2017. These regulations allow stakeholders involved in insolvency processes to file grievances or complaints against service providers like insolvency professionals or agencies. The procedure ensures fair handling of grievances, requiring detailed submissions about the alleged misconduct and its impact. A complaint must be filed with a fee of INR 2,500, refundable if the complaint is deemed non-frivolous. The IBBI may conduct inspections or investigations if a prima facie case is established.

7. DRI Strikes Against Black Money - Recovers about ₹ 50 Crores of Demonetized Currency

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at an office in Bharuch, Gujarat, recovering approximately Rs. 48.91 crores in demonetized Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes. This operation, supported by CGST Vadodara-II, targeted a business premises based on specific intelligence. Under the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017, those involved face fines potentially reaching Rs. 245 crores. The DRI is pursuing legal action against three individuals linked to the case, and further investigations are ongoing to explore the full extent of the contravention.

8. Direct Tax Collections for Financial Year 2017-18 show Growth of 14.4% upto November, 2017

Summary: Direct tax collections for the financial year 2017-18 up to November 2017 reached Rs. 4.8 lakh crore, marking a 14.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year. These net collections account for 49% of the total budget estimate of Rs. 9.8 lakh crore for direct taxes for the year. Gross collections, before refunds, rose by 10.7% to Rs. 5.82 lakh crore from April to November 2017. Refunds totaling Rs. 1.02 lakh crore were issued during this period.


Notifications

GST - States

1. 987/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 526/2017/9/(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand seeks to amend Notification No. 526/2017, dated June 29, 2017, under the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendment involves inserting a new entry in the notification's table, specifically serial number 10, which pertains to the supply of services by members of the Overseeing Committee to the Reserve Bank of India. This amendment is enacted in the public interest and is effective retroactively from October 13, 2017. The notification is issued by the Principal Secretary of the Finance Section.

2. 985/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 525/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued amendments to Notification No. 525/2017 regarding the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST). These amendments, effective from October 13, 2017, involve changes in tax rates and definitions related to services and goods. Key modifications include updating the entities eligible for certain tax treatments, such as the inclusion of "Government Entity" alongside "Governmental Authority" for specific services. The notification also revises tax rates for various services, including transportation, leasing, and printing, and clarifies the conditions under which input tax credits can be claimed. The amendments aim to align state regulations with broader GST frameworks.

3. 984/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Notifies the State tax on intra-State supplies of goods. Regarding Motor Vehicles

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand issued a notification regarding the state tax on intra-state supplies of motor vehicles, effective from October 13, 2017. Under this notification, a 65% state tax rate applies to motor vehicles as specified in a previous notification dated June 29, 2017. The conditions for this tax include that the vehicles must have been purchased or leased before July 1, 2017, and the supplier must be registered without having claimed input tax credits on earlier taxes. This notification is valid until July 1, 2020.

4. 982/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 515/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued an amendment to Notification No. 515/2017, dated 29 June 2017, under the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Effective from 13 October 2017, the amendment introduces a new entry after serial number 5, detailing the supply of used vehicles, seized and confiscated goods, old and used goods, waste, and scrap. These goods, supplied by the Central Government, State Government, Union territory, or a local authority, can be received by any registered person. This amendment is made in public interest, as recommended by the Council.

5. 981/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 518/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued amendments to Notification No. 518/2017 concerning the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. These amendments include the addition of new entries in the schedule, such as Duty Credit Scrips and the supply of goods by a government entity to various government bodies against grants. The definition of "Government Entity" is clarified, specifying entities with significant government participation. Additionally, a proviso is added regarding the filing of affidavits for brand name rights in packaging. The notification is effective retroactively from October 13, 2017.

6. 975/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 530/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued an amendment to Notification No. 530/2017, dated June 29, 2017, under the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendments involve changes to services provided by Fair Price Shops to government entities under the Public Distribution System, specifying that these services are provided against commission or margin. Additionally, serial number 11B is removed, and a new entry, 79A, is added, exempting services related to admission to protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, from GST. The notification is effective from November 15, 2017.

7. 974/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend notification No. 525/2017/9(120)/ XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand seeks to amend a previous notification regarding the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act, 2017. Key amendments include changes to the classification of services and goods, particularly concerning the supply of food and beverages by restaurants and similar establishments. The amendments specify conditions under which the supply of these goods and services is taxed, including distinctions based on location and declared tariffs. Additionally, a new provision for the manufacture of handicraft goods is introduced, aligning with definitions from a prior notification. These changes are effective from November 15, 2017.

8. 971/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 515/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June, 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued an amendment to Notification No. 515/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 dated June 29, 2017, concerning the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax (SGST). This amendment, effective from November 15, 2017, inserts a new entry under serial number 4A in the notification's table, specifying "Raw cotton" under the category of "Agriculturist" applicable to "Any registered person." The amendment is made under the powers conferred by the Uttarakhand GST Act, 2017, and the Uttar Pradesh General Clause Act, 1904, as applicable to Uttarakhand, following the Council's recommendations.

9. 970/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 - dated 23-11-2017 - Uttarakhand SGST

Seeks to amend Notification No. 518/2017/9(120)/XXVII(8)/2017 Dated 29 June 2017

Summary: The Government of Uttarakhand has issued an amendment to Notification No. 518/2017, originally dated June 29, 2017, under the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This amendment modifies the classification and tax treatment of various goods, including fresh or chilled goods, registered brand names, and specific agricultural products like vegetables, manioc, and guar meal. Certain serial numbers and entries have been omitted, substituted, or added, affecting items such as potato flour, hop cones, coconut shells, jaggery, salt, uranium ore concentrate, and bangles. The definition of "registered brand name" has been updated. The changes are effective from November 15, 2017.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

DGFT

1. Trade Notice No. 22 - dated 11-12-2017

Application fee for grant of import authorization

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has observed that some importers submit applications for import authorization of restricted items without paying the required application fee at the time of submission. Applications are being submitted to the Regional Authority and DGFT headquarters without proof of fee payment. Importers are reminded that the application fee, as specified in Appendix 2K of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, is mandatory. Applications must be submitted to the Regional Authority with the fee, and proof of payment must accompany submissions to DGFT headquarters. Failure to comply will result in applications not being processed.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    GST

  • Court Rules 2% VAT Applies to Pre-July 2017 Works Contracts, Not GST; Directs Commissioner for Action.

    Case-Laws - HC : Rate of tax of GST - works contract - case of petitioners is that the contract works for which the agreements were executed prior to 01.07.2017, GST cannot be imposed and 2% VAT alone is applicable - WP disposed of with direction to commissioner - HC

  • Income Tax

  • Depreciation Not Allowed on Land: Separate Land and Building Values for Accurate Depreciation Claims.

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance of depreciation - assessee is not entitled for depreciation on the land portion. Hence, bifurcation of the consideration into land and building separately becomes necessary - AT

  • Interest Expense Deductible Against Interest Income u/s 57(iii) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Addition on account of interest expense claimed against the interest income - As the interest bearing fund has been advanced by the assessee to the parties to earn interest then in our considered view the interest paid qua to the interest income was very much eligible for deduction u/s 57(iii) of the Act - AT

  • Incentive Payment Disallowance Challenged; Claimed as Commercially Expedient, Not Capital Reimbursement or Disproportionate to Services.

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance of incentive payment - test of commercial expediency - there is no cogent basis for making the disallowance on the ground that it is a capital reimbursement and/or not commensurate with the services provided. - AT

  • Dispute Over Two-Month Interest Charge on Late TDS Deposit Despite Delay Being Only a Few Days.

    Case-Laws - AT : Levy of interest for late deposit of TDS for two months instead of one month - delay of few days - the question of levy of interest for the second month can arise only if the period of time between the date on which tax was deducted and the date on which tax was paid to the Government exceeds one month. - AT

  • Income from Unsold Vacant Flats Taxed as Business Income, Not Rental, u/s 23.

    Case-Laws - AT : Estimation of income from the unsold vacant units as income on notional basis - The flats not sold was its stock-in-trade and income arising on its sale is liable to be taxed as business income. - there is no justification in the order of AO for estimating rental income from these vacant flats u/s. 23 which is assessee's stock in trade as at the end of the year. - AT

  • UAE Company Taxed Locally, Recognized as "Resident of Contracting State" Under Article 4(1) of Indo-UAE Tax Treaty.

    Case-Laws - AT : There is no dispute that the assessee was liable to tax in UAE by the virtue of incorporation in UAE and therefore, the assessee was covered by definition of “resident of Contracting State” under Article 4(1) of the Indo-UAE Tax Treaty. - AT

  • Interest from Tenant Security Deposits is Taxable Business Income, Not Exempt.

    Case-Laws - AT : Interest on refundable security deposit from the tenants - interest income earned by the assessee company is chargeable to tax as business income - AT

  • Service Charges from Tenants Classified as Business Income, Not House Property Income, Under Tax Regulations.

    Case-Laws - AT : Service charges received by the assessee from tenants - Income from house property or business income - service charges received by the company from the tenants is assessable under the head business income - AT

  • Customs

  • Gold and Silver Imports Under FTP Schemes Get Exemptions in Amended Customs Notification.

    Notifications : Exemptions in respect of gold and silver imported under specified FTP schemes - See Notification as amended

  • Customs Duty Update: New Rates for Textile Products under Chapters 50-63 Impacting Importers and Businesses.

    Notifications : Effective rate of basic duty of customs under chapters 50 to 63 on textile products - Notification

  • Updated Customs Duty Rates Announced for Woven Fabrics in Chapters 52, 54, 55, and 58.

    Notifications : Effective rate of basic customs duty on specified varieties of woven fabrics, falling under Chapters 52, 54, 55 and 58 - See Notification as amended

  • EOUs Benefit from IGST and Compensation Cess Exemption on Imported Goods Until March 31, 2018.

    Notifications : Goods imported by EOU shall be exempted from IGST and compensation cess leviable thereon upto 31.3.2018 - See Notification as amended

  • Gold Waist Ornament Vaddanam Not Classified as Baggage; Subject to 15% Duty Under Customs Regulations.

    Case-Laws - AT : Import of Gold Strip (Vaddanam) worn on their waist - the ornaments worn on the person cannot be considered as baggage - the goods in question cannot be classified and taxed as Baggage - the impugned goods shall be liable for duty at the tariff rate i.e 15% adv. as was in force at the material time - AT

  • DGFT

  • Import License Applications Require Proof of Payment at Submission to be Processed by Authorities.

    Circulars : Application for grant of import licence may only be deposited at the RA's office, after paying the applicable fees - if they do not attach copy of the fee paid, their application will not be processed.

  • Service Tax

  • Appellant Exempt from Service Tax for Foreign Agent Commission; Services Consumed Abroad u/s 66A, Finance Act 1994.

    Case-Laws - AT : Commission amount paid to the foreign travel agent - reverse charge mechanism - Since the services were provided and consumed outside India, the appellant will not be liable to Service Tax under reverse charge mechanism in terms of Section 66A of the FA, 1994 - AT

  • Court Rules Clinical Establishments Exempt from Tax on Infrastructure Support to Doctors' Commerce Under Health Care Services Exemption.

    Case-Laws - AT : Health care services or not - There is no legal justification to tax the share of clinical establishment on the ground that they have supported the commerce or business of doctors by providing infrastructure - The service provided by the respondent hospital would merit classification under Health Care Services extended to the patients. - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Central Excise Duty Unjustified on Printed Chromo Art Paper Rolls, No Transformation into New Commodity Occurs.

    Case-Laws - AT : Manufacture - Printed Chromo Art Paper Rolls - The Chromo Art Paper Rolls remain the same albeit with printing - no new commodity emerges and hence there is no justification to charge Central excise duty on the printed paper Rolls. - AT

  • Repacking Parry's Natural Beta Carotene Doesn't Change Classification; No Reclassification Needed as Products Remain Unaltered.

    Case-Laws - AT : Classification of goods - repacking of product - Parry’s Natural Beta Carotene - Pro 9 Natural Mixed Carotenoids - the goods remain the same and there is not even addition of vitamin during the process of repacking. - There is no justification in reclassifying the product upon repacking - AT


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2017 (12) TMI 515
  • 2017 (12) TMI 514
  • Income Tax

  • 2017 (12) TMI 535
  • 2017 (12) TMI 534
  • 2017 (12) TMI 533
  • 2017 (12) TMI 532
  • 2017 (12) TMI 531
  • 2017 (12) TMI 530
  • 2017 (12) TMI 529
  • 2017 (12) TMI 528
  • 2017 (12) TMI 527
  • 2017 (12) TMI 526
  • 2017 (12) TMI 525
  • 2017 (12) TMI 524
  • 2017 (12) TMI 523
  • 2017 (12) TMI 522
  • 2017 (12) TMI 521
  • 2017 (12) TMI 520
  • 2017 (12) TMI 519
  • 2017 (12) TMI 518
  • 2017 (12) TMI 517
  • 2017 (12) TMI 516
  • 2017 (12) TMI 477
  • Customs

  • 2017 (12) TMI 513
  • 2017 (12) TMI 512
  • 2017 (12) TMI 511
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2017 (12) TMI 510
  • Service Tax

  • 2017 (12) TMI 509
  • 2017 (12) TMI 508
  • 2017 (12) TMI 507
  • 2017 (12) TMI 506
  • Central Excise

  • 2017 (12) TMI 505
  • 2017 (12) TMI 504
  • 2017 (12) TMI 503
  • 2017 (12) TMI 502
  • 2017 (12) TMI 501
  • 2017 (12) TMI 500
  • 2017 (12) TMI 499
  • 2017 (12) TMI 498
  • 2017 (12) TMI 497
  • 2017 (12) TMI 496
  • 2017 (12) TMI 495
  • 2017 (12) TMI 494
  • 2017 (12) TMI 493
  • 2017 (12) TMI 492
  • 2017 (12) TMI 491
  • 2017 (12) TMI 490
  • 2017 (12) TMI 489
  • 2017 (12) TMI 488
  • 2017 (12) TMI 487
  • 2017 (12) TMI 486
  • 2017 (12) TMI 485
  • 2017 (12) TMI 484
  • 2017 (12) TMI 483
  • 2017 (12) TMI 482
  • 2017 (12) TMI 481
  • Wealth tax

  • 2017 (12) TMI 480
  • 2017 (12) TMI 479
  • 2017 (12) TMI 478
 

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