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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2014 December Day 6 - Saturday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
December 6, 2014

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Service Tax Central Excise



Articles

1. APPELLATE COMMISSIONER’S REMAND POWERS

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: The appellate commissioner's power to remand cases, once a crucial tool for ensuring justice, has been significantly restricted. Amendments to Section 35A(3) of the Central Excise Act, 1944, effective from May 11, 2001, removed the authority of Commissioners (Appeals) to remand cases for fresh adjudication. The Supreme Court and various High Courts have upheld this change, emphasizing that Commissioners (Appeals) must resolve cases by confirming, modifying, or annulling decisions, without remanding them. Despite these restrictions, certain exceptions exist where cases may be sent back due to procedural issues, but this does not constitute a formal remand.

2. Value of materials not includible in the value of services where the Agreement quantifies the value of materials separately from the value of services rendered

   By: Bimal jain

Summary: The Allahabad High Court ruled that when an agreement separately quantifies the value of materials from the value of services, the value of materials is not subject to service tax. This decision was made in a case involving a company providing repair services for transformers, where the Department sought to include the value of materials in the taxable amount. The court relied on a previous decision and a specific notification to conclude that only the value of services rendered is taxable, not the materials used.


News

1. Amendments To Insurance Act 1938

Summary: The government has proposed amendments to several key insurance laws through the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2008. These amendments target the Insurance Act 1938, the General Insurance Business Nationalization Act, 1972, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. The bill aims to empower the regulatory authority to create regulations concerning policyholder protection and other insurance sector developments. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate outdated and unnecessary provisions in existing legislation. This information was disclosed by the Union Minister of Finance in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha.

2. Bilingual ATM Machines

Summary: The Government has directed Public Sector Banks to install ATM machines capable of producing receipts in both Hindi and English. These machines should facilitate transactions and print in both languages. However, no specific deadline has been set for the implementation of these bilingual ATMs. This directive was communicated by the Union Minister of Finance in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha.

3. Gross Domestic Saving Rate

Summary: The gross domestic savings rate decreased from 33.7% in 2010-11 to 30.1% in 2012-13. This decline was attributed to reduced profits in the private corporate sector, increased dissaving by public authorities, and a drop in household financial savings due to persistent inflation. The Union Budget 2014-15 introduced measures to boost savings, such as increasing the investment limit under Section 80C and the income tax exemption limit. Additionally, initiatives like the re-launch of Kisan Vikas Patra and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana aim to enhance financial inclusion and household savings.

4. Review of New Pension Scheme

Summary: The government has not conducted a comparative study to assess the effectiveness of the National Pension System (NPS) against the old defined benefit scheme. The NPS was introduced in 2003 to address pension obligations sustainably, involving contributions from both employees and the government, with regulated investment of funds. The annual compounded returns for the Central Government Sector under the NPS since its inception on April 1, 2008, have been reported as follows: 12.02% (2008-09), 12.06% (2009-10), 10.72% (2010-11), 9.41% (2011-12), 9.99% (2012-13), and 9.11% (2013-14). This information was provided by the Union Minister of Finance in a Lok Sabha session.

5. Linking AADHAAR With Subsidy Scheme

Summary: The government has been providing various subsidies over the past three years, including food, fertilizers, and petroleum. In the Union Budget 2014-15, measures were introduced to stimulate economic growth, such as fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, and promotion of Foreign Direct Investment. The government is focusing on reducing subsidy expenditure by improving beneficiary targeting and aligning pricing policies. A direct benefit transfer system has been implemented for LPG subsidies, where the subsidy is directly credited to consumers' bank accounts. Consumers with Aadhaar can link it to their bank accounts for this purpose, as stated by the Finance Minister in the Lok Sabha.

6. Trading in Commodity Exchanges

Summary: Food commodities such as barley, chana, potato, and sugar are traded on commodity exchanges under the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952. The government has not banned futures trading on food items despite concerns about rising prices. Studies, including those by the Reserve Bank of India and independent researchers, indicate no causal link between futures trading and inflation, attributing price changes to factors like demand-supply gaps and global influences. The Forward Markets Commission has implemented measures to manage price volatility, including market-wide position limits, daily price fluctuation limits, and additional margins. These efforts aim to ensure fair price discovery and prevent market manipulation.

7. Digital Certificate for Pensioners

Summary: Under the Digital India Mission, the Government of India introduced the Jeevan Pramaan application on November 10, 2014, allowing pensioners to submit life certificates remotely using their Aadhaar number for authentication. This eliminates the need for pensioners to physically visit their pension disbursing agencies or provide additional documents. The Controller General of Accounts has issued instructions to stakeholders for the acceptance of Jeevan Pramaan as an additional method for life certificate submission. Pension disbursing banks have been directed to implement this system immediately. This information was provided by the Finance Minister in a written response to the Lok Sabha.

8. Commodity Futures Market – A Mechanism for Price Discovery and Price Risk Management

Summary: The commodity futures market serves as a mechanism for price discovery and risk management, not as a cause for price increases. Prices are determined by actual market demand and supply, with futures markets predicting likely future prices based on these factors. This system helps reduce seasonal price volatility, enabling farmers to achieve better price realization during harvest. Farmers can use future price trends to plan cultivation, storage, and sales. The Forward Markets Commission has initiated projects to provide price information through Ticker Boards, SMS alerts, and newspapers, reducing information asymmetry and aiding farmers in securing better prices from intermediaries.

9. Cases of Serious Fraud

Summary: The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, investigates corporate frauds. Established in 2003, SFIO has been tasked with probing 167 companies for alleged fraud from 2011 to 2014. The Ministry has also inspected financial records of several major exchanges to examine alleged frauds. The Companies Act, 2013, introduced enhanced disclosure norms, defined fraud as a substantive offence, and granted SFIO statutory powers. New provisions also focus on asset attachment, auditor accountability, and independence to improve audit objectivity. The Ministry is actively monitoring court case progress for expedited resolutions.

10. Corporate Social Responsibility

Summary: The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provisions under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, became effective on April 1, 2014. This marks the first year of CSR implementation by companies, with compliance data expected after September 2015 when annual returns are filed. Although no specific tax exemptions are provided for CSR expenses, contributions to certain activities like the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and rural development projects are tax-exempt under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Contributions to initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Clean Ganga currently lack specific tax exemptions. This information was disclosed by the Minister of Corporate Affairs in the Lok Sabha.

11. Fly by Night Companies

Summary: Companies that raise funds through public issues but fail to file necessary documents and become untraceable are termed "Vanishing Companies." Initially, 238 such companies were identified, with 128 now compliant and monitored. Currently, 78 companies remain categorized as vanishing, having raised approximately Rs. 310.21 crore. Legal actions, including FIRs and prosecutions under the Companies Act, 1956, have been initiated against these companies and their directors. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is also conducting investor awareness programs, in collaboration with professional institutes, to educate and protect investors, with a focus on rural areas through CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd.

12. Review of Exim Policy

Summary: The Export and Import (EXIM) Policy in India is governed by the Foreign Trade Policy and the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonisation System) of 2012, which categorizes goods into prohibited, restricted, state trading, and free categories. Some goods, while free, are subject to conditions under other laws. The government may impose conditions like minimum prices or quality standards. The EXIM Policy is dynamic, adapting to international and domestic changes through consultations with relevant ministries. Since the 2012 notification, there have been 101 changes in the policy, as reported by a government official in a parliamentary session.

13. Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme

Summary: The Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme allows the import of capital goods at 0% customs duty, with an obligation to export six times the duty saved within six years. Details are outlined in Chapter-5 of the Foreign Trade Policy and Handbook of Procedure Vol. I. If authorization holders fail to meet export obligations, they must regularize their cases by paying customs duty and interest. Defaults lead to penalties under the Foreign Trade (D R) Act, 1992. Over the past three years, 1461 defaulters have been listed under the Denied Entity List, and 139 cases have been adjudicated.

14. Limit of Foreign Investment

Summary: FDI up to 100% is permitted automatically in most sectors, subject to laws and conditions. However, FDI is prohibited in sectors like lottery, gambling, chit funds, Nidhi companies, TDR trading, real estate for farmhouses, tobacco manufacturing, and certain areas of atomic energy and railway transport. Specific railway projects are exceptions. FDI limits range from 20% to 100% depending on the sector, with detailed guidelines in the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 2014. This information was shared by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a Lok Sabha session.

15. Investment by Asean Countries

Summary: At the 12th ASEAN India Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the Prime Minister highlighted India's focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, skill development, urban renewal, and smart cities. He encouraged ASEAN member states to invest in India as part of the Make in India initiative. ASEAN countries expressed interest in enhancing trade and investment relations with India. However, no agreements regarding investment or trade were signed during the summit. This information was provided by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

16. RBI Reference Rate for US $

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India set the reference rate for the US Dollar at Rs. 61.8535 on December 5, 2014, slightly lower than the previous day's rate of Rs. 61.8771. The exchange rates for other currencies against the Rupee were also updated: 1 Euro was Rs. 76.5313, 1 British Pound was Rs. 96.7265, and 100 Japanese Yen was Rs. 51.51. These rates are based on the US Dollar reference rate and cross-currency quotes. The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to Rupee rate will also be determined using this reference rate.

17. Suggestions Invited from People for Successful Completion of PMJDY; 100% Saturation Reported from Madhya Pradesh in Terms of Coverage of All Households with At Least One Bank Account ; 8.39 Crore Accounts Opened Under PMJDY as on 1.12.20014

Summary: The Central Government has sought public suggestions for the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) via an online platform. Madhya Pradesh reported complete household coverage with at least one bank account by November 2014. A total of 8.39 crore accounts were opened under PMJDY by December 2014, with 5.32 crore RuPay cards issued. Several states and union territories, including Goa, Kerala, and Tripura, have achieved full household coverage. Nationwide, 85.20% household coverage was achieved, with varying district-wise coverage ranging from less than 50% to over 90%. Survey work was 97.45% complete by mid-November 2014.

18. Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2014

Summary: The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved the Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2014, for introduction in the current parliamentary session. The bill seeks to amend sections 20 and 20A of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, aiming to grant trustees more autonomy and flexibility in making investment decisions for trust funds. It allows the Central Government to specify securities or classes of securities for trust investments and intends to eliminate obsolete provisions in section 20 of the original Act.


Notifications

DGFT

1. 100 (RE-2013)/2009-2014 - dated 5-12-2014 - FTP

Import policy of Worked monumental or building stone (except slate) and articles thereof, other than goods of heading 6801; mosaic cubes and the like, of natural stone (including slate), whether or not on a backing; artificially coloured granules, chippings and powder, of natural stone (including slate)

Summary: The Government of India has amended the import policy for certain worked monumental or building stones, excluding slate, and related articles. Under the updated policy, imports of items under specified Exim Codes are allowed freely if the cost, insurance, and freight (cif) value is at least US$ 60 per square meter. Additionally, the maximum permissible thickness for slabs is set at 20 mm. This amendment is made under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and updates previous conditions outlined in the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Royalty Expenditure on Music: Minimal Tax Impact Suggests No Account Adjustment Needed for Capital or Revenue Classification.

    Case-Laws - HC : Royalty expenditure - Capital expenditure or revenue expenditure - music / songs - the capital amount or asset so created would be of a minuscule value and there would be a minimal tax effect - accounts should not be re-written because of the smallness and minimum tax effect - HC

  • Taxpayer Can Opt for Windmill Depreciation by Rule 5(1A) During Tax Return Filing, No Extra Notification Needed.

    Case-Laws - HC : Claim of depreciation on installation of windmill – if the assessee exercised the option in terms of second proviso to Rule 5(1A) of the Income Tax Rules at the time of furnishing of return of income, it will suffice and no separate letter or request or intimation with regard to of exercise of option is required - HC

  • High Court Clarifies Taxability of Insurance Compensation for Windmill Destruction u/s 50, Corrects Tribunal's Error.

    Case-Laws - HC : Taxability of compensation received appellant from the Insurance Company on account of destruction of Wind Mill u/s 50 – Tribunal committed an error in applying provisions of section 41(2) - HC

  • High Court Orders Reinstatement of Petitioner's Appeal with Tribunal After Settlement Commission Proceedings Abated u/s 245HA.

    Case-Laws - HC : In the light of abatement of the proceedings before the Settlement Commission by operation of the provisions of section 245HA of the Act, the interest of justice requires that the appeal preferred by the petitioner before the Tribunal be restored - HC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2014 (12) TMI 192
  • 2014 (12) TMI 191
  • 2014 (12) TMI 190
  • 2014 (12) TMI 189
  • 2014 (12) TMI 188
  • 2014 (12) TMI 187
  • 2014 (12) TMI 186
  • 2014 (12) TMI 185
  • 2014 (12) TMI 184
  • 2014 (12) TMI 183
  • 2014 (12) TMI 182
  • 2014 (12) TMI 181
  • 2014 (12) TMI 180
  • 2014 (12) TMI 179
  • 2014 (12) TMI 178
  • 2014 (12) TMI 177
  • 2014 (12) TMI 176
  • 2014 (12) TMI 175
  • 2014 (12) TMI 174
  • 2014 (12) TMI 173
  • Customs

  • 2014 (12) TMI 195
  • 2014 (12) TMI 194
  • 2014 (12) TMI 193
  • Service Tax

  • 2014 (12) TMI 206
  • 2014 (12) TMI 205
  • 2014 (12) TMI 204
  • 2014 (12) TMI 203
  • 2014 (12) TMI 202
  • Central Excise

  • 2014 (12) TMI 201
  • 2014 (12) TMI 200
  • 2014 (12) TMI 199
  • 2014 (12) TMI 198
  • 2014 (12) TMI 197
  • 2014 (12) TMI 196
 

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