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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2020 February Day 6 - Thursday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
February 6, 2020

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs Central Excise Indian Laws



Articles

1. TDS from sale and / or services can be applied in case of all type of supply and services instead of so many TDS/TCS provisions at present and proposed. Advance tax, instead of TDS/ TCS is better option in case of organized payees.

   By: DEVKUMAR KOTHARI

Summary: The article discusses proposed amendments to India's tax laws, specifically the introduction of a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on e-commerce transactions. E-commerce operators must deduct this TDS from the sale value of goods or services facilitated through their platforms. Exceptions include individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with annual transactions under 5 lakh, provided they furnish PAN or Aadhaar. Without these, the TDS rate is 5%. The author argues that the 1% rate is high due to slim margins in e-commerce and suggests considering advance tax for organized sectors over TDS/TCS. Amendments to sections 197, 204, and 206AA are also proposed.

2. HEALTH CESS

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Finance Minister announced a new Health Cess in the budget to boost domestic medical equipment manufacturing and fund health services. A 5% duty will be levied on imported medical devices, excluding those exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) or parts used in manufacturing. Revenue from this cess will develop health infrastructure in aspirational districts. Chapter V of the Finance Bill outlines the levy, with goods under specific tariff headings subject to the cess. Exemptions apply to certain goods as specified in various notifications. The Health Cess is additional to other customs duties and follows Customs Act provisions.

3. Budget 2020 - Modification of residency provisions- amendment of S. 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961

   By: DEVKUMAR KOTHARI

Summary: The 2020 budget proposed amendments to Section 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, effective April 1, 2021, to address tax residency rules. Key changes include reducing the residency threshold for Indian citizens or persons of Indian origin visiting India from 182 to 120 days. Additionally, an Indian citizen not liable to tax elsewhere will be deemed a resident in India. The definition of "not ordinarily resident" is revised, requiring non-residency in seven out of ten preceding years for individuals and Hindu undivided families. These changes aim to prevent tax avoidance by ensuring individuals cannot evade global income tax obligations.


News

1. Promoting Quality Standards

Summary: The Quality Council of India (QCI) is a national body established to promote quality standards across sectors like manufacturing, education, health, and environment. Formed in 1996 through a public-private partnership, QCI is supported by the Indian government and major industry associations. It operates through five boards: NABL, NABH, NABET, NABCB, and NBQP, each focusing on specific areas like laboratories, healthcare, education, certification, and quality promotion. QCI undertakes projects for government bodies, including initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Government e-Marketplace, contributing to quality assurance and accreditation in various fields.

2. Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor

Summary: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has developed a Conceptual Development Plan for the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), identifying Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Donakonda, and Chittoor as development nodes. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has prioritized Visakhapatnam and Chittoor, with master planning completed by ADB. The National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust approved the development of these nodes in phase one. ADB has agreed to provide USD 631 million in loans and grants for infrastructure and policy reforms, including climate change resilience in Visakhapatnam. The project is still in the development stage, with no set construction start date.

3. Industrial Parks in India

Summary: The Industrial Park Scheme-2002, notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, aimed to develop industrial infrastructure in India from 1997 to 2006. It focused on creating industrial model towns, parks, and growth centers. The Central Board of Direct Taxes later introduced the Industrial Park Scheme-2008 for parks established between 2006 and 2009. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has developed a centralized Industrial Information System to track industrial parks, with data updated by states. The number of parks varies across states, with Maharashtra having the highest at 447, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.

4. Regulation of Online Retailers

Summary: The Government of India aims to boost its digital economy by promoting e-commerce, but restricts foreign-invested companies to a marketplace model, prohibiting inventory-based operations. To clarify regulations, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued Press Note 2 of 2018, emphasizing fair competition and prohibiting e-commerce entities from influencing prices. Allegations of predatory pricing and excessive discounts have led to an investigation by the Competition Commission of India against major platforms for potentially anti-competitive practices. The Minister of Commerce and Industry confirmed these developments in a recent parliamentary session.

5. CBDT issues clarification on the applicability of TDS provisions on Mutual Fund dividend

Summary: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarified the applicability of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on mutual fund dividends following the Finance Bill, 2020. The bill proposed removing the Dividend Distribution Tax at the company or mutual fund level, taxing dividends instead in the hands of shareholders or unit holders. TDS at 10% is applicable on dividends exceeding five thousand rupees annually. Queries arose regarding TDS on capital gains from unit redemption. CBDT clarified that TDS under section 194K applies only to dividend payments, not capital gains, with further clarifications to be made in the law if necessary.


Notifications

Customs

1. F. No. 334/2/2020-TRU - dated 4-2-2020 - Cus

Corrigendum – Notification No. 05/2020-Customs, dated the 2nd February, 2020

Summary: In the corrigendum to Notification No. 05/2020-Customs dated February 2, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, a typographical error in the tariff code was corrected. The original notification published in the Gazette of India mistakenly listed the tariff code as "3907 99 90," which has been amended to "3907 99 00." This correction is officially documented in the Gazette under G.S.R. 86(E) and is referenced with file number 334/2/2020-TRU.

2. 14/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/DRI) - dated 3-2-2020 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of CAA by DGRI

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has issued Notification No. 14/2020, appointing a Common Adjudicating Authority (CAA) for specific customs cases. This appointment is pursuant to previous notifications and amendments under the Customs Act, 1962. The notification lists several entities and individuals involved in customs cases, specifying the show cause notice numbers and dates. The Additional Director General (Adjudication) of the DRI in Mumbai is appointed as the CAA for certain cases, while other cases are assigned to the Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs in Chennai and Nhava Sheva. The notification aims to streamline the adjudication process for these cases.

3. 13/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/DRI) - dated 3-2-2020 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of CAA by DGRI

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, issued Notification No. 13/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/DRI) on February 3, 2020. This notification appoints specific officers as Common Adjudicating Authorities to handle the adjudication of show cause notices for various entities involved in customs-related inquiries. The table in the notification lists multiple entities, their respective show cause notice details, and the designated adjudicating authorities. This appointment is in accordance with previous notifications and amendments under the Customs Act, 1962, to streamline the adjudication process across different regions in India.

4. 12/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/DRI) - dated 3-2-2020 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of CAA by DGRI

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, under the Ministry of Finance, has issued Notification No. 12/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/DRI) dated 3rd February 2020, amending a previous notification (No. 17/2017-Customs). This amendment involves the substitution of the term "Nhava Sheva-I" with "Nhava Sheva-V" within the context of appointing a Common Adjudicating Authority (CAA) under the Customs Act, 1962. This change is part of the ongoing adjustments to streamline customs adjudication processes.

5. 11/2020-Customs (N.T./CAA/EXTENSION/DRI) - dated 3-2-2020 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of CAA by DGRI

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has issued Notification No. 11/2020-Customs, extending the period for determining duty or interest under section 28(8) of the Customs Act, 1962, by one year. This extension is effective from the expiry of the initial show cause notice dated March 22, 2019, for the noticee listed in the table. The Common Adjudicating Authority was appointed under Notification No. 22/2019-Customs dated May 27, 2019, to adjudicate the matter. The notification was issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

GST

6. F.No.20/06/07/2019-GST - dated 4-2-2020 - CGST

Corrigendum - Notification No. 06/2020-Central Tax, dated the 03rd February,2020

Summary: Corrigendum to Notification No. 06/2020-Central Tax, dated February 3, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, corrects errors in the original document. It amends the list of states mentioned on page 2, line 30, by replacing "Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand" with "Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand." Additionally, on line 35, it replaces "Tripura, West Bengal" with "Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal." This correction is published in the Gazette of India and is authorized by the Deputy Secretary to the Government of India.

GST - States

7. CCTs Ref.no CCW/GST/74/2015 - dated 10-1-2020 - Andhra Pradesh SGST

Time Period for furnishing the returns in FORM GSTR -3B and discharging of tax liability thereon – Amendment to the proceedings, Dated 17.10.2019

Summary: The Chief Commissioner of State Tax, Andhra Pradesh, has amended the proceedings regarding the time period for submitting returns in FORM GSTR-3B and discharging tax liabilities. This amendment, based on the GST Council's recommendations, adds a proviso requiring that the GSTR-3B return for November 2019 be submitted electronically by December 23, 2019. This notification, issued under the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, is effective from December 20, 2019.

8. 19/2019 - KGST.CR.01/17-18 - dated 24-12-2019 - Karnataka SGST

Seeks to amend Notification (17/2019) No. KGST.CR.01/17-18, dated the 11th October, 2019

Summary: The Government of Karnataka, through the Department of Commercial Taxes, has issued Notification (19/2019) to amend Notification (17/2019) concerning the Karnataka Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This amendment, effective from December 20, 2019, mandates that the return in FORM GSTR-3B for November 2019 must be submitted electronically via the common portal by December 23, 2019. This notification is issued under the authority of section 168 of the Karnataka GST Act, 2017, and sub-rule (5) of rule 61 of the Karnataka GST Rules, 2017, based on the Council's recommendations.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

SEBI

1. IMD/FPI&C/CIR/P/2020/022 - dated 4-2-2020

Common Application Form for Foreign Portfolio Investors

Summary: The circular issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) outlines the introduction of a Common Application Form (CAF) for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). This form facilitates the registration of FPIs with SEBI, the allotment of a Permanent Account Number (PAN), and the Know Your Customer (KYC) process for opening bank and Demat accounts. Applicants must complete the CAF and annexure, providing necessary documents and fees. Designated Depository Participants (DDPs) can accept existing applications for 60 days post-circular issuance. This measure aims to protect investor interests and regulate the securities market.

2. SEBI/HO/CDMRD/DNPMP/CIR/P/2020/21 - dated 4-2-2020

Performance review of the commodity derivatives contracts

Summary: The circular from SEBI mandates all recognized stock exchanges with a commodity derivatives segment to conduct an annual performance review of all traded contracts. This review, developed in consultation with the Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee and Product Advisory Committee, must be based on specified parameters, including trade volumes, delivery statistics, and price movements. The findings and methodology must be prominently disclosed on the exchanges' websites by June 30 each year. The circular, effective from April 1, 2020, aims to ensure alignment of derivatives contracts with physical markets and protect investor interests, requiring exchanges to amend relevant regulations and inform stakeholders.

DGFT

3. Trade Notice No. 48/2019-20 - dated 4-2-2020

One-time permission for resubmission of applications for claiming assistance under `Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Specified Agriculture Products’ Scheme

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a one-time permission for applicants to resubmit deficient applications under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Specified Agriculture Products Scheme. This relaxation allows applicants to modify previously submitted applications due to errors. Applicants must provide information via a specified Google form by February 20, 2020, and can edit and resubmit their applications online by February 29, 2020. A printout of the modified application, along with self-certified documents, must be submitted by March 16, 2020. This resubmission is only for pending applications, not for those already disbursed.

Customs

4. 08/2020 - dated 5-2-2020

Procedure for a Pilot on Transhipment of Export Cargo from Bangladesh to third countries through Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to Kolkata Port / Airport, in containers or closed bodied trucks

Summary: The circular outlines the extension of a pilot procedure for the transshipment of export cargo from Bangladesh to third countries via Land Customs Stations to Kolkata Port or Airport. This process involves using containers or closed-bodied trucks. The facility, initially established under Circular 42/2018-Customs and amended in August 2019, is extended until June 30, 2020. Stakeholders are encouraged to report any implementation difficulties to the Board.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    GST

  • Court Orders Release of Petitioner's Goods Without Tax or Penalty Due to E-way Bill Discrepancy u/s 129(1)(c.

    Case-Laws - HC : Release of petitioner goods without collecting any tax or penalty or security u/s 129(1)(c) - discrepancy in E-way bill - The goods and vehicle directed to be released forthwith on his executing a simple bond and without insisting on the petitioner furnishing bank guarantee for the demanded value

  • Court Issues Notices to Infosys and Tech Mahindra Over GSTR 9C Portal Glitches for FY 2017-18.

    Case-Laws - HC : Filing of annual returns - uploading of annual returns in GSTR 9C Form, which are filed by the assessees for the financial year 2017-18 - apparent technical flaws, glitches and limitations in the online portal system evolved by GSTN - Court Notices issued to Infosys Limited and Tech Mahindra Limited

  • Court Supports Refund of Unutilized CENVAT Credit for Zero-Rated Supplies Despite Circular Restrictions Across Financial Years.

    Case-Laws - HC : Refund of unutilized CENVAT credit - zero rated supplies - clubbing of successive calendar months/quarters across different financial years - the petitioner has a strong prima facie case, and we cannot deny the petitioner of its right to claim refund which is visible from the mechanism provided under the Act. The impugned circulars take away the vested right of the taxpayer that has accrued in the relevant period.

  • Income Tax

  • Assessee's Challenge u/s 153A Moot as No Additions Made in Re-assessment Proceedings.

    Case-Laws - HC : Assessment u/s 153A - assessee challenged the assessment order - absence of any incriminating material - the aforesaid submission is completely academic and need not be gone into since no additions were made even by the Assessing Officer in the re-assessment proceedings

  • Tribunal Confirms Findings on Undisclosed Purchases, Excess Book Stock Due to Assessee's Admission of Unrecorded Transactions.

    Case-Laws - HC : Undisclosed purchase - purchases were not properly entered - there was “Excess Book Stock” as compared to “Physical Stock - We do not find any perversity in the said findings of the learned Tribunal based on the admission of the Assessee himself

  • Court Debates Depreciation on Goodwill; Questions Motive Behind Rs. 45.48 Crore Payment for Rs. 10.93 Crore Benefit.

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance of depreciation on goodwill - We do not concur with the observations of the DRP that the assessee, with the motive of reducing profits in form of depreciation, had entered into this transaction. In our considered view, no prudent business man would pay a sum of ₹ 45.48 crores to claim depreciation of ₹ 10.93 crores over a period of five years

  • Assessee Permitted to Change Accounting Method for Project Management Expenses u/s 37.

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance of project management expenses claimed u/s 37 - Change in method of accounting in respect of project management expenses - assesee was well within its right to change method of accounting for accounting particular expenditure.

  • Taxpayer's Weighted Deduction Under Sec 35(2AB) Limited by DSIR; CIT(A) Directs AO to Adjust Deduction Accordingly.

    Case-Laws - AT : Weighted deduction u/s 35(2AB) - the entire claim of weighted deduction claimed by the assessee cannot be acceded to over and above the restriction made by the DSIR. CIT(A) has rightly directed the Assessing Officer to allow the correct amount of deduction u/s 35(2AB) after taking note of the DSIR certificate

  • Court Accepts Assessee's Explanation for Cash Deposit as Sale Proceeds and Cash on Hand, Validating Transaction Legitimacy.

    Case-Laws - AT : Addition on the basis of the crediting of cash in the bank account - assessee having deposited the amount out of the sale proceeds of the closing stock held by him and out of cash in hand - the explanation of the assessee regarding this deposit of cash was correct.

  • CIT(A) Allows 6% Gross Profit Estimate on Alleged Non-Genuine Purchases, Permits Deductions for Declared Profits.

    Case-Laws - AT : Bogus purchases - GP Estimation on bogus purchases - CIT(A) was right in estimating 6% gross profit on alleged non genuine purchases and further allowed deductions towards gross profit already declared by the assessee for the relevant period .

  • Assessee's Reconciliation Statements Sufficient for Discrepancy in Receipts; No Impossible Demands Allowed Under AS-26.

    Case-Laws - AT : Difference in receipts shown as per books of accounts and as per AS-26 - assessee has submitted the reconciliation statements as well explaining the reasons for difference - The assessee has discharged its primary onus/burden and the assessee could not be asked to do impossible.

  • Central Excise

  • CENVAT Credit Approved for Marketing-Related Rent Expenses u/r 2(l) of Cenvat Credit Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : CENVAT Credit- input services - “renting of immovable property” outside the manufacturing unit - place of removal - appellant was using the rented premises for “marketing” purposes which is in conformity to Rule 2(l) of Cenvat Credit Rules that clearly covers “advertisement or sales promotion” within the definition of input services. - Credit allowed.

  • CENVAT Credit Denial Over Invoice Name Issue Deemed Unjustifiable by Court Decision.

    Case-Laws - AT : CENVAT Credit - duty paying invoices - the denial of credit for the sole reason that the invoices issued by the service provider were not in the name of the appellant who was the availing credit is not justifiable.


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2020 (2) TMI 171
  • 2020 (2) TMI 170
  • 2020 (2) TMI 169
  • 2020 (2) TMI 168
  • Income Tax

  • 2020 (2) TMI 167
  • 2020 (2) TMI 166
  • 2020 (2) TMI 165
  • 2020 (2) TMI 164
  • 2020 (2) TMI 163
  • 2020 (2) TMI 162
  • 2020 (2) TMI 161
  • 2020 (2) TMI 160
  • 2020 (2) TMI 159
  • 2020 (2) TMI 158
  • 2020 (2) TMI 157
  • 2020 (2) TMI 156
  • 2020 (2) TMI 155
  • 2020 (2) TMI 154
  • 2020 (2) TMI 153
  • 2020 (2) TMI 152
  • 2020 (2) TMI 151
  • 2020 (2) TMI 150
  • 2020 (2) TMI 149
  • 2020 (2) TMI 148
  • 2020 (2) TMI 147
  • 2020 (2) TMI 146
  • 2020 (2) TMI 145
  • 2020 (2) TMI 144
  • 2020 (2) TMI 143
  • 2020 (2) TMI 142
  • 2020 (2) TMI 141
  • 2020 (2) TMI 138
  • 2020 (2) TMI 137
  • 2020 (2) TMI 135
  • 2020 (2) TMI 134
  • Customs

  • 2020 (2) TMI 175
  • Central Excise

  • 2020 (2) TMI 174
  • 2020 (2) TMI 173
  • 2020 (2) TMI 140
  • 2020 (2) TMI 139
  • 2020 (2) TMI 136
  • Indian Laws

  • 2020 (2) TMI 172
 

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