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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2019 March Day 11 - Monday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
March 11, 2019

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs Insolvency & Bankruptcy Service Tax CST, VAT & Sales Tax



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Articles

1. CHANGE IN INPUT TAX CREDIT ENTITLEMENT UNDER GST

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: The GST law amendments effective from February 1, 2019, altered the method of utilizing input tax credit (ITC) across IGST, CGST, and SGST, causing challenges for taxpayers. Previously, ITC could be used flexibly across these tax types, but the new rules mandate that IGST credit must be fully utilized before CGST or SGST credits can be applied. This change restricts the seamless flow of ITC, potentially increasing the working capital requirements and costs for businesses. Taxpayers may now need to pay GST liabilities in cash despite having unutilized credits, affecting their financial flexibility.

2. GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a trade program that allows preferential tariff treatment for developing countries, exempting them from the World Trade Organization's most favored nation (MFN) principle. This system aims to boost economic growth in underdeveloped nations by lowering tariffs on various products. However, criticisms exist, noting that GSP programs often exclude key exports from low-income countries. The U.S. recently decided to withdraw GSP benefits for a particular country, citing inadequate market access for American businesses. This withdrawal may slightly impact certain domestic sectors, but the country believes the overall effect on exports will be minimal.


News

1. GST - Concept & Status - AS ON 1st March, 2019

Summary: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, effective from July 1, 2017, replaced a complex tax system with a unified tax structure, enhancing economic integration. It subsumed multiple central and state taxes, creating a dual GST model where both the center and states levy taxes on a common base. GST aims to eliminate tax cascading, simplify compliance, and boost economic growth by creating a single market. Despite initial challenges in IT infrastructure and compliance, GST is seen as a game-changer for India's economy, promoting ease of doing business and supporting the "Make in India" initiative.


Notifications

Companies Law

1. S.O. 1216(E) - dated 8-3-2019 - Co. Law

Seeks to amend Notification No. S.O. 1935 (E), dated the 1st June, 2016

Summary: The Central Government, under the Companies Act, 2013, has amended Notification No. S.O. 1935 (E) dated June 1, 2016, to establish the National Company Law Tribunal benches in Indore and Amaravati. The amendment involves removing entries for the State of Madhya Pradesh and the State of Andhra Pradesh from existing serial numbers and adding new serial numbers for the Indore Bench covering Madhya Pradesh and the Amaravati Bench covering Andhra Pradesh. This amendment will take effect from the date of its publication.

FEMA

2. 01/2019-RB - dated 7-3-2019 - FEMA

Foreign Exchange Management (Permissible Capital Account Transactions) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2019

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Permissible Capital Account Transactions) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2019, effective from its publication date. The amendment prohibits Indian residents from engaging in capital account transactions with individuals or entities from North Korea, unless specifically approved by the Central Government. Existing investments or assets in North Korea must be closed or settled within 180 days unless an extension is granted by the government. This amendment aligns with the Security Council Resolution on North Korea, as implemented by the Indian government through Order S.O. 1549(E) dated April 21, 2017.

GST

3. Order No. 3/2019 - dated 8-3-2019 - CGST

Central Goods and Services Tax (Third Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019 - Issue of Bill of Supply in lieu of Tax Invoice in case of Service Provider availing benefit of composition.

Summary: The Central Goods and Services Tax (Third Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019 clarifies the issuance of a bill of supply instead of a tax invoice for service providers availing the composition scheme under section 10 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This order, effective from March 8, 2019, specifies that persons paying tax under Notification No. 2/2019-Central Tax (Rate) dated March 7, 2019, are required to issue a bill of supply. The order aims to address and remove any difficulties arising from the application of clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 31 of the Act.

4. Order No. 2/2019 - dated 8-3-2019 - UTGST

Union Territory goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (Second Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019 - Issue of Bill of Supply in lieu of Tax Invoice in case of Service Provider availing benefit of composition.

Summary: The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (Second Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019, clarifies that service providers availing the benefit of composition under section 10 of the Act must issue a bill of supply instead of a tax invoice. This order, effective from March 8, 2019, is issued by the Central Government to address difficulties arising from the interpretation of section 31 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, in conjunction with section 21 of the Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The order applies to those paying tax under Notification No. 2/2019-Union Territory Tax (Rate).

Income Tax

5. 16/2019 - dated 8-3-2019 - IT

Gratuity exemption u/s Section 10(10)(iii) - exemption limit raised to ₹ 20 lakhs

Summary: The Central Board of Direct Taxes, under the Ministry of Finance, has issued Notification No. 16/2019, dated March 8, 2019, which raises the gratuity exemption limit under Section 10(10)(iii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, to twenty lakh rupees. This applies to employees who retire, become incapacitated, die, or have their employment terminated on or after March 29, 2018. This notification supersedes the previous notification dated June 11, 2010, except for actions already completed before the supersession.

6. 15/2019 - dated 8-3-2019 - IT

U/s. 10(6C) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 – Notified M/s Elbit Systems Limited

Summary: The Central Government, under clause (6C) of section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, has issued a notification specifying that income received by M/s Elbit Systems Limited, a foreign company based in Israel, will not be included in its total income calculation. This exemption applies to income arising from royalties or fees for technical services under an agreement with the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, as per contract no. AIRHQ/S96344/1/ASR dated January 30, 2017. The exempted amount is USD 30,786,693.

SEZ

7. G.S.R. 200(E) - dated 7-3-2019 - SEZ

Special Economic Zones (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2019

Summary: The Special Economic Zones (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2019, effective from March 7, 2019, amend the SEZ Rules, 2006. Key changes include the insertion of the phrase "wherever necessary" after "National Security Clearance" in Rule 3, and revisions to rules regarding the renewal of Letters of Approval and Net Foreign Exchange Earnings. The amendments also permit IT and IT-enabled services employees to work from home under specific conditions. Additionally, the amendments outline the criteria for evaluating SEZ units' performance and introduce a new format for the Annual Performance Report, requiring authentication by an authorized signatory and certification by a Chartered or Cost Accountant.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

GST

1. 93/12/2019 - dated 8-3-2019

Nature of Supply of Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLC)

Summary: The circular addresses the tax treatment for trading Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLC) by banks on the e-Kuber portal of the Reserve Bank of India. It clarifies that for the period from July 1, 2017, to May 27, 2018, GST at 12% was to be paid by the seller bank on a forward charge basis. From May 28, 2018, onward, GST is levied on a reverse charge basis, payable by the buyer bank. The supply of PSLC is considered inter-State trade, and IGST is applicable. Banks that have already paid CGST/SGST need not pay IGST again for the same supply.

Customs

2. Public Notice No. 03/2018-19/CCP/JMR - dated 8-2-2019

Carriage of coastal cargo from one Indian port to another port in vessels carrying out coastal runs.

Summary: The circular addresses the carriage of coastal cargo between Indian ports by vessels on coastal runs. It exempts vessels carrying only coastal goods from certain sections of the Customs Act, 1962, and introduces a new notification for this exemption. For vessels loading or unloading at EXIM berths, specific customs provisions and a new coastal manifest format are applicable. The procedure applies to Indian and certain foreign vessels, with conditions for cabotage relaxation. Coastal goods must be clearly marked, and preventive officers may conduct random checks. The circular withdraws a previous one and mandates strict adherence to the new instructions.

3. Public Notice No. 01/2019/CCP/JMR - dated 7-2-2019

Implementation of Risk Management System (RMS) in Imports at Port

Summary: The circular announces the implementation of the Risk Management System (RMS) for imports at various ports in India, effective from February 15, 2019. The RMS aims to enhance trade facilitation by allowing low-risk consignments to be cleared based on importers' self-assessment without examination. It replaces routine assessments with selective quality checks and post-clearance audits. Importers with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status will receive expedited clearance. The circular outlines procedures for filing Bills of Entry, bond management, document submission, and post-clearance audits. It emphasizes the importance of accurate data submission and compliance to maximize facilitation benefits.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    GST

  • New GST Order Simplifies Compliance for Service Providers Using Composition Scheme with Bill of Supply Option.

    Notifications : Central Goods and Services Tax (Third Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2019 - Issue of Bill of Supply in lieu of Tax Invoice in case of Service Provider availing benefit of composition.

  • Priority Sector Lending Certificates classified as taxable under GST, considered as services facilitating banks' lending targets.

    Circulars : Nature of Supply of Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLC)

  • Bail Denied in GST Fraud Case Involving Fake Invoices and Input Tax Credit u/s 132(1) of GST Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Grant of regular bail - offence punishable under Section 132 (1) (a), (b) and (c) of Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017 - issuance of fake invoices to get input tax credit - main accused have not been arrested so far - Petition dismissed.

  • Income Tax

  • Gratuity Exemption Limit Raised to Rs. 25 Lakhs u/s 10(10)(iii) of the Income Tax Act.

    Notifications : Gratuity exemption u/s Section 10(10)(iii) - exemption limit raised to ₹ 25 lakhs

  • Compensation for Urban Agricultural Land Acquisition: Section 10(37) Exemption Requires Proof of Agricultural Status.

    Case-Laws - AT : Exemption u/s 10(37) - Assessee has received compensation on compulsory acquisition of urban agricultural land - Once sufficient material is placed that land was agriculture land, exemption was allowable.

  • Exemption for Long-Term Capital Gains Granted Despite Delay in Flat Possession Due to Developer's Fault, Section 54.

    Case-Laws - AT : Exemption u/s 54 - LTCG - delay in obtaining possession of residential flat and getting purchase deed executed was on account of the developer and was by reason beyond the control of the assessee - exemption is allowable

  • Court Allows Additional Witness, Documents in Section 276-C(1) & 277 Case; No Evidence of Revenue Misconduct Found.

    Case-Laws - HC : Prosecution u/s 276-C(1) & 277 - revenue sought additional witness and additional documents - there is no basis to come to a conclusion that respondent (revenue) is adopting dilatory tactics or is in any way harassing petitioner assessee - production of additional witness/documents on record is permissible.

  • Assessment Notice u/s 143(2) Challenged for Immediate Issuance, Lacks Due Consideration, Deemed Invalid, Annulment Likely.

    Case-Laws - AT : Reopening of assessment -Notice u/s 143(2) - AO given the notices u/s 143(2) to the assessee immediately to filing the return, which shows non-application of mind on the part of the of the AO. Therefore, notice under section 143(2) is invalid and resultantly, the assessment is vitiated and is liable to be quashed.

  • Revenue Authority Cannot Classify Reimbursed Employee Secondment Salary as Non-Deductible Expenditure.

    Case-Laws - HC : Justification for the expenditure - amount paid towards secondment of employees - The contention of the AO that, real beneficiary of the Australian entity’s employees was not the JV but the AE, rejected. - Revenue is not permitted to hold salary payment reimbursed to AE is a non deductible expenditure.

  • Taxpayer Allowed to Revise Deduction Claim from Section 54F to Section 54 if Eligible, Says Assessment Ruling.

    Case-Laws - AT : Eligibility of deduction u/s 54 and 54F - in return deduction claimed u/s 54F - in assessment proceedings revised his claim u/s 54 - AO is duty bound to allow deduction to the assessee if the assessee is eligible for such deduction under the provisions.

  • Income Tax: Foreign Businesses Taxed Only on India-Based Operations Income u/s 9.

    Case-Laws - AT : Profit attributable to India - an assessee whose business operations are not exclusively carried out in India, the amount of income which will be deemed to accrue or arise in India shall be only such part of the income as is reasonably attributable to the operations carried out in India.

  • Finance Bill 2017: Capital Gains in Joint Development Agreements Taxable Upon Project Completion Before Amendment.

    Case-Laws - AT : Capital gain - Joint development agreement - amendment brought in by the Finance Bill 2017 is prospective and not retrospective - For the prior period, capital gain is taxable in year of project.

  • Court Orders Deletion of Liability Addition u/s 41 Due to Unsupported Assumptions in Assessment Year.

    Case-Laws - AT : Addition u/s 41 - remission/cessation of liability - liability continued from past so many years - merely on the basis of surmises and assumptions it cannot be said that there is remission/cessation of liability in the impugned assessment year - Addition u/s 41 to be deleted

  • Media Content vs. TV Broadcasting: Functional Dissimilarity in Transfer Pricing Comparables Leads to Exclusion of Broadcasting Companies.

    Case-Laws - AT : TP adjustment - comparable selection - functinal dissimilarity - media content and TV broadcasting are totally dissimilar activities - not at all comparable - AO/ TPO to exclude the broadcasting companies from comparables

  • Tax Reduction Order u/s 263 Found Permissible as It Doesn't Harm Revenue Interests.

    Case-Laws - AT : Revision u.s 263 - assessment order passed pursuant to the revisionary order has resulted in reduction of tax liability - not prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue - revision not permissible

  • Customs

  • Regulations for Coastal Cargo Movement Between Indian Ports: Customs Compliance and Tax Updates for Enhanced Shipping Efficiency.

    Circulars : Carriage of coastal cargo from one Indian port to another port in vessels carrying out coastal runs.

  • Contraband Gold Seizure Valid Despite Non-Border Location; Legitimacy Upheld by Avoidance of Transport Hubs.

    Case-Laws - HC : Seizure of contraband Gold - The mere fact that the interception and seizure was not affected in an international border or near an airport or seaport is irrelevant, since the statements of the intercepted persons clearly indicate that they were asked to avoid such means of transport and stick to the normal modes of public transport.

  • Integrated Tax & GST Cess Exemption Rules Struck Down as Ultra Vires, Affecting Advance Authorisation Imports.

    Case-Laws - HC : Validity of Pre-import conditions - Exemption from integrated tax and GST compensation cess - benefit of N/N. 18/2015- Cus - Import against Advance Authorisation - Duty Exemption/Remission Schemes - ultra vires provision as inserted struck down.

  • Revenue Must Verify Import Valuation Independently u/s 14 of Customs Act and Valuation Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Valuation of imported goods - in spite of the admission on behalf of the importer, the Revenue is required to satisfy the requirements prescribed under Section 14 of the Customs Act read with Customs Valuation Rules before any enhancement of valuation.

  • Penalty Imposed on Employee for Signing Bill Lacks Evidence; Violates Natural Justice Principles, Needs Substantial Proof.

    Case-Laws - AT : Principles of natural justice - imposition of penalty on the co-noticee/appellant - Mere signing of bill that too in the capacity of being employee is not sufficient to prove gravest of allegations of improper export.

  • Refunds Approved for Price Variations Finalized Post-Import Due to Annual Discounts or Rebates in Contract Period.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund claims - price variation clause - transaction value determined after importation due to annual discount/quantity rebate, determined after end of the contract period - refund allowed.

  • Authorities Impose Redemption Fine and Penalty for Mis-Declared Copper Scrap Import Value and Description.

    Case-Laws - AT : Imposition of redemption fine - import of copper scrap druid - mis-declaration of description and value - no supplier would supply a high priced goods against an order of less priced goods - redemption fine and penalty confirmed.

  • SEZ

  • 2019 Amendments to SEZ Rules Simplify Operations, Change Taxation, and Boost Investment for Economic Growth

    Notifications : Special Economic Zones (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2019

  • FEMA

  • Amendment to Foreign Exchange Regulations 2019 Streamlines Capital Account Transactions and Enhances Compliance for Cross-Border Activities.

    Notifications : Foreign Exchange Management (Permissible Capital Account Transactions) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2019

  • Service Tax

  • Service Tax Demand Overturned Due to Lack of Evidence on Profit-Making Use of Hospital Building in Greater Noida.

    Case-Laws - AT : Construction services - construction of building for Manyavar Kanshi Ram Hospital at Greater Noida - Revenue could not give any evidence to establish that the said building was being used for such purposes by which the organization using the same was making profit - Demand set aside.

  • Court Rules Allotment of Shop or Land to Traders is "Renting of Immovable Property" Under Applicable Law.

    Case-Laws - AT : The claim of the appellant (Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti) that the allotment of shop or land to the traders cannot be considered as “renting of immovable property” is not tenable.

  • VAT

  • Court Upholds Penalty u/s 27(4) for Wrongful ITC Claim, Stresses Strict Interpretation of Tax Exemptions.

    Case-Laws - HC : Availing Input Tax Credit (ITC) wrongly - Penalty u/s 27(4) - strict interpretation has to be given to any exemption notification and the interpretation should lean in favour of the Revenue - levy of penalty confirmed.

  • Supply of Medical Supplies in Treatment Not a Sale Unless Exceptions in Article 366(29A)(b)(c)(f) Apply.

    Case-Laws - HC : Sale of goods or not? - supply of drugs, medicines, implants, surgical tools etc. to the patient during treatment - mere passing of property in an article or commodity during the course of the performance of a contract or service, which is essentially one and indivisible, does not render it a transaction of sale, except in the case of the specific instances as available in clauses (b), (c) and (f) of article 366(29A).


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2019 (3) TMI 489
  • 2019 (3) TMI 488
  • 2019 (3) TMI 487
  • 2019 (3) TMI 486
  • 2019 (3) TMI 485
  • Income Tax

  • 2019 (3) TMI 484
  • 2019 (3) TMI 483
  • 2019 (3) TMI 482
  • 2019 (3) TMI 481
  • 2019 (3) TMI 480
  • 2019 (3) TMI 479
  • 2019 (3) TMI 478
  • 2019 (3) TMI 477
  • 2019 (3) TMI 476
  • 2019 (3) TMI 475
  • 2019 (3) TMI 474
  • 2019 (3) TMI 473
  • 2019 (3) TMI 472
  • 2019 (3) TMI 471
  • 2019 (3) TMI 470
  • 2019 (3) TMI 469
  • 2019 (3) TMI 468
  • 2019 (3) TMI 467
  • 2019 (3) TMI 466
  • 2019 (3) TMI 465
  • 2019 (3) TMI 464
  • 2019 (3) TMI 463
  • 2019 (3) TMI 462
  • 2019 (3) TMI 461
  • 2019 (3) TMI 460
  • 2019 (3) TMI 459
  • 2019 (3) TMI 458
  • 2019 (3) TMI 436
  • Customs

  • 2019 (3) TMI 457
  • 2019 (3) TMI 456
  • 2019 (3) TMI 455
  • 2019 (3) TMI 454
  • 2019 (3) TMI 453
  • 2019 (3) TMI 452
  • Insolvency & Bankruptcy

  • 2019 (3) TMI 451
  • Service Tax

  • 2019 (3) TMI 450
  • 2019 (3) TMI 449
  • 2019 (3) TMI 448
  • 2019 (3) TMI 447
  • 2019 (3) TMI 446
  • 2019 (3) TMI 445
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2019 (3) TMI 444
  • 2019 (3) TMI 443
  • 2019 (3) TMI 442
  • 2019 (3) TMI 441
  • 2019 (3) TMI 440
  • 2019 (3) TMI 439
  • 2019 (3) TMI 438
  • 2019 (3) TMI 437
 

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