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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 May Day 22 - Tuesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
May 22, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise



Articles

1. Persons carrying on agency business or earning commission income should revise their return for A.Y 2011-12, if original return filed u/s 44AD

   By: AMIT BAJAJ ADVOCATE

Summary: The Finance Bill 2012 retrospectively amends Section 44AD from Assessment Year (A.Y.) 2011-12, excluding professionals, commission earners, and agency businesses from its presumptive taxation scheme. Initially, the wording of Section 44AD was ambiguous, leading some in agency or commission sectors to file under this scheme. With the amendment, these individuals must revise their returns if their income exceeds Section 44AA limits, requiring them to maintain regular accounts and file returns based on actual financial records. Those who filed under the presumptive scheme for A.Y. 2011-12 should adjust their returns accordingly.

2. STAMP DUTY -AMENDMENT IN MP- POWER OF ATTORNEY TO AGENTS NOT BEING SPECIFIED RELATIVES,IS A VALID CLASSIFICATION – LEVY OF STAMP DUTY ON MARKET VALUE IS UPHELD BY THE SUPREME COURT.

   By: DEVKUMAR KOTHARI

Summary: The Supreme Court upheld the amendment to the Madhya Pradesh stamp duty law, which imposes a 2% stamp duty on the market value of immovable property when a power of attorney is granted to non-relatives without consideration. The amendment distinguishes between agents who are close relatives and those who are not, aiming to curb the misuse of power of attorney as a means to transfer property without paying appropriate stamp duty. The Court found this classification rational and within the legislative powers of the state, overturning the High Court's decision that deemed the law arbitrary and unconstitutional.


News

1. Monitoring of CSR Activities.

Summary: The Government of India has implemented measures to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among companies. Central Public Sector Enterprises are required to allocate a CSR budget, as per guidelines from the Department of Public Enterprises. In July 2011, National Voluntary Guidelines were released to guide businesses on social, environmental, and economic responsibilities. The Companies Bill, 2011, suggests that companies should aim to spend at least 2% of their average net profit from the past three years on CSR activities, focusing on supporting disadvantaged groups. This initiative was discussed in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Corporate Affairs.

2. Settlement of Claims of Employees of DMIL.

Summary: The winding-up petition for Daewoo Motors (India) Ltd. was filed in Delhi High Court in February 2003, and the company is currently under liquidation. The factory was sold under the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Mumbai, and the proceeds remain with the tribunal. A committee has reviewed the claims of the company's employees and submitted its report to the Delhi High Court for adjudication. The Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, confirmed that the sale to Argentum Motors occurred without settling employee claims, and the matter is still under consideration.

3. Revival of Closed Companies.

Summary: The Government of India has not established any scheme for reviving closed companies. As of March 31, 2012, there were 1,215,306 companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956. The data includes state-wise numbers of registered and closed companies, categorized as struck off, dissolved, or liquidated. Maharashtra had the highest number of closed companies, totaling 50,233, while other states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal also reported significant closures. The information was disclosed by a Minister in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.

4. Census of Handicrafts/Handloom.

Summary: The ongoing census of handicraft artisans in India estimates 68.86 lakh artisans, with 30.25 lakh males and 38.61 lakh females. To enhance skills in industries like stone and metal carving, the government implements schemes such as Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana and Market Support Services. These include participation in bazaars and international events. The Handloom Census (2009-10) reports 29,08,800 adult weavers, predominantly female. Government initiatives under the Twelfth Five Year Plan aim to promote the handicrafts sector, including new schemes for the North Eastern Region and infrastructure development.

5. Average Time for Registration of Trademarks Reduced by more than half.

Summary: The average time for trademark registration in India has been significantly reduced from 26 months to 12 months for marks with no opposition. This improvement addresses the previously lengthy process due to several steps like examination, publication, and opposition handling, compounded by increased applications and manpower shortages. Trademark registration is a quasi-judicial process managed centrally from the Head Office in Mumbai, with electronic filing introduced in 2007, though not mandatory. Despite improvements, a substantial number of applications remain pending at various stages, including examination, objection, and opposition.

6. Nepal Assures Fast Tracking of HYDRO Projects.

Summary: Nepal has committed to expediting clearances for hydropower projects led by Indian companies. This assurance was given during a meeting between Nepal's Industry Minister and India's Commerce and Industry Minister in New Delhi. The two countries have also signed the Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, aiming to enhance investor confidence and increase bilateral investments, which are anticipated to further boost trade between India and Nepal. This update was provided by India's Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in a written response to the Lok Sabha.

7. Trade Agreement with Japan Yields Good Results.

Summary: A trade agreement between India and Japan has resulted in positive outcomes, particularly in the export of various perishable commodities over the past three years. The data shows significant increases in the export quantities and values of products like buffalo meat, groundnuts, and fresh onions. The Indian government is actively promoting agricultural exports through several initiatives and schemes, such as the Market Development Assistance and the Focus Product Scheme. These efforts aim to enhance the competitiveness and quality of Indian agricultural exports. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a key role in supporting exporters.

8. Export of Perishable Commodities.

Summary: The Government of India reported on the export of various perishable commodities over the past three years, highlighting significant increases in buffalo meat and groundnut exports. The export of agricultural commodities is generally unrestricted, except for certain items like pulses, milk products, and edible oil. Beef export remains prohibited. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is actively promoting agricultural exports through initiatives like Market Development Assistance and the Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) supports exporters with financial assistance to enhance agri-export performance.

9. FMS Inclusion to Boost Cycle Exports.

Summary: India's cycle production has steadily increased from 8,268,000 units in 2005-06 to 12,633,000 units in 2009-10. However, cycle exports have fluctuated, with values reaching USD 37.16 million in 2008-09, dropping to USD 25.63 million in 2009-10, and rising again to USD 35.62 million in 2010-11. To enhance exports, the Indian government has included several countries in Latin America, Africa, and the CIS regions in the Focus Market Scheme and added cycles to the Special Focus Product List. This initiative was announced by a government official in a written statement to the Lok Sabha.

10. White Paper on Black Money.

Summary: The Government of India's Ministry of Finance released a white paper addressing the issue of black money, which refers to unaccounted wealth held domestically and abroad. The document aims to shed light on the complexities of black money, generated either through illegal activities or by evading taxes. It outlines the government's strategies to tackle this issue, emphasizing the need for policy reform, enhanced compliance, and international cooperation. The paper seeks to foster public debate and build political consensus on addressing black money, highlighting the necessity of robust administrative systems and technology-driven intelligence to deter such economic misconduct.

11. National Competition Policy in the final stages of adoption – CCI celebrates 3 years of enforcement of competition laws.

Summary: The Indian government is finalizing a National Competition Policy aimed at fostering economic growth, entrepreneurship, and employment. This announcement coincides with the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) celebration of three years of enforcing competition laws. The policy draft is currently under review by various ministries and will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The Minister of Corporate Affairs emphasized that competition laws aim to protect market competition, benefiting consumers. The policy is expected to drive significant economic reforms, similar to those in 1991. A workshop on competition law and state-owned enterprises is being held, with international participation.


Notifications

Customs

1. 27/2012-Customs (ADD) - dated 18-5-2012 - ADD

Continuation of anti-dumping duty on imports of ‘Zinc Oxide’, originating in, or exported from, China PR.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance, has extended the anti-dumping duty on imports of Zinc Oxide originating from or exported by China. Initially imposed by notification No. 64/2007-Customs on May 7, 2007, this duty aims to protect domestic industries from unfair pricing practices. Following a review initiated by the designated authority, the duty will continue until May 6, 2013, unless revoked earlier. This extension is in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and relevant rules governing the assessment and collection of anti-dumping duties.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

Companies Law

1. 09/2012 - dated 15-5-2012

Compliance of the provisions of Companies Act, 1956 and the Rules made there under.

Summary: The Ministry has decided to amend the compliance requirements under the Companies Act, 1956, allowing defaulting companies to file specific forms despite previous restrictions. Initially, the Registrar of Companies would not accept event-based information from defaulting companies unless they updated their balance sheets and annual returns. However, due to stakeholder difficulties, the Ministry will now accept Form No. 8 and Form No. 10 for modification of charges under the SARFAESI Act, 2002, and Form 17 for satisfaction of charges. This change is effective from May 20, 2012.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • High Court Affirms Investment Allowance for Alcohol Manufacturers u/s 32A, Including Rectified and Denatured Spirits.

    Case-Laws - HC : Investment allowance u/s 32A - article or thing, viz., alcohol including rectified spirit and denatured spirit manufactured by the assessee - assessee cannot be denied investment allowance. - HC

  • Court Rules SIM Card Discounts to Distributors Are Commissions, Subject to TDS u/s 194H of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : TDS u/s 194H - the discount offered by the assessee to the distributors on payments made by the latter for the SIM cards/recharge coupons which are eventually sold to the subscribers at the listed price is commission and it is subject to TDS u/s 194H. - AT

  • High Court Rules Palm Oil Extraction as Business Income, Not Agricultural; Affects Tax Exemptions Under Income Tax Laws.

    Case-Laws - HC : Agricultural income Vs. Business income - Sale of palm oil - activity of extracting crude palm oil from palm pericarp(fruit portion excluding the kernel) and also from the kernel - not an agriculture income - HC

  • Customs

  • Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Zinc Oxide Imports Extended to Protect Domestic Market from Unfair Pricing Practices.

    Notifications : Continuation of anti-dumping duty on imports of ‘Zinc Oxide’, originating in, or exported from, China PR. - Notification

  • CHA License Suspension Under Reg 20(2) Faces Contradiction with 2010 Board Circular on Limitation Periods.

    Case-Laws - AT : Suspension of CHA licence - Regulation 20(2) of the 2004 Regulation - Board's circular dt. 18.4.2010 - period of limitation of 15 days or 30 days - contradiction in circular and regulations

  • Corporate Law

  • Companies Must Comply with Companies Act, 1956: Key Updates and Alerts on Legal Requirements and Regulation Changes.

    Circulars : Compliance of the provisions of Companies Act, 1956 and the Rules made there under. - Circular

  • Indian Laws

  • India's White Paper Proposes Legal Reforms and Global Cooperation to Combat Black Money and Tax Evasion

    News : White Paper on Black Money.

  • Review Tax Returns for AY 2011-12: Agency Business or Commission Income Filers u/s 44AD Advised to Amend.

    Articles : Persons carrying on agency business or earning commission income should revise their return for A.Y 2011-12, if original return filed u/s 44AD - Article

  • Supreme Court Upholds Madhya Pradesh Stamp Duty Amendment for Non-Relative Agents' Powers of Attorney, Validating Market Value Basis.

    Articles : STAMP DUTY -AMENDMENT IN MP- POWER OF ATTORNEY TO AGENTS NOT BEING SPECIFIED RELATIVES,IS A VALID CLASSIFICATION – LEVY OF STAMP DUTY ON MARKET VALUE IS UPHELD BY THE SUPREME COURT. - Article

  • Service Tax

  • Eligibility of Cenvat Credit for Outdoor Catering Services u/r 2(l) of CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 Examined.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cenvat Credit - Outdoor catering - input services - Rule 2(l) of the CENVAT Credit Rules(CCR), 2004 – statutory obligation under the Factories Act

  • Coal Movement in Mines Exempt from Cargo Handling Service Tax; Loading Alone Not Enough for Tax Obligation.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cargo handing service - Movement of coal from mine surface to tip head within the mine area. - Mere loading of coal within the mining area does not amount to Cargo Handling Service

  • Service tax refund claim allowed under Notification No. 09/2009-S.T for services before March 3, 2009, if tax paid after.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund claim of service tax - Notification No. 09/2009-S.T dated 03.03.2009 - aeven if the services were rendered prior to 03.03.2009 but the recipient has paid the service tax on or after 3.3.2009, he can avail service tax refund as provided for in the Notification.

  • Central Excise

  • Job worked goods consumed by principal manufacturer not covered under Valuation Rules 10A(i), 10A(ii), or Rule 8.

    Case-Laws - AT : Job work - valuation under central excise - Rule 10A(i) or (ii) or Rule 8 of the Valuation Rules will not apply in respect of job worked goods consumed by the principal manufacturer


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (5) TMI 294
  • 2012 (5) TMI 287
  • 2012 (5) TMI 286
  • 2012 (5) TMI 285
  • 2012 (5) TMI 284
  • 2012 (5) TMI 283
  • 2012 (5) TMI 282
  • 2012 (5) TMI 281
  • 2012 (5) TMI 280
  • 2012 (5) TMI 279
  • 2012 (5) TMI 278
  • 2012 (5) TMI 277
  • 2012 (5) TMI 276
  • Customs

  • 2012 (5) TMI 275
  • 2012 (5) TMI 274
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (5) TMI 288
  • 2012 (5) TMI 273
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (5) TMI 293
  • 2012 (5) TMI 292
  • 2012 (5) TMI 291
  • 2012 (5) TMI 290
  • 2012 (5) TMI 289
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (5) TMI 272
  • 2012 (5) TMI 271
  • 2012 (5) TMI 270
  • 2012 (5) TMI 269
  • 2012 (5) TMI 268
 

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