Newsletter: Where Service Meets Reader Approval.
TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
May 26, 2020
Case Laws in this Newsletter:
Income Tax
Benami Property
Customs
Service Tax
Central Excise
CST, VAT & Sales Tax
Indian Laws
Articles
By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal
Summary: Reforms to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in response to COVID-19 include raising the threshold for initiating proceedings from 1 lakh to 1 crore and suspending new proceedings for a year to exclude COVID-related debts. A specific framework for MSMEs is also proposed. These changes aim to mitigate insolvency risks during the pandemic, though they may impact financial discipline and recovery mechanisms. The exclusion of COVID-related debts from defaults is intended to support businesses during the crisis. The reforms are expected to be formalized through an ordinance, with a comprehensive review of the IBC suggested.
By: Rachit Agarwal
Summary: The Delhi High Court admitted an appeal by the Commissioner of Central Tax against a CESTAT order involving a dispute over Cenvat credit availed by a company for services used in constructing a mall. The company argued that the credit was availed before March 2011 under the un-amended definition of input service, thus should be valid. The Department contended that since the mall was used for renting services after April 2011, the amended definition should apply, disallowing the credit. The court found the credit availed before April 2011 was proper, allowing its utilization thereafter.
By: Yogesh Narang
Summary: The article discusses the audit procedures under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, highlighting three types of audits: by a chartered or cost accountant, by the department, and special audits. A registered person with a turnover exceeding a specified limit must have their accounts audited by a chartered or cost accountant. The department, through an authorized officer, can conduct audits to ensure compliance. Special audits, requiring the Commissioner's prior approval, are conducted when there are concerns about declared values or input tax credit. The article outlines the procedural requirements, including time limits, the opportunity for the taxpayer to be heard, and the handling of audit expenses.
By: Rachit Agarwal
Summary: The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the Commissioner of Central Excise against a tribunal decision that selling plots after acquiring development rights is not taxable as a Site Formation Service or Real Estate Agent service. The tribunal found that the developer's activities were principal-to-principal transactions and not as an agent of the landowner. The developer was granted the exclusive right to develop and sell plots, and the ownership was retained by the landowners for easy transfer. The tribunal determined that the classification of services was vague, and the show cause notice did not specify the taxable service category, leading to the dismissal of the tax demand.
Notifications
GST - States
1.
G.O. Ms. No. 22 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Amendment in Notification G.O. Ms. No. 34, dated the 5th August, 2019
Summary: The Government of Puducherry has amended Notification G.O. Ms. No. 34, dated August 5, 2019, under the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendment, issued as G.O. Ms. No. 22 on April 15, 2020, requires affected persons to submit a statement of self-assessed tax in FORM GST CMP-08 for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, by July 7, 2020. Additionally, these persons must file the return in FORM GSTR-4 for the financial year ending March 31, 2020, by July 15, 2020. This amendment is enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor on the Council's recommendation.
2.
G.O. Ms. No. 21 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Seeks to amend Notification G.O. Ms. No. 9, dated the 23rd January, 2018
Summary: The Government of Puducherry, through the Commercial Taxes Secretariat, has amended Notification G.O. Ms. No. 9, dated January 23, 2018, under the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendment, issued as G.O. Ms. No. 21 on April 15, 2020, waives the late fee for registered persons who fail to submit their outward supply details for March, April, and May 2020, and for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, by the due date. However, the waiver applies if these details are submitted by June 30, 2020.
3.
G.O. Ms. No. 20 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Provide relief by conditional waiver of late fee for delay in furnishing returns in FORM GSTR-3B for tax periods of February, 2020 to April, 2020
Summary: The Government of Puducherry has issued a notification under the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, waiving late fees for delays in submitting FORM GSTR-3B returns for February to April 2020. This waiver applies to taxpayers with varying turnover levels, provided they file the returns by specified dates in June and July 2020. Taxpayers with turnovers above 5 crores must file by June 24, 2020; those with turnovers between 1.5 and 5 crores by June 29 and 30, 2020; and those with turnovers up to 1.5 crores by June 30, July 3, and July 6, 2020. This notification is effective from March 20, 2020.
4.
G.O. Ms. No. 19 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Provide relief by conditional lowering of interest rate for tax periods of February, 2020 to April, 2020
Summary: The Government of Puducherry issued a notification amending the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, to provide conditional relief by lowering interest rates for late tax returns for February to April 2020. For taxpayers with a turnover above Rs. 5 crores, the interest is nil for the first 15 days and 9% thereafter if returns are filed by June 24, 2020. For turnovers between Rs. 1.5 crores and Rs. 5 crores, no interest is charged if returns are filed by June 29, 2020, for February and March, and by June 30, 2020, for April. For turnovers up to Rs. 1.5 crores, no interest is charged if returns are filed by specified dates in June and July 2020. This notification is effective from March 20, 2020.
5.
G.O. Ms. No. 18 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Puducherry Goods and Services Tax (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2020.
Summary: The Puducherry Goods and Services Tax (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2020, issued by the Government of Puducherry, amends the Puducherry GST Rules, 2017. Effective from March 31, 2020, the amendment requires registered persons opting for tax payment under section 10 for the financial year 2020-21 to file an electronic intimation in FORM GST CMP-02 by June 30, 2020, and submit FORM GST ITC-03 by July 31, 2020. Additionally, a cumulative adjustment of input tax credit for February to August 2020 is mandated, with the return for September 2020 to reflect these adjustments.
6.
3240/CTD/GST/2020/4 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Prescribe return in FORM GSTR-3B of Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 along with due dates of furnishing the said form for April, 2020 to September, 2020
Summary: The notification from the Government of Puducherry's Commercial Taxes Department mandates that the return in FORM GSTR-3B, as per the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, must be submitted electronically via the common portal for the months from April 2020 to September 2020. The deadline for submission is the twentieth day of the following month, except for taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to five crore rupees, who have until the twenty-second day. Tax liabilities must be settled by debiting the electronic cash or credit ledger by the specified deadlines.
7.
3240/CTD/GST/2020/3 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Seeks to prescribe the due date of GSTR-1 for registered persons with turnover of more than 1.5 crore
Summary: The Government of Puducherry, through its Commercial Taxes Department, has extended the deadline for registered persons with an annual turnover exceeding 1.5 crore rupees to submit their GSTR-1 forms. This extension applies to the months from April 2020 to September 2020, allowing submissions until the 11th day of the following month. The notification is issued under the Puducherry Goods and Services Act, 2017, based on recommendations from the Council. The time-limit for furnishing details or returns under section 38 for the same period will be announced later in the Official Gazette.
8.
3240/CTD/GST/2020/2 - dated
15-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Seeks to extend the time limit for furnishing of the annual return specified under section 44 of Puducherry Goods and Services Act, 2017 for the financial year 2018-2019 till 30.06.2020
Summary: The Government of Puducherry, through the Commercial Taxes Department, has issued a notification extending the deadline for submitting the annual return under section 44 of the Puducherry Goods and Services Act, 2017. The extension applies to the financial year 2018-2019, allowing submissions until June 30, 2020. This decision, made by the Commissioner of State Tax in consultation with the Council, mandates electronic filing via the common portal as per the specified rules.
9.
G.O. Ms. No. 3/2020-Puducherry GST (Rate) - dated
1-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Amendment in Notification G.O. Ms. No. 1/2017-Puducherry GST (Rate), dated the 29th June, 2017
Summary: The Government of Puducherry has amended the notification G.O. Ms. No. 1/2017-Puducherry GST (Rate) dated June 29, 2017, under the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendments involve changes in tax schedules: in Schedule I (2.5%), serial number 187 is omitted; in Schedule II (6%), a new entry "75A. 3605 00 10 All goods" is added, while serial numbers 202 and 203 are omitted; in Schedule III (9%), serial number 73 is omitted, and the entry for serial number 379 is changed to "All goods." These changes are effective from April 1, 2020.
10.
G.O. Ms. No. 2/2020-Puducherry GST (Rate) - dated
1-4-2020
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Puducherry SGST
Amendment in Notification G.O. Ms. No. 11/2017-Puducherry GST (Rate), dated the 29th June, 2017,
Summary: The Government of Puducherry has amended Notification G.O. Ms. No. 11/2017-Puducherry GST (Rate) dated June 29, 2017, under the Puducherry Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Effective April 1, 2020, the amendment introduces a new entry under serial number 25 in the notification's table. It includes maintenance, repair, or overhaul services for aircraft, engines, and components, with a specified rate of 2.5%. Additionally, a reference to this new entry is added to item (ii). This amendment is made in the public interest following the Council's recommendations.
11.
141 XXXVI(3)/2020/18(1)/2020 - dated
22-4-2020
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Uttarakhand SGST
Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020.
Summary: The Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, promulgated by the Governor, amends the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, it introduces Section 168A, allowing the government to extend time limits for compliance under the Act in cases of force majeure, such as epidemics or natural disasters. This power includes issuing notifications with retrospective effect from the Act's commencement date. The ordinance, effective from March 31, 2020, addresses the need for flexibility in tax compliance during extraordinary circumstances.
12.
04/CSTUK/GST-Vidhi Section /2019-20/CT-36 - dated
4-4-2020
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Uttarakhand SGST
Seeks to amend Notification No. 8117/CSTUK/GST-Vidhi Section /2019-20/CT-29 dated 28 March, 2020
Summary: The Commissioner of State Tax Uttarakhand has amended a previous notification regarding the filing deadlines for GST returns. Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover exceeding five crore rupees in the previous financial year must file their GSTR-3B returns for May 2020 by June 27, 2020. Those with a turnover of up to five crore rupees must file by July 14, 2020. These amendments are made under the authority of section 168 of the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and rule 61 of the Uttarakhand GST Rules, 2017.
13.
8117/CSTUK/GST-Vidhi Section /2019-20/CT-29 - dated
28-3-2020
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Uttarakhand SGST
Providing Return for the month from April to September 2020 in GSTR-3B till 20th of succeeding month and till 24th for dealers having turnover under ₹ 5 Crore per year
Summary: The Commissioner of State Tax in Uttarakhand has issued a notification under the Uttarakhand Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, requiring taxpayers to file their GSTR-3B returns electronically for each month from April to September 2020. Taxpayers must submit these returns by the 20th of the following month. However, for those with an annual turnover of up to five crore rupees, the deadline is extended to the 24th of the following month. Tax payments must be made by debiting the electronic cash or credit ledger by the respective deadlines.
Circulars / Instructions / Orders
IBC
1.
IBBI/CIRP/030/2020 - dated
17-3-2020
Feature for modification of CIRP Forms (including IP-1 Form) submitted by an Insolvency Professional (IP) in compliance of regulation 40B of the IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016.
Summary: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has introduced a feature allowing insolvency professionals to modify submitted CIRP Forms, including the IP-1 Form, in compliance with regulation 40B of the IBBI Regulations, 2016. This modification can be made on the platform upon payment of a fee, although no fee will be charged for modifications made until March 31, 2020. Insolvency professionals are reminded to ensure accuracy and timeliness when submitting forms, as non-compliance may lead to action. This circular is issued under the authority of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Highlights / Catch Notes
Income Tax
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Educational Institution with Receipts Under Rs. 1 Crore Qualifies for Tax Deduction u/s 10(23C) of Income Tax Act.
Case-Laws - AT : Hence, keeping in view that the annual receipt of the education institute is less than ₹ 1 crore, the education institute is solely involved in the educational activity and since the objects clause of the trust during the year under consideration is to carry the educational activities and keeping in view that no other material contra has been brought by the revenue. We hereby hold that the assessee is eligible for deduction u/s 10(23C)
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Gross MTM Loss Disallowance: Allowable Liabilities for Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts with Determinable Obligations at Balance Sheet Date.
Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance of gross MTM loss - the obligation accrued against the taxpayer the minute it entered into forward foreign exchange contracts. So, the forward foreign exchange contracts debited to the profit & loss account are allowable one being the liability having been crystallized when a pending obligation on the date of balance sheet is determinable with reasonable certainty.
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Tribunal Overturns Tax Orders Due to Lack of Recorded Satisfaction, Contradicting Supreme Court Precedent, Section 158BC Involved.
Case-Laws - HC : Validity of Proceeding u/s 158BC - satisfaction was not recorded before completion of assessment proceeding - the order passed by the AO as well as the CIT (Appeals) has been set aside by the Tribunal merely on the ground that the satisfaction has not been recorded before completion of the assessment proceedings. The aforesaid finding is contrary to law laid down by the Apex Court.
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Principal Commissioner Must Follow Flipkart Precedent: 20% Payment Required for Stay Petition on Disputed Demand.
Case-Laws - HC : Stay petition - stay would be conditional on payment of 20% of the disputed demand - the manner of exercise of power of the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax is detailed in Flipkart’s case - Pr.CIT directed to act accordingly.
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Court Reopens Income Tax Assessment u/s 147; Late Affidavit on Capital Gains Deduction Deemed Inadmissible.
Case-Laws - AT : Reopening of assessment u/s 147 - income on account of capital gain arising from transfer of the immovable properties has escaped assessment - deduction u/s 54F claimed - After a gap of about 12 years, the affidavit filed by the assessee cannot be accepted, being after though and self serving.
Customs
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Show Cause Notice on HSD Oil Clearance Valid Only if Issued by Jurisdictional Officer per Central Excise Act, Sec 11A.
Case-Laws - HC : Jurisdiction - Validity of SCN - Even if, it is assumed that the clearance of HSD Oil was without the authority of law by the DTA supplier (IOCL). Only the jurisdictional officer concerned under the Central Excise Act, 1944 within whose jurisdiction IOCL is registered is competent to issue a show cause notice to recover the excise duty under section 11A of the Central Excise Act, 1944
Service Tax
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Distributors in MLM System Must Pay Service Tax on Commissions as Business Auxiliary Service u/s 65(19.
Case-Laws - AT : Recovery of service tax along with interest and penalty - service tax on commission received on the distributors in multi level marketing system (MLM) - The receipt of commission by the appellants clearly makes them providers of “Business Auxiliary Service” as defined under Section 65(19) of the Act.
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IPR Services Classification: Technical Know-How Not Taxable Unless Explicitly Listed Under Current Law. Case Laws Highlight Importance.
Case-Laws - AT : Classification of services - Intellectual Property Rights or not - unless such technical know-how etc are listed under the law for time being in force in the country and the services cannot be held to be a taxable service.
VAT
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Exemption for PVC and Rubber Footwear Under Rs. 50: Sale Price Condition Applies for Tax Relief.
Case-Laws - HC : The notification in the present case exempting all kind of footwear made of PVC, chappals made of rubber and straps there of the sale price of which does not exceed ₹ 50/- per pair, can never said to be a general exemption, as it is conditioned by specified circumstances.
Case Laws:
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Income Tax
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2020 (5) TMI 532
Exemption u/s 10(23C)(vi) denied - assessee trust is running two educational institutions namely, Umalok Paramedical College and Umalok Nursing School and trust has not been granted registration u/s 12AA - HELD THAT:- Expenditure involved in conduct of the camps and distribution of medicines, food and cloth forms and an integral part of conducting of field camps by the assessee trust in imparting the education. They are directly and also integrally connected with the type of education imparted by the assessee trust. We are unable to accept with the finding of the ld. CIT (A). We have also gone through the observation of the ld. CIT (A) that the assessee trust has given various interest free advances to the trustees and find that the assessee has given only an indemnity bond but not any loans to the trustees as per the record before us. Hence, it can be held that the assessee is found to be solely in the activity of education and no other activities have been undertaken by the assessee during the year. The prescribed limit for Section 10(23)(iiiad) is less than Rs. 1 crore. Hence, keeping in view that the annual receipt of the education institute is less than Rs. 1 crore, the education institute is solely involved in the educational activity and since the objects clause of the trust during the year under consideration is to carry the educational activities and keeping in view that no other material contra has been brought by the revenue. We hereby hold that the assessee is eligible for deduction u/s 10(23C) of the Act. - Decided in favour of assessee.
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2020 (5) TMI 531
TP Adjustment - determining ALP of royalty paid - HELD THAT:- Following the order passed by the coordinate Bench of the Tribunal in taxpayer s own case for AY 2007-08 [ 2018 (3) TMI 423 - ITAT DELHI] we are of the considered view that CIT (A) has rightly deleted the adjustment made by the ld. TPO while determining the ALP and royalty paymen for its Tajola plant as nil because when it is not in dispute that the expenditure or payment of royalty has been paid / incurred for the purpose of business, it cannot be disallowed on the ground that it has failed to generate any economic value for the taxpayer s business - it is not the duty of the ld. TPO to advise the taxpayer company as to how the business affairs are to be run. So, when the taxpayer has successfully proved that it has received patented technology and support for the manufacturing of float glass from AGC Japan in lieu of royalty payment, the same cannot be disallowed on the basis of conjectures and surmises. So, ld. CIT (A) has rightly deleted the addition. MAT Computation - Addition on account of provision for gratuity to book profit u/s 115JB - HELD THAT:- Following the order passed by the coordinate Bench of the Tribunal in taxpayer s own case [ 2018 (3) TMI 423 - ITAT DELHI] we are of the considered view that by now, it is settled proposition of law that when provision for gratuity is being made on the basis of actuarial valuation, it cannot be said to be an unascertained liability and added in terms of clause (c) of section 115JB of the Act and as such, the said amount would not be added to the net profit. So, we find no illegality or perversity in the deletion made by the ld. CIT (A), hence ground no.2 of Revenue s appeal is deleted. Addition u/s 14A read with Rule 8D - disallowance under the normal provisions of the Act as well as u/s 115JB - CIT (A) contended that since the taxpayer has suo motu disallowed u/s 14A of the Act on account of expenses incurred to earn the dividend income of Rs. 7,47,820/-, no further disallowance can be made as the AO has not recorded any satisfaction if the working given by the taxpayer is not correct - HELD THAT:- This issue is also required to be restored to AO to decide afresh in view of the decision relied upon by the ld. AR for the taxpayer referred in the preceding paras. So, this ground is allowed for statistical purposes. Disallowance of gross MTM loss - addition relying upon Instruction No.3/2010 dated 23.03.2010 by treating MTM loss as a notional loss being contingent in nature - HELD THAT:- As relying on BANK OF BAHRAIN KUWAIT [ 2010 (8) TMI 578 - ITAT, MUMBAI] when MTM gain is being taxed by the department in respect of such unmatured forward foreign exchange contracts then there was no ground to disallow the loss as claimed by the taxpayer in respect of the same contracts on the same footing. The entire detail is there on record. Even otherwise, the obligation accrued against the taxpayer the minute it entered into forward foreign exchange contracts. So, the forward foreign exchange contracts debited to the profit loss account are allowable one being the liability having been crystallized when a pending obligation on the date of balance sheet is determinable with reasonable certainty. Foreign currency gain - disallowance on the ground that taxpayer did not furnish any supporting document in respect of its claim to prove that the gain of reinstatement of liability of Foreign Currency Loan External Commercial Borrowing taken for acquiring capital goods by applying the provisions contained u/s 43A - HELD THAT:- The coordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Vodafone East Ltd. Ors. vs. ACIT . [ 2009 (4) TMI 4 - SUPREME COURT] by relying upon the decision rendered by Hon ble Supreme Court in case of CIT vs. Woodward Governor of India Pvt. Ltd.. [ 2009 (4) TMI 4 - SUPREME COURT] decided the identical issue in favour of the taxpayer. Disallowance on account of provision for gratuity under the normal provisions - gratuity has been added to the taxable income under the normal provisions of the Act - HELD THAT:- When provisions of gratuity has been made on accrual basis it is not an unascertained liability rather an ascertained liability which aspect has not been examined by the ld. CIT (A), so the issue is remanded back to the ld. CIT (A) to decide afresh accordingly after providing an opportunity of being heard to the taxpayer, in view of the order passed by the Tribunal in taxpayer s own case for AY 2007-08 [ 2018 (3) TMI 423 - ITAT DELHI] . So, ground no.4 is determined in favour of the taxpayer for statistical purposes.
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2020 (5) TMI 528
Validity of Proceeding u/s 158BC - satisfaction was not recorded before completion of assessment proceeding - Tribunal held that assessment order passed u/s 158BD read with Section 158BC is not valid and is void ab initio - HELD THAT:- Satisfaction can even be recorded immediately after completion of the assessment proceedings u/s 158BC - In the instant case, admittedly, the satisfaction has been recorded after completion of the proceedings u/s 158BC - the order passed by the AO as well as the CIT (Appeals) has been set aside by the Tribunal merely on the ground that the satisfaction has not been recorded before completion of the assessment proceedings. The aforesaid finding is contrary to law laid down in the case of CALCUTTA KNITWEARS [ 2014 (4) TMI 33 - SUPREME COURT]. Therefore, the same cannot be sustained in the eye of law. Substantial question of law framed by this Court is answered in the negative. In the result, the impugned order passed by the Tribunal is hereby quashed and the matter is remitted to the Tribunal to deal with the appeal on merits expeditiously in accordance with law.
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2020 (5) TMI 527
Stay petition - stay would be conditional on payment of 20% of the disputed demand - HELD THAT:- The question of intervening as regards to the assessment order at this stage is not appropriate. However, as regards the contention that the consideration of application for stay and further exercise of power of the PCIT keeping in mind the circular bearing No.1914 as amended on 21.5.2017, 29.2.2016 and 31.7.2017, the request of the petitioner is to be considered in a meaningful manner. In fact, the power of granting stay has been considered by the High Court of Judicature at Madras in the case of M/s. Shriram Finance [ 2019 (3) TMI 1478 - MADRAS HIGH COURT] wherein, certain guidelines have been referred which may be taken note of. So also the manner of exercise of power of the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax is detailed in Flipkart s case [ 2017 (3) TMI 802 - KARNATAKA HIGH COURT] which needs to be kept in mind. This Court refrains from expressing any opinion on the merits of contentions raised, but reiterates that the PCIT is to exercise power conferred upon him as per the circulars in a meaningful manner.
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2020 (5) TMI 526
Assessment u/s 153A - Disallowance u/s 14A - Addition based on incriminating materials or not? - HELD THAT:- We note that both AYs i.e. AYs. 2013-14 and 2014-15 were not pending before the AO on the date of search on 01.12.2015 and, therefore, both assessment years are unabated assessment and, therefore, as per the settled position of law, no addition/disallowance is permissible in AYs. 2013-14 and 2014-15 without the aid of incriminating materials unearthed qua the issue, and the year under consideration u/s. 153A - Since there is no whisper by the AO/Ld. CIT(A) about any incriminating material to show that assessee had in fact had incurred expenditure for earning the exempt income in these two assessment years, no disallowance could have been resorted to by the AO u/s. 153A - We find merit in the contention of the Ld. AR for assessee and allow the appeal by directing deletion of addition made u/s. 14A read with Rule 8D of the Rules. AY 2016-17 - limited prayer of the Ld. AR of the assessee is that the disallowance made u/s.14A read with Rule 8D(2)(iii) may be restricted to 0.5% of the investment made in the dividend yielding scrips - HELD THAT:- We find force in the contention of the Ld. AR and this Tribunal have been consistently taking such a view after the decision in REI Agro Ltd. vs. DCIT [ 2013 (9) TMI 156 - ITAT KOLKATA] - So, we direct the AO to restrict the disallowance under Rule 8D2(iii) at .5% of the investment in dividend yielding scrips. With this direction, we dispose of this appeal of the assessee for AY 2016-17.
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2020 (5) TMI 525
Reopening of assessment u/s 147 - income on account of capital gain arising from transfer of the immovable properties has escaped assessment - deduction u/s 54F claimed - HELD THAT:- AO issued notice u/s 133(6) to the assessee for ascertaining the facts about the taxability of capital gain. In reply, the assessee has claimed that he has filed the return of income and shown this transaction but claimed deduction u/s 54F as well as Indexed Cost. The reply of the assessee is very brief and not with the details of the deduction u/s 54F. Further the assessee has not furnished any evidence during the said enquiry conducted by the AO prior to recording the reasons. Therefore, the assessee, despite the enquiry conducted by the AO, has not disclosed the facts regarding the investment made by him for purchase or construction of the new residential house. This fact indicates that the assessee has made this claim without any supporting evidence and even during reassessment proceedings the assessee could not produce the documentary evidence to the satisfaction of the AO and the claim of the assessee u/s 54F of the Act was rejected. Once the AO has brought on record the facts and reasons to form the belief that income is assessable to tax on account of capital gain then the quantum of the income finally computed is not a material aspect at the stage of initiation of proceedings u/s 147/148 of the Act. Therefore, the objection raised by the assessee regarding the correct amount of capital gain as recorded in the reasons cannot be a ground for quashing the proceedings u/s 147/148 of the Act when the AO has shown the relevance between the reasons recorded and the formation of belief on the subject matter and the source of income which has escaped assessment. Therefore, the decisions relied by the ld.AR of the assessee are not applicable in the facts of the present case. When the reasons are itself self-explanatory and speaking the link between the material and the formation of belief then the approving authority i.e. Pr. CIT is not required further to supplement the reasons to believe as recorded by the AO. Hence, in view of the facts and circumstances of the case, we do not find any error or illegality in the impugned order of the ld. CIT(A). - Decided against assessee. Disallowance of deduction u/s 54F - property which was claimed to be reconstructed/ renovated was not owned by the assessee - HELD THAT:- additional evidences which were sought to be filed by the ld.AR of the assessee, there is nothing to show that the assessee has invested the money in the construction of the house. Further, when the assessee has no right in the house then even if it is financed by the assessee the ownership of the property would not change. Accordingly, the additional evidences produced by the are not going to support the claim but only support the claim of ownership of the father of the assessee. The affidavit which has been sought to be filed by the assessee, could have been filed before the lower authorities. After a gap of about 12 years, the affidavit filed by the assessee cannot be accepted, being after though and self serving. Hence, in view of the facts and circumstances of the case, we do not find any error or illegality in the impugned order of the ld. CIT(A). Thus Ground of the assessee is dismissed.
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Benami Property
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2020 (5) TMI 519
Benami Property Transaction - petitioner Mallika Chamua in respect of 3(three) apartment properties and some other landed properties considered to be a benamidar of Dr. Durlav Chamua being the beneficial owner of the properties within the meaning of Section 2(10) and 2 (12) of the Benami Act of 1988 - petitioner Mallika Chamua and Bisakha Chamua are the daughters of Dr. Durlav Chamua while Smti. Dipika Chamua is his wife and the properties are being held by them as family members of Dr. Durlav Chamua - HELD THAT:- Section 2(9) of the Benami Act of 1988 as amended in 2016 does not include a property held by an individual in the name of spouse or in the name of any children of such individual where a consideration thereof had been paid out of the known source of income of the individual concerned. From the meaning of the expression of benami transaction under Section 2(9) of the Benami Act of 1988 also, we have noticed that there is no conclusion arrived at by Income Tax authorities in the notice dated 06.03.2020 that the properties in question were procured by Dr. Durlav Chamua were not from his known source of income. A prima facie case has been made out against the notice dated 06.03.2020 under Section 24(1) of the Benami Act of 1988 as amended in 2016. Further considering the balance of convenience and irreparable loss that the petitioner may suffer, the notice dated 06.03.2020 under Section 24(1) of the Benami Act of 1988 in respect of the petitioner Mallika Chamua and all other related subsequent notices be stayed until further order(s). List on 19.06.2020.
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Customs
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2020 (5) TMI 524
SEZ unit - Purchase of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) without payment of excise duty from a local refinery - validity of Guideline dated 6.4.2015 bearing Reference No. P.613/2006-SEZ - period in dispute between 1.4.2015 and 15.02.2016 - HELD THAT:- The liability to pay excise duty is on the manufacturer and not the buyer though burden of such duty is passed on the to the buyer. There is no provision under the Central Excise Act,1944 by virtue of which excise duty is payable on reverse charge basis by the buyer. Therefore, interpretation of the provision of Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 cannot be in direct violation of the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Duty if any, is payable only by the manufacturer - Further, the exemption under Section 26(1) is subject to the restriction in section 26(2) of the Act. The phrase used in section 26(2), is the Central Government may prescribe the manner in which, and the terms and conditions subject to which, the exemptions, concessions, drawback or other benefits shall be granted to the Developer or entrepreneur under sub-section (1) . Further, Supplies from the Domestic Tariff Area to a Unit or Developer for their authorized operations are eligible for export benefits as admissible under the Foreign Trade Policy - thus, the DTA supplier is not only entitled to the exports benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy in terms of Rule 23 of Special Economic Zone Rules, 2006 but was also entitled to clear the goods under bond or claim rebate of tax/duty paid by it in terms of Rule 30 of the aforesaid Rules. That apart procurement of HSD by the petitioner from IOCL did not qualify as an import within the meaning of Section 2(o) of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2006. Therefore, there cannot be a demand for customs duty and interest thereon on the excise duty foregone by IOCL at the time of clearance of HSD from its factory/refinery to the petitioner under section 28 or 28AA of the Customs Act, 1962. Further, Rule 47(5) of the Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006 has been inserted vide GSR 772 (E) dated 5.8.2016 with effect from 8.8.2016. As per the above provision, Refund, Demand, Adjudication, Review and Appeal with Regard to Matters Relating to Authorised Operations under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, transactions, and goods and services related thereto, shall be made only by the jurisdictional Customs and Central Excise Authorities in accordance with the relevant provisions contained in the Customs Act, 1962, the Central Excise Act, 1944 and the Finance Act, 1994 and the rules made the render or notification issued under . The impugned show cause notice is also liable to be declared as without jurisdiction. Even if, it is assumed that the clearance of HSD Oil was without the authority of law by the DTA supplier (IOCL). Only the jurisdictional officer concerned under the Central Excise Act, 1944 within whose jurisdiction IOCL is registered is competent to issue a show cause notice to recover the excise duty under section 11A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 - the impugned show cause notice issued by the 2nd respondent is unsustainable and the demand proposed is liable to be quashed. Petition allowed.
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Service Tax
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2020 (5) TMI 523
Recovery of service tax along with interest and penalty - service tax on commission received on the distributors in multi level marketing system - HELD THAT:- The liability of service tax in multi level marketing system has been considered by this Tribunal in SHRI SURENDRA SINGH RATHORE AND SMT. CHANDA BOHRA VERSUS CCE, JAIPUR [2013 (8) TMI 149 - CESTAT NEW DELHI] where it was held that commission/consideration is provided according to the terms and conditions, for marketing/promotion efforts by the appellants. The receipt of commission by the appellants clearly makes them providers of Business Auxiliary Service as defined under Section 65(19) of the Act. Appeal dismissed - decided against appellant.
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2020 (5) TMI 522
Classification of services - Intellectual Property Rights or not - payments towards the transfer of technology, design, drawing, technical know-how, intangible assets etc. to the overseas company - period 2004-05 to 2008-09 - Circular 80/2004-ST dated 17/09/2004 - HELD THAT:- On going through the agreement and Board s circular issued in this regard, it is clear that there is a certain transfer of know-how involved it is not coming from the records of the case that such technical know-how, design, copy right etc have been patented in India in view of the clarification given by the Board unless such technical know-how etc are listed under the law for time being in force in the country and the services cannot be held to be a taxable service. The services received by the appellants from Rolls Royce Turbomeca Limited, U.K. are not in the nature of Intellectual Property Services as defined under Finance Act, 1994 - appeal allowed - decided against Revenue.
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Central Excise
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2020 (5) TMI 521
CENVAT Credit - capital goods or not - structural items used for supporting the capital goods - HELD THAT:- From the definition of capital goods, it is clear that anything which can be called as component spare and accessory of the goods falling under Chapters 82, 84, 85 and 90 of the Excise Tariff Act shall also be called as capital goods - In the present case, it is the submission of the appellant that the MS Structure is neither fabricated nor has been erected post fabrication by the appellant, but it has been purchased from the manufacturer of the boiler, the capital good itself. The said broilers are used in manufacture of appellant s final product. It is emphasized that the boiler manufacturer himself is selling the structure, it being utmost necessary for the said boiler to be put to use. The invoices as emphasized by the appellant (as placed on record) sufficiently supports the contention of the appellant. What stands excluded to be called as input is the structure which is fabricated out of the objects like MS Angles/Sheets/ Joints Fights, etc. The same is not true for the structure in the present case. Mere nomenclature of a part of the boiler as MS Structure is not sufficient to falsify the User Test principle as was laid down by Hon ble Apex Court in the case of COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, JAIPUR VERSUS M/S RAJASTHAN SPINNING WEAVING MILLS LTD. [ 2010 (7) TMI 12 - SUPREME COURT ]. The issue involved herein is no more res integra. It rather stands decided in favour of appellant itself in another appeal. The appellant has otherwise proved the MS Structure to not to be fabricated by the appellant but to have been purchased as an integral part of his capital goods i.e. biomass boiler, required by appellant to manufacture its final product i. e. Soap - appeal allowed - decided in favor of appellant.
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CST, VAT & Sales Tax
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2020 (5) TMI 530
Revision of order - change of opinion - Notification No.A-5-1-94/ST-V (55) dated 30.03.1994 - section 9 (2) of Central Tax Act, 1956 read with section 19 (1) of the M.P. General Sales Tax Act, 1958 - exemption from payment of tax granted on all kinds of footwear made of PVC and chappals made of rubber and straps there of the sale price of which did not exceed Rs. 50/- per pair . Whether proper interpretation has been done by the Madhya Pradesh Commercial Tax Appellate Board by holding that the notification was not general to class of goods, and therefore, the assessee was not entitled for the benefit of exemption from payment of tax under Section 8 (2A) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956? HELD THAT:- The notification in the present case exempting all kind of footwear made of PVC, chappals made of rubber and straps there of the sale price of which does not exceed Rs. 50/- per pair, can never said to be a general exemption, as it is conditioned by specified circumstances - the Madhya Pradesh Commercial Tax Appellate Board was justified in holding that the exemption granted from payment of tax is not a general exemption and the assessee is not entitled to the benefit of exemption from payment of tax under Section 8 (2A) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The questions of law are accordingly, answered in affirmative.
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2020 (5) TMI 520
Validity of Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1959 (Act 18 of 2002) dated 26.05.2002, w.e.f. 01.04.2002 - ilevy of tax on imported goods at 20 % vide Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1959 (Act 18 of 2002) dated 26.05.2002, w.e.f. 01.04.2002 as substituted by Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1959 (Act 22 of 2002) inserting Section 3(2-C) and Eleventh Schedule (Item 9) to the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act, 1959 dated 26.05.2002, w.e.f. 01.07.2002 - Agreement dated 28.02.1995 on Trade and Commerce between the Government of Kindom of Bhutan and the 3rd respondent Union of India. HELD THAT:- The decision cited by the petitioner in the context of anti-dumping duty in the case of COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, BANGALORE VERSUS M/S. G.M. EXPORTS OTHERS [ 2015 (9) TMI 1162 - SUPREME COURT] is of no relevance. There the Supreme Court was concerned as to whether anti- dumping duty imposed with respect to imports made during the period between the expiry of the provisional anti-dumping duty and the imposition of the final anti-dumping duty is legal and valid? - In the said decision there is no reference to the decision of the Division Bench of this court in SONY INDIA LTD. VERSUS COMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER, CHENNAI [ 2007 (9) TMI 530 - MADRAS HIGH COURT] though it was stated by the learned counsel for the petitioner. The decision of the Honourable Supreme Court in JINDAL STAINLESS LTD. AND ANR. VERSUS STATE OF HARYANA AND ORS. [ 2016 (11) TMI 545 - SUPREME COURT] is also of no relevance to the facts of the present case as it was concerned with entry tax. The issue canvased by the petitioner here has already been negatived by the Division Bench of this Court in the above case. The issue having attained finality in Sony India Ltd and others Vs. CTO, it is no longer open for this court to either refer the issue to a Division Bench of this Court or take a contra view - learned counsel for the petitioner has also neither produced any other decisions of the Hon ble Supreme Court which has taken a contrary view nor has produced any order of the Hon ble Supreme Court staying operation of the decision of the Division Bench of this court in Sony India Ltd and others Vs. CTO. Petition dismissed.
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Indian Laws
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2020 (5) TMI 529
Dishonor of Cheque - legally recoverable debt or not - rebuttal of presumption - whether the cheque was given in security or not and its effect? - HELD THAT:- If any cheque is given in security, then presumption of legally enforceable debt or liability exists which has to be rebutted by the accused to the extent that full amount due and payable to the complainant has been paid or otherwise - in the case in hand, accused did not discharge the onus lying over him and he could not rebut the presumption as per Section 118 and Section 139 of the Act. Here, the complainant/ appellant on the request of respondent/accused, borrowed Rs. 1,00,000/- on 29-03-2007 and in lieu thereof accused/respondent issued a cheque in favour of the appellant bearing No.531001. Thus there is legally recoverable debt or liability on the accused/respondent. It is established that trial Court erred in passing the impugned judgment recording acquittal in favour of the accused i.e. respondent - Therefore, impugned judgment dated 18-08-2009 is hereby set aside and appeal stands allowed.
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