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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2020 May Day 26 - Tuesday

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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

1. INSOLVENCY LAW – COVID LINKED OPERATIONAL REFORMS 

   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.

2. Cenvat Credit when there was no restriction but Utilized after the restriction on availment of Credit

   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.

3. LAW AND PROVISION OF SPECIAL AUDIT IN GST

   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.

4. Selling of Plots after acquiring Development Rights not taxable either as Site Formation Service or Real Estate Agent

   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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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:

  • Income Tax

  • 2020 (5) TMI 532
  • 2020 (5) TMI 531
  • 2020 (5) TMI 528
  • 2020 (5) TMI 527
  • 2020 (5) TMI 526
  • 2020 (5) TMI 525
  • Benami Property

  • 2020 (5) TMI 519
  • Customs

  • 2020 (5) TMI 524
  • Service Tax

  • 2020 (5) TMI 523
  • 2020 (5) TMI 522
  • Central Excise

  • 2020 (5) TMI 521
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2020 (5) TMI 530
  • 2020 (5) TMI 520
  • Indian Laws

  • 2020 (5) TMI 529
 

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