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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 June Day 11 - Monday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 11, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise Wealth tax



Articles

1. INDIRECT TAX OMBUDSMAN SCHEME – An Overview

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: The Indirect Tax Ombudsman Scheme, introduced by the Central Government, aims to provide an efficient and transparent grievance redressal system for taxpayers dealing with Customs, Central Excise, and Service Tax departments. Established under the Indirect Tax Ombudsman Guidelines, 2011, the scheme facilitates the resolution of public grievances through conciliation, mediation, or awards. The Ombudsman operates independently from the departments and can request information or documents related to complaints. Complaints can address issues like delays in refunds, adjudications, or non-adherence to rules. The Ombudsman reports findings to senior officials for action but has no authority over the Central Board of Excise and Customs.


News

1. Relocation to India - Impact of transaction entered before relocation.

Summary: After living in the UK, an individual returned to India on May 29, 2005. Her residential status for the assessment year 2006-07 was "resident but not ordinarily resident." She initiated the sale of her London property on January 20, 2005, completing it on May 31, 2005, with proceeds credited in her London bank account on June 1, 2005, and repatriated to India on June 29, 2005. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that her relocation did not alter her residential status, and no capital gains tax was applicable in India since the sale occurred while she was not ordinarily resident.

2. Union Finance Minister to Inaugurate the Annual Conference of Chief Commissioners and Directors General of Income Tax.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister will inaugurate the 28th Annual Conference of Chief Commissioners and Directors General of Income Tax on June 11-12, 2012, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will include discussions on economic development, governance, and taxation, featuring presentations by key figures such as the Chief Economic Advisor and the Chairman of UIDAI. The conference aims to address tax administration challenges, rationalize tax structures, and improve taxpayer services. Topics include international taxation, transfer pricing, revenue mobilization, and ethics in governance. The event will conclude with a valedictory address by the Minister of State for Revenue.

3. Anand Sharma Addresses National Seminar on Foreign Trade Policy.

Summary: The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles addressed a seminar on the Foreign Trade Policy, highlighting efforts to maintain a stable policy regime, expand market reach, and enhance transparency in domestic procurement. Exports to Asia, Africa, and Latin America reached $188 billion, forming 62% of the export basket. The policy introduced 14 new markets and extended the zero duty EPCG scheme, aiming to double trade by 2014 despite a growing trade deficit. The Minister discussed improved trade relations with Pakistan, South Asian economic integration, and potential Chinese investments in India. Concerns from industry members regarding the policy were addressed.

4. Exchange Rates Relating to Imported and Export Goods Notified.

Summary: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under India's Ministry of Finance has announced new exchange rates for converting foreign currencies into Indian rupees for import and export purposes, effective from June 8, 2012. The notification lists specific rates for various currencies, including the US Dollar, Euro, and Japanese Yen, among others. For instance, the rate for the US Dollar is set at 55.55 for imports and 54.70 for exports. These rates are intended to standardize currency conversion for trade transactions involving imported and exported goods.


Notifications

Companies Law

1. F.NO. 1/1/2011-CL-V - dated 5-6-2012 - Co. Law

Form DIN 1 amended.

Summary: The Central Government has amended the Companies (Director Identification Number) Rules, 2006, through the Companies Director Identification Number (Second Amendment) Rules, 2012. Effective from June 11, 2012, the amendment introduces a new requirement in Form DIN-1, specifically after serial number 4, to include a query asking whether the applicant is a resident in India, with options for "Yes" or "No." This change is made under the authority of sections 266A, 266B, and 266E of the Companies Act, 1956.

Customs

2. 32/2012 - dated 7-6-2012 - ADD

Seeks to levy provisional anti-dumping duty on import of Plain Gypsum Plaster Boards of all thicknesses and dimensions, originating in or exported from China PR,Indonesia, Thailand, and UAE.

Summary: The Indian government has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of Plain Gypsum Plaster Boards from China, Indonesia, Thailand, and the UAE. The decision follows findings that these imports were sold below normal values, causing material injury to the domestic industry. Duties vary by country of origin and export, with specific rates set per cubic meter in US dollars. Exemptions apply to certain specialized gypsum boards. The duties are effective for six months and are payable in Indian currency, with the exchange rate determined by the Ministry of Finance's notifications.

3. F.No.437/64/2010-Cus. IV - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority in respect of M/s Steel Exchange India Limited, Visakhapatnam, M/s Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Visakhapatnam and M/s Gangadhara Steels Private Limited, Visakhapatnam.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance and the Central Board of Excise & Customs, has appointed a Common Adjudicating Authority for adjudicating cases involving three companies: Steel Exchange India Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, and Gangadhara Steels Private Limited, all based in Visakhapatnam. Show Cause Notices issued by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Chennai, have been assigned to the Commissioner of Customs at the Custom House in Visakhapatnam for resolution. This appointment is in accordance with Notification No. 15/2002-Customs (N.T.) under the Customs Act, 1962.

4. F.No. 437/28/2012-Cus. IV - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority in respect of M/s Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Limited, Ahmedabad and others.

Summary: The Central Board of Excise & Customs has appointed the Commissioner of Customs (Adjudication) in Mumbai as the Common Adjudicating Authority for a case involving M/s Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Limited, Ahmedabad, among others. This assignment pertains to a Show Cause Notice issued by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai Zonal Unit, dated April 25/26, 2012. The decision is based on the authority granted under Notification No. 15/2002-Customs (N.T.), as amended, in accordance with section 4 of the Customs Act, 1962.

5. F.No. 437/27/2012-Cus. IV - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority in respect of Shri Gopal Agarwal & Others by the Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance and the Central Board of Excise & Customs, has appointed the Commissioner of Central Excise (Adjudication)-I, New Custom House, New Delhi, as the Common Adjudicating Authority for a case involving multiple parties, including an individual referred to as Shri Gopal Agarwal. This appointment follows the issuance of a Show Cause Notice by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi. The authority is designated under the powers conferred by specific notifications under the Customs Act, 1962.

6. F.No. 437/26/2012-Cus. IV - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority in respect of M/s Welspun Corporation Limited (formerly M/s JSW Steel Limited, Mumbai and others.

Summary: The Central Board of Excise & Customs has appointed the Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise & Service Tax in Panaji, Goa, as the Common Adjudicating Authority for the case involving M/s Welspun Corporation Limited, formerly known as M/s JSW Steel Limited, Mumbai. This appointment pertains to the Show Cause Notice issued by the Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Chennai. The assignment is in accordance with Notification No. 15/2002-Customs (N.T.) and falls under the Customs Act, 1962.

7. 49/2012 - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currency with effect from 8th June, 2012.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Central Board of Excise and Customs, issued Notification No.49/2012-Customs (N.T.) on June 7, 2012, setting the exchange rates for converting specified foreign currencies into Indian rupees for imported and export goods, effective from June 8, 2012. This notification supersedes the previous Notification No.38/2012-CUSTOMS (N.T.). The exchange rates are detailed in two schedules, with Schedule I listing rates for individual foreign currencies and Schedule II for 100 units of Japanese Yen. Corrections to the Kenyan Shilling rates were made in a corrigendum dated January 22, 2014.

8. 48/2012 - dated 7-6-2012 - Cus (NT)

Amends Notification No. 36/2001-Customs(N.T) - Palm oil, Palmolein, Soyabean Oil (Crude) and Brass Scrap (all grades) - Traiff Values.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue, has issued Notification No. 48/2012-Customs (N.T.) amending Notification No. 36/2001-Customs (N.T.). The amendment involves the substitution of Tables 1 and 2, which set tariff values for various commodities. The tariff values for crude palm oil, RBD palm oil, palmolein, crude soybean oil, brass scrap, poppy seeds, gold, and silver remain unchanged. This notification is enacted under the authority of the Customs Act, 1962, and is published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section-3, Sub-section (ii).

DGFT

9. 02 (RE – 2012)/2009-2014 - dated 8-6-2012 - FTP

Amendment in policy for export of Skimmed Milk Powders.

Summary: The Government of India has amended the export policy for Skimmed Milk Powder under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014. Previously prohibited under Notification No. 23 (RE-2010)/2009-2014, the export of Skimmed Milk Powder (HS Code 04021010) is now permitted. This change involves the bifurcation of entry number 38 in Chapter 4 of Schedule 2 of the ITC(HS) Classification into entry number 38 (revised) for other milk products, which remain prohibited, and entry number 38.01, which allows the free export of Skimmed Milk Powder.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

Service Tax

1. 09 - dated 11-5-2012

Designation of CPIO in Service tax Commissionerate, New Delhi under RTI Act, 2005.

Summary: The Service Tax Commissionerate in New Delhi has issued a trade notice regarding the designation of a Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) under the Right to Information Act, 2005. This notice updates the previous designation as per Section 5(1) and 5(2) of the RTI Act and is effective immediately. The designated CPIO is the Assistant Commissioner, responsible for coordination, legal, technical, and statistical matters within the Service Tax Commissionerate. The office is located at 17-B, IAEA House, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi.

2. 07/ST/2012 - dated 25-4-2012

Procedure & documents required in respect of Single/Centralised Registration under Rule 4 of Service Tax Rules,1994

Summary: The circular outlines the updated procedure for obtaining Single/Centralised Registration under Rule 4 of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. Service providers must fill the ST-1 Form online and submit it with required documents within 15 days to the jurisdictional Divisional Deputy/Assistant Commissioner. Details of branches, pending legal matters, and a notarized affidavit certifying centralized accounting are necessary. An undertaking on the company's letterhead is also required. Upon receiving centralised registration, single registrations must be surrendered within two months, and CENVAT credit details provided within 15 days. The circular also details procedures for amendments and surrender of registrations.

3. 06/ST/2011 - dated 18-4-2012

Clarification on Point of Taxtion Rules, -regarding.

Summary: Notification No. 04/2012-Service Tax, effective from April 1, 2012, amends the Point of Taxation Rules 2011, specifically Rule 7, affecting individuals and firms providing certain taxable services. The amendment allows deferral of tax payment until receipt of payment for services up to Rs. 50 lakhs, applicable to entities with a previous financial year turnover of Rs. 50 lakhs or less. For invoices issued on or before March 31, 2012, the existing Rule 7 applies, with the point of taxation being the date of payment. Trade associations are urged to publicize these changes among their members.

4. 05/ST/2012 - dated 16-4-2012

Meaning of the expression ‘gross amount’ appearing in Rule 3(1) of the Works Contract (Composition Scheme for payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007, as it stood prior to 07th day of July 2009 – regarding.

Summary: The circular clarifies the interpretation of 'gross amount' in Rule 3(1) of the Works Contract (Composition Scheme for payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007, before July 7, 2009. It states that the inclusion of free-of-cost supplies in the 'gross amount' for service tax purposes is only required from July 7, 2009, when an explanatory provision was added. Contracts executed or paid for before this date are exempt from including such supplies in the 'gross amount.' The notice urges trade associations to disseminate this clarification widely among their members.

FEMA

5. 132 - dated 8-6-2012

Money Transfer Service Scheme.

Summary: The circular addresses authorized Indian agents under the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS), highlighting an increase in the permissible number of inward cross-border remittances for a single beneficiary from 12 to 30 per calendar year. All other existing instructions remain unchanged. The guidelines apply to both Indian Agents and their Sub Agents, with the responsibility on the former to ensure compliance. The directives are issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and do not affect any other legal permissions or approvals required.

DGFT

6. 04 (RE-2012)/2009-14 - dated 8-6-2012

Amendments in the Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) of Chapter 3 of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 - Appendix 37A of Handbook of Procedure (Vol. I).

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has amended the Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014. Effective immediately, the product "Skimmed Milk Powder" with ITC HS Code 04021010 is added to Table 2 of Appendix 37A. This product is eligible for a 5% admissible rate under the VKGUY scheme. The amendment is authorized under paragraph 2.4 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014 and is detailed in Public Notice No. 4 (RE-2012)/2009-14 dated June 8, 2012.

Companies Law

7. 13/2012 - dated 6-6-2012

Extension of time in Filing Annual Return by Limited LiabilityPartnerships.

Summary: The Ministry has initiated decentralization of the Registrar LLP's functions, allowing respective ROCs to assume these duties from 11-6-2012. Consequently, the LLP system will be closed from 31-5-2012 to 10-6-2012. To prevent LLPs from incurring additional fees for late filing of Form 11 due to this closure, the deadline under section 35 of the LLP Act is extended by 30 days. Therefore, for the financial year ending 31-3-2012, the filing period is extended from 60 to 90 days. This extension is effective from 31-5-2012.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • India-Singapore DTAC: Business Needs Local Entity for Permanent Establishment Status in India.

    Case-Laws - AAR : DTAC between India and Singapore - permanent establishment - When a business cannot be carried on exclusively in so far as it relates to customers in India without intervention of another entity, a subsidiary, normally that entity must be deemed to be the establishment of the group in that particular country. - AAR

  • India-France DTAA: Consortium Contract Income Non-Divisible, Fully Taxable under Income-tax Act and Double Taxation Avoidance Convention.

    Case-Laws - AAR : DTAA between India and France - Contract the Consortium of which the applicant is a member, cannot be split - income from is taxable as a whole both under both Income-tax Act and under the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention - AAR

  • Income Tax Act: Section 40A(3) Amendment on Payment Fragmentation Not Retrospective, Excludes Pre-2009 Assessment Years.

    Case-Laws - HC : Disallow the benefits of section 40A(3),(3A) - fragmented payments made in a day more than Rs. 20,000 – in the year 2009, the Parliament had amended the provision and added word “aggregate” in the section 40(3) - Since the benefit of the amended provision was not available during the assessment year and is not retrospective in nature no point of disallowance - HC

  • Reassessment Violated Mandatory Income Tax Provisions; Sections 139 and 144 Ignored, Cannot Be Fixed by Section 292B.

    Case-Laws - AT : Reassessment - all the provisions of the income-tax that is applicable to the regular assessments that is subsequent to section 139 including that laid down by 144 has to be followed. - It has not been followed and this is clear violation of the mandatory requirement. - Violation of mandatory requirement cannot be cured by taking the shelter u/s.292B - AT

  • High Court Affirms ITAT Ruling: Items Under Rs. 5000 Get 100% Depreciation, Not 25%, as Separate Units.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether ITAT is legally correct in holding that each item below Rs.5000/- is a self unit and, therefore, the depreciation @ 100% is allowable in place of 25%, ignoring the fact that these items are parts of a bigger composite unit where all expenditure to bring the assets into working conditions is to be included in determining the actual cost of fixed asset for the purpose of grant of depreciation - held yes - HC

  • Assessee in Default for Not Deducting TDS on Security Services; Not Technical u/s 9(1) Explanation 2.

    Case-Laws - AT : Non deduction of TDS - Assessee in default - Technical service - Circular No. 715 dated 8.8.1995 - the services provided by security personal under a contract with the agency cannot be categorized as technical service unless the provisions of Clause (vii) to Explanation 2 to Section 9(1) are fulfilled - AT

  • Converting a partnership into a company may trigger tax implications, but exemptions exist u/s 47A and 47(xiii).

    Case-Laws - AT : Capital gains - Conversion of partnership firm into company - exemption - conversion of balance in capital account of a partner into loan - transfer - Section 47A r.w.s section 47(xiii) - AT

  • Customs

  • Proposed Anti-Dumping Duty on Gypsum Plaster Boards from China, Indonesia, Thailand, and UAE to Protect Local Industry.

    Notifications : Seeks to levy provisional anti-dumping duty on import of Plain Gypsum Plaster Boards of all thicknesses and dimensions, originating in or exported from China PR,Indonesia, Thailand, and UAE. - Notification

  • New Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Effective June 8, 2012 for Customs and Tax Calculations.

    Notifications : Rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currency with effect from 8th June, 2012. - Notification

  • DGFT

  • DGFT Amends Skimmed Milk Powder Export Policy, Impacting Trade Practices and Compliance for Exporters.

    Notifications : Amendment in policy for export of Skimmed Milk Powders. - Notification

  • VKGUY Scheme Amended: New Guidelines for Agricultural and Rural Industry Trade Incentives in Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14.

    Circulars : Amendments in the Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) of Chapter 3 of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 - Appendix 37A of Handbook of Procedure (Vol. I). - Public Notice

  • FEMA

  • FEMA Circular introduces major changes to Money Transfer Service Scheme; impacts compliance and tax obligations for providers.

    Circulars : Money Transfer Service Scheme. - Circular

  • Corporate Law

  • Citizens must adhere to established procedures and fees for public information; RTI Act cannot be used to bypass them.

    Case-Laws - HC : RTI - a citizen cannot by-pass the procedure, and avoid paying the charges prescribed for accessing the information placed in the public domain, by resort to provisions of the RTI Act. - HC

  • Amendments to Form DIN 1 Announced: Key Changes to Enhance Compliance Under Companies Law

    Notifications : Form DIN 1 amended. - Notification

  • LLPs Get Extended Deadline for Annual Returns Filing Under Companies Law to Ease Compliance Pressures.

    Circulars : Extension of time in Filing Annual Return by Limited LiabilityPartnerships. - Circular

  • Indian Laws

  • New Exchange Rates for Imports and Exports Announced, Impacting Valuation for Taxation and Customs in International Trade.

    News : Exchange Rates Relating to Imported and Export Goods Notified.

  • Service Tax

  • Service Tax Exemption for Foreign Exchange Commissions Received Up to July 2004 Clarified.

    Case-Laws - AT : Commission received from an up country person - receipt in foreign exchange on 28.05.2004 - up to July 2004, any amount received, which is as a commission either in Indian rupees or in foreign exchange, was exempted from the levy of service tax. - AT

  • Commission from Print Media Not Taxable as Business Auxiliary Services, Decision Favors Assessee.

    Case-Laws - AT : Taxability of commission received from the Print Media under the head business auxiliary services - Decided in favour of assessee. - AT

  • Refund Claim Approved: Chartered Accountant Eligible After Initial Rejection Due to Unjust Enrichment Concerns.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund claim rejected on ground of unjust enrichment - Practising chartered account - amount was not collected from the customers. - appellant is eligible for the refund claimed - AT

  • Tribunal to Review Charges and Taxable Services in Adjudication Order for CHA Services and Expense Reimbursement.

    Case-Laws - HC : Gross value of taxable services - CHA service - Reimbursement of expenses - When detailed adjudication order is challenged before the Tribunal wherein every receipt and expenditure are considered in assessment, it was the duty of the Tribunal to consider in detail the nature of charges collected by the assessee and to see whether those are for taxable services rendered, and if so to sustain it. - HC

  • Deadline for Service Tax Refund Claims on Export Services from March-June 2008 Extended to December 31, 2008.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund claims of service tax on specified taxable services used for exports of goods made in the quarter Mar-Jun 08 could be filed till 31st Dec 08 - AT

  • Appellants Must Pay Service Tax on Turnkey/EPC Contracts Executed After June 1, 2007, as Works Contract Services.

    Case-Laws - AT : Works Contract Service - Turnkey Contract - What matters is the fact that the contracts were executed by the appellants and payments received by them after 01/06/2007 and therefore they are liable to pay service tax on the taxable service tax under the head 'works contract service' on the turnkey/EPC contracts in question. - AT

  • Penalties Waived for Short Payment of Service Tax Due to Clerical Error Over Several Months.

    Case-Laws - AT : Short payment / delayed payment of service tax - The clerical errors which crept in a few months has resulted in a short-payment - Penalty waived - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Aviation Turbine Fuel on International Flights May Be Classified as Exports, Affecting Tax Exemption Status.

    Case-Laws - AT : ATF loaded in international flights, may qualify as exports. - AT

  • Additional Commissioner's Authority in Cenvat Credit Refund Adjudication u/r 5 Explained in Central Excise Context.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund of Cenvat credit - Rule 5 – Power of Additional Commissioner to adjudicate refund claim - AT

  • CBEC Circulars Binding on Department, Cannot Be Contested Even If Inconsistent With Law Provisions.

    Case-Laws - AT : Circulars issued by the CBEC are binding on the department and the department is precluded from challenging the correctness of the circulars even on the basis that the same is inconsistent with the statutory provision - AT


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 187
  • 2012 (6) TMI 186
  • 2012 (6) TMI 185
  • 2012 (6) TMI 184
  • 2012 (6) TMI 183
  • 2012 (6) TMI 182
  • 2012 (6) TMI 181
  • 2012 (6) TMI 180
  • 2012 (6) TMI 179
  • 2012 (6) TMI 178
  • 2012 (6) TMI 160
  • 2012 (6) TMI 159
  • 2012 (6) TMI 158
  • 2012 (6) TMI 157
  • 2012 (6) TMI 156
  • 2012 (6) TMI 155
  • 2012 (6) TMI 154
  • 2012 (6) TMI 153
  • 2012 (6) TMI 152
  • Customs

  • 2012 (6) TMI 177
  • 2012 (6) TMI 151
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (6) TMI 176
  • 2012 (6) TMI 175
  • 2012 (6) TMI 150
  • 2012 (6) TMI 149
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 192
  • 2012 (6) TMI 191
  • 2012 (6) TMI 190
  • 2012 (6) TMI 189
  • 2012 (6) TMI 188
  • 2012 (6) TMI 170
  • 2012 (6) TMI 166
  • 2012 (6) TMI 165
  • 2012 (6) TMI 164
  • 2012 (6) TMI 163
  • 2012 (6) TMI 162
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (6) TMI 174
  • 2012 (6) TMI 173
  • 2012 (6) TMI 172
  • 2012 (6) TMI 171
  • 2012 (6) TMI 169
  • 2012 (6) TMI 168
  • 2012 (6) TMI 148
  • 2012 (6) TMI 147
  • 2012 (6) TMI 146
  • 2012 (6) TMI 145
  • 2012 (6) TMI 144
  • Wealth tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 167
 

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