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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 June Day 14 - Thursday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 14, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise



Articles

1. RECENT CHANGES IN CHAPTER V OF FINANCE ACT, 1994 .

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Finance Act, 2012 introduced significant changes to service tax regulations, effective from May 28, 2012. Key amendments include the introduction of Section 65B, defining 55 terms related to service tax, and the replacement of previous sections with new provisions for service classification, tax charges, and valuation. The Act established a 12% service tax rate on services outside the negative list and introduced a negative list of exempt services. It also outlined principles for bundled services, special audit procedures, and extended the limitation period for service tax demands. Additionally, the Act provided exemptions for certain services and reduced appeal timelines.

2. V-SAT CONNECTIVITY CHARGES IS NOT TAXABLE AS LEASED CIRCUIT SERVICE.

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The article discusses a legal case involving whether V-SAT connectivity charges are taxable as leased circuit services. The appellants, a subsidiary of a stock exchange, provided V-SAT terminals to customers and collected charges, which the Department argued should be taxed as leased circuit services. The Additional Commissioner confirmed the tax demand and penalties, but the appellants contended they were not a telegraph authority and thus not liable for such taxes. The Tribunal ruled that V-SAT charges could not be considered leased circuit services, as the appellants were neither a telegraph authority nor licensed under the relevant Indian Telegraph Act provisions.

3. Real Estate/Construction Industry: Reconfirmation of Applicability of Cost Accounting Record Rules 2011

   By: ajay singh

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs reaffirmed the applicability of the Cost Accounting Record Rules 2011 (CARR-2011) to the real estate and construction industry, requiring companies in this sector to maintain cost records and file compliance reports for the year 2011-12. This includes companies engaged in development, construction, and projects under various models, even if projects are abroad. Exemptions apply to contractors paid only conversion charges without using their materials. Companies must comply if they meet specific financial criteria, such as net worth exceeding five crores, turnover over twenty crores, or are listed on stock exchanges. Compliance involves maintaining detailed cost records aligned with accounting standards and reconciling them with audited financial statements.


News

1. Gross Direct Tax Collection Figures for April-May 2012-13 is Up by 3.62 Percent at Rs. 52,232 Crore as Against Rs. 50,407 Crore in the Same Period in F.Y.2011-12.

Summary: Gross direct tax collections in India for April-May 2012-13 increased by 3.62% to Rs. 52,232 crore compared to Rs. 50,407 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Corporate tax collections declined by 2.82% to Rs. 24,329 crore, while personal income tax collections rose by 10.02% to Rs. 27,884 crore. Net direct tax collections saw a significant rise of 172.64%, reaching Rs. 35,323 crore, attributed to a 54.85% decrease in refunds. Wealth tax decreased by 16.67%, while securities transaction tax grew by 7.36%, totaling Rs. 540 crore.

2. Text of the Statement made by Finance Minister After the Review meeting of CEOs of PSBs and FIs

Summary: The Finance Minister commended Public Sector Banks (PSBs) for their performance in 2011-12, noting a 16.37% growth in priority sector lending and a 10.27% increase in net profits. PSBs expanded banking facilities to over 74,000 villages and opened over three crore new accounts. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) improved, with 81 out of 82 adopting Core Banking Solutions and expanding branches. Credit to minorities rose by 15%, and agricultural credit growth was satisfactory. The Minister urged banks to issue Kisan Credit Cards, implement education loan schemes, ensure every family has a bank account, and promote electronic transactions, including free NEFT transfers up to Rs.1 lakh.

3. Finance Minister to review Annual Performance of Public Sector Insurance Companies tomorrow

Summary: The Union Finance Minister will review the annual performance of Public Sector Insurance Companies, focusing on developing a business strategy for 2012-13 that balances growth and sustainability while expanding insurance coverage in underserved areas. The review aims to improve customer service, including policy renewals, claim settlements, and grievance redressal. There will be an emphasis on broadening agriculture insurance to include all farmers. Recent challenges, such as dismantling the motor pool reserve, overseas operation losses, and intense competition, have impacted profitability, particularly for non-life insurance companies. Public Sector Insurance Companies are vital for providing insurance and supporting infrastructure development.

4. Text of the Speech of Union Finance Minister Delivered During his Meeting with CEOs of PSBs and FIs

Summary: The Union Finance Minister addressed CEOs of Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions, reviewing their performance in 2011-12 and setting future agendas. Despite global economic challenges, Indian banks showed growth in deposits and advances, with a focus on agriculture credit and financial inclusion. Initiatives included converting Kisan Credit Cards to ATM cards, enhancing banking access in rural areas, and improving customer service. The Minister emphasized reducing non-performing assets, supporting housing finance, MSMEs, and minority communities, and promoting the Swavalamban pension scheme. Banks were urged to leverage technology, improve grievance handling, and ensure timely educational loans.

5. India invites Brazilian investment in infrastructure sector Anand Sharma attends India-Brazil Ministerial Dialogue in Brasilia.

Summary: India has invited Brazilian investment in its infrastructure sector, particularly in the National Infrastructure and Manufacturing Special Economic Zone and food processing industries, during a ministerial dialogue in Brasilia. The dialogue involved India's Commerce Minister and Brazil's Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade. Both countries agreed on the potential for collaboration in infrastructure and pharmaceuticals, with Brazil showing interest in joint drug production for diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. They also discussed re-launching the India-Brazil CEOs Forum and enhancing cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for scientific collaboration between India and Brazil.

6. FM says Government is fully seized of the current situation and there will be a turnaround in our growth prospects in the coming months; rejects S&P report that India could be the first BRIC country to falter.

Summary: The Indian Finance Minister addressed concerns about the country's economic outlook, rejecting a report suggesting India could be the first BRIC nation to falter. He emphasized that the government's measures would lead to improved growth prospects in the coming months. The minister highlighted several positive economic indicators, including a reversal in interest rates, growth in the mining sector, improved investment rates, favorable monsoon predictions, and declining international oil prices. He noted significant foreign investment inflows and increased foreign direct investment. These factors, he argued, would support the recovery of India's domestic growth momentum.


Notifications

Customs

1. 39/2012 - dated 12-6-2012 - Cus

Amends Notification 12/2012 – Customs - Prescribes effective rate of duty on import of goods.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance, has issued Notification No. 39/2012-Customs to amend Notification No. 12/2012-Customs. This amendment, effective from June 12, 2012, modifies the terminology in Condition No. 28 of the Annexure, changing "polyester made ups" to "man-made made ups." This change is made under the authority granted by Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962, and is deemed necessary in the public interest. The principal notification and its previous amendments were published in the Gazette of India, with the latest prior amendment being Notification No. 31/2012-Customs.

LLP

2. G.S.R. 430(E) - dated 5-6-2012 - LLP

Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Rules, 2012 - Amendment in rules 8, 18, Annexure-A and substitution of Form Nos. 1 to 31

Summary: The Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Rules, 2012, effective from June 11, 2012, amend the LLP Rules, 2009. Key changes include the requirement for individuals consenting to act as partners to file consent in Form-2 with a fee, amendments to rule 18 regarding name reservation and regulatory approvals for certain business names, and updates to Annexure-A for filing fees related to partner changes and striking off defunct LLPs. Additionally, several forms have been substituted, including Forms 1 to 31, with Form 32 being newly inserted. These amendments were published by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

LLP

1. 13/2012 - dated 6-6-2012

Extension of time in Filing of annual return by Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has authorized Regional Directors and Registrars of Companies to assume the functions of Registrar for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) starting June 11, 2012. Due to system closure from May 31 to June 10, 2012, the deadline for filing Form 11, as per section 35 of the LLP Act, is extended by 30 days to prevent additional fees. Consequently, LLPs have 90 days instead of 60 to file their annual return for the financial year ending March 31, 2012. This extension is effective from May 31, 2012.

Income Tax

2. 03/2012 - dated 12-6-2012

Supplementary Memorandum Explaining the Official Amendments Moved in the Finance Bill, 2012 AS REFLECTED IN THE FINANCE ACT, 2012.

Summary: The Finance Act, 2012 introduces several amendments to the Income-tax Act, including tax exemptions and changes in tax rates. Notable amendments include an income tax exemption for Prasar Bharati, the introduction of GAAR with a deferred implementation to 2014-15, and continued tax exemptions for Venture Capital Companies and Funds. The Act reduces withholding tax on external borrowings to 5% and lowers the tax rate on long-term capital gains for non-residents to 10%. It introduces a deduction for investments in listed equities and extends the deadline for provident fund recognition. Additionally, it mandates tax collection on cash sales of bullion and jewelry, and clarifies MAT applicability for specific companies. The Act also includes provisions for compulsory tax return filing for residents with overseas assets and extends STT exemptions for specific transactions.

Customs

3. 15/2012 - dated 13-6-2012

Review of Risk Management System (RMS) – regarding.

Summary: The circular addresses the enhancement of the Risk Management System (RMS) following the introduction of Self Assessment for customs duties under the Finance Act 2011. The Board decided to increase facilitation levels at air cargo complexes, ports, and ICDs by rationalizing risk parameters. Consequently, more Bills of Entry are processed without examination, necessitating increased scrutiny at the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) stage. The Board introduced 'On Site Post Clearance Audit' (OSPCA) for ACP importers, phasing out transaction-based PCA for them. The circular emphasizes reallocating staff for audit work due to reduced examination needs and addressing PCA pendency issues.

4. 14/2012 - Customs - dated 11-6-2012

Classification of Rail Cum Road Vehicle - regarding.

Summary: The circular addresses the classification of rail cum road vehicles within customs regulations. There has been inconsistency in classifying these vehicles under Chapter 86, which pertains to railway locomotives and related equipment, and Chapter 87, which pertains to vehicles other than railway stock. Based on the General Rules of Interpretation and Section XVII Note 4(a), the Board has determined that such dual-mode vehicles should be classified under Chapter 87, as they are specially constructed to travel on both road and rail. The circular instructs that pending assessments of these vehicles be finalized according to this classification.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Finance Act 2012: Key Amendments to Income Tax Regulations Explained in Supplementary Memorandum for Better Compliance and Efficiency.

    Circulars : Supplementary Memorandum Explaining the Official Amendments Moved in the Finance Bill, 2012 AS REFLECTED IN THE FINANCE ACT, 2012. - Circular

  • Court Rules Accrued Interest on Non-Performing Assets Should Be Deleted Following Companies' Liquidation Confirmation.

    Case-Laws - AT : Income - accrual - interest on sick advances - NPA - The apprehension or the situation foreseen by the assessee has been vindicated by the subsequent developments i.e. all the companies have gone into liquidation. Addition made on account of accrued interest income is directed to be deleted. - AT

  • Commission to Managing Director with 39.9% Shares Not Reclassified as Dividend Despite No Dividend Distribution.

    Case-Laws - AT : Commission to Managing Director holding 39.9% of shareholding - Distribution of dividends is one component. It does not give the meaning that if an assessee failed to distribute the dividend, then payment of any commission would take the colour of dividend - AT

  • Tribunal Invalidates Section 148 Notice; No Legal Basis for Action u/s 147 Based on Authority Directions.

    Case-Laws - AT : Validity of notice u/s 148 – When the particular direction/liberty has been quashed by the Tribunal such a direction no longer survives. no provision in law to take action u/s 147 under the direction of any authority or Court. - AT

  • Neon and glow sign installations are revenue expenses, not capital assets, due to their non-permanent nature.

    Case-Laws - HC : Capital vs revenue expenditure - by putting the neon signs and glow signs, no asset of permanent nature is created. Simply because self-life of such neon signs is more, may not be of any significance once - HC

  • Revenue Recognition for Developers: Apply AS-9, Not AS-7, When Assessee Qualifies as Contractor and Developer.

    Case-Laws - AT : Applicability of AS-7 to Developer - Since the assessee can be termed as a contractor as also a developer, therefore the Revenue can be recognized in terms of AS-9 and not As-7. - AT

  • Animal Welfare Efforts Qualify as Charitable Activities u/s 12A, Aiding in Preventing Cruelty and Alleviating Suffering.

    Case-Laws - AT : Registration u/s 12A - advancement of animal welfare directed towards prevention or suppression of cruelty to animals or prevention or relief of suffering by animals are nothing but charity. - AT

  • Court Denies Section 54B Deduction for Agricultural Land Sale; Land Bought in Son and Daughter-in-Law's Names.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction u/s 54B - denial - sale of agricultural land standing in assesee's name - purchases of land in name of son and daughter-in-law - disallowed the exemption u/s 54B - HC

  • Loans from Subsidiaries Not Deemed Dividends u/s 2(22)(e) of the Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deemed dividend - Whether loans obtained by the assessee from its subsidiaries were in the nature of deemed dividends as per section 2(22)(e) - they cannot be treated as deemed dividend for the purpose of section 2(22)(e) of the Act. - AT

  • High Court Rules in Favor of Taxpayers: Ambiguities in TDS Interpretation u/ss 194-I and 194C Resolved for Assessees.

    Case-Laws - HC : TDS under Section 194-I or 194C - 'work' u/s 194C - where two interpretations are possible, the one which is favourable to the assessee should be adopted. - HC

  • Revenue Appeal Dismissed: Section 158BC Assessment Invalid Without Assessing Officer's Satisfaction for Section 158BD Transfer.

    Case-Laws - HC : If satisfaction is not recorded by the Assessing Officer for transferring the file under Section 158BD, the assessment made under Section 158BC is invalid. appeal filed by the Revenue dismissed. - HC

  • Taxpayer Claims Section 54F Deduction for Jointly Purchased Property; Entitled to Benefit on Total Investment.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction claimed u/s 54F of the Income Tax Act – long term capital gain – purchase of new property jointly in the names of the assessee and his wife - assessee is entitled to benefit of sec. 54F with reference to the total investment - AT

  • Corporate Membership Expense to Be Apportioned Over 10 Years, Not 15, Per AS 26 and Accounting Principles.

    Case-Laws - AT : Capital vs revenue expenditure – Following the matching concept, the materiality concept and Accounting Standard AS 26 in the assessee's case before us, the amount of Rs.15 lakhs claimed as expenses towards corporate membership for a period of 15 years has to be apportioned in ten years proportionately from the date of obtaining the membership. - AT

  • Customs

  • Customs Sector Updates Risk Management System to Boost Efficiency and Compliance in Trade Operations.

    Circulars : Review of Risk Management System (RMS) – regarding. - Circular

  • Amendment to Notification 12/2012: Updates on Customs Duty Rates for Imported Goods Highlighted with Annotations and Alerts.

    Notifications : Amends Notification 12/2012 – Customs - Prescribes effective rate of duty on import of goods. - Notification

  • Customs Circular Clarifies Classification Criteria for Rail Cum Road Vehicles to Ensure Proper Taxation and Compliance.

    Circulars : Classification of Rail Cum Road Vehicle - regarding. - Circular

  • LLP

  • LLPs Get More Time to File Annual Returns: Extension Granted to Ease Compliance and Avoid Penalties.

    Circulars : Extension of time in Filing of annual return by Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) - Circular

  • Service Tax

  • Service Tax Exemption for RBI Extends to Agent Canara Bank, Ensuring No Tax on Direct RBI Activities.

    Case-Laws - AT : If RBI were to undertake the activity there would have been no question of levy of service tax. Therefore, we hold that the benefit of exemption available to RBI would be available to the agent i.e. Canara Bank. - AT

  • SEZ Unit's Refund Claim Valid with Copies of Invoices and Payment Proof, Original Documents Not Required.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund claim - SEZ unit - copies of invoices and proof of payments submitted. - refund can not be denied on the ground that original copies not submitted - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Section 11D of Central Excise Act: Two Conditions for Liability and Excess Duty Collection Explained.

    Case-Laws - AT : For invoking the provisions of Section 11D, two conditions have to be fulfilled viz. the person should be liable to pay the duty under Central Excise Act and the duty collected in excess by the said person represent the duty of Central Excise - AT

  • Imported Goods Excluded from Excisable Category; Excise Duty Not Payable u/s 11D.

    Case-Laws - AT : Imported goods are not excisable goods, hence amount collected in the name of excise duty is not payable u/s 11D - AT

  • Manufacturers Can Claim Cenvat Credit for Services Used in Production of Final Products Under Central Excise Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cenvat credit - service used by the manufacturer whether directly or indirectly in or in relation to the manufacture of final products constitutes input service - AT

  • Dispute Over Denial of Benefits for Deemed Exports to Mega Power Project Under Notification No. 6/2006-CE.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deemed export - supply to mega power project - sub contractor - International Competitive Bidding (ICB) – denial of benefit of Notification no. 6/2006-CE dated 01.03.2006 by invoking the provisions of Exim Policy - AT


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 269
  • 2012 (6) TMI 268
  • 2012 (6) TMI 267
  • 2012 (6) TMI 266
  • 2012 (6) TMI 265
  • 2012 (6) TMI 264
  • 2012 (6) TMI 263
  • 2012 (6) TMI 261
  • 2012 (6) TMI 260
  • 2012 (6) TMI 259
  • 2012 (6) TMI 258
  • 2012 (6) TMI 257
  • 2012 (6) TMI 256
  • 2012 (6) TMI 241
  • 2012 (6) TMI 240
  • 2012 (6) TMI 239
  • 2012 (6) TMI 238
  • 2012 (6) TMI 237
  • 2012 (6) TMI 236
  • 2012 (6) TMI 235
  • 2012 (6) TMI 234
  • 2012 (6) TMI 233
  • 2012 (6) TMI 232
  • 2012 (6) TMI 231
  • 2012 (6) TMI 230
  • 2012 (6) TMI 229
  • 2012 (6) TMI 228
  • Customs

  • 2012 (6) TMI 255
  • 2012 (6) TMI 254
  • 2012 (6) TMI 226
  • 2012 (6) TMI 225
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (6) TMI 253
  • 2012 (6) TMI 252
  • 2012 (6) TMI 224
  • 2012 (6) TMI 223
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 274
  • 2012 (6) TMI 273
  • 2012 (6) TMI 272
  • 2012 (6) TMI 271
  • 2012 (6) TMI 270
  • 2012 (6) TMI 245
  • 2012 (6) TMI 244
  • 2012 (6) TMI 243
  • 2012 (6) TMI 242
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (6) TMI 251
  • 2012 (6) TMI 250
  • 2012 (6) TMI 249
  • 2012 (6) TMI 248
  • 2012 (6) TMI 247
  • 2012 (6) TMI 246
  • 2012 (6) TMI 222
  • 2012 (6) TMI 221
  • 2012 (6) TMI 220
  • 2012 (6) TMI 219
  • 2012 (6) TMI 218
 

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