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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2018 June Day 30 - Saturday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 30, 2018

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs Service Tax Central Excise CST, VAT & Sales Tax



News

1. States will get to levy additional taxes on top of 28% GST on petrol, diesel: Modi

Summary: The inclusion of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India will involve a peak tax rate of 28%, with states allowed to impose additional taxes to maintain current retail prices. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister indicated that this change will take time due to differing state opinions. Currently, states derive 45-50% of their tax revenue from these fuels. The existing tax incidence on petrol and diesel, which includes central excise duty and state VAT, ranges from 35-50%. The GST Council will decide on the timing of this inclusion, with a focus now on implementing a new return filing system.

2. GST Council to Meet On 2ist July

Summary: The 28th meeting of the GST Council is scheduled for July 21, 2018, in New Delhi, starting at 11:00 AM. A preparatory meeting for officers will take place the day before, on July 20, 2018, at 10:00 AM, also in New Delhi.

3. Asian countries need to work as a team to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, says Shri Piyush Goyal

Summary: Asian countries must collaborate to address future challenges, emphasized a Union Minister at the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) International Conference 2018. Highlighting India's growing influence, the minister noted the significance of hosting major international events. He stressed the global nature of cost accounting and its role in enhancing corporate foundations and governance. The conference, organized by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, focused on the evolving role of accountants beyond traditional functions, emphasizing the impact of digitalization and automation on the profession. The event provided networking opportunities for professionals worldwide, underscoring the importance of adapting to digital transformations.

4. 12th Statistics Day celebrated on 29th June, 2018

Summary: The 12th Statistics Day was celebrated on June 29, 2018, at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, marking the closing ceremony of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis's 125th Birth Anniversary. The Vice President of India released a commemorative coin of Rs. 125 and a circulation coin of Rs. 5 in his honor. The event, organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and ISI, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning. The theme for the year was "Quality Assurance in Official Statistics." The day also included the felicitation of award winners and various nationwide activities.

5. Calendar for Auction of Government of India Treasury Bills for the Quarter ending September 2018

Summary: The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has announced the issuance of Treasury Bills for the quarter ending September 2018. The total notified amount for auction is Rs. 234,000 crore, with weekly auctions scheduled from July 1 to September 26, 2018. Each auction will offer Rs. 10,000 crore in 91-day Treasury Bills, Rs. 4,000 crore in 182-day Treasury Bills, and Rs. 4,000 crore in 364-day Treasury Bills. The government retains the flexibility to adjust the auction amounts and schedule based on market conditions and other factors, with any changes communicated through press releases.

6. Text of the Article by the Union Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley on “The Impact of the Government Polices on Direct Tax Collections”

Summary: The article discusses the impact of government policies on direct tax collections in India, highlighting measures taken by the government to increase the tax base and revenue. From 2014 to 2018, the number of tax filers increased by 64.6%, with tax collections rising by 57% to Rs. 10.02 lakh crore. Key strategies included demonetization, technology integration, and the implementation of GST. The article also addresses concerns about Indian money in Swiss banks, emphasizing Switzerland's increased transparency and the upcoming real-time information exchange with India. The government's anti-black money measures are credited with contributing to the growth in tax collections.

7. Electoral Bond Scheme 2018

Summary: The Government of India announced the fourth phase of the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018, allowing the sale of electoral bonds from July 2 to July 11, 2018. Indian citizens or entities can purchase these bonds, either individually or jointly. Only political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and having secured at least one percent of votes in the last general election, are eligible to receive these bonds. The State Bank of India is authorized to issue and encash these bonds, which are valid for 15 days, through its 11 designated branches.

8. Suresh Prabhu launches Mobile App 'ReUnite'

Summary: The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Civil Aviation launched the mobile application 'ReUnite' to help track and trace missing and abandoned children in India. Developed by an NGO and a technology company, the app allows users to upload photos and details of missing children, utilizing Amazon Rekognition for facial recognition. It is available on Android and iOS platforms. The NGO involved is a prominent child protection movement in India, instrumental in shaping child rights laws, and was notably involved in the landmark Supreme Court judgment mandating FIRs for missing children. The app aims to leverage technology for social welfare.

9. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovers smuggled E​xotic B​irds

Summary: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a vehicle near Muragacha More on Kalyani Expressway, acting on a tip-off about smuggled exotic birds from Bangladesh. They recovered three Red and Blue Macaws, three Eclectus parrots, eight Pygmy Falcons, and seven white ducks, all crammed in plastic bags. The birds were handed over to Kolkata Zoo. The smuggling violates the Wild Life Protection Act and Customs Act, leading to their seizure. DRI continues to combat wildlife crime and encourages public reporting, offering rewards for information. Recent seizures include Indian star tortoises, Hollock Gibbons, and Palm Civets. Further investigation is ongoing.

10. Monthly Review of the Account of the Union Government of India up to the month of May 2018 for the Financial Year 2018-19 has been consolidated and Reports published; Government of India receives ₹ 1,27,461 crore (7.01% of corresponding BE 18-19 of Total Receipts) up to May, 2018 comprising ₹ 1,02,408 crore Tax Revenue (Net to Centre), ₹ 24, 049 crore of Non Tax Revenue and ₹ 1,004 crore of Non Debt Capital Receipts

Summary: The Union Government of India reported total receipts of Rs. 1,27,461 crore up to May 2018 for the financial year 2018-19, representing 7.01% of the budget estimate. This includes Rs. 1,02,408 crore from tax revenue, Rs. 24,049 crore from non-tax revenue, and Rs. 1,004 crore from non-debt capital receipts. Non-debt capital receipts comprised Rs. 570 crore from loan recovery and Rs. 434 crore from disinvestment in public sector undertakings. Rs. 1,11,578 crore was transferred to state governments, Rs. 15,217 crore more than the previous year. Total government expenditure was Rs. 4,72,954 crore, with Rs. 4,09,163 crore on revenue account and Rs. 63,791 crore on capital account.

11. RBI Reference Rate for US $

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India set the reference rate for the US Dollar at Rs. 68.5753 on June 29, 2018, down from Rs. 68.9389 on June 28, 2018. Based on this rate and cross-currency quotes, the exchange rates against the Rupee were as follows: 1 Euro was Rs. 79.8491, 1 British Pound was Rs. 89.9296, and 100 Japanese Yen was Rs. 62.02 on June 29, 2018. The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to Rupee rate will also be determined based on this reference rate.


Notifications

Companies Law

1. F. No. A-45011/44/2018-Ad.IV) - S.O. 3145(E) - dated 28-6-2018 - Co. Law

Seeks to amend Notification No. S.O. 1935 (E), dated the 1st day of June, 2016

Summary: The Central Government, under the Companies Act, 2013, has established the National Company Law Tribunal, Jaipur Bench, effective July 1, 2018. This amendment modifies the previous notification dated June 1, 2016. In the updated notification, the entry for the State of Rajasthan is removed from serial number 1 and added as a new entry under serial number 11, designating the Jaipur Bench for the State of Rajasthan. This change is officially documented in the Gazette of India and was facilitated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Customs

2. 58/2018 - dated 29-6-2018 - Cus (NT)

Tariff Notification in respect of Fixation of Tariff Value of Edible Oils, Brass Scrap, Poppy Seeds, Areca Nut, Gold and Sliver- Reg.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, has issued Notification No. 58/2018-CUSTOMS (N.T.) on June 29, 2018, amending previous tariff values for various goods under the Customs Act, 1962. The updated tariff values are specified for items such as crude palm oil, RBD palm oil, crude palmolein, RBD palmolein, crude soybean oil, brass scrap, poppy seeds, gold, silver, and areca nuts. These changes replace the previous tables in Notification No. 36/2001-Customs (N.T.) and are intended to reflect current market conditions.

GST

3. 12/2018 - dated 29-6-2018 - CGST Rate

Seeks to exempt payment of tax under section 9(4) of the CGST Act, 2017 till 30.09.2018

Summary: The Central Government, under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, has amended a previous notification to extend the exemption from tax payment under section 9(4) of the CGST Act until September 30, 2018. This amendment modifies the original notification dated June 28, 2017, and the last amendment dated March 23, 2018. The decision was made in public interest based on the recommendations of the Council, as documented in Notification No. 12/2018 - Central Tax (Rate), dated June 29, 2018.

4. 13/2018 - dated 29-6-2018 - IGST Rate

Seeks to exempt payment of tax under section 5(4) of the IGST Act, 2017 till 30.09.2018.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue, has issued Notification No. 13/2018, amending a previous notification under the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This amendment extends the exemption from tax payment under section 5(4) of the IGST Act until September 30, 2018. The original notification, No. 32/2017, dated October 13, 2017, had been previously amended by Notification No. 11/2018 on March 23, 2018. The current amendment substitutes the date "30th June, 2018" with "30th September, 2018" in paragraph 2 of the notification.

5. 12/2018 - dated 29-6-2018 - UTGST Rate

Seeks to exempt payment of tax under section 7(4) of the UT GST Act, 2017 till 30.09.2018.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, issued Notification No. 12/2018 on June 29, 2018. This notification amends a previous notification to extend the exemption from tax payment under section 7(4) of the Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The deadline for this exemption has been extended from June 30, 2018, to September 30, 2018. The amendment is made in the interest of the public based on the recommendations of the Council.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

GST - States

1. NO.11/2018-GST - dated 22-6-2018

In order to clarify the modifications to procedure for interception of conveyances for inspection of goods in movement, and detention, release and confiscation of such goods and conveyances

Summary: The circular issued by the Commissioner of State Tax, Assam, outlines modifications to the procedure for intercepting conveyances for inspection of goods in transit under the Assam GST Act. Key changes include replacing "three working days" with "three days" in the relevant circular and updating the statement in FORM GST MOV-05 regarding the release of goods and conveyances. It clarifies that once goods have been verified in transit, further verification is not required unless there's specific tax evasion information. Hard copies of notices/orders can serve as proof of action initiation. Detention/confiscation should only occur for goods/conveyances violating GST provisions. Any implementation difficulties should be reported promptly.

2. NO.1/2018 - dated 13-6-2018

In order to clarify the completion of scrutiny & assessment up to 30-6-2017 of all acts subsumed in gst.

Summary: The circular from the Government of Assam mandates the completion of scrutiny and assessment for dealers registered under various repealed tax acts by September 30, 2018. These acts include the Assam Value Added Tax Act, 2003, and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, among others. The directive requires audit assessments for dealers with significant turnover or tax deductions, ensuring the verification of statutory forms and claims. Assistant Commissioners and Superintendents of Taxes must complete assessments for specified financial thresholds, emphasizing adherence to deadlines to avoid serious repercussions.

3. No.CT/GST-12/2017/51 - dated 12-6-2018

Notified Guideline on Mobile Squad.

Summary: The Government of Assam has established guidelines for Mobile Squads to prevent tax evasion under the GST regime. These squads, formed by the Additional and Joint Commissioners of State Tax, will operate at both central and zonal levels, conducting inspections, searches, and seizures of goods and documents. They will monitor goods movement, verify e-way bills, and check vehicles at strategic locations. The squads are authorized to act on irregularities and impose penalties as per the Assam GST Act, 2017. Reports on activities must be submitted promptly, and operations should minimize disruption to traffic. The order is effective from July 1, 2018.

4. NO. CCT/CCW/GST/74/2015 - dated 11-4-2018

In order to generate e-waybills for Inter-State movement of goods under the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act and or Rules, 2017)

Summary: The Andhra Pradesh Commercial Taxes Department has rescinded the exemption on generating e-way bills for intra-state movement of goods, effective April 15, 2018. This change mandates that e-way bills must be generated for the movement of goods valued over Rs. 50,000 within Andhra Pradesh, in addition to the existing requirement for inter-state movements. This applies except for goods specifically exempted under the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act and Rules, 2017.

5. NO. CCT/CCW/GST/74/2015 - dated 11-4-2018

In order to clarify that no e-way bill is required to be generated in respect of intra-state movement of any goods.

Summary: The Government of Andhra Pradesh's Commercial Taxes Department issued a circular stating that, effective April 1, 2018, no e-way bill is required for the intra-state movement of goods within Andhra Pradesh, regardless of the value. This decision is made under the authority of clause (d) of sub-rule 14 of rule 138 of the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017. This notification will remain in effect until further orders are issued.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    GST

  • Reverse Charge Mechanism for Supplies from Unregistered Persons Deferred Until September 30, 2018, Under IGST & CGST Sections.

    Notifications : GST on Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) u/s 5(4) of IGST / 9(4) of CGST - procurement of supplies from unregistered persons - levy deferred till the 30.09.2018 - See notification as amended.

  • Income Tax

  • Income Share Exemptions u/s 10(2A) Apply to Losses Too; Aligns with MAT Provisions in Section 115JB.

    Case-Laws - AT : MAT u/s 115JB - book adjustments - When share of income from firm is exempt u/s.10 2(A) of the Act, necessarily share of loss is also exempt - what the AO did was in accordance with Clause(ii) of the Explanation

  • Assessee Avoids Penalty for Late Filing of Annual Information Return u/s 285BA and Rule 114E.

    Case-Laws - AT : Penalty u/s 271FA - assessee failed to file Annual Information Return (AIR) within the prescribed time limit, as specified in section 285BA read with rule 114E of the Income Tax Rules - various factors caused the delay - No penalty.

  • Notice u/s 153A Sufficient; Issuing Notice u/s 143(2) Not Mandatory, Cannot Be Rectified u/s 292BB.

    Case-Laws - AT : Assessment u/s 153A - As per Section 153A, simple notice has to be given to the assessee. Thus, the contention of the Ld. AR that issue of notice u/s 143(2) within stipulated time is mandatory requirement and is not curable u/s 292BB of the Act does not find support.

  • Rental Income from Sub-Tenancy Taxed as House Property Income u/s 27(iiib) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Rental income received by the Assessee - owners of the property have allowed the assessee firm to create sub-tenancy with the regard to the premises - assessee is the deemed owner of the premises u/s 27(iiib) - to be taxed as Income from House property and not as Income from Other sources.

  • Interest Charging Errors Correctable u/s 154 of Income Tax Act; Authorities Can Adjust Interest Variations.

    Case-Laws - HC : Rectification of mistake - mistake in charging interest - error apparent on the face of record- there can be variation in charging interest, and such variation can be effected through correction u/s 154 of the Act. - it is always open for the authorities to rectify that mistake.

  • Loss Returns Filed u/s 153A Notice Deemed Valid for Carry Forward u/ss 72 and 80.

    Case-Laws - HC : Assessment u/s 153A - Whether a loss return filed within the time specified in the notice under Section 153A(1)(a) is required to be treated as a return filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 139(3) for the purpose of carrying forward of the loss in terms of Section 72 read with Section 80? - Held Yes

  • Investment Allowance Expanded: Broader Interpretation for Items in Tea and Coffee Blending Beyond Direct Manufacturing Use.

    Case-Laws - HC : Grant of investment allowance on weighing machines, computers and electrical appliances, etc. - blending of tea or coffee - The phrase “for the purpose of” has to be given some meaning. It does not always refer to an article or thing used directly in manufacture, as is the mistaken view.

  • No Notice Issued u/s 143(2); Section 292BB Doesn't Waive Requirement, Only Covers Service Defects If Unchallenged.

    Case-Laws - HC : Reopening of assessment - no notice under Section 143(2) was issued - Section 292BB of the Act does not dispense with the issuance of any notice that is mandated to be issued under the Act, but merely cures the defect of service of such notice if an objection in such regard is not taken before the completion of the assessment or reassessment.

  • Court Upholds Section 10B Deduction: Finishing Semi-Finished Garments Qualifies as Manufacturing for Export Exemption.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction u/s 10B denied - manufacturing / production activity in the course of export or not - finishing activity after procurement of semi-finished garments - claim of the assessee for exemption upheld.

  • Income Tax Officer Can Decide Stock Valuation Method for Accurate Real Income Calculation.

    Case-Laws - HC : Determination of real income - method of valuation of stock - where from the computation, the real income could not be properly deduced, the computation should be made in the manner determined by the Income Tax officer.

  • Customs

  • Amended Tariff Values Announced for Edible Oils, Brass Scrap, Poppy Seeds, Areca Nut, Gold, and Silver Under Customs Rules.

    Notifications : Fixation of Traiff Values - Edible Oils, Brass Scrap, Poppy Seeds, Areca Nut, Gold and Sliver - Notification as amended.

  • DGFT

  • DGFT Declares No Supplementary Claims for Scrips Allowed Under Chapter 3 of FTP 2015-2020.

    Circulars : No supplementary claims for scrips under chapter 3 of the FTP 2015-20 would be admissible - DGFT

  • Corporate Law

  • New NCLT Bench Established in Jaipur; Total Benches Now 11 Under Companies Law Framework.

    Notifications : Central Government constitutes New Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal at Jaipur - Total benches increased to 11 from 10 - Notification as amended.

  • Central Excise

  • No need to reverse CENVAT Credit when availing exemption with CT-3 certificate; Rules provisions not applicable.

    Case-Laws - AT : Reversal of CENVAT Credit - benefit exemption notification availed - the provisions of Rules are not attracted in case in hand where CT-3 certificate has been issued - reversal of CENVAT Credit not required.

  • Refund Claim Valid Despite Late Document Submission; Filed Within One Year of Incorrect Payment, Not Time-Barred.

    Case-Laws - AT : Refund - the refund claim stands filed within one year of the amount paid wrongly, supporting documents were filed beyond the period of one year does not make the refund claim hit by limitation - refund cannot be rejected on this ground.

  • VAT

  • Supreme Court dismisses petition on aloe vera juice VAT classification as "processed vegetable" under Sales Tax laws.

    Case-Laws - SC : Classification of goods - aloe vera juice - the entry "processed vegetable" is of wide amplitude and would within its ambit include aloe vera juice which can only be sold upon being processed - SC dismissed the SLP


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1477
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1476
  • Income Tax

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1475
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1474
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1473
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1472
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1471
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1470
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1469
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1468
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1467
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1466
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1465
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1464
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1463
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1462
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1461
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1460
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1459
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1458
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1457
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1456
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1455
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1454
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1453
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1452
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1451
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1450
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1449
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1448
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1447
  • Customs

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1446
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1445
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1444
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1443
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1442
  • Service Tax

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1441
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1440
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1439
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1438
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1437
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1436
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1435
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1434
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1433
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1432
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1431
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1430
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1429
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1428
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1427
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1426
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1419
  • Central Excise

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1424
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1423
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1422
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1421
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1420
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1418
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1417
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1416
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1415
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1414
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1413
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1412
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1411
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1410
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1409
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1408
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1407
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2018 (6) TMI 1406
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1405
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1404
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1403
  • 2018 (6) TMI 1402
 

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