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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 June Day 8 - Friday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 8, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Service Tax Central Excise Indian Laws



Articles

1. Highlights of Amendments in Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006

   By: Surender Gupta

Summary: The amendments to the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006, introduced by notification no. 24/2012, involve several key changes. Rule 2A now offers options to pay service tax on the value of services after deducting the value of goods, at a composite rate, or on specified percentages for different types of contracts. Rule 2B references were deleted due to the negative list introduction. Rule 2C prescribes composition rates for restaurant and outdoor catering activities. Amendments to Rules 3, 5, and 6 address value ascertainment and inclusion/exclusion of certain costs. Rule 7 was deleted, and concerns were raised about the omission of abatement for land-inclusive contracts.

2. ASSESSEE MAKING PAYMENT WITHIN PERMISSIBLE TIME UPON RECEIVING NOTICE UNDER SECTION 156 PENALTY CANNOT BE IMPOSED.

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: In the case involving the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax and a private company, the assessee was subjected to a search operation, leading to a disclosed income of Rs. 50 lakhs. Although the assessee paid the tax and interest after receiving a notice under Section 156, the Assessing Officer imposed a penalty under Section 271AAA, claiming non-compliance with payment conditions. However, the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) and subsequently the Tribunal found that the penalty was unwarranted, as the law does not specify a time limit for such payments, and the assessee fulfilled the payment requirement before the penalty proceedings concluded.

3. SERVICE TAX TERMINOLOGY PART – IX

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: Support services, as defined in Clause 49 of Section 65B, encompass infrastructural, operational, administrative, logistic, marketing, and other support functions typically performed by entities but outsourced for various reasons. These include services like advertisement, promotion, construction, renting of immovable property, security, and testing. The definition excludes services provided by the government under sovereign rights, such as granting mining or licensing rights. Before the Finance Act 2012, support services related to business or commerce included customer evaluation, telemarketing, order processing, logistics management, and customer relationship management. The updated definition is broader, covering a wide range of support activities.

4. An Analysis of Notifications issued by Central Government

Summary: The Central Government issued six Service Tax Notifications in June 2012, detailing the implementation and cessation of specific provisions under the Finance Act, 2012. Notification No. 18 activated certain clauses from June 1, 2012. Notification No. 19 scheduled the activation of additional clauses from July 1, 2012, covering definitions, charges, and service tax valuation. Notifications No. 20 to 23 announced that sections 65, 65A, 66, and 66A of the Finance Act, 1994, would cease to apply from July 1, 2012, except for actions completed or omitted before this date.

5. New Service Tax Regime on Negative List applicable from 1st July 2012

   By: Bimal jain

Summary: The Central Government announced the implementation of a new Service Tax Regime based on a Negative List effective from July 1, 2012. This regime imposes a 12% service tax on all services except those listed in the Negative List or exempted under the Mega Exemption Notification. New sections, including Section 65B for definitions and Section 66B for service tax charges, have been introduced. The Place of Provision of Services Rules, 2012, will determine taxing jurisdiction, replacing previous rules. Changes in reverse charge mechanisms and valuation for works contract services are also effective from July 1, 2012. Certain old provisions will cease to operate.

6. Definition of 'service' under the new service tax law - 'simply' highly complicated

   By: S Sivakumar Director

Summary: The new service tax law, effective from July 1, 2012, introduces a complex definition of "service" under Section 65(44B) of the Finance Act, 1994. The definition includes any activity for consideration, excluding mere transfers of title, employee services to employers, and court fees. The law could classify non-business transactions, such as familial exchanges or non-monetary transactions, as taxable services, leading to potential confusion and litigation. The law's broad scope, including non-monetary considerations, significantly complicates compliance, requiring service providers to track and value such transactions, potentially increasing the burden on taxpayers and resulting in more disputes.


News

1. Union Finance Minister Writes to the Chief Ministers of 16 States/Union Territories to Expand the Number of Districts in their Respective State/UT for Initiation of Pilots Related to Certain Government Schemes based on the Aadhaar Platform.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister has urged the Chief Ministers of 16 States and Union Territories to increase the number of districts involved in pilot programs for government schemes using the Aadhaar platform. These pilots aim to facilitate direct payments under various schemes, such as the Public Distribution System, LPG distribution, and government pensions, in 50 selected districts. The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of these pilots in enhancing service delivery and reducing costs, encouraging prompt implementation. The outcomes of these pilots will influence the nationwide rollout of the schemes.

2. Change in Tariff Value of Gold Notified.

Summary: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under India's Ministry of Finance has announced a change in the tariff value for gold. As per Notification No. 48/2012-CUSTOMS (N. T.) dated June 07, 2012, the tariff value for gold is set at $531 per 10 grams. The tariff values for other commodities such as crude palm oil, RBD palm oil, crude palmolein, and silver remain unchanged. This notification is part of the ongoing adjustments in customs tariffs to align with current market conditions.

3. Things to Know about Stamp Papers :

Summary: Stamp papers remain valid indefinitely and do not expire after six months of purchase, as clarified by a Supreme Court judgment in the case of Thiruvengada Pillai vs. Navaneethammal and Anr. The Indian Stamp Act, 1899, does not specify an expiration date for stamp papers. Section 54 of the Act allows for a refund of the stamp paper's value if surrendered within six months of purchase, but this timeframe pertains only to refunds, not the use of the stamp paper itself. Thus, there is no requirement to use a stamp paper within six months of its purchase.

4. Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks to improve their Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio.

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the release of 50% of the Central Government's share for recapitalizing remaining Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to enhance their Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). Due to incomplete contributions from State Governments, the recapitalization scheme is extended for two more years. RRBs, established in 1975, aim to provide institutional credit for rural and agricultural sectors, with capital shared by the Central Government, State Government, and sponsor banks. Recapitalization began in 2009-10 for 40 financially weak RRBs, with 16 completed by March 2012. The Central Government's contribution depends on the State Government and sponsor bank's participation.

5. International Crude oil Price of Indian Basket Same on 05.06.2012 toUS$ 98.49/BBL

Summary: The international crude oil price for the Indian Basket remained at US$ 98.49 per barrel on June 5, 2012, unchanged from June 4, 2012. However, in rupee terms, the price increased slightly to Rs 5472.10 per barrel from Rs 5468.16 due to the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar. The exchange rate was Rs 55.56 per US$ on June 5, 2012, compared to Rs 55.52 on June 4, 2012.

6. Direct Tax Collections During Financial Year 2011-12 Up by 13.02 Percent at Rs. 5,90,077 Crore as Against Rs 5,22,104 Crore During Financial Year 2010-11

Summary: Direct tax collections in India for the financial year 2011-12 increased by 13.02% to Rs. 5,90,077 crore from Rs. 5,22,104 crore in 2010-11. Corporate tax collections rose by 11.52% to Rs. 3,96,208 crore, while personal income tax collections increased by 16.20% to Rs. 1,93,042 crore. Net direct tax collections reached Rs. 4,94,799 crore, marking a 10.71% growth. Wealth tax collections grew by 14.56% to Rs. 787 crore. However, Securities Transaction Tax collections declined by 20.95%, totaling Rs. 5,656 crore compared to Rs. 7,155 crore in the previous year.

7. Union Finance Minister Asks the Chairpersons of Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATS) and Presiding Officers of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTS ) to Suggest Ways and Means to Expedite the Unlocking of Resources of Various Banks

Summary: The Union Finance Minister urged the Chairpersons of Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) and Presiding Officers of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) to propose methods to expedite the recovery of resources tied up in non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks. Highlighting the importance of effective recovery for lending, the Minister emphasized reducing the backlog of approximately 67,000 cases involving significant financial sums. He suggested rationalizing territorial jurisdictions, potentially establishing additional tribunals, and implementing legislative amendments to improve tribunal efficiency. The Minister also stressed the need for judicial accountability and proactive measures by banks to address these challenges.

8. Centre to provide all possible support to North Eastern States to tackle their Infrastructure and Financial Problems: says FM.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister announced that the central government is committed to supporting the North Eastern States in addressing their infrastructure and financial challenges. The Minister emphasized collaboration between the Centre and State Governments to tackle economic issues, highlighting the special category status granted to these states to aid development. He acknowledged the positive impact of the second green revolution on rice production and praised the fiscal management of most states. The Centre also plans to assist with income tax exemptions, market loans, and infrastructure projects, encouraging regular meetings for ongoing feedback and improvements.

9. Union Finance Minister to Inaugurate the Conference of the Chairpersons of Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATS) and Presiding Officers of Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTS) Tomorrow.

Summary: The Union Finance Minister will inaugurate a conference for Chairpersons of Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) and Presiding Officers of Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs). The conference aims to address legal, organizational, and administrative challenges to expedite the recovery of debts owed to banks, as significant delays have occurred. Established under the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993, there are currently 33 DRTs and 5 DRATs. The Department of Financial Services is engaging with tribunal registrars and bank officers to resolve issues causing delays in debt recovery proceedings.


Notifications

Companies Law

1. F. No. 17/51/2012-CL-V - dated 31-5-2012 - Co. Law

Companies (Central Government's) General Rules and Forms (Amendment) Rules, 2012 - Substitution of Form No. 23AB

Summary: The Central Government has amended the Companies (Central Government's) General Rules and Forms, 1956, through the Companies (Central Government's) General Rules and Forms (Amendment) Rules, 2012. This amendment involves the substitution of Form No. 23AB in Annexure 'A' with a new form. The amendment is enacted under the authority of section 642(1) of the Companies Act, 1956, and will take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Customs

2. 31/2012 - dated 4-6-2012 - ADD

Seeks to levy provisional anti-dumping duty on import of Digital Offset Printing Plates, originating in or exported from Peoples' Republic of China.

Summary: The Government of India, through its Ministry of Finance, has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on Digital Offset Printing Plates imported from China and Japan. This decision follows a preliminary investigation that found these imports were priced below normal values, causing material injury to the domestic industry. The duty will be calculated as the difference between a specified amount and the landed value of the goods, effective for up to six months from the notification's publication. The notification outlines specific tariff items, descriptions, and duties applicable, with conversions from kilograms to square meters for the specified products.

DGFT

3. G.S.R. 381(E) - dated 24-5-2012 - FTP

Safeguard Measures (Quantitative Restrictions) Rules, 2012.

Summary: The Safeguard Measures (Quantitative Restrictions) Rules, 2012, issued by the Government of India under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, establish procedures for imposing quantitative restrictions on imports to protect domestic industries from serious injury due to increased imports. An Authorised Officer is designated to investigate and recommend appropriate safeguard measures, including the nature and duration of restrictions. The rules outline the investigation process, criteria for determining injury, and confidentiality provisions. Safeguard measures are imposed non-discriminatorily, with provisions for periodic review and potential liberalization if imposed for over a year. The rules also specify the application process for domestic producers seeking safeguards.

Service Tax

4. 24/2012 - dated 6-6-2012 - ST

Service Tax (Determination of Value) Second Amendment Rules, 2012.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance, issued Notification No. 24/2012 on June 6, 2012, amending the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006. Effective from July 1, 2012, the amendment revises Rule 2A, detailing the determination of the value of the service portion in works contracts. It specifies deductions for the value of goods transferred and outlines the inclusion of various costs and profits in the service value. Additionally, the amendment introduces Rule 2C, addressing the valuation of service portions in food supply activities at restaurants and outdoor catering, setting specified percentages for service tax calculation. Other modifications include changes to rules concerning telecommunication services, demurrage charges, and subsidies.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

DGFT

1. 02 (RE-2012) / 2009-14 - dated 5-6-2012

Introduction of electronic Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) system.

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has introduced an electronic Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) system to streamline the process of obtaining and submitting BRCs for exporters claiming benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14. Previously, exporters submitted physical BRCs, but the new system requires banks to issue and transmit BRCs electronically to the DGFT server. Both systems will operate concurrently for one month to ensure a smooth transition, after which electronic submission will be mandatory. This change aims to reduce transaction costs and processing time for exporters.

2. 03 (RE2012)/2009-14 - dated 5-6-2012

Amendments in the Reward/Incentive Schemes of Chapter 3 of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 - Appendix 37A, Appendix 37C and Appendix 37D of Handbook of Procedure (Vol. I).

Summary: The circular announces amendments to the reward and incentive schemes under Chapter 3 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14, specifically in Appendices 37A, 37C, and 37D of the Handbook of Procedures. Certain products, such as sesamum seeds and guar gum, are removed from the list of eligible items under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY), while others like roasted cashew kernels and protein concentrates are added. New products are included in the Focus Product Scheme, with specified export benefits. Several markets are added to the Focus Market Scheme, and new towns are recognized as Towns of Export Excellence for textiles and handicrafts.

Customs

3. F. No. 26000/1/2012-OSD(ICD) - dated 27-3-2012

CS (OS) No. 2982/2011 in the matter of L.G. Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (petitioner) vs. Bharat Bhogilal Patel, Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai / Delhi before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi – Regarding.

Summary: The circular addresses a legal dispute involving L.G. Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Bhogilal Patel regarding patent infringement claims on imported goods. The Delhi High Court ruled that customs authorities cannot restrict imports based on alleged patent violations unless established by a judicial pronouncement. The Central Government, under the Customs Act, 1962, has the authority to prohibit imports infringing patents, as outlined in Notification 51/2010. The circular emphasizes that customs can enforce patent infringement prohibitions and advises field formations to consult with relevant authorities for determining intellectual property rights infringements. The circular also directs the defense of the case against the High Court's order.

Companies Law

4. 12/2012 - dated 4-6-2012

Cost Accounting Records and Cost Audit – General Clarifications.

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued a circular clarifying the applicability of cost accounting records and audit requirements. It references previous circulars and specifies that companies meeting certain financial thresholds must have their cost accounting records audited by a certified cost accountant. The circular outlines the transition from older industry-specific rules to those notified in 2011, affecting industries like telecommunications, petroleum, electricity, sugar, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Companies must comply with these rules from specified financial years, and those with multiple products not covered under specific rules must file compliance reports with the government. The Institute of Cost Accountants is requested to disseminate this information.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Jt. CIT Needs Authorization u/s 120(4)(b) to Issue Notice u/s 148 of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Power of Jt. CIT to issue notice u/s. 148 - Only a Jt. CIT where authorized u/s. 120(4)(b) by the Chief Commissioner or Commissioner, would qualify to be a AO in respect of the person specified in the said authorization - AT

  • Court Approves Deduction of Service, Labor, and Transport Charges as Business Expenses u/s 80IA.

    Case-Laws - HC : Computation of deduction under Section 80IA – the service charges, labour charges and transportation charges incurred were for erection testing and commissioning of the units sold - deduction allowed. - HC

  • Beneficiary cannot challenge Settlement Commission order; High Court rules third parties lack standing in tax cases.

    Case-Laws - HC : Immunity - Settlement commission - Third person - The petitioner cannot challenge and question the order of the Settlement Commission being the beneficiary of the order. - HC

  • Is Employer-Paid Tax a "Perquisite" u/s 17(2) for Rent-Free Accommodation? High Court Examines Rule 3 Impact.

    Case-Laws - HC : Income u/s 2(24) - Whether the tax paid by the employer is a “perquisite” within the meaning of Section 17(2) and, therefore, in terms of Rule 3 of the Income Tax Rules, 1962 cannot be taken into consideration for computing value of the perquisite “rent free accommodation” - HC

  • Court Rules Against Disallowance of Interest Reimbursement u/s 40(a)(ia) for Payments via Parent Company.

    Case-Laws - AT : TDS u/s 194A on Interest - Disallowance of re-imbursement of interest u/s.40(a)(ia) - payment of interest through the parent company - no justification to invoke the provisions of sec.40(a)(ia) of the Act in making the disallowance. - AT

  • Tribunal Reviews Land Classification: Was 1986 Withdrawn Capital Rightly Treated as Agricultural Land and Individual Property?

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether Tribunal was right in holding that the entire land introduced by the partners as their capital and later on withdrawn in the year 1986 was an agricultural land, treating it as individual property of the respective partners - HC

  • Capital Gains Tax Correctly Applied on Land Transfer in Joint Development Agreement by Assessing Officer.

    Case-Laws - AT : Capital gains - Transfer of property - joint development agreement - capital gains on the assessee’s land correctly brought to tax by the AO - AT

  • Commission Payments to Relatives Permitted u/s 40A(2) if Not Intended for Tax Evasion or Unreasonably High.

    Case-Laws - AT : Payments of commission to relatives and sister concerns - excessive or unreasonable - so long as there is no intention to evade tax and so long as the commission is not shocking, the said commission has to be accepted, particularly in the light of the wordings of sec. 40A(2) of the Income-tax Act - AT

  • Customs

  • Proposed Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Digital Offset Printing Plates to Protect Domestic Industries from Unfair Pricing.

    Notifications : Seeks to levy provisional anti-dumping duty on import of Digital Offset Printing Plates, originating in or exported from Peoples' Republic of China. - Notification

  • DGFT

  • DGFT's 2012 Rules on Quantitative Restrictions: Balancing Domestic Industry Protection with Global Trade Obligations.

    Notifications : Safeguard Measures (Quantitative Restrictions) Rules, 2012. - Notification

  • Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 Update: Changes to Reward/Incentive Schemes in Appendix 37A, 37C, and 37D Announced by DGFT.

    Circulars : Amendments in the Reward/Incentive Schemes of Chapter 3 of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 - Appendix 37A, Appendix 37C and Appendix 37D of Handbook of Procedure (Vol. I). - Public Notice

  • India Introduces e-BRC System to Simplify Export Documentation, Boost Efficiency, and Reduce Paperwork in Trade Processes.

    Circulars : Introduction of electronic Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) system. - Public Notice

  • Indian Laws

  • Revised Service Tax Rules 2006: Clearer Guidelines on Costs and Expenses for Accurate Taxable Value Calculation.

    Articles : Highlights of Amendments in Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006 - Article

  • Timely Tax Payment u/s 156 Shields Assessee from Penalties, Promoting Prompt Settlement of Tax Liabilities.

    Articles : ASSESSEE MAKING PAYMENT WITHIN PERMISSIBLE TIME UPON RECEIVING NOTICE UNDER SECTION 156 PENALTY CANNOT BE IMPOSED. - Article

  • Auditor Cleared of Professional Misconduct Charges in Share Transaction Arbitration Role.

    Case-Laws - HC : CA - Professional misconduct - respondent, while holding position of auditor of a company, agreed to act as an arbitrator/mediator in transaction of shares - respondent was not at all guilty of any professional misconduct as charged - HC

  • Service Tax

  • Refund Claim Rejected on Invalid Grounds: Service Tax Refund Entitlement Exists Even Without Prior Registration.

    Case-Laws - AT : Entitlement for refund of service tax prior to registration with the service tax department - authorities committed a serious error in rejecting the claim for refund on the ground which is not existence in law. - AT

  • Iron Wire Leased Line Not Considered Telephone Service for Tax Purposes Before July 16, 2001.

    Case-Laws - AT : The leased line provided through iron wire which is capable of only data communication cannot be brought under the ambit of the entry for telephone service prior to 16.07.01. - AT

  • 2012 Amendments Clarify Service Tax Valuation Rules for Better Compliance and Efficient Administration.

    Notifications : Service Tax (Determination of Value) Second Amendment Rules, 2012. - Notification

  • Court Rules Input Service Expenses Not Reimbursable; All Costs Part of Service Cost Under Tax Law.

    Case-Laws - AT : Service tax - reimbursement of expenses - what are costs for inputs services and inputs used in rendering services cannot be treated as reimbursable costs as there is no justification or legal authority to artificially split the cost towards providing services partly as cost of services and the rest as reimbursable expenses - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Settlement Commission Imposes Consolidated Penalty; Separate Penalty Deemed Unsustainable Due to Admission of Duty Liability.

    Case-Laws - AT : Since the Settlement Commission has imposed a consolidated penalty in respect of the past clearances as well as the impugned consignment after taking note of the fact that the appellants have admitted their duty liability, a separate penalty cannot be sustained.- AT


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 139
  • 2012 (6) TMI 138
  • 2012 (6) TMI 137
  • 2012 (6) TMI 136
  • 2012 (6) TMI 135
  • 2012 (6) TMI 134
  • 2012 (6) TMI 133
  • 2012 (6) TMI 132
  • 2012 (6) TMI 131
  • 2012 (6) TMI 130
  • 2012 (6) TMI 115
  • 2012 (6) TMI 114
  • 2012 (6) TMI 113
  • 2012 (6) TMI 112
  • 2012 (6) TMI 111
  • 2012 (6) TMI 110
  • 2012 (6) TMI 109
  • 2012 (6) TMI 108
  • 2012 (6) TMI 107
  • 2012 (6) TMI 106
  • 2012 (6) TMI 105
  • Customs

  • 2012 (6) TMI 129
  • 2012 (6) TMI 104
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (6) TMI 128
  • 2012 (6) TMI 127
  • 2012 (6) TMI 116
  • 2012 (6) TMI 103
  • 2012 (6) TMI 102
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (6) TMI 143
  • 2012 (6) TMI 142
  • 2012 (6) TMI 141
  • 2012 (6) TMI 122
  • 2012 (6) TMI 121
  • 2012 (6) TMI 120
  • 2012 (6) TMI 119
  • 2012 (6) TMI 118
  • 2012 (6) TMI 117
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (6) TMI 126
  • 2012 (6) TMI 125
  • 2012 (6) TMI 124
  • 2012 (6) TMI 123
  • 2012 (6) TMI 101
  • 2012 (6) TMI 100
  • 2012 (6) TMI 99
  • 2012 (6) TMI 98
  • 2012 (6) TMI 97
  • Indian Laws

  • 2012 (6) TMI 140
 

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