Total Pageviews

Saturday, 12 December 2015

Division Bench of Supreme Court splits on the issue of simultaneous deduction u/s 80IB rws 80IA(9) and 80HHC. Where assessee is carrying export business as well as domestic business and is eligible for deduction both u/s 80HHC as well as 80IB, the issue is whether amount of eligible deduction computed u/s 80IB rws 80IA(9) shall be deducted in computing profits of business u/s 80HHC. An example will make position clear. Supposing an assessee has gross total income of Rs. 1,000/- and is entitled to deduction under Sections 80IA and 80HHC and the deduction under Section 80IA is Rs. 300/-, then the department says that gross total income of which deduction under Section 80HHC is to be computed would be Rs. 700/-, and not Rs. 1,000/-. On the other hand, the case of the assessee is that the gross total income would not undergo a change or reduction for the purpose of Section 80HHC [Extracted from Para 15 and 16 of Judgment. The issue has arisen due to language of section 80IA(9). Which reads as “ Where any amount of profits and gains of an (undertaking) or of an enterprise in the case of an Assessee is claimed and allowed under this Section for any assessment year, deduction to the extent of such profits and gains shall not be allowed under any other provisions of this Chapter under the heading "C.-Deductions in respect of certain incomes", and shall in no case exceed the profits and gains of such eligible business of (undertaking) or enterprise, as the case may beSection 80-IA(9) consists of three parts. The second part of section 80-IA(9) provided that the deduction to the extent of profits allowed under section 80-IA(1) shall not be allowed under any other provisions. It obviously means that the deductions that are allowable under other provisions under heading C of Chapter VI-A would be allowed to the extent of profits as reduced by the profits allowed under section 80-IA(1). The second part of section 80-IA(9) does not even remotely refer to the method of computing deduction under other provisions under heading C of Chapter VI-A. Thus, section 80-IA(9) seeks to curtail allowance of deduction and not computability of deduction under any other provisions under heading C of Chatper VI-A of the Act. Matter now referred to larger bench Micro Labs Ltd. [2015] 64 taxmann.com 199 (SC) DECEMBER 10, 2015


Supreme Court on duplication of CD in Oracle Software India Ltd. 320 ITR 546(SC): Commercial duplication cannot be compared to home duplication. Complex technical nuances are required to be kept in mind while deciding issues of the present nature. 8. From the details of Oracle Applications, we find that the software on the master media is an application software. It is not an operating software. It is not a system software. It can be categorized into product line applications, application solutions and industry applications. A commercial duplication process involves four steps. For the said process of commercial duplication, one requires master media , fully operational computer, CD blaster machine (a commercial device used for replication from master media ), blank/unrecorded CD also known as recordable media and printing software/labels. The master media is subjected to a validation and checking process by software engineers by installing and rechecking the integrity of the master media with the help of the software installed in the fully operational computer. After such validation and checking of the master media , the same is inserted in a machine which is called as the CD blaster and a virtual image of the software in the master media is thereafter created in its internal storage device. This virtual image is utilized to replicate the software on the recordable media. 9. What is virtual image ? It is an image that is stored in computer memory but it is too large to be shown on the screen. Therefore, scrolling and panning are used to bring the unseen portions of the image into view. [See Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition, p. 553] According to the same dictionary, burning is a process involved in writing of a data electronically into a programmable read only memory (PROM) chip by using a special programming device known as a PROM programmer, PROM blower, or PROM blaster [See pp. 64, 77 of Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition]


Where One of the arguments advanced on behalf of the Department was that since the software on the master media and the software on the pre-recorded media is the same, there is no manufacture because the end-product is not different from the original product SC in Oracle Software India Ltd. 320 ITR 546(SC) quoted Tata Consultancy Services vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (2004) 192 CTR (SC) 257 : (2004) 137 STC 620 (SC) It was held that a software programme may consist of commands which enable the computer to perform a designated task. The copyright in the programme may remain with the originator of the programme. But, the moment copies are made and marketed, they become goods. It was held that even an intellectual property, once put on to a media, whether it will be in the form of computer discs or cassettes and marketed, it becomes goods. It was further held that there is no difference between a sale of a software programme on a CD/floppy from a sale of music on a cassette/CD. In all such cases the intellectual property is incorporated on a media for purposes of transfer and, therefore, the software and the media cannot be split up. It was further held, in that judgment, that even though the intellectual process is embodied in a media, the logic or the intelligence of the programme remains an intangible property. It was further held that when one buys a software programme, one buys not the original but a copy. It was further held that it is the duplicate copy which is read into the buyer’s computer and copied on memory device [See pp. 630 and 631 of the said judgment]. If one reads the judgment in Tata Consultancy Services (supra), it becomes clear that the intelligence/logic (contents) of a programme do not change. They remain the same, be it in the original or in the copy. The Department needs to take into account the ground realities of the business and sometimes over-simplified tests create confusion, particularly, in modern times when technology grows each day. To say, that contents of the original and the copy are the same and, therefore, there is (sic—no) manufacture would not be a correct proposition. What one needs to examine in each case is the process undertaken by the assessee.[Para 11 of Judgement]


In the case of Gramophone Co. of India Ltd. vs. Collector of Customs 1999 (114) ELT 770 (SC) the question which arose for determination was whether recording of audio cassettes on duplicating music system amounts to manufacture. The answer was in the affirmative. It was held that a blank audio cassette is distinct and different from a pre-recorded audio cassette and the two have different use and name. In Tata Consultancy Services vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (2004) 192 CTR (SC) 257 : (2004) 137 STC 620 (SC) it was held that there is no difference between a sale of software programme on a CD/floppy and a sale of music on a CD/cassette. Held by Supreme Court in Oracle Software India Ltd. 320 ITR 546(SC) Applying that test to the facts of the present case, we hold that a blank CD is different and distinct from a pre-recorded CD. Hence it amounts to manufacture.


Supreme Court on technological advancements in Oracle Software India Ltd. 320 ITR 546(SC) “………Technological advancement in computer science makes knowledge as of today obsolete tomorrow. We need to move with the times.[Para 7]………………………….. “…………..The Department needs to take into account the ground realities of the business and sometimes over-simplified tests create confusion, particularly, in modern times when technology grows each day[Para 11]…………………..”


Depreciation would be allowed as long as the asset is kept ready . CIT v. Refrigeration & Allied Industries Ltd 247 ITR 12 (Del), Capital Bus Service Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT (Del)123 ITR 404 and Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax v. Ashima Syntex Ltd. 251 ITR 133 (Guj).


Delhi High Court in Radio Today Broadcasting Ltd. [2015] 64 taxmann.com 164 (Delhi)on broadcasting radio programmes on FM channel held that for claiming additional depreciatin u/s 32(1)(iia) assessee must be engaged in the business of manufacture or production of any article or thing .'Manufacture' in the context of 'broadcast' it could encompass the processes of producing, recording, editing and making copies of the radio programme followed by its broadcasting. The activity of broadcasting, in the above context, would necessarily envisage all the above incidental activities which are nevertheless integral to the business of broadcasting.[para 32] The production of radio programmes, as explained by the Assessee, involved the processes of recording, editing and making copies prior to broadcasting. When the radio programmes is made there comes into existence a 'thing' which is intangible, and which can be transmitted and even sold by making copies. Therefore, it can definitely be stated that the radio programmes produced by the Assessee is 'thing', if not an 'article.'[para 27] For the purpose of additional depreciation u/s 32(1)(iia).Hence broadcast of radio programmes by FM channel qualifies for additional depreciation u/s 32(1)(iia). Comments: However High Court also held that if Assessee might be only 'broadcasting' the programmes produced by others , it would be arguable whether in the first place it could be said that the Assessee is "engaged in the business of manufacture or production of any article or thing"[Para 25] However , Under number of sections of Income tax law , manufacture has been defined to include recording of programmes on any disc, tape, perforated media or other information storage device. Further in Oracle Developers SC has held that mere commercial duplication of storage device with computer doftware is also manufacture. In case of Gramophone Co., SC has held that recording of sound cassettes is manufacture. Hence broadcasting without production might also tantamount to manufacture


Delhi High Court in para 30 Radio Today Broadcasting Ltd. [2015] 64 taxmann.com 164 (Delhi)on definition of manufacture u/s 2(29BA) held that “………..Although this definition was introduced with effect from 1st April 2009 it must be understood as being clarificatory in nature given the common parlance understanding of the term 'manufacture'………………..”


Advance given by educational institution u/s 10(23C)(iiiad) to another institution existing for educational purposes does not take away the exemption of educational institution Vairams Kindergarten Society [2015] 63 taxmann.com 165 (Chennai - Trib.) FEBRUARY 6, 2015 Madras High Court in the case of V.G.P. Foundation rendered in the context of funds given to a sister concern, which was a private limited company of which the trustees of the assessee were also directors. However, in the instant case, the assessee, being an educational institution, has advanced money to another charitable society registered under section 10(23C)(vi) of the Act and further the recipient society is also an educational institution. Also decision rendered in the case of St. Francis Convent School (P&H) is also not applicable, since the funds were diverted by the assessee therein to the Diocese of Jalandhar.


Delhi High Court in the case of DIT (Exemption) v. ACME Educational Society [2010] 326 ITR 146, held that the amount advanced by one educational society to another educational society cannot be considered as violation of provisions of section 13(1)(d) read with section 11(5) of the Act, since the interest-free loan given by the assessee-society was neither an investment nor a deposit.


The contention of revenue that objects “To foster and develop an active and positive feeling of love and brotherhood for everyone and cultivate a strong sense of patriotism., To ensure an all round development of their personalities through educational social and cultural activities, To foster such education to the poor irrespective of caste, creed and culture” do not fall under with in definition of 'solely for educational purpose held not correct by Uttrakhand High Court in Maharani Luxmi Bai Memorial Educational Society[2015] 64 taxmann.com 44


Where a society is running an educational institution, it can make application under section 10(23C)(vi) on behalf of educational institution and application need not be filed by educational institution itself . Maharani Luxmi Bai Memorial Educational Society[2015] 64 taxmann.com 44 (Uttarakhand) JULY 29, 2015


As per news published in economic times, the service tax department has issued directives to its officers to levy service tax on amount of security deposit of employees forfeited by employers received in lieu of providing service by letting employees to leave ahead of time u/s 66E(e) Declared Service "obligation to refrain from an act, or to tolerate an act or a situation, or to do an act".


Friday, 11 December 2015

Section 40(a)(i) [Disallowance for non deduction of TDS ]is not applicable to depreciation. SAB Miller India LtdJULY 3, 2015 [2015] 63 taxmann.com 341 (Mumbai - Trib.) following SKOL Breweries (Mum Trib). Punjab and Haryana High Court in Mark Auto Industries 57/2012 dtd 08-10-12 has pronounced that 40(a)(i) is not applicable to capital expenditure.


Admission fee paid to clubs is revenue in nature .[ Delhi High Court in Samtel Color Ltd [2009] [IT Appeal No.1152 of 2008, dated 20-1-2009] followed by Mum Trib in SAB Miller 63 taxmann.com 341


ITAT Mumbai in Sunshield Chemicals held that inclusive method of valuation u/s 145A introduced by Finance Bill 1998 wef AY 1999-2000 is not relevant under present regime of indirect taxes and under likely roll out of GST. ITAT also held that only basic customs duty and central sales tax on which credit is not allowed can be said to paid or incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. All other indirect taxes including Vat are more of in nature of current assets to be set off against excise duty/vat payable can be again added to inventories because Supreme Court in Eicher Tractors has held that credit of duty once awarded can not be effaced. Further ITAT following SC in Indo Nippon 261 ITR 275 has said that trading results both for inclusive and exclusive methods shall be same. Comments : Punjab and Haryana High Court in Avery Cycle Indus Ltd. [07-01-2015] has upheld the same view.


The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Eicher Motors v. UOI, 1999(106) E.L.T. 3 (S.C.) has observed that”……… when on the strength of the Rules available, certain acts have been done by the parties concerned, incidents following thereto must take place in accordance with the Scheme under which the duty had been paid on the manufactured products and if such a situation is sought to be altered, necessarily it follows that the right, which had accrued to a party such as the availability of a scheme, is affected and, in particular, it loses sight of the fact that the provision for facility of credit is as good as tax paid till tax is adjusted on future goods on the basis of the several commitments which would have been made by the assesses concerned. Therefore, the Scheme sought to be introduced cannot be made applicable to the goods which had already come into existence in respect of which the earlier Scheme was applied under which the assessees had availed of the credit facility for payment of taxes. It is on the basis of the earlier Scheme necessarily that the taxes have to be adjusted and payment made complete. Any manner or mode of application of the said Rule would result in affecting the rights of the assesses……………” Hence credit of taxes on stock, inputs sold/consumed and not lying in the stock can not be denied under Rule 21(4) which says that where goods as input or output lying in stock of a taxable person become tax free from a particular date, then from that date no ITC shall be admissible on sale of goods lying in stock or on using the goods as inputs for making such tax free goods.


Pending Appeals before ITAT where tax effect does not exceed Rs. 10 lacs (enhanced from 4 lacs) to be withdrawn/ not pressed w.e.f. 10-12-2015 retrospectively. Similar limit for HC is Rs. 25 lacs (enhanced from 10 lacs) to apply retrospectively. However for Supreme Court the monetary limit of Rs. 25 lacs (no change since 09-02-11) to apply prospectively for appeals filed before SC on or after 10-12-2015. [Circular 21/2015 dated 10-12-2015] Comments: Earlier SC in Suman Dhamija on 01-07-2015 had pronounced that earlier Instructions No. 3/2011 dtd 09-02-2011 on the subject applies prospectively . The SC decisions was equally applicable to subsequent instruction no 5/2014 dated 10-07-2014. Due to SC decisions CBDT earlier issued letter on 27-08-2015 to file review petitions/misc application where appeals were rejected before various courts due to retrospective application of instructions. Earlier Allahabad High Court in Shyam Bidi Works on 06-05-15, consolidating all the earlier high court judgments on the subject had held that instructions have to be read in light of National Litigation Policy 2009 which is a beneficial piece of legislation and hence instructions are applicable retrospectively.


Friday, 27 November 2015

Suzuki India agreed to pay a sum of Rs. 1,32,00,000 to the appellant, in consideration of the appellant , who was managing director of joint venture company of Suzuki India for not providing "the benefit of his knowledge of regulatory matters, negotiating skills and strategic planning expertise to any other person in India in the two wheeler segment for a period of two years from the date of the Agreement". Held by ITAT Delhi in Satya Sheel Khosla NOVEMBER 10, 2015 [2015] 63 taxmann.com 293 (Delhi - Trib.) 1. Clause (va) of section 28 of the Act taxes a sum received for a restrictive covenant in relation to a business, but not a profession. Book of Kanga and Palkhivala relied upon. 2. Further Amount received by managing director of the company for managing all affairs of the company; evolving business strategies; and advising the company is not profit in lieu of salary because managing director is not employee as per purview of his duties. Supreme Court in Ram Prashad [1972] 86 ITR 122 relied upon.


Suzuki India agreed to pay a sum of Rs. 1,32,00,000 to the appellant, in consideration of the appellant , who was managing director of joint venture company of Suzuki India for not providing "the benefit of his knowledge of regulatory matters, negotiating skills and strategic planning expertise to any other person in India in the two wheeler segment for a period of two years from the date of the Agreement". Held by ITAT Delhi in Satya Sheel Khosla NOVEMBER 10, 2015 [2015] 63 taxmann.com 293 (Delhi - Trib.) on issue 1. Whether amount is chargeable to tax under section 17(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 as "profits in lieu of salary". Held relyng upon Ram Prashad [1972] 86 ITR 122 Supreme Court page 126 that: "A servant acts under the direct control and supervision of his master. An agent, on the other hand, in the exercise of his work, is not subject to the direct control or supervision of the principal, though he is bound to exercise his authority in accordance with all lawful orders and instructions which may be given to him from time to time by his principal." Since following duties were assigned to managing director: "a. Managing all affairs of the company. b. Evolving business strategies and development. c. Advising management on various issues in relation to business of the company. d. Overlook the management of the company." The wide amplitude of the role assigned to the appellant clearly show that he was not subject to the direct control or supervision of Suzuki India, but was managing all affairs of the company; evolving business strategies; and advising the company. His role was clearly that of a joint venture partner in Suzuki India and not that of an employee of the company. In view of the foregoing and the submissions made by Shri Aggarwal, summarized in paragraphs 4 to 7 above, we are of Opinion that the appellant was not an employee of Suzuki India and, as such, the sum of Rs. 1,32,00,000 received by him from the company cannot be taxed as "profits in lieu of salary" under section 17(3) of the Act. 2. Further Clause (va) of section 28 of the Act taxes a sum received for a restrictive covenant in relation to a business, but not a profession. Compensation attributable to a negative/restrictive covenant is a capital receipt and as the same does not fall within the ambit of section 28(va), it is not taxable ITAT also mentioned (in Para 17 of Judgement) that observations in paragraph 28 on page 692 of Kanga and Palkhivala's "Law and Practice of Income-tax" that clause (va) of section 28 of the Income-tax Act "taxes a sum received for a restrictive covenant in relation to a business, but not a profession"; and, therefore, does not fall within the ambit of section 28(va).


CBEC clears the enigma over service tax on seed testing

CBEC clears the enigma over service tax on seed testing :
1.       Prior to introduction of negative list of service technical testing and analysis and technical inspection and certification of seeds, rendered by notified Central/ State Seed Testing Laboratories /Agency were exempt from Service Tax  vide notification No.10/2010-Service Tax
2.       The above notification was rescinded by subsequent notification 34/2012 dated 20-06-2012 after introduction of negative list of services
3.       In negative list of services, u/s 66D w.e.f. 01-07-2012, (d) services relating to agriculture or agricultural produce by way of— (i) agricultural operations directly related to production of any agricultural produce including cultivation, harvesting, threshing, plant protection or seed testing; was kept outside the tax net
4.       However by Finance Act 2013 word “seed” preceeding “seed testing “ was omitted w.e.f. 10-05-2013
5.       W.e.f. 10-05-2013, negative list of services read as under (d) services relating to agriculture or agricultural produce by way of— (i) agricultural operations directly related to production of any agricultural produce including cultivation, harvesting, threshing, plant protection or testing
6.       However agriculture produce under section 65B((5) is defined as under: “ agricultural produce ” means any produce of agriculture on which either no further processing is done or such processing is done as is usually done by a cultivator or producer which does not alter its essential characteristics but makes it marketable for primary market
7.       Admittedly and apparently seeds are outside the purview of agriculture produce.
8.       This resulted in issue of service tax notices to this sector in abundance.
9.       However, CBEC vide Circular no. 354/279/2015-TRU dated 26-11-2015 has clarified that purpose of amendmend was to widen its scope and not restrict it a manner to exclude seed testing and other incidental services.
10.   The departmental has further clarified that without certification and other services seed testing is futile exercise hence such other services like seed certification, technical inspection, technical testing, analysis, tagging of seeds, rendered during testing of seeds, are covered within the meaning of ‘ testing ’

11.   Therefore, such services are not liable to Service Tax.

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Section 153A does not speak specifically about the extension of time to be granted for filling of return u/s 153A. However, with reference to clause 14 of The General Clause Act, 1897 which states that where any power is conferred that unless a different intention appear, that power may be exercised from time to time.


The assessee can make complains to Human Rights authority if harassment is caused to the family during raids or survey. Very recently the human right commission has observed that continuing search without any break at odd hours and forcing the assessee and or his family members to remain awake was a torturers act. The Patna High Court in CCIT v. State of Bihar, Through Chief Secretary (Rajendra Singh) (2012) 205 Taxman 232 / 71 DTR 268 / 250 CTR 304 upheld the decision of the human rights commission that interrogation till late night amounts to “torture” & violation of basic “human rights”


Searches should be carried out only in cases where there is credible evidence to indicate substantial unaccounted income/assets in relation to the tax normally paid by the assessee or where the expected concealment is more than Rs. 1 crore.

Section 132 of the Income-tax Act 1961 - Search & Seizure - matters relating thereto

F.No. 286/77/2003-IT(Inv.II)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Direct Taxes
To
All Director Generals of Income-tax (Inv.)
Subject: Search & Seizure - matters relating thereto
Sir,
With a view to focus on high revenue yielding cases and to make the optimum use of manpower, the Board has decided that officers deployed in the Investigation Wing should restructure their activities. They should henceforth strictly adhere to the following guidelines :
(i) Searches should be carried out only in cases where there is credible evidence to indicate substantial unaccounted income/assets in relation to the tax normally paid by the assessee or where the expected concealment is more than Rs. 1 crore.
(ii) Search operation will also be mounted when there is evidence of hidden
unaccounted assets arising out of a conspiracy to cause public harm, terrorism, smuggling, narcotics, fraud, gangsterism, fake currency, fake stamp papers and such other manifestations;
(iii) Tax payers who are professionals of excellence should not be searched without there being compelling evidence and confirmation of substantial tax evasion.
2. Henceforth, search operations shall be authorized only by the concerned DGIT(Inv.) who will be accountable for the action initiated by the officers working under him. He should also ensure that all the work relating to search & seizure, like post-search enquires, preparation of appraisal report and handing over of seized books of accounts. Etc. should be completed by the Investigation Wing within a period of 60 days from the date on which the last of the authorisations for search was executed.
3. DGsIT(Inv.) are requested to ensure that officers of competence and proven integrity are taken in the Investigation Wing. The officers posted in the Investigation Wing will be trained at NADT in a special course for which arrangements will be separately made.
4. DGsIT(Inv.) are required to ensure strict compliance of the above guidelines/ instructions.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
Sharat Chandra
Director (Inv. II & III)



The person searched is not entitled to copy of reasons recorded by the department as it is privileged document And can not be shared with person searched. Only High Court and Supreme Court have that powers Dr. Pratap Singh 155 ITR 166 (SC)


Without referring to any incriminating material found during the course of search, no addition could be made in an assessment under section 153A of the Act in relation to an assessment year for which the assessment did not abate. Smt. Zeenat P. Sanghvi in ITA No. 8026/Mum/2010 dated 19/12/2014, All Cargo Global Logistics Ltd. v. Dy. CIT [2012] 137 ITD 287/23 taxmann.com 103/(Mum) (SB), Gurinder Singh Bawa v. Dy. CIT [2012] 28 taxmann.com 328/[2014] 150 ITD 40 (Mum. - Trib.), CIT (Central) v. Murli Agro Products Ltd. [2014] 49 taxmann.com 172 (Bom.), Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of CIT v. Continental Warehousing Corpn. (Nhava - Sheva) [2015] 58 taxmann.com 78 followed in Parag M. Sanghvi [2015] 63 taxmann.com 118 (Mumbai - Trib.) SEPTEMBER 30, 2015


Additional evidence, to further support assessee’s stand taken before the assessing officer that the valuation of its property is adversely affected as a result of restrictive use of its property for industrial purpose only for reflecting capital gain at lesser than stamp duty value for the purpose of S. 50C in Janakiram [2015] 63 taxmann.com 139 (Hyderabad - Trib.) JULY 8, 2015


SC decision on 05-11-2015 on 36(1)(iii) in the case of Hero Cycles (P) Ltd. The apex court observed that interest free advance to sister concern under margin money stipulation by bank for granting of loan to sister concern qualifies the test of commercial expediency. Further loan to director from bank account out of credit balance available on the day of advance can not be said to be advance from borrowed capital. Hence no disallowance u/s 36(1)(iii). Further SC reprimanded P&H High Court for disallowance by mentioning Abhishek Industries only without mentioning facts of the case. SC followed its own judgement in SA Builders 288ITR1 for test of commercial expediency and includes expenditure incurred otherwise than by legal obligation. SC also quoted Malyalam Plantation 53 ITR 140 which held that “for the purpose of business” is wider than “for the purpose of earning profits” SC further quoted Delhi High Court in Dalmia Cement 254 ITR 377 which held that for the purpose of business need not necessarily mean the business of assesee itself. SC also held that the Revenue cannot justifiably claim to put itself in the arm-chair of the businessman or in the position of the Board of Directors and assume the role to decide how much is reasonable expenditure having regard to the circumstances of the case. It further held that no businessman can be compelled to maximize his profit and that the income tax authorities must put themselves in the shoes of the assessee and see how a prudent businessman would act. The authorities must not look at the matter from their own view point but that of a prudent businessman.


Tuesday, 24 November 2015

An appeal is a continuation of assessment proceedings. Assessment proceedings complete when appeal against order of assessment is decided by Tribunal CIT vs. Mayur Foundation (2005) 274 ITR 562(Guj.)


Delhi High Court on conversion of stock in trade to capital asset has held that “The conversion of stock-in-trade into investments would not immediately yield any business income/loss as an Assessee cannot be held to trade with itself [Kikabhai Premchand v. CIT: [1953] 24 ITR 506 (SC)]. In the year in which the asset is sold, difference between the value at which the asset was held as stock-in-trade and the market value on the date of its conversion as investment would have to be treated as business income/loss and the difference between the market value of the asset as on the date of conversion and the value at which it is sold would be in the nature of capital gains.[Para 29] Further the period during which asset held as stock in trade not to be included for computing period of holding u/s 2(42A) Abhinandan Investment Ltd. [2015] 63 taxmann.com 263 (Delhi) NOVEMBER 19, 2015


Recovery—Garnishee proceedings—In order to institute garnishee proceedings there should be a subsisting relationship between the garnishee and the assessee of which the ITO gets information and which could reasonably lead to recovery of arrears—Where the garnishee, in response to garnishee order dt. 18th June, 1959, replied that there was no subsisting contract with the assessee, later on entered into contract with the assessee in March, 1960, and made payment of Rs. 20,000 to the assessee and again on second garnishee notice dt. 27th March, 1961, nothing was due from garnishee to the assessee, the ITO was not justified in demanding the payment of Rs. 20,000 on the ground that the same was made in contravention of earlier order dt. 18th June, 1959-BUDHA PICTURES(Supreme Court)(1967) 65 ITR 0620


Guidelines for seizure of jewellery and ornaments in course of search

Instances of seizure of jewellery of small quantity in course of operations under section 132 have come to the notice of the Board. The question of a common approach to situations where search parties come across items ofjewellery, has been examined by the Board and following guidelines are issued for strict compliance.
   (i)  In the case of a wealth-tax assessee, gold jewellery and ornaments found in excess of the gross weight declared in the wealth-tax return only need be seized.
  (ii)  In the case of a person not assessed to wealth-tax gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 gms. permarried lady, 250 gms. per unmarried lady and 100 gms per male member of the family need not be seized.
(iii)  The authorised officer may, having regard to the status of the family, and the custom and practices of the community to which the family belongs and other circumstances of the case, decide to exclude a larger quantity of jewellery and ornaments from seizure. This should be reported to the Director of Income-tax/Commissioner authorising the search at the time of furnishing the search report.
(iv)  In all cases, a detailed inventory of the jewellery and ornaments found must be prepared to be used for assessment purposes.
These guidelines may please be brought to the notice of the officers in your region.
Instruction : No. 1916, dated 11-5-1994.

JUDICIAL ANALYSIS
EXPLAINED IN - The above instructions are explained in Harakchand N. Jain v. Asstt. CIT [1998] 61 TTJ (Mum.) 223, with the following observations :
        “(ii)  A perusal of the above circular shows that in case of person not assessed to wealth-tax gold jewellery and ornaments to the extent of 500 gms.per married lady, 250 gmsper unmarried lady and 100 gmsper male member of the family need not be seized. It further provides that having regard to the status of the family and custom and practice of the community to which the family belongs, the officer may exclude a large quantity of jewellery and ornaments and seizure. In the present case, there are four male members in the family, the assessee and his three sons. Similarly, there are two married ladies and one unmarried lady. The learned counsel for the assessee submitted that the jewellery of the assessee and his wife was low and was received by various occasions, like marriage delivery, birth, etc. and the jewellery belonged to the children was also received in similar occasions. On the other hand, the learned Departmental Representative argued that the assessee has not provided any evidence to explain the source of the investment in the jewellery.
         (iii)  On careful consideration of the rival submission we find that the assessee has not placed on record any evidence to prove that the jewellery has been received as gift by him by producing the GT return or any other evidence. However, we are conscious of the fact that in Indian society everyone receives gifts at the time of marriage and other occasions. Therefore, keeping in view the number of family members we are of the view that further rebate of 500 gmsout of the entire jewellery may be treated as explained. The balance 426 gmsof jewellery may be treated as addition under section 69A of the Income-tax Act.”

Monday, 23 November 2015

Where credit note is not issued post sale by the seller in respect of discounts allowed by him and entire tax collected on sale has been paid , the buyer need not reverse input tax credit for discounts allowed but for which no credit note reversing the tax is issued by the seller. The department’s contention that ITC is allowed only on proportionate purchases net of discount held not tenable. Held by Delhi High Court in Challenger Computers Ltd. On 21-08-2015 [52 PHT 171] [63 taxmann.com 120]


As per Notification No. 02/2015 dated 04-11-2015, by CESTAT Reigonal Bench Chandigarh shall hear the appeals arising on Service tax, Excise and Customs issues from Union territory of Chandigarh, states of Punjab and Haryana, J&K and Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 01-12-2015


Held by SC in Woodward Governor India (P.) Ltd.312 ITR 254 that an enterprise has to report outstanding liability relating to import of raw material using closing rate of foreign exchange and any difference, loss or gain, arising on conversion of said liability at closing rate should be recognized in profit and loss account for reporting period . Bombay High Court in Vassantram Mehta & Co. (P.) Ltd. [2015] 63 taxmann.com 102 (Bombay) 17-04-2015 has followed the same


Held by Kerala High Court in Thomas George Muthoot on 03-07-2015 that disallowance shall be attracted even on payments not payable on 31st March. High Court has approved Calcutta High Court in Crescent Exports and Gujrat High Court in Sikandarkhan N Tunvar. Allahabad High Court in Vector Shipping Services disapproved by Kerala High Court.


Held by Kerala High Court in Thomas George Muthoot on 03-07-2015, that 40(a)(ia) 2nd Proviso inserted w.e.f AY 2013-14 shall not operate retrospectively. 40(a) (ia) 2nd Proviso says that if assessee furnished a certificate from CA that deductee has paid tax on payment escaping TDS, no disallowance shall be made. Held by High Court that provisions are not curative in nature. Hence Allied Motors (SC) 224 ITR 677 and Alom Extrusion (SC) 317 ITR 306 is not applicable. However subsequent Delhi High Court Judgement in Ansal Land Mark Township dated 26-08-2015 has held the amendmend to be curative and hence held applicable prospectively. It may further be noted that SC in Vegetable Products 88 ITR 192 has held that view favourable to assess should be adopted in case of ambiguity.


Friday, 13 November 2015

Where provision for debts was made in earlier years and then added back to computation of income , any claim of expenditure in the subsequent year is allowable as bad debt u/s 36(1)(vii) because the law does not require that debit towards write off be made in the year of deduction [Rallis India 190 taxman 1 (Bom)]


Reassessment with in four years from the end of relevant assessment year can also not be made for mere change of opinion in the absence of tangible material on the basis of which assessment could have been made [Rallis India 190 taxman 1 (Bom)]Para 12


Gujrat CM Relief Fund gave notice of accumulation u/s 11(2) in F.10 where in general objects of the trust were mentioned . Lower authorities disallowed the claimed of the assessee saying that notice has to be specific following SC in S.RM.M.CT.M. Tiruppani Trust(1998) 230 ITR 636 at p.640 (SC) However Ahemdabad Tribunal in GUJARAT CHIEF MINISTER RELIEF FUND (2015) 45 CCH 0205 04-11-2015, following Delhi High Court in Guru Nanak Vidya Bhandar Trust (2005) 272 ITR 379 (Del) held that where similar notice has been accepted by the department in preceeding and succeeding year, it can not challenge the notice for the year under consideration on the ground of being not specific. ITAT in Para 13 also mentioned that enquiry of AO was not aimed whether time limit for notice issued for earlier years was adhered.


Retrospective Amendment of law not operative on date of order u/s 263 or issue of notice u/s 148

ž  If retrospective amendment of law was not enforceable on the day, CIT exercised its powers u/s 263, order u/s 263 is bad in law[Supreme Court in Max India [295 ITR 282]]. In this case amendment in section 80HHC was brought retrospectively on the definition of profit in FA 2005 while order u/s 263 was passed 5-03-1997

ž  Similarly notice u/s 148 can also not be issued , held by Bombay HC in Rallis India [Para 18] 190 taxman 1. In this case notice u/s 148 was issued on 16-07-2008 and Finance Act 2009 amended the law on S.115JB requiring increase in book profits by provision on diminution in  value of assets w.e.f. 1-4-2001.[Consequent to SC Order in HCL Comet  292 ITR 299 that  provision for bad debts can not be equated with  amount set aside for meeting liabilities] 

Monday, 9 November 2015

Whether grievance mechanism for High Pitched assessments is sheathed to decide the fate of stay of demand applications and bolster recovery mechanism ? Instruction No. 17/2015 dated 09-11-2015

  1. The CBDT has acknowledged that problem of high pitched and unreasonable assessments is persisting .
  2. Committees from amongst Pr CIT, CIT(Judicial), CIT (DR), ITAT . AddllCIT(CCIT Hq) shall be member secy. Sr Most member shall be Chairman
  3. A grievance made shall be immediately acknowledged
  4. Separate record of grievances to be made
  5. The Committee shall check grievance along
  6. whether prima facie case of
a.       high pitched assessment
b.      non observance of natural justice
c.       Non application of mind
d.      Gross negligence
e.      Lack of Involvement
  1. Whether addition is not backed by sound logic or reason , the provisions of law have grossly been misinterpreted, or obvious and well established facts have been ignored
  2. If assessment is found to be unreasonable or high pitched, administrative action shall be taken and case shall be presented to appellate authorities .
  3. Committee, however not to be treated as alternative /additional appellate channel
  4. Committees to be formed till end of Nov 2015
1       11.   Disposal of grievance petition with in two months from the end of month in which grievance is made.


The appellants had collected certain amounts from their customers under the heading 'common area maintenance deposit', which was required to be utilized for maintenance of common area of the society, such as stairs, terrace, parking, water charges, municipal taxes, etc. Till the society is formed of the flat owners, the appellant would maintain a separate account of such collection and outgoings and transfer whatever balance amounts (with interest) available to the society. The amount was collected from the flat owners under the provisions of Maharashtra Ownership Flats (Regulation of the Promotion of Construction, sale, management and transfer) Act, 1963. Cestat Mumbai in Goel Nitron Constructions[2015] 62 taxmann.com 333 JULY  7, 2015 following Kumar Beheray Rathi  Appeal Nos. ST/137, 138, 139 & 140/2008 - Mum, dated 18-11-2013 held that no service tax is leviable on such one time maintenance charges till housing society is formed

Sunday, 8 November 2015

Trust not registered with in six months time limit u/s 12AA(2)

  1. U/s 12AA(2), CIT has been required to grant registration with in a period of six months.
  2. It has been held by Full Bench decision of Allahabad High Court in Muzaffarnagar Development Authority on 05-02-2015 reversing its own order in Society for the Promotion of Education, Adventure Sport & Conservation of Environment that Non disposal of an application for registration, by granting or refusing registration, before the expiry of six months as provided under Section 12AA (2) of the Income Tax Act 1961 would not result in a deemed grant of registration
  3. Similar Judgements delivered by Madras High Court  in Karimangalam Onriya Pengal Semipu Amaipu Ltd. T.C.(A) No. 1183 of 2010 20.03.2013; Anjuman-E-Khyrkhah-E-Aam [2011] 11 taxmann.com 354; Salem v. Sheela Christian Charitable Trust, T.C.(A) No.315 of 2010 dated 27.2.2013;Orrisa High Court in Srikhetra, A.C. Bhakti-Vedanta Swami Charitable Trust v. Asstt. CIT 2006 (II) OLR
  4. When public duty is to be performed by the public authorities, the time-limit which is granted by the Statue is normally not mandatory but is directory in the absence of any clear statutory intent to the contrary. See Montreal Street Railway Company v. Normandin AIR 1917 PC 142
  5. Also held by ITAT Delhi in the case of Process cum product development centre ITA 5013/ITA /2010 on 17-01-2011that mere because order though passed in six moths is received a few days after 6 months shall not result in deemed registration with in six months

          6.   Now, CBDT vide Instruction No. 16/2015 dated 06-11-2015 has instructed the CIT(Exemption)        to follow the time limit of six months strictly failing which suitable administrative action shall             be taken

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Sales tax payment is not substitute for service tax liability

ž  It also cannot be disputed that even if sales tax is wrongly remitted and paid that would not absolve them from the responsibility of payment of service tax, if otherwise there is a liability to pay the same.
ž  If the article is not susceptible to tax under the Sales Tax Act, the amount of tax paid by the assessee could be refunded as the case may be or, the assessee has to follow the law as may be applicable. But we cannot accept a position in law that even if tax is wrongly remitted that would absolve the parties from paying the service tax if the same is otherwise found payable and a liability accrues on the assessee.
ž  [Para 18 of Supreme Court Judgment in  Idea Mobile Communication Ltd [2011] 12 taxmann.com 307 (SC) AUGUST  4, 2011]


Where assessee, an advertising agency, made payments of hoarding charges to different parties, it was required to deduct tax at source under section 194C and not under section 194-I.Ogilvy & Mather (P.) Ltd. [2015] 62 taxmann.com 279 (Mumbai - Trib.) AUGUST  28, 2015 . Supreme Court in Japan Airlines followed where in resting the long drawn disputes ,paymnents for landing charges of aircrafts were held not covered by S. 194I i.e. TDS on rent


Service Tax/ Vat on SIM Cards

In this article an attempt has been made to consolidate the development of tax law on taxability of SIM card transactions
1.     Amount received for subscription of SIM card is exigible to service tax only
The charges paid by the subscribers for procuring a SIM Card are generally processing charges for activating the cellular phone and consequently the same would necessarily be included in the value of the SIM Card. [Para 18]
The position in law is therefore clear that the amount received by the cellular telephone company from its subscribers towards SIM Card will form part of the taxable value for levy of service tax, for the SIM Cards are never sold as goods independent from services provided. They are considered part and parcel of the services provided and the dominant position of the transaction is to provide services and not to sell the materiai.e., SIM Cards which on its own but without the service would hardly have any value at all. Thus, it is established from the records and facts of this case that the value of SIM cards forms part of the activation charges as no activation is possible without a valid functioning of SIM card and the value of the taxable service is calculated on the gross total amount received by the operator from the subscribers. [Para 19]
Supreme Court Judgment in  Idea Mobile Communication Ltd [2011] 12 taxmann.com 307 (SC) AUGUST  4, 2011
2.     Taxable Value of service in case of SIM card
a)     Supreme Court on taxable Value of service in case of SIM card: In BPL Mobile Cellular Ltd 01-02-2008, it was held by Supreme Court in  [2012] 26 taxmann.com 216 (SC) that in case of subscription of SIM cards telecom service providers are liable to pay tax service tax on amount received from distributors and not on MRP
b)    Service tax imposed on MRP
With effect from 1-3-2007, an Explanation was inserted below rule 5(1) of the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006, providing that, the value of telecommunication service shall be the gross amount paid by the person to whom telecom service is provided by the telegraph authority.
Thus, the gross amount paid by the subscriber viz. the MRP of the SIM Cards shall be the basis of the valuation and the telecom service providers shall be liable to service tax thereon
3.        Liability of Selling agents/Distributers of SIM Cards
The selling agent/distributor does not provide any service to the customer. In some cases the distributor gets his consideration from customer at the time of sale of sim cards through the margin in price. In some cases the distributor gets their consideration from the telecom operator by way of commission on the transaction normally called as sale. In the case before us the second type of situation exists.[Para 13]
Though the correct procedure for discharge of the service tax liability by the two parties is that the distributors raise bills for commissions that is due to them along with service tax and BSNL takes Cenvat credit of tax paid by distributors for discharging liability on the telecommunication service provided by BSNL, such procedure does not result in extra realization of Revenue. [Para 26 of G.R.Movers (Del. Cestat)]
It was held by the Cestat  that Considering the special nature of the impugned activities and the fact that it can be easily verified that full taxable value of the service provided by BSNL to customers is subjected to tax, we are of the view that there is no case to undo decisions already taken by the Tribunal in this regard in
(i)

Chetan Traders v. CCE [2008] 17 STT 318 (New Delhi-CESTAT)
(ii)

Hindustan Associated Traders v. CCE [Final order Nos. 673 & 674 of 2007, dated 7-6-2007]
(iii)

South East Corpn. v. CCE& ST [2009] 22 STT 446 (Bang.-CESTAT)
(iv)

Karakattu Communications v. CCE [2009] 21 STT 384 (Bang.-CESTAT)


Madras High Court in Bharat Cell [2015] 62 taxmann.com 295 (Madras) JULY  3, 2015 has followed the Judgment of Delhi Cestat in G.R. Movers (supra)
 The services of selling agent or a distributor of SIM cards or recharge coupon vouchers have been exempted from service tax vide entry No. 29 in Notification 25/2012-S.T., dated 20.06.2012.w.e.f. 01-07-2012

Conclusion: The Concept of revenue neutrality discussed in G.R. Movers (supra) can not be followed as a precedent in other cases and the judgements delivered are in the light of special nature of transaction, valuation method under service tax law and future exemption to selling agents/ distributors.