MCA-Amendment to Schedule II & Clarification AS 10

 

Amendment to Schedule II of the Companies Act 2013

MCA has further amended Schedule II of the Companies Act 2013 with regards to useful life, residual value and component accounting. 

With regards useful life and residual value the revised requirements are;

 

"The useful life of an asset shall not ordinarily be different from the useful life specified in Part C and the residual value of an asset shall not be more than five per cent. of the original cost of the asset:

 

Provided that where a company adopts a useful life different from what is specified in Part C or uses a residual value different from the limit specified above, the financial statements shall disclose such difference and provide justification in this behalf duly supported by technical advice" 

With regards component accounting the revised requirements are;

 

"(a) Useful life specified in part c of the schedule is for whole of the asset and where cost of a part of the asset is significant to total cost of the asset and useful life of that part is different from the useful life of the remaining asset, useful life of that significant part shall be determined separately.

 

(b) The requirement under sub-paragraph (a) shall be voluntary in respect of the financial year commencing on or after the 1st April, 2014 and mandatory for financial statements in respect of financial years commencing on or after the 1st April, 2015." 

The provisions relating to transitional provisions have also been amended. The revised language in paragraph 7 sub-paragraph (b) reads as below.

 
"after retaining the residual value, may be recognised in the opening balance of retained earnings where the remaining useful life of an asset is nil." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCA - Clarification regarding Accounting Standards (AS) 10 - Capitalization of Cost

MCA after receiving number of representations seeking clarifications on capitalization of costs in cases of Competitive Bid power projects has vide General Circular No. 35/2014 dated 27th August 2014 issued a Clarification regarding Accounting Standards (AS) 10 - Capitalization of Cost. The text of the same is reproduced as below :-

1.    Accounting Standards AS-10 and AS-16 prescribe the principles of capitalization of various costs based on the underlying concept that only such expenditure should be capitalized as form a part of the cost of fixed assets which increase the worth of the assets. Cost incurred during the extended delay in commencement of commercial production after the plant is otherwise ready does not increase the worth of fixed assets. Such costs cannot, therefore, be capitalized.

2.    Accounting Standard AS 16, inter alia provides guidance with regard to part capitalization where some units of a project are complete. In case one of the units of the project is ready for commercial production and is capable of being used while construction continues for the other units, costs should be capitalized in relation to that part once the part is ready for commercial production.

It is further clarified that AS 10 and AS 16 are applicable irrespective of whether the power projects are 'Cost Plus projects' or 'Competitive Bid projects'.

Notification on increase in PF Limit

EPF LIMIT INCREASED TO Rs.15,000 from Rs.6,500 wef 1^st Sept,2014

Henceforth, salaried people earning up to Rs. 15,000 a month will have to compulsorily maintain an employee provident fund account, with the Government notifying the new norm. Earlier the salary limit was Rs. 6,500 a month.

The minimum pension has also been hiked to Rs. 1,000/month, a longstanding demand of workers' representatives in the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). All the revised schemes will be implemented from September 1.

The decisions had been taken by the EPFO trustees towards the end of the UPA's tenure, but had not been notified. After taking over in June, the Narendra Modi Government had assured trade unions that it would notify them within two weeks.

The Gazette notification, dated August 22, also raised the maximum assured sum under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme to Rs. 3 lakh.

Accordingly, in a circular issued on August 28, the EPFO has requested all regional PF commissioners to implement the schemes in "letter and spirit".

In his maiden Budget speech in July, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that it was mandatory for salaried persons earning up to Rs. 15,000 a month to maintain PF accounts.

More subscribers

The move to hike the wage ceiling, as per EPFO estimates, will draw in about five million new PF subscribers. The hike in pension is expected to benefit 2.8 million pensioners, including 500,000 widows, some of whom have been getting a measly amount of Rs. 150-200 a month.

Orphaned children of the deceased subscriber will now get a maximum assured sum of Rs. 750 a month for 2014-15.

Railway Certificate-CENVAT Credit

CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY INDIAN RAILWAYS IS AN ELIGIBLE DOCUMENT FOR CENVAT CREDIT

 

 

Service tax on transportation of goods was effectively levied w.e.f. 1st Oct'12(though levied from 1st July'12, but was deferred till 30th Sep'12).

 

However, abatement of 70% was allowed vide N/N 26/2012-ST, hence effective rate of tax imposed was 3.708%.

 

Ministry of Railways issued a circular- TCR/1078/2011/2 ,dated 27th Jun'12 to deal with the issues arising out of the aforesaid levy & in para 4(xi) of the same, it was stated that on written request from customers, a consolidated certificate for each customer shall be issued by the authorised officer of Indian Railways(CCM/Dy. CAO) on monthly basis giving following details date-wise & rake-wise:

 

·         o Service Tax;

·         o Education Cess;

·         o Higher Education Cess; and

·         o Total Service Tax

 

 It further stated that the said certificate can be used by the customers for taking CENVAT. However, no corresponding amendment was made by Ministry of Finance in rule 9 of CENVAT Credit rules, 2004, which deals with the list of eligible documents for availment of CENVAT.·

 

 Now, vide N/N 26/2014-C.E.(N.T.), rule 9 of CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 has been amended· & clause (fa) has been inserted therein to include following certificate as an eligible document for the purpose of availing CENVAT:

 

"a Service Tax Certificate for Transportation of goods by Rail (herein after referred to as STTG Certificate) issued by the Indian Railways, along with the photocopies of the railway receipts mentioned in the STTG certificate".

 

Henceforth, the eligibility stated vide circular issued by Ministry of Railways has finally been brought at par with CENVAT credit rules.

Notification No. 26/2014 – Central Excise (N.T.), dated 27-Aug-2014

[TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, EXTRAORDINARY, PART II, SECTION 3,SUB-SECTION (i)]

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE)

 

Notification No. 26/2014 – Central Excise (N.T.)  New Delhi, the 27th August, 2014

 

G.S.R. (E). – In exercise of the powers conferred by section 37 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944) and section 94 of the Finance Act, 1994 (32 of 1994), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, namely : –

 

1. (1) These rules may be called the CENVAT Credit (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2014.

 

(2) They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

 

2. In the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, in rule 9, in sub-rule (1), after clause (f), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:-

 

"(fa) a Service Tax Certificate for Transportation of goods by Rail (herein after referred to as STTG Certificate) issued by the Indian Railways, along with the photocopies of the railway receipts mentioned in the STTG certificate; or" 

 

[F. No. 267/87/2013-CX.8]

(Pankaj Jain)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

 

Note.- The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II,  Section 3, Sub-section (i), dated the 10th September, 2004, vide Notification No. 23/2004 –Central Excise (N.T.) dated the 10th September, 2004, vide number G.S.R. 600(E), dated the 10th September, 2004 and last amended vide Notification No. 25/2014 - Central Excise (N.T.) dated the 25th August, 2014 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i), vide number G.S.R. 615 (E), dated the 25th August, 2014.

ICAI met CBDT chairman

ICAI had a detailed discussion today with CBDT chairman, representing for extention of ITR. The primary views he expressed was that ITR dates will not be extended. He will make changes in utility whereby date of audit report will not remain a mandatory field. Incase after audit, some changes are required, ITR is to be revised.

ICAI has requested him with detailed reasoning, to reconsider and extend dates

IT Date extension clarification required

CBDT has vide its order dated 20.08.2014 extended the due date for e-filing of Tax Audit Report to 30.11.2014 for A.Y. 2014-15. The order has nowhere mentioned about the due date for e-filing of Income tax Return (ITR). It seems due date for filing of ITR are been kept same. If the Assessee who are covered under tax audit provisions but not under transfer pricing audit provisions do not file the ITR on or before 30th September 2014, he may have the following implications:-
He may have to pay Interest U/s. 234A of the Income Tax Act,1961 on taxes outstanding.
Losses if any may not be allowed to be carried forward under the provisions of section 80 Read with section 139(3) of the Income tax Act,1961.
To claim deduction of Statutory expenses falling under section 43B, Assessee have to pay these Statutory on or before the filing of ITR or Due Date of return filing (Due Date of ROI is 30.09.2014) whichever is earlier.
Some of the deduction i.e. Under Section 10A, which requires Assessee to file his return on or before the due date specified under sub section (1) of section 139 may not be allowed to Assessee.
If Assessee not able to file his Return on or before 30.09.2014 he may not be able to revise his Return of Income.
In True Terms for Tax Professional as evident from Order there is no extension of date for Tax Audit Report as most of the professionals prepares ITR only after completion of Tax Audit Report.
CBDT Order has created lots of confusion amongst the taxpayer and tax professionals by not specifying regarding ITR and CBDT needs to immediately clarify its stand on ITR filing.

Supreme Court on Coal Blocks

Supreme Court deems all coal blocks allocated since 1993 as illegal

SC cancels all coal block allocations since 1992

 

Allocation of coal blocks done under screening committee rule and government dispensation suffers from illegality, says SC.

 

In a ruling that may come as a blow to several companies, the Supreme Court on Monday deemed all coal block allocations made between 1993 and 2009 as illegal. The court said that it would appoint a high-level committee of retired judges to identify those who will be affected by its order.

The bench will address the issue of the legal consequences of its ruling on the next hearing on September 1, 2014, when it creates a committee to identify those whose allocations will be cancelled. It also also address the route through which these allocations may be henceforward made.

The Supreme Court said, "Allocation of coal blocks done under screening committee rule and government dispensation suffers from illegality." "All allocations were done in an illegal manner and suffer from vice of arbitrariness," the court ruled.

The apex court went on to add, "No objective criteria was followed and guidelines were breached in coal block allocations." "The coal block allocation done by screening committee was not fair and transparent," it added.

 

A bench, comprising CJI RM Lodha, Madan Lokur and Kurian Joseph, said that all allocations done in all 35 meetings of the committee were ad hoc, casual and hence unfair.

Some 194 allocations were made through the screening committee and another 36 through the government dispensation route.

Amit Anand Tiwari, a lawyer for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that is also investigating illegalities in coal mine allocations, said wrongful grant of blocks had cost the public exchequer $4.8 billion.

Agriculture exemption

IT : Assessee could be allowed exemption under section 10(37), even if agricultural land was not cultivated by assessee himself but through hired labourer or other family member

Updated Schema

Revised Form 3CA-3CD & Form 3CB-3CD along with updated Schema is now available for e-Filing.

Madhya Pradesh High Court on Sec 234E

S. 234E: High Court grants ad-interim stay against operation of notices levying fee for failure to file TDS statement
S. 234E of the Income-tax Act, 1961 inserted by the Finance Act, 2012 provides for levy of a fee of Rs. 200/- for each day's delay in filing the statement of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) or Tax Collected at Source (TCS). A Writ Petition to challenge the validity of s. 234E has been filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. HELD by the High Court by an ad-interim order:

Issue notice to the respondents on interim relief. Additionally issue notice to Attorney General of India as the validity of the Central enactment is put in issue.
By way of ad interim relief, we direct the respondents not to take coercive action against the petitioner with regard to the subject matter referred to in the impugned Annexures P/2 to P/5. We are inclined to grant this order ex parte keeping in mind the orders passed by other High Courts (High Court of Kerala, High Court of Karnataka, High Court of Rajasthan, Bombay High Court and High Court of Orissa).

 

Due date of filing 44AB Audit Report extended till 30/11/2014

TDS credit has to be given to the payee despite 26AS mismatch

Upon issue of Form 16A TDS certificate, TDS credit has to be given to the payee even if there is Form 26AS mismatch or deductor is at fault for non-deposit of TDS with Govt.

U/s 204, the liability to deduct TDS is on the employer / payer. U/s 205, when tax is deductible at source, the assessee shall not be called upon to pay tax himself to the extent to which tax has been deducted from that income. This means that the assessee / deductee is entitled to credit of such amount of TDS. Even if the deductor, after deducting the TDS, does not deposit the sum with the department, the department has to recover the said amount from the deductor and cannot deny credit to the deductee (Om Prakas Gattani 242 ITR 638 (Gau) &Yashpal Sahni 293 ITR 539 (Bom) followed)

Sumit Devendra Rajani vs. ACIT (Gujarat High Court)

Amendment to LRS

.

Date: Aug 11, 2014

Liberalised Remittance Scheme for resident individuals-clarification (Corrected)

RBI/2014-15/171 A. P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 19 August 11, 2014 To     All Category - I Authorised Dealer Banks Madam / Sir, Liberalised Remittance Scheme for resident individuals-clarification Attention of Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD Category-I) banks is invited to A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 5 dated July 17, 2014, in terms of which it was clarified that the Scheme can also be used for acquisition of immovable property outside India. 2. In the light of the above clarification, the requirement of post facto reporting stipulated in terms of A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.32 dated September 04, 2013, (Sr. no. 4 of Annexure to the Circular) stands withdrawn. 3. The directions contained in this Circular have been issued under Section 10 (4) and 11 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions/approvals, if any, required under any other law. Yours faithfully, (C. D. Srinivasan) Chief General Manage

Company Law Settlement Scheme (CLSS), 2014

Announcement of Company Law Settlement Scheme (CLSS), 2014 vide General Circular No. 34/2014 dated 12th August 2014 One Time Opportunity for Defaulting Companies and Its Directors

Revision in Statutory fee for filing application for Registration of Trademark

Revision in Statutory fee for filing application for Registration of Trademark

The "Ministry of Commerce, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion" vide notification dated 1st August, 2014 has revised the Statutory Fee payable to the Trademark Registrar on making an application for registration of a Trademark (Form TM-1) to Rs. 4,000/- from existing fee of Rs. 3,500/- for every Application in Single Class.

Similarly Statutory Fee for  "Application for the expedited examination under rule 38(1) for the registration of a trade mark " has been revised to 20,000/- from existing fee of Rs. 12,500/- for every Application in Single Class.

Representation made by ICAI with respect to new formats of Form No.3CA/3CB and 3CD

Representation made by ICAI with respect to new formats of Form No.3CA/3CB and 3CD. - (11-08-2014)
The new formats of tax audit reports namely Form No.3CA, 3CB and 3CD have been notified through Notification no. 33/2014 on 25/7/2014 with immediate effect. With regard to the same, certain genuine concerns were raised by the members, which, ICAI has, through a representation dated 07.08.2014, brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Revenue Secretary, and Chairman CBDT for appropriate action at their end. Also, certain preliminary observations on the new forms have been shared with them.

For the reasons mentioned in detail in the representation and summarized below, ICAI has suggested:

The new formats of tax audit reports be made effective from the Assessment Year 2015-16 and not Assessment Year 2014-15. Alternatively, the due date for furnishing tax audit reports for the Assessment Year 2014-15 may be extended to 30th November, 2014

It has also been suggested that appropriate clarification be issued with regard to the position of the tax audit reports e-filed during 01.04.2014 to 24.07.2014 relating to Assessment Year 2014-15.

Reasons given in brief:

a) The Internationally accepted Standard on Auditing-700 has not been considered.
b) The audit of 50% of the taxpayers like listed companies, PSUs, Banks, Insurance Companies have already been completed and the financial statements are published. Only, the audit reports are pending for uploading in the e-filing portal.
c) The notification has been issued just two months before the last date of furnishing tax audit report and the schema for the same is not yet made available. This will cause undue hardship to both the taxpayer and the auditors.

Direct Taxes Committee, ICAI

HC prohibits Non advocates from appearing before VAT Authorities

HC prohibits Non advocates from appearing before VAT Authorities

CA Sandeep Kanoi

Allahabad High Court in the case of Tax Lawyers Association Lko. Vs. State Of U.P. as a Interim Measure held that no person whosoever, may be permitted to advertise in the Newspaper or any leaflet, inviting assesses for the purpose of filing of return or arguing before the authority under the VAT Act. Any person, who is not a registered advocate, shall not be permitted to appear before the Authority under the VAT Act. Judgment is a blow for Professionals like Chartered Accountant, Company Secretaries, Cost Accountants etc. who are working in the filed of UP VAT.

Brief Details of the case is as follows :-

Petitioners are aggrieved by the provisions contained in Rule 73 read with Rule 79(2)(f) of the U.P. Value Added Tax Rules 2008 (for short VAT Rules) which permits outsiders to practice in the field of Law before the VAT Authorities under the VAT Act. Learned Senior Counsel invited our attention towards Section 33 of the Advocates Act 1961 which provides that only Advocates are entitled to practice before any Court or authority. Learned Senior Counsel further submits that impugned Rule is ultra vires to the Constitution in view of the provision contained in the Advocates Act 1961 since under the garb of the impugned Rule, outsiders have been permitted to appear before the authorities under the VAT Act to practice in the field of Law. Attention has been invited by learned Senior Counsel to certain leaflets which seem to be advertisement by certain persons who are not registered Advocates inviting assesses with regard to filing of return on payment of Rs.400/- and odd.

Submission is that under the garb of said Rule, persons who are not skilled lawyer or have no knowledge in the field of Law, are appearing before the authority under the VAT Act, are spoiling academic atmosphere of the profession.

Argument advanced by learned Senior Counsel, as well as pleadings on record, require consideration.

Accordingly, writ petition is admitted.

Learned Chief Standing Counsel has accepted notice on behalf of respondents. Let notice be issued to Advocate General of the State of U.P. and counter affidavit be filed within a period of three weeks. Rejoinder affidavit may be filed within one week thereafter. In case counter affidavit is not filed, the Court may proceed further and pass order in the matter keeping in view the arguments advanced by learned Senior Counsel.

List immediately after four weeks for peremptory hearing.

In the meantime, as an interim measure, we direct the respondents that no person whosoever, may be permitted to advertise in the Newspaper or any leaflet, inviting assesses for the purpose of filing of return or arguing before the authority under the VAT Act. Any person, who is not a registered advocate, shall not be permitted to appear before the Authority under the VAT Act.

Source – Tax Lawyers Association Lko. Throu General Secy. & Anr. Vs. State Of U.P.Thru. Prin. Secy. Tax & Registration U.P. Lko. & Ors (Allahabad High Court), MISC. BENCH No. – 7116 of 2014, Order Date :- 6.8.2014

NO SERVICE TAX AUDIT BY DEPARTMENT OR CAG

NO SERVICE TAX AUDIT BY DEPARTMENT OR CAG

 

In an Important judgment of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of Travelite (India) Vs. Union of India & Ors. [W.P. (C) 3774/2013, C.M. No. 7065/2013] on the Service Tax Audit issue it is held that :

 

Rule 5A(2) of the Service tax Rules is ultra vires the provisions of the Finance Act:

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court held that Rules only give effect to statute’s provisions and intent and cannot be used to create substantive rights, obligations or liabilities that are not within the contemplation of the statute. Further, the only audit within the Statute is as mentioned under Section 72A of the Finance Act, i.e. a Special Audit, when only certain circumstances are fulfilled. The Parliament thus had a clear intention to provide for only a special audit. Accordingly, Rule 5A(2) of the Service Tax Rules cannot provide for a general audit of the assessee and is ultra vires the rule making power conferred under Section 94(1) of the Finance Act.

Further, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court also held that the Service Tax Audit Manual is merely an instrument of instructions for the service tax authorities and do not have any statutory force. Therefore, Rule 5A(2) of the Service Tax Rules cannot be justified on the basis of the Service Tax Audit Manual.

 

The Instruction regarding Audit by Department is contrary to the Statue:

Further, it was held that the Instruction is also ultra vires the Finance Act since executive instructions without statutory force cannot override the law. Consequently, any notice, circular, guideline etc., contrary to statutory laws cannot be enforced since the parent statute in this regard, the Finance Act itself does not authorise a general audit of the type envisioned by the impugned Rule 5A(2) of the Service Tax Rules, and furthermore only stipulates that a Special Audit can be undertaken if the circumstances outlined in Section 72A of the Finance Act are fulfilled. The Hon’ble High Delhi Court finds that the Instruction is not only an attempt to widen the scope of the law impermissibly but also is patently contrary to the Statute. The Instruction, to the extent it provides clarifications on Rule 5A(2) of the Service Tax Rules, pertaining to Service Tax audit, is quashed.

 

It will also not be out of place to mention that recently, the Hon’ble Allahabad High Court in the case of ACL Education Centre Pvt. Ltd. & Ors. Vs. Union of India [2014-TIOL-120-HC-ALL-ST] has held that the Audit under service tax is to be conducted by Chartered Accountants/ Cost Accountants only and not by officers of the Department.

Further the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court in the case of SKP Securities Ltd. Vs. DD (RA-IDT) & Ors. [2013-TIOL-38-HC-KOL-ST] has held that no audit of private assessee can be undertaken by CAG.
CA. Vinay Mittal, Ghaziabad

CA Final results May 2014

Group	No. of Candidates appeared	No. of candidates passed	Pass %	Pass % in Nov 13
Both Group	42533	3100	7.29%	3.11%
Group- I	65792	8884	13.50%	5.67%
Group-II	65706	7004	10.66%	7.35%

RBI Monetary Policy-2014-15

Third Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2014-15

By Dr. Raghuram G Rajan, Governor Monetary and Liquidity Measures On the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, it has been decided to: keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 8.0 per cent; keep the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL); reduce the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of scheduled commercial banks by 50 basis points from 22.5 per cent to 22.0 per cent of their NDTL with effect from the fortnight beginning August 9, 2014; and continue to provide liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL  and liquidity under 7-day and 14-day term repos of up to 0.75 per cent of NDTL of the banking system. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 7.0 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 9.0 per cent.

CBDT Circular on SEZ

SEZ tax holiday setback continues

By Ameya Kunte

 

 

It is learnt that CBDT has recently issued a circular which is likely to have a huge negative impact on tax holiday enjoyed by SEZ units in IT sector. The circular states that transfer of people from an existing-unit to a new SEZ unit in the first year of business will not be treated as splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business, provided such transfer does not exceed 20% of total technical manpower headcount actually engaged in software development in SEZ unit. This clarification will not only affect new SEZ unit set-ups, but will also impact tax holiday claims of past years resulting into a litigation.

 
SEZ which are considered as growth engines of the economy have suffered tax blows in the recent past. SEZs that were promised a complete tax holiday, have been hit with Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). Contrary to the expectations of relief from Budget 2014, the Finance Minister defended MAT on SEZ citing that "removal of MAT from SEZ developers and units had no justification vis-à-vis other sectors of economy which were liable to pay MAT". FM has also stated that MAT paid is available as credit. However, almost 20% cash outflow on MAT does have significant negative impact on SEZ project's IRR. In 2014 Budget, the Government also clarified that SEZ claiming investment-linked tax benefit (u/s Sec 35AD) will not be eligible for tax holiday u/s 10AA and vice-versa, thus further curtailing tax incentive available to SEZ.
 
I think Government ought to clarify policy on SEZ scheme on an overall basis & tax is an integral part of it. Else, tax set-backs will surely continue to reduce SEZ attractiveness and drive investors out of SEZ scheme.

MEF Date extended

MEF Date of online filing for 2014-15 extended to 10/8/14 & for hard copy of acknowledgement upto 20/8/14

No Harassment Or High-Handed Behaviour With Taxpayers: New CBDT Chief

No Harassment Or High-Handed Behaviour With Taxpayers: New CBDT Chief

Shri. K. V. Chowdary, the newly appointed Chairman of the CBDT, has addressed a letter dated 01.08.2014 to the income-tax department in which he has pointed out that one of the immediate challenging task is reaching the 'not so easy' target for Revenue collection without undue harassment and high handedness. He has emphasized that the department has to improve its image and become a "friendly, professional, non adversarial and competent organization focused on Revenue collection, tax payers services and ensuring strict compliance with direct tax laws".

Mr. Chowdary has emphasized that one of the issues that requires "immediate and earnest attention" is quicker and reasonable resolution of the requests/ grievances of the taxpayers, early resolution of disputes, effective assessments analyzing all the facts and avoiding high pitched assessments, promotion of compliance, sending strong message by dealing with tax evasion and tax frauds firmly effectively and quickly, widening the tax base, etc.

CBDT on AIF

Income from Alternate Investment Fund to be taxed at 30%

Trustees of the fund will be taxed if investors are not named

  

The Finance Ministry has said that income of Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) will be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent. Such funds basically pool in money from domestic and overseas investors and invest on the basis of a pre-determined policy.

The Central Board of Direct taxes was requested to clarify whether the income of such funds would be taxable in the hands of investors (contributors to the fund) or the trustees of the fund (who will be representing investors and know as Representative Assessee).

The board said that, "In a situation where the trust deed either does not name the investors, or does not specify the beneficial interest, the entire income of the fund shall be liable to be taxed at the Maximum Marginal Rate of income tax in the hands of the trustees of such AIFs in their capacity as representative assessee."

It has also been clarified that once tax paid by the trustee, investors will not be required to pay a tax. At present, the maximum rate of income tax is 30 per cent (plus education cess at the rate of 3 per cent of tax). Experts feel that this circular gives a much needed clarity, however, there are still some areas of concern.

Ammet Patel, Tax Partner at Sudit K Parekh & Co (a leading Chartered Accountant Firm), said, "Investors will know at the time of putting the money what will be the rate of tax incidence and hence will make decision accordingly."

He said that circulars are binding on the Income Tax Department and not on the tax payers. It would have been better had the Finance Ministry clarified through amendment in Income Tax Act.

Jyoti Rai, India Head of Mauritius-based Abax Corporate Services, said that the CBDT clarification needs to be revisited, since it otherwise may have negative implication for funds industry in India.

"The industry, for long, has been relying upon the Alternative Investment Fund Ruling for determinate tax pass through status," she said.

The circular also mentioned that in cases where the beneficiaries of the fund are determined or mentioned in the trust deeds, "the tax on the whole of the income of the fund, consisting of or including profits and gains of business, would be levied on the trustees of such AIFs being representative assessee at the Maximum Marginal Rate."

The circular clarified, however, that the new norms will not operate in area falling in the jurisdiction of High Court, which has taken or takes contrary decision on the issue.

Taxing issues

·  CBDT was asked to clarify on the issue

·  Once trustees are taxed, investors will not be taxed

·  Tax experts welcome clarification, but some concerns remain

COMPARISON OF TDS AND TCS REQUIREMENTS IN OLD AND NEW FORM NO. 3CD

COMPARISON OF TDS AND TCS REQUIREMENTS
IN OLD AND NEW FORM NO. 3CD AS REQUIRED
FOR TAX AUDIT U/s 44AB OF THE INCOME TAX ACT

Now Chartered Accountants will have to verify and certify details of TDS and TCS in a very elaborative manner and will have to check TDS/TCS (returns) statements of each quarter in detail.

(1) In Old form No. 3CD:- 27(a) :- (i) complied with all TDS obligations or not as per Chapter XVII-B, 
Yes/No 
(ii) earlier there was no need to inform about non compliance of TCS provisions.

(1) In New Form No. 3CD:- 34(a):- Now section wise details of TDS and TCS are required to be given.

(2) In Old form No. 3CD:- Show amount of Tax deductible and not deducted at all

(2) In New Form No. 3CD:- Show Section wise Gross amount on which tax was required to be deducted or collected

(3) In Old form No. 3CD:- Give amount and details of shortfall in TDS deducted 

(3) In New Form No. 3CD:- (i)Give Sectionwise gross amount on which tax was deducted or collected at lesser rate.

(ii) Give sectionwise amount of TDS and TCS deducted or collected at lesser rate.

(4) In Old form No. 3CD:- Give amount and details of TDS deducted late

(4) In New form No. 3CD:- Give amount and details of Tax deducted but not paid

(5) In New Form No. 3CD:-

(i) Give section wise total amount of payments or receipts, e.g. give gross amount of interest other than interest on securities, gross payment of freight, etc., even if liable to TDS/TCS or not Sec. 192,193, 194, 194A, 194B, 194BB, 194C, 194D, 194E, 194H, 194I, 194IA, 194J, 195, 206C(1), 206C(1C), 206C(1D). However disallowance U/s 192& 194IA will become applicable from A.Y. 2015-16. 
Disallowance U/s 40(a)(ia) presently covers Sec. 193, 194A, 194H, 194I, 194J, 194C, 195(40a-i).

(ii) Give Section wise gross amount on which tax was required to be deducted or collected.

(iii) Give sectionwise gross amount on which tax was deducted or collected.

(iv) Give Sectionwise gross amount on which TDS/TCS was deducted or collected at specified rate.

(v) Give sectionwise amount of TDS and TCS at specified rate.

(6) In New Form No. 3CD:- Details of TDS statement filed:-

(i) If TDS/TCS statement filed in prescribed time then no need to give information required in 34(b).

(ii) If TDS/TCS statement not filed within prescribed time then give due date of furnishing, give date of furnishing if furnished in time. 

(iii) There seems controversy in para 34(b), that, if TDS/TCS statement is not filed within prescribed time then give information Whether statement of TDS/TCS contains information about all transactions which are required to be reported. And if TDS/TCS statement filed within prescribed time then there is no need to give information that TDS/TCS statement contains all required information. If TDS statement is not filed in time then information will also have to be furnished regarding form No. 15G/15H/27C and payment to transporters, not incorporated in statement. It will be difficult for bank auditors and for voluminous payment to transporters etc.

(7) In New Form No. 3CD:- Amount of Interest payable and paid:-

34.(c) If liable to pay interest U/s 201(1A)/206C(7) on delay payment or deduction/collection of TDS/TCS give amount of such interest payable .
(ii) Also give amount of interest paid.

Complied by:-
CA RAJESH MEHTA, INDORE

Old 3CD withdrawn

Department withdraws old utility of form 3CD. Any form 3CD to be uploaded will be in new utility which will be made available.

Major changes in new 3CD

Major changes in new 3CD

1. Particulars of registration under excise, vat, iec, service tax etc to be given
2. Location(s) (address(s)) of keeping books of accounts to be given
3. Particulars of sale of Land/Building less than Stamp value to be given
4. Comparison of amount debited vis a vis amount admissible on account of various deductions to be given
5. Detailed information to be given on amount debited to P & L a/c of Capital Exp, Personal Exp. ADVERTISEMENT
6. Details on TDS deducted not deposited or not deducted u/s 40(a) Non resident
7. Name of payee whose TDS not deposited, deducted to be given u/s 40(a)(ia)
8. Amount to be profit u/s 40A(3A) to be given
9. Modavt=Cenvat
10. (28) Whether receive shares below fair value u/s 56(2)(viia)- How it is possible for CA? ???
11. Whether assessee receive security premium taxable u/s 56(2)(viib)
12. Detailed info on TDS/TCS deducted section wise to be given 
13. Late filing of TDS/TCS return 
14. Interest Payable u/s 201(1A) and 206C(7)
15. Audit under Service tax to be reported 
16. Demand/Refund raised under any other law during the PY to be reported

Format of Tax Audit changed

Format of Tax audit report revised vide notification no 33 dated 25 07 14.

Form 3CA, 3CB & 3CD of Income Tax substitute vide Notification S.O. 1902 (E) dated 25th July, 2014 

http://www.taxindiaonline.com/RC2/pdfdocs/wnew/it14not033.pdf

S. 271(1)(c) penalty

CIT vs. M/s Nayan Builders and Developers (Bombay High Court)

Mere admission of Appeal by High Court sufficient to disbar s. 271(1)(c) penalty

This Appeal cannot be entertained as it does not raise any substantial question of law. The imposition of penalty was found not to be justified and the Appeal was allowed. As a proof that the penalty was debatable and arguable issue, the Tribunal referred to the order on Assessee’s Appeal in Quantum proceedings and the substantial questions of law which have been framed therein. We have also perused that order dated 27.09.2010 admitting Income Tax Appeal No.2368 of 2009. In our view, there was no case made out for imposition of penalty and the same was rightly set aside.
www.itatonline.org

http://mygov.nic.in

 

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology26-July, 2014 15:37 IST

MyGov: A portal for Citizen Engagement towards governance launched

The portal MyGov, a platform that serves as a medium for the people, specially the youth, to connect with the Government actively and facilitates their engagement towards nation's development was launched today. Briefing about the initiative, Shri R.S. Sharma, Secretary of the Department of Electronics and IT said that 'MyGov' empowers people to contribute towards good governance through various tasks and discussions.  MyGov presents an opportunity to the citizens to participate in multiple theme-based discussions and to share their thoughts and ideas with a wide range of people. Citizens can upload documents, case studies, pictures, videos, other work plans etc. on the platform. They can volunteer for various tasks and submit their entries. These tasks would then be reviewed by other members and experts. Once approved, these tasks can be shared by those who completed the task and by other members on MyGov. Every approved task would earn credit points for completed the task. National Informatics Centre (NIC), Department of Electronics and Information Technology would manage the poratal .  Groups and corners are an important part of MyGov. The platform has been divided into various groups namely Clean Ganga, Girl Child Education, Clean India, Skilled India, Digital India, Job Creation. Each group consists of online and on ground tasks that can be taken up the contributors. The objective of each group is to bring about a qualitative change in that sphere through people's participation.  Shri Sharma, the Secretary Electronics and IT said that the platforms launched today – "Discuss" and "Do" – will take feedback from the community and improve on a continuous basis. He said that his department has plan to have a mobile app for mygov.in, wherein while on the move, the citizens will have the flexibility to take pictures from mobile and upload on the forum, report in-context problems and issues etc. He said that this platform may even be extended to act like public audit platform for government projects. For example, citizens giving feedback on status of completed infrastructure projects, on availability of various social sector programs etc, he added. http://mygov.nic.in  **** NCJ  (Release ID :107539)

McA Updates

MCA has issued two very important updates:

• Amendment in the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules
• Companies (Removal of Difficulties) Sixth Order, 2014

The details are given below:

 

Amendment in the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules

 MCA vide notification dated 24th July 2014 has amended the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules 2014 through the Companies (Management and Administration) Second Amendment Rules, 2014. The necessary details of the system are given below:

1. In rule 9, after sub-rule (3), the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:-
2. "Provided that nothing contained in this rule shall apply in relation to a trust which is created, to set up a Mutual Fund or Venture Capital Fund or such other fund as may be approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India".
3. Text of Rule no 9(3) is given below
4. "9. Declaration in respect of beneficial interest in any shares.-
5. (1) A person whose name is entered in the register of members of a company as the holder of shares in that company but who does not hold the beneficial interest in such shares (hereinafter referred to as ("the registered owner"), shall file with the company, a declaration to that effect in Form No.MGT.4 in duplicate, within a period of thirty days from the date on which his name is entered in the register of members of such company:
6. Provided that where any change occurs in the beneficial interest in such shares, the registered owner shall, within a period of thirty days from the date of such change, make a declaration of such change to the company in Form No.MGT.4 in duplicate.
7. (2) Every person holding and exempted from furnishing declaration or acquiring a beneficial interest in shares of a company not registered in his name (hereinafter referred to as "the beneficial owner") shall file with the company, a declaration disclosing such interest in Form No. MGT.5 in duplicate, within beneficial interest in the shares of the company:
8. Provided that where any change occurs in the beneficial interest in such shares, the beneficial owner shall, within a period of thirty days from the date of such change, make a declaration of such change to the company in Form No.MGT.5 in duplicate.
9. (3) Where any declaration under section 89 is received by the company, the company shall make a note of such declaration in the register of members and shall file, within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt of declaration by it, a return in Form No.MGT.6 with the Registrar in respect of such declaration with fee."
10. in rule 13,-
1. the words "either value or volume of the shares" shall be omitted;
2. the Explanation shall be omitted.
3. Text of Rule no 13 is given below
4. "13. Return of changes in shareholding position of promoters and top ten shareholders.-
5. Every listed company shall file with the Registrar, a return in Form No.MGT.10 along with the fee with respect to changes relating to either increase or decrease of two percent, or more in the shareholding position of promoters and top ten shareholders of the company in each case, either value or volume of the shares, within fifteen days of such change.
6. Explanation.- For the purpose of this sub-rule, the "change" means increase or decrease by two percent or more in the shareholding of each of the promoters and each of the top ten shareholders of the company."
11. In rule 23, in sub-rule (1), for the words "not less than five lakh rupees", the words "not more than five lakh rupees" shall be substituted;
12. Text of Rule no 23 is given below
13. "23. Special Notice.-
14. (1) A special notice required to be given to the company shall be signed, either individually or collectively by such number of members holding not less than one percent of total voting power or holding shares on which an aggregate sum of not less than five lakh rupees has been paid up on the date of the notice."
15. In rule 27, in sub-rule (1) and in the Explanation, for the word "shall", the word "may" shall be substituted.
16. Text of Rule no 27 is given below
17. "27. Maintenance and inspection of document in electronic form.-
18. (1) Every listed company or a company having not less than one thousand shareholders, debenture holders and other security holders, shall maintain its records, as required to be maintained under the Act or rules made there under, in electronic form.
19. Explanation.- For the purposes of this sub-rule, it is hereby clarified that in case of existing companies, data shall be converted from physical mode to electronic mode within six months from the date of notification of provisions of section 120 of the Act."
20. The aforesaid amendment relating to maintenance of records in electronic format comes as major relief to the corporates , who were facing various difficulties in finding solutions for converting their existing data in electronic form. Moreover there were also various confusions relating to the period for which the data needs to be converted.

 

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Companies (Removal of Difficulties) Sixth Order, 2014

MCA has issued the 6th ROD order dated 24th July. The ROD deals with definition of the term "related party" under section 2 of the Companies Act 2013 and provides relief for the difficulty arising due to absence of the word "relative" from certain clause of the definition resulting in disharmonious interpretation. As per the ROD, in section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013, in clause (76), in sub-clause (iv), after the word "manager", the word "or his relative" shall be inserted. Relevant text of the Section 2(76) is given below: 2(76) "related party", with reference to a company, means—

1. a director or his relative;
2. a key managerial personnel or his relative;
3. a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a partner;
4. a private company in which a director or manager is a member or director;
5. a public company in which a director or manager is a director or holds along with his relatives, more than two per cent. of its paid-up share capital;
6. any body corporate whose Board of Directors, Managing Director, or manager is accustomed to act in accordance with the advice, directions or instructions of a director or manager;
7. any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a director or manager is accustomed to act:
   
   Provided that nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall apply to the advice, directions or instructions given in a professional capacity;
8. any company which is—
1. a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of such company; or
2. a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary:
such other person as may be prescribed;

Changes Made in Finance (No.2) Bill,2014

Changes made by Finance (No. 2) Bill, 2014 as passed by the Lok Sabha

The list of changes made in the Finance Bill are as under:

1) Unlisted securities and units of MF transferred between 01-04-14 and 10-07-14 shall be deemed to be long-term capital assets, if held for more than 12 months.

2) Long-term Capital Gains on Units of Mutual Funds transferred between 01-04-14 and 10-07-14 shall be taxable at 10% without indexation.

3) A third proviso has been inserted in Section 92C to provide that where more than one price is determined by the most appropriate method, the arm's length price shall be computed in such manner as may be prescribed. Accordingly, the provisions of first and second proviso (arithmetic mean and tolerable range) shall not apply.

4) Taxpayers can approach Settlement Commission even for pending re-assessment cases.

5) Resident taxp
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