Breather for IT firms as CBDT withdraws controversial tax circular

Breather for IT firms as CBDT withdraws controversial tax circular

In a major relief to the IT industry, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) today announced the withdrawal of a controversial circular that could have adversely impacted the tax spend for this industry.

The CBDT also modified another circular relating to taxation of R&D centres that also has a crucial role in software development.

The circular (No 2 of 2013) that has been withdrawn related to the adoption of Profit Split Method (PSM) as a preferred mode for computation of tax liability. The decisions were taken following representation from the industry for clarity on two circulars concerning global taxation of transfer pricing.

Tax experts hailed the latest announcements stating that compliance cost will come down and chances of double taxation may be reduced.

"The rescinding of Circular No. 2 is very good news for the industry. This is a positive move and would certainly improve the sentiments of foreign investors who were shying away from investing in R&D in India," said Vijay Iyer, National Transfer Pricing Leader, Ernst & Young India

Safe harbour rules

The Finance Ministry also said that CBDT would soon issue safe harbour rules. Such a move would bring further certainty in assessment of development centres that are engaged in providing contract R&D services.

Safe harbour rules have been defined as circumstances in which the income-tax authorities shall accept the transfer price declared by the assessee.

The Income Tax Department by withdrawing Circular No 2 has made sure that profit-split method, which could lead to higher taxation, will not be the preferred mode.

Besides this method, there are five other methods for computing tax liability under the transfer pricing rules. These include resale price method, cost plus method, comparable uncontrolled price method and transactional net margin method.

Retention money is not an income

Retention money is not an income of contractor if it has got no rights on it till satisfactory completion of work. [DIT (International taxation) vs. Ballast Nedam International [2013] 34 taxmann.com 270 (Gujarat)].

Standardizing the process of filing application under section 10(46)

Ministry of Finance, Central Board of Direct Tax issued [Notification no. F.NO. 196/6/2013- ITA.1 by dated 24-06-2013], regarding standardizing the process of filing application under section 10(46) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Remuneration for branch audit work of the bank

Remuneration for branch audit work of the bank. Category of bank branch on the basis of quantum of advances. Rates of audit fees:-
Up to 10 crore-Rs. 40,250/-
Above 10 crore up to 20 crore- Rs. 57,500/-
Above 20 crore up to 30 crore- Rs. 79,350/-
Above 30 crore up to 50 crore- Rs. 1,20,750/-
Above 50 crore up to 75 crore- Rs. 1,38,000/-.

The soft ITR 5 for the assessment

The soft ITR 5 for the assessment year 2013-14 is now available at Income Tax department website.

RBI has increased the bank audit fees

RBI has increased the bank audit fees payable form financial year 2012-13 as per [RBI Notification no. DBS.ARS.No.BC. 08/ 08.92.001/ 2012-13 dated 25-06- 2013].

Lower Deduction Certificate

Lower Deduction Certificate to a unit enough to cover other units of assessee even if separate TANs. [CIT Chandigarh Vs Parle Biscuits. High Court of Punjab & Haryana].

Right to collect toll is an intangible asset

Right to collect toll is an intangible asset within the purview of sec. 32(1)(ii) of the Income Tax Act and is eligible for depreciation. [ACIT Vs. Ashoka Infraways (P.) Limited, 2013] 33 taxmann.com 499 (Pune - Tribunal)].

demerger abundant

Resultant Company can file appeal after demerger abundant caution appeal by demerged Company dismissed to avoid duplicity. [Cairn Energy Gujarat BV Vs. ADIT [2013] 34 taxmann.com 281 (Ahmedabad - Tribunal)]

No violation of Sec 269SS

No violation of Sec 269SS for cash loan from relative if assessee unable to get it in cheque or DD for some valid reason. [CIT-I Vs M.Yesodha, Chennai High Court].

Stridhan of a lady

Stridhan of a lady seized from her ex-husband’s premises during search of Income Tax must be handed over to her. [High Court Of Gujarat at Ahmedabad Renuka R Modi].

Commodity Transaction Tax

Chapter VII of Finance Act, 2013 on Commodity Transaction Tax effective from July 1, 2013

SECTION 115 OF THE FINANCE ACT, 2013 - COMMODITIES TRANSACTION TAX – NOTIFIED DATE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER VII OF FINANCE ACT, 2013

NOTIFICATION NO. 45/2013 [F.NO.142/09/2013-TPL]/SO 1768(E), DATED 19-6-2013

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 115 of the Finance Act, 2013 (17 of 2013), the Central Government hereby appoints the 1st day of July, 2013 as the date on which Chapter VII of the said Act shall come into force.

Valuation loss is allowable

Valuation loss is allowable even if stock-in-trade shown as investment in compliance of RBI guidelines. [Karnataka Bank Ltd. Vs. ACIT [2013] 34 taxmann.com 150 (Karnataka).]

Addition on the basis of seized material

Addition on the basis of seized material was unjustified if assessee was able to show that the admissions made during survey were incorrect. [Acit V. Maya Trading Co.( 2013) 34 taxmann.com 144 (Agra – Trib)].

No disallowance of expenditure u/s. 40(a)(ia)

No disallowance of expenditure u/s. 40(a)(ia) for default of short-deduction of TDS under Income Tax Act.[Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Mumbai].

Rejection of Books of account

• Mere rejection of Books of account and estimation of profit cannot be ground for concealment penalty under Income Tax Act. [High Court of Gujarat Whitelene Chemicals].

SC on S. 194C TDS does not apply to contract manufacturing agreements

CIT vs. Silver Oak Laboratories P. Ltd (Supreme Court) S. 194C TDS does not apply to contract manufacturing agreements  The assessee, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, entered into agreements with various manufacturers who manufactured the said items according to the specifications provided by the assessee. The AO held that the transaction between the assessee and the manufacturer was in the nature of a "works contract" and fell within the purview of s. 194C and that the assessee ought to have deducted TDS thereon. The assessee was held to be in default and liable to pay the tax and interest u/s 201(1) & 201(1A). On appeal by the assessee, the Tribunal held that the transaction was one of sale simplicitor and was not in the nature of a work contract and that the assessee was not liable to deduct TDS u/s 194C. The department's appeal to the High Court was dismissed by following Reebok India 306 ITR 124 (Del). On appeal by the department to the Supreme Court, HELD dismissing the SLP:  On examining the terms and conditions, invoices, purchase orders and challans indicating payment of excise duty, there is no material on record to indicate that the transaction in question is a "contract for carrying out works". Hence, s. 194C is not attracted. S. 194C has been amended by the Finance (No.2) Act, 2009, w.e.f. 1.10.2009 to provide that "work" includes manufacturing or supplying a product according to the requirement or specification of a customer by using material purchased from such customer. It is clarified that the definition of the word "work" will not include manufacturing or supplying a product according to the requirement or specification of a customer by using material purchased from a person other than such customer.  This impliedly approves the view taken in Glenmark Pharmaceuticals 324 ITR 199 (Bom)

Double taxation agreement with Monaco

Double taxation agreement with Monaco [Notification no. 43/2013 dated 12/06/2013 SO 924(E)].

Conversion of company into LLP

On conversion of company into LLP, Auditor of the company deemed to be auditor of LLP. [Circular of Ministry of Corporate Affairs].

E-filing of form 3CEB

E-filing of form 3CEB for specified domestic transactions mandatory besides for foreign transactions. [New Rules and Revised Form. Income Tax 6th Amendment Rules, 2013] .