Legal Compliance Calendar for June Month-2016

Legal Compliance Calendar for June 2016: Every business consultant, business person and their legal and compliance department are always on guard that they fulfill all the regulatory filing on time. So solve this problem we have compiled the different due date for legal filing under different act like Income Tax Act 1961, Service tax laws, Central Excise and Custom, Companies Act 2013, provident Fund, Employee State Insurance Corporation or Value Added Tax etc.

Income Tax Compliance for June 2016 

  1. 7th June – Due for payment of TDS/TCS for May’2016
  2. 15th June- Last date for first installment of advance Income tax for Assessee having tax liability more than Rs. 10000/- and
  3. 15th June – Issuance of TDS certificate for other than salary for quarter 1 i.e. for TDS return filed for Period January to March 2016 due date for same was 15 May 2016 same has been to changed to 30 May for next year

Rules and Guidelines for Income Tax Compliance 

A. For companies

  • TDS deducted during May’2016 due for payment on 07.06.16.
  • Advance tax for FY 16-17 First instt of 15% due on 15/06/2016
  • Issue TDS certificate for Q1 for other than salary by 15/06/16 and TCS certificate by 30/05/16

B. For firm and individual covered under tax audits

  •  TDS deducted in May’ 2016 payment due on- 07.06.2016.
  • Advance tax to be paid 15% ( first installment) of tax liability till 15/06/2016
  • Issue TDS certificate for quarter ending 31st March 2016 for other than salary by 15/06/16 and TCS certificate by 30/05/2016
  • Annual information statement due date 31/05/2016

Central Excise and Custom  Compliance for June 2016 

  1. 6th June- Due date for payment of excise for the month of May’2016
  2. 10th June – Last date for excise return for the month of May’2016 – Due Date for ER-1

Rules and Guidelines for Central Excise Compliance 

  • Excise registered units as Small Scale Industry – No payment and no return due this month of June but Unit Registered as Non SSI units – Last date for payment for the month of May is 06.06.2016 and for return 10.06.2016

Service Tax Compliance for June 2016 

  1. 6th June- Due date for payment of service tax for the month of May’2016 for other than Individual, Partnership firm and HUF as they have deposit service tax on quarterly basis.i.e Companies has to deposit service tax on monthly basis in case

VAT Tax Compliance for June 2016 

  1. 14th June- Last date for payment of Rajasthan VAT liability for dealer covered under monthly tax liablity.
  2. 14th June – Last date for Works Contract Tax TDS is for May 2016
  3. 15th June – Last for Monthly return for Composition Dealer under Karnataka VAT
  4. 15th June – Last date for TDS deposit for previous month under Delhi VAT
  5. 20th June – Last date for monthly return or statement for tax deducted at source under KVAT using VAT – 100, VAT – 110 , VAT – 125, VAT–126, VAT-127
  6. 21st June -Last date for payment of MVAT liability.
  7. 29th June- Last date for filing of VAT 11 annual return for the Year 2015-16 in Rajasthan VAT
  8. 30th June – Due Date filing return half yearly return for October to March (For dealers not liable to file F-704 under Maharashtra VAT
  9. 30th June – Person who stands enrolled before the commencement of a year or is enrolled on or before 31st May of a year under under Profession Tax Act 1975 for Profession Tax Enrollment Certificate (PTEC) holder Maharashtra

Provident Fund and ESIC Compliance for June 2016 

  1. 15th June – last date for payment of Provident fund liability Due Date date for Provident fund Contribution, government has removed the grace period of 5 days from February 2016.
  2. 21st June- Last date for payment of ESIC liability for May 2016.
  3. 25th June- Last date for filing of PF return for the month of May

Corporate Law and LLP Compliance 

30th June – Extended Last date for return of LLP for FY- 2015-16

Summary Date-wise Compliance under different rules and regulation

  • 6th June- Due date for payment of excise and service tax for the month of May’2016
  • 7th June – Due for payment of TDS/TCS for May’2016
  • 10th June – Last date for excise return for the month of May’2016
  • 14th June- Last date for payment of RAJ VAT liability.
  • 14th June – Last date for WCT TDS is for May’2016
  • 15th June – last date for payment of Provident fund liability
  • 15th June- Last date for first installment of advance Income tax for Assessee having tax liability more than Rs. 10000/- and issuance of TDS certificate for other than salary for quarter 4 for FY 2015-16
  • 20th June – Different VAT return under Karnataka VAT
  • 21st June – MVAT last Date of Payment
  • 21st June- Last date for payment of ESIC liability for May 2016.
  • 25th June- Last date for filing of PF return for the month of May
  • 29th June- Last date for filing of VAT 11 annual return for the Year 2015-16 in RAJ VAT
  • 30th June – Extended Last date for return of LLP for FY- 2015-16

KEY IMPORTANT FEATURES OF INDIA BUDGET 2016-17

Key Features of India Budget for Year 2016-2017

  • Growth of Economy accelerated to 7.6% in 2015-16. Fiscal deficit in RE 2015-16 and BE 2016-17 retained at 3.9% and 3.5%. Revenue Deficit target from 2.8% to 2.5% in RE 2015-16.
  • Total expenditure projected at Rs. 19.78 lakh crore. Plan expenditure pegged at Rs. 5.50 lakh crore under Plan, increase of 15.3%. Non-Plan expenditure kept at Rs.14.28 lakh crores
  • Foreign exchange reserves touched highest ever level of about 350 billion US dollars.
  • Allocation for Agriculture and Farmers’ welfare is Rs. 35,984 crore
  • ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana’ to be implemented in mission mode. 28.5 lakh hectares will be brought under irrigation.
  • A dedicated Long Term Irrigation Fund will be created in NABARD with an initial corpus of about Rs 20,000 crore.
  • Promote organic farming through ‘Parmparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ and ‘Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region’.
  • Allocation under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana increased to Rs. 19,000 crore. Will connect remaining 65,000 eligible habitations by 2019.
  • To reduce the burden of loan repayment on farmers, a provision of Rs.15,000 crore has been made in the BE 2016-17 towards interest subvention
  • Allocation under Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana Rs.5,500 crore.
  • Rs. 850 crore for four dairying projects – ‘Pashudhan Sanjivani’, ‘Nakul Swasthya Patra’, ‘E-Pashudhan Haat’ and National Genomic Centre for indigenous breeds.
  • A sum of Rs. 38,500 crore allocated for MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act for Details About NREGA Scheme www.nrega.nic.in)
  • 3,000 Stores under Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi Yojana will be opened during 2016-17.
  • “Stand Up India Scheme” to facilitate at least two projects per bank branch. This will benefit at least Rs.2.5 lakh entrepreneurs.
  • Digital Depository for School Leaving Certificates, College Degrees, Academic Awards and Mark sheets to be set-up.
  • GoI will pay contribution of 8.33% for of all new employees enrolling in EPFO for the first three years of their employment. Budget provision of Rs. 1000 crore for this scheme.
  • Deduction under Section 80JJAA of the Income Tax Act will be available to all assesses who are subject to statutory audit under the Act.
  • Total investment in the road sector, including PMGSY allocation, would be Rs. 97,000 crore during 2016-17.
  • India’s highest ever kilometres of new highways were awarded in 2015. To approve nearly 10,000 kms of National Highways in 2016-17.Allocation of Rs. 55,000 crore in the Budget for Roads. Additional Rs. 15,000 crore to be raised by NHAI through bonds.Total outlay for infrastructure – Rs. 2,21,246 crore.
  • Mobilisation of additional finances to the extent of Rs. 31,300 crore by NHAI, PFC, REC, IREDA, NABARD and Inland Water Authority by raising Bonds.
  • Amendments in the SARFAESI Act 2002 to enable the sponsor of an ARC to hold up to 100% stake in the ARC and permit non institutional investors to invest in Securitization Receipts.
  • Allocation of Rs. 25,000 crore towards recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks.Target of amount sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana increased to Rs. 1,80,000 crore.General Insurance Companies owned by the Government to be listed in the stock exchanges.
  • Raise the ceiling of tax rebate under section 87A from Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 to lessen tax burden on individuals with income upto Rs. 5 laks. Increase the limit of deduction of rent paid under section 80GG from Rs.24000 per annum to Rs.60000, to provide relief to those who live in rented houses.Deduction for additional interest of Rs.50,000 per annum for loans up to Rs.35 lakh sanctioned in 2016-17 for first time home buyers, where house cost does not exceed Rs. 50 lakh.
  • Increase the turnover limit under Presumptive taxation scheme under section 44AD of the Income Tax Act to Rs.2 crores to bring big relief to a large number of assessees in the MSME category.
  • Extend the presumptive taxation scheme with profit deemed to be 50%, to professionals with gross receipts up to Rs.50 lakh
  • Phasing out deduction under Income Tax: Accelerated depreciation wherever provided in IT Act will be limited to maximum 40% from 1.4.2017. Benefit of deductions for Research would be limited to 150% from 1.4.2017 and 100% from 1.4.2020. Benefit of section 10AA to new SEZ units will be available to those units which commence activity before 31.3.2020. The weighted deduction under section 35CCD for skill development will continue up to 1.4.2020.
  • Additional tax at the rate of 10% of gross amount of dividend will be payable by the recipients receiving dividend in excess of Rs.10 lakh per annum.
  • New manufacturing companies incorporated on or after 1.3.2016 to be given an option to be taxed at 25% + surcharge and cess provided they do not claim profit linked or investment linked deductions and do not avail of investment allowance and accelerated depreciation. Lower the corporate tax rate for the next financial year for relatively small enterprises i.e companies with turnover not exceeding Rs.5 crore (in the financial year ending March 2015), to 29% plus surcharge and cess.
  • 100% deduction of profits for 3 out of 5 years for startups setup during April, 2016 to March, 2019. MAT will apply in such cases.
  • 10% rate of tax on income from worldwide exploitation of patents developed and registered in India by a resident.
  • Complete pass through of income-tax to securitization trusts including trusts of ARCs. Securitisation trusts required to deduct tax at source.
  • Period for getting benefit of long term capital gain regime in case of unlisted companies is proposed to be reduced from three to two years.
  • Non-banking financial companies shall be eligible for deduction to the extent of 5% of its income in respect of provision for bad and doubtful debts.
  • Determination of residency of foreign company on the basis of Place of Effective Management (POEM) is proposed to be deferred by one year.
  • Commitment to implement General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) from 1.4.2017.
  • Exemption of service tax on services provided under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and services provided by Assessing Bodies empanelled by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
  • Exemption of Service tax on general insurance services provided under ‘Niramaya’ Health Insurance Scheme launched by National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disability.
  • Basic custom and excise duty on refrigerated containers reduced to 5% and 6%.
  • Surcharge to be raised from 12% to 15% on persons, other than companies, firms and cooperative societies having income above Rs. 1 crore.
  • Tax to be deducted at source at the rate of 1 % on purchase of luxury cars exceeding value of Rs.ten lakh and purchase of goods and services in cash exceeding Rs.two lakh.
  • Securities Transaction tax in case of ‘Options’ is proposed to be increased from .017% to .05%.
  • Equalization levy of 6% of gross amount for payment made to non- residents exceeding ` 1 lakh a year in case of B2B transactions.
  • Krishi Kalyan Cess, @ 0.5% on all taxable services, w.e.f. 1 June 2016. Proceeds would be exclusively used for financing initiatives for improvement of agriculture and welfare of farmers. Input tax credit of this cess will be available for payment of this cess.
  • Infrastructure cess, of 1% on small petrol, LPG, CNG cars, 2.5% on diesel cars of certain capacity and 4% on other higher engine capacity vehicles 13 and SUVs. No credit of this cess will be available nor credit of any other tax or duty be utilized for paying this cess.
  • Excise duty of ‘1% without input tax credit or 12.5% with input tax credit’ on articles of jewellery [excluding silver jewellery, other than studded with diamonds and some other precious stones], with a higher exemption and eligibility limits of Rs.6 crores and Rs.12 crores respectively.
  • Excise on readymade garments with retail price of Rs.1000 or more raised to 2% without input tax credit or 12.5% with input tax credit.
  • ‘Clean Energy Cess’ levied on coal, lignite and peat renamed to ‘Clean Environment Cess’ and rate increased from Rs.200 per tonne to Rs.400 per tonne.
  • Excise duties on various tobacco products other than beedi raised by about 10 to 15%.
  • Domestic taxpayers can declare undisclosed income or such income represented in the form of any asset by paying tax at 30%, and surcharge at 7.5% and penalty at 7.5%, which is a total of 45% of the undisclosed income. Declarants will have immunity from prosecution.
  • Surcharge levied at 7.5% of undisclosed income will be called Krishi Kalyan surcharge to be used for agriculture and rural economy.
  • New Dispute Resolution Scheme to be introduced. No penalty in respect of cases with disputed tax up to Rs.10 lakh. Cases with disputed tax exceeding Rs.10 lakh to be subjected to 25% of the minimum of the imposable penalty.
  • Any pending appeal against a penalty order can also be settled by paying 25% of the minimum of the imposable penalty and tax interest on quantum addition.
  • High Level Committee chaired by Revenue Secretary to oversee fresh cases where assessing officer applies the retrospective amendment.
  • One-time scheme of Dispute Resolution for ongoing cases under retrospective amendment.
  • Penalty rates to be 50% of tax in case of underreporting of income and 200% of tax where there is misreporting of facts.
  • Disallowance will be limited to 1% of the average monthly value of investments yielding exempt income, but not exceeding the actual expenditure claimed under rule 8D of Section 14A of Income Tax Act.
  • Time limit of one year for disposing petitions of the tax payers seeking waiver of interest and penalty.
  • Mandatory for the assessing officer to grant stay of demand once the assesse pays 15% of the disputed demand, while the appeal is pending before Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals).
  • Monetary limit for deciding an appeal by a single member Bench of ITAT enhanced from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs.50 lakhs.
  • 11 new benches of Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).

SERVICE TAX SWACHH BHARA CESS TO BE INTRODUCED FROM 15 NOVEMBER 2015 AT 0.5%

Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)  has issued the Notification for date and rate of Swachh Bharat Cess from 15th November 2015 at .5% on value of taxable services. So from 15th Nov 2015 Service Provider has to charge 14% Service Tax and .5% Swachh Bharat Cess on value of taxable services

[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)

New Delhi, the 6th November, 2015

 

Notification No. 22/2015-Service Tax

G.S.R. —(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 93 of the Finance Act, 1994 (32 of 1994) read with sub-section (5) of section 119 of the Finance Act, 2015 (20 of 2015), the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts all taxable services from payment of such amount of the Swachh Bharat Cess leviable under sub-section (2) of section 119 of the said Act, which is in excess of Swachh Bharat Cess calculated at the rate of 0.5 percent. of the value of taxable services:

Provided that Swachh Bharat Cess shall not be leviable on services which are exempt from service tax by a notification issued under sub-section (1) of section 93 of the Finance Act, 1994 or otherwise not leviable to service tax under section 66B of the Finance Act, 1994.

This notification shall come into force from the 15th day of November, 2015.

 

NEW SERVICE TAX RATE OF 14% EFFECTIVE FROM 1st JUNE 2015

Government of India i.e. Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) has issued the notification no D.O.F.No.334/5/2015-TRU on 19th may 2015 regarding the change in service tax rate from 12% to 14% and new service tax rate of 14% will be effective from 1st June 2015. Current Service Tax Rate of 12%+2%+1%=12.36% will remain applicable till 30th May 2015 from 1st June 2015 new rate of 14% shall come into force. Another addition of 2% i.e. Swachh Bharat Cess to this rate of 14% will remain pending till notified by the central government.

New Delhi, the 19th May, 2015
D.O.F.No.334/5/2015-TRU

The Finance Bill, 2015, has received the assent of the Honorable President and has been notified. In the Budget, 2015, certain amendments in the Finance Act, 1994 have been incorporated through the Finance Act, 2015, which will come into effect from a date to be notified. In this regard, 1st June, 2015 is being notified as the date on which the provisions as specified in paragraph 2 below will come into effect. Certain provisions in some notifications already issued, will also come into effect from 1st June, 2015.

2. Following provisions will come into effect from 1st June, 2015.

2.1 Section 66B of the Finance Act, 1994, prescribes the service tax rate. It has been amended by Section 108 of the Finance Act, 2015. The rate of Service Tax is being increased from 12% to 14% (including cesses). The increase in Service Tax rate will come into effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.14/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)

2.2 Sections 153 and 159 of the Finance Act, 2015 provide that section 95 of the Finance (No.2) Act, 2004 and section 140 of the Finance Act, 2007, levying Education Cess and Secondary and Higher Education Cess, respectively, on taxable services, shall cease to have effect from a date to be notified by the Central Government. The above provisions levying Education Cess and Secondary and Higher Education Cess should also cease to have effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.14/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers), that is the date with effect from which the increase in the Service Tax rate comes into effect.

2.3 The Negative List entry [section 66D (j)] that covers “admission to entertainment event or access to amusement facility” is to be omitted vide section 109 (4) of The Finance Act, 2015. Section 65B (9) and 65B (24) of the Finance Act, 1994 defines amusement facility and entertainment event, respectively. These entries in the definitions have been omitted by the Section 107 (a) and (c) of the Finance Act, 2015. These changes will come into effect from 1st June, 2015. The implication of these changes are as follows,-
(a) Service Tax shall be levied on the service provided by way of access to amusement facility providing fun or recreation by means of rides, gaming devices or bowling alleys in amusement parks, amusement arcades, water parks and theme parks.
(b) Service tax shall be levied on service by way of admission to entertainment event of concerts, pageants, musical performances concerts, award functions and sporting events other than the recognized sporting event, if the amount charged is more than Rs. 500 per person for the right to admission to such an event.
This levy would come into effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.14/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)

2.3.1 However, the existing exemption, by way of the Negative List entry, to service by way of admission to entertainment event, namely, exhibition of cinematographic film, circus, recognized sporting event, dance, theatrical performance including drama and ballet shall be continued, through the route of exemption. Entry 47 and definition of “recognised sporting event” [paragraph 2 entry „zab‟] has been inserted in notification No. 25/2012-ST vide S.No.1.(xii) and S. No. 2.(b) respectively of notification No. 06/2015-ST dated 1st March, 2015. This entry will also come into effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.16/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015)

2.4 The entry in the Negative List [section 66D (f)] that covers service by way of any process amounting to manufacture or production of goods has been amended vide section 109(2) of Finance Act, 2015, to exclude any service by way of carrying out any processes for production or manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human consumption. Consequently, Service Tax shall be levied on contract manufacturing/job work for production of potable liquor for a consideration. In this context, the definition of the term “process amounting to manufacture or production of goods” [section 65 B (40)] has also been amended vide section 107 (f) of the Finance Act, 2015. This levy would come into effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.14/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)

2.4.1 A consequential amendment in S. No. 30 of notification No. 25/2012-ST dated 20th June, 2012, to exclude intermediate production of alcoholic liquor for human consumption from ambit of the exemption, will also come into effect from 1st June, 2015. [Notification No. 06/2015-ST dated 1st March 2015 Entry at Sl. No. 1.(ix)] (Notification No.16/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)

2.5 An entry in the Negative list covers betting, gambling or lottery [Section 66D (i)]. This entry has been amended by section 109 (3) of the Finance Act, 2015 so as to include an explanation that “betting, gambling or lottery” shall not include the activity carried out by a lottery distributor or selling agent in relation to promotion, marketing, organising, selling of lottery or facilitating in organising lottery of any kind, in any other manner. The objective of making these exclusions was to make it explicitly clear that while lottery per se is not subject to service tax, aforesaid services in relation to lottery will be taxable. This will come into effect from 1st June, 2015. (Notification No.14/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)

2.6 In respect of certain services like money changing service, service provided by air travel agent, insurance service and service provided by lottery distributor and selling agent, the service provider has been allowed to pay service tax at an alternative rate subject to the conditions as prescribed under rules 6(7), 6(7A), 6(7B) and 6(7C) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. Consequent to the upward revision in Service Tax rate, the said alternative rates shall also be revised proportionately.

2.6.1 Amendments to this effect have been made in the Service Tax Rules which will also come into effect from 1st June, 2015, that is the date with effect from which the increase in the Service Tax rate is made effective. [Notification No. 05/2015-ST 1st March 2015 Entry at Sl. No. 2(a)(e)(ii)] (Notification No.15/2015-Service Tax, dated 19th May, 2015 refers)
3. Presently, services provided by Government or a local authority, excluding certain services specified under clause (a) of section 66D, are covered in the Negative List. An enabling provision has been made, by amending section 66D (a) (iv), to exclude all services provided by the Government or local authority to a business entity from the Negative List [section 109(1) of Finance Act, 2015]. Consequently, the definition of “support service” [section 65 B (49)] is also to be omitted from date to be notified [section 107(h) of Finance Act, 2015].

As and when this amendment is given effect to, all services provided by the Government or local authority to a business entity, except the services that are specifically exempted, or covered by any another entry in the Negative List, shall be liable to service tax. The date from which this amendment would come into effect will be notified in due course.

4. An enabling provision has been incorporated in the Finance Act, 2015 vide section 117 (Chapter VI) to impose a Swachh Bharat Cess on all or any of the taxable services at a rate of 2% or lower on the value of such taxable services. This cess shall be levied on such services at such rate from such date as may be notified by the Central Government. The date from which this amendment would come into effect will be notified in due course.

5. In other words, date of effect of the provisions discussed in para 3 & 4 above are not being notified at present.

6. Amendments have been made by Sections 113, 114 and 115 in the Finance Act, 1994, in order to impart greater clarity and align the service tax provisions with those in Central Excise by adding provisions relating to closure of proceedings in sections 76, 78 and 78B. A similar alignment with the central excise provisions has been done in sections 76(2) and 78(2) with respect to cases where the appellate authority increases the duty or penalty. These changes have come into effect immediately after enactment of Finance Bill, 2015.

7. All the above changes may be brought to the notice of trade and industry and wide publicity may be made in this regard.

Process for Issue of Summons in Central Excise and Service Tax

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has issued the guidelines on 20th January 2015 through circular No. 207/07/2014-CX-6 for issue of summons in Central Excise and Service Tax matters. As per Section 14 of Central Excise Act, 1944, summons can be used in an inquiry for recording statements or for collecting evidence/ documents. Summons can be issued by  Superintendents or higher authority but only after taking prior permission of  Assistant Commissioner or higher authority with reasons of summons recorded in writing. In case not able get written permission then telephonic permission is required & same should be reduced to writing and intimated to the officer.  The officer issuing summons should submit a report or should record a brief of the proceedings in the case file and submit the same to the  officer who had authorised the issue of summons. senior management officials such as CEO, CFO, General Managers of a large company or a PSU should not generally be issued summons at the first instance. They should be summoned only when there are indications in the investigation of their involvement in the decision making process which led to loss of revenue. Instruction has also been issued vide F. No. 137/39/2007-CX.4 dated 26.2.2007 in Service Tax matters. Board has already issued a circular vide F. No 208/122/89-CX.6 dated 13.10.1989 in respect of Central Excise

 

No. 207/07/2014-CX-6

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Excise and Customs

  New Delhi, the 20th January, 2015

 

To

 

Principal Chief / Chief Commissioners of Central Excise (All),

Principal Chief / Chief Commissioners of Central Excise of Central Excise & Service Tax (All),

Sub: Instructions regarding issue of summons in Central Excise and Service Tax matters – reg.

Madam/Sir,

It has been brought to the notice of the Board that in some instances, the summons under Section 14 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 have been issued by the field formations to the top senior officials of the companies in a routine manner to call for material evidence/ documents. Besides, summons have been issued to enforce recovery of dues, which are under dispute. As per Section 14 of Central Excise Act, 1944, summons can be used in an inquiry for recording statements or for collecting evidence/ documents. While the evidentiary value of securing documentary and oral evidence under the said legal provision can hardly be over emphasized, nevertheless, it is desirable that summons need not always be issued when a simple letter, politely worded, can also serve the purpose of securing documents relevant to investigation. It is emphasized that the use of summons be made only as a last resort when it is absolutely required.

On this issue, Board has already issued a circular vide F. No 208/122/89-CX.6 dated 13.10.1989 in respect of Central Excise. Instruction has also been issued vide F. No. 137/39/2007-CX.4 dated 26.2.2007 in Service Tax matters.

The following guidelines are being issued to be followed in both Central Excise and Service Tax matters:–

 

(i) Power to issue summons are generally exercised by Superintendents, though higher officers also issue summons. Summons by Superintendents should be issued after obtaining prior written permission from an officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner with the reasons for issuance of summons to be recorded in writing;

(ii) where for operational reasons it is not possible to obtain such prior written permission, oral/telephonic permission from such officer must be obtained and the same should be reduced to writing and intimated to the officer according such permission at the earliest opportunity;

(iii) In all cases, where summons are issued, the officer issuing summons should submit a report or should record a brief of the proceedings in the case file and submit the same to the  officer who had authorised the issue of summons.

Further, senior management officials such as CEO, CFO, General Managers of a large company or a PSU should not generally be issued summons at the first instance. They should be summoned only when there are indications in the investigation of their involvement in the decision making process which led to loss of revenue.

These instructions may be brought to the notice of all the field officers for strict compliance. Non observance of the instructions will be viewed seriously. Hindi version would follow.

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

(ROHAN)

Under Secretary, (CX-6)

Last Date for Service Tax Return for Half Year Ending 31 March 2015 (For Oct 2014 to March 2015)

Service Tax Return (ST-3)  for the half year  ending 31st March 2015 i.e. for period starting from October 2014 to March 2015 has been made available for e-filing by the assesses in both offline and  online version in ACES w.e.f 1st April, 2015. The last date of filing the ST-3 return for the said period is 25th April, 2015. Penalty for late filling is Rs 20,000/-

Service Provider can download the latest ST 3 Service Tax Half Yearly return for online filing of Service Tax return.  In case of any difficulty in accessing the ACES Application or in filing ST 3 returns, the assesses can seek help of the ACES Service Desk by sending e-mail to  or calling up national toll-free number 1800 425 4251.

Service Tax Return (ST-3) for the period from Oct’ 14 to March’15  is now  available for e-filing by the assesses. The last date for filing the returns for the said period is 25th April, 2015. The assesses can file return online or use the offline utility by downloading the latest version. Assessees are requested to file their returns in ACES well in advance to avoid rush and inconvenience at the last moment.

Download (ZIP)

New Service Tax Rate 14% +2% i.e. 12.36% to 14%+2% =16% New Effective Date and Rate

Ministry of Finance of has issued the clarification related to the applicability of the new service tax rate of 14%+2%(Swachh Bharat Tax) total of 16% and as per the circular new rate and its applicable date will be notified by the government after the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2015 i.e. after budget is passed by the parliament and assented by the President of India and possible date will be between 20th April to 25th April 2015 till then current rate of 12.36% will be applicable.

Circular No. 183 / 02 / 2015-ST

F. No. B-1 /1/2015-TRU
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Tax Research Unit)

***

Room No. 153, North Block, New Delhi.

Dated 10th April, 2015.

To
Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise(All)
Chief Commissioner of Central Excise & Service Tax (All)
Director General of Service Tax
Director General of Central Excise Intelligence
Director General of Audit Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise (All)
Commissioner of Central Excise and Service Tax (All)
Commissioner of Service Tax (All) Madam/Sir,

Dear Madam/Sir,

Subject: Clarification on rate of service tax – regarding.

Doubts have been expressed in various forums regarding the proposed increase in the rate of service tax from 12.36% (including education cesses) to 14% on the value of taxable service.

2.         It may be noted that changes proposed in the Budget have/are coming into effect on various dates as already indicated in JS (TRU-II) D.O. letter dated 28th February, 2015. Certain amendments made in the Finance Act, 1994, including the change in service tax rate, will come into effect from a date to be notified by the Government after the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2015.

 3.        In this regard your attention is invited to clause 106 of the Finance Bill, 2015 and paragraph 3 of JS (TRU-II) D.O. letter, which  is reproduced below:-

“3. Service Tax Rate:

3.1       The rate of Service Tax is being increased from 12% plus Education Cesses to 14%. The ‘Education Cess’ and ‘Secondary and Higher Education Cess’ shall be subsumed in the revised rate of Service Tax. Thus, the effective increase in Service Tax rate will be from the existing rate of 12.36% (inclusive of cesses) to 14%, subsuming the cesses.

3.2       In this context, an amendment is being made in section 66B of the Finance Act, 1994. Further, it has been provided vide clauses 179 and 187 respectively of the Finance Bill, 2015 that sections 95 of the Finance Act, 2004 and 140 of the Finance Act, 2007, levying Education Cess and Secondary and Higher Education Cess on taxable services shall cease to have effect from a date to be notified by the Government.

3.3       The new Service Tax rate shall come into effect from a date to be notified by the Central Government after the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2015.

3.4       Till the time the revised rate comes into effect, the ‘Education Cess’ and ‘Secondary and Higher Education Cess’ will continue to be levied in Service Tax.”

4.         The paragraph reproduced above is self-explanatory and it is clear that the new Service Tax rate shall come into effect from a date to be notified by the Central Government after the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2015. The date will be notified in due course after the enactment.

5.         Similarly, certain doubts have been raised with regard to abatement on value of services provided in relation to serving of food or beverages by a restaurant, eating joint or a mess, having the facility of air-conditioning or central air-heating in any part of the establishment, at any time during the year. Valuation of services provided in relation to serving of food or beverages by a restaurant, eating joint or a mess is determined as provided in rule 2C of the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006.

5.1       In the Union Budget, 2015, no change has been made in these rules; therefore, any confusion is unwarranted. Further, as explained above, the rate of service tax on the specified portion of the amount charged for such supply which is 40% continues to be 12.36% (includingcesses) at present i.e. 4.944 %. The rate of Service tax, as discussed above, will continue unchanged till a date which will be notified in due course.

6.         Wide publicity may be given so that the assesses and public are aware of the above.  All the major Industry/Trade Associations may be informed accordingly.

 

Yours sincerely,

(Dr. Abhishek Chandra Gupta)

Technical Officer, TRU

Tel: 011-23095547

Download Service Tax Half Yearly Return for the period April-September 2014: Due Date 25th October 2014

Service Tax Return (ST-3)  for the period April -September 2014 has been made available for e-filing by the assesses in both offline and  online version in ACES w.e.f 1st October, 2014. The last date of filing the ST-3 return for the said period is 25th October, 2014.

Service Provider can download the latest ST 3 Service Tax Half Yearly return for online filing of Service Tax return.  In case of any difficulty in accessing the ACES Application or in filing ST 3 returns, the assesses can seek help of the ACES Service Desk by sending e-mail to  or calling up national toll-free number 1800 425 4251.

Service Tax Return (ST-3) for the period from April-14 to September-14  is now  available for e-filing by the assesses. The last date for filing the returns for the said period is 25th October, 2014. The assesses can file return online or use the offline utility by downloading the latest version. Assessees are requested to file their returns in ACES well in advance to avoid rush and inconvenience at the last moment.

Download (ZIP)

TDS on Service Tax Component: When indicated separately in Bill or Agreement

CBDT has issued the circular related to deduction of tax i.e. TDS on service tax component. When service tax component in the amount payable to a resident is indicated separately then tax shall be deducted at source on the amount paid/payable without including such service tax component.

CIRCULAR NO. 1/2014 [F.NO.275/59/2012-IT(B)] DATED 13-1-2014
When service tax component in the amount payable to a resident is indicated separately then tax shall be deducted at source on the amount paid/payable without including such service tax component

The Board had issued a Circular No.4/2008 dated 28-04-2008 wherein it was clarified that tax is to be deducted at source under section 194-I of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereafter referred to as ‘the Act’), on the amount of rent paid/payable without including the service tax component. Representations/letters has been received seeking clarification whether such principle can be extended to other provisions of the Act also.
2. Attention of CBDT has also been drawn to the judgment of the Hon’ble Rajasthan High Court dated 1-7-2013, in the case of CIT (TDS) Jaipur v. Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure (Income-tax Appeal No.235, 222, 238 and 239/2011), holding that if as per the terms of the agreement between the payer and the payee, the amount of service tax is to be paid separately and was not included in the fees for professional services or technical services, no TDS is required to be made on the service tax component u/s 194J of the Act.
3. The matter has been examined afresh. In exercise of the powers conferred under section 119 of the Act, the Board has decided that wherever in terms of the agreement/contract between the payer and the payee, the service tax component comprised in the amount payable to a resident is indicated separately, tax shall be deducted at source under Chapter XVII-B of the Act on the amount paid/payable without including such service tax component.
4. This circular may be brought to the notice of all officer for compliance.

Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme: Issues related to Undertaking, Payment of Tax Dues in Installment

The Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme. Issues for clarification related to additional undertaking, repayment of tax dues in installment and queries raised by department related to VCS declaration statement.

  • VCS Undertaking for Tax Dues related to VCS period only, there is only single undertaking that all the information given in VCS statement/declaration is true and correct. So Designated Authority should not ask for any other undertaking or declaration.
  • Payment of Service Tax in installment i.e. Payment of 50% tax dues in installment is allowed till 31.12.2013 and remaining 50% can be deposited in installment till 30.06.2014 without interest and with interest till 31.12.2014.
  • Designated Authority can only raise queries related to arithmetical check as regards the correctness of computation of tax dues, the Scheme does not envisage investigation by the designated authority into the veracity of declaration. Only if the Commissioner has reason to believe that the declaration filed by the declarant is substantially false he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, serve notice on the declarant requiring him to show cause why he should not pay the tax dues not paid or short-paid.

 F. No. B1/19/2013-TRU (Pt.)

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs
(Tax Research Unit)
***
New Delhi the 11th December, 2013
To,
All Chief Commissioners of Central Excise/Service Tax
Director General Service Tax
All Commissioners of Central Excise/Service Tax
Madam/Sir,
Sub: The Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme – issues for clarification – reg The undersigned is directed to state that the Board has issued clarifications on issues concerning various aspects of the VCES, vide circulars dated 13.05.2013, 8.08.2013 and 25.11.2013. A FAQ has also been issued on VCES. However, certain instances have come to notice, as mentioned below, that the declarants under the VCES are still facing difficulties.
2. In one instance, the Designated Authority has asked a declarant, who has “tax dues” only or a part of the period covered by the Scheme, to furnish an undertaking that he had no unpaid “tax dues” for the remaining period covered by the Scheme. However, the Scheme does not envisage furnishing of any such undertaking. A declarant may have tax dues only for a part period covered by the Scheme. In terms of the Scheme a declaration of tax dues has to be made in Form VCES-I, which includes an undertaking that the information given in the
declaration is correct and complete. Therefore, the Designated Authority should not ask for any other undertaking or declaration beyond what has been prescribed in the Scheme or Rules made there under.
3. In another instance, the Designated Authority has objected to the payment of the first tranche of 50%, payable by 31.12.2013, in installments. It is clarified that the Scheme only prescribes that the declarant would pay a minimum amount of 50% of the tax dues by 31.12.2013. Rest of the payment may be made by 30.6.2014, without any interest, and any amount remaining unpaid on 30.6.2014 shall be paid by 31.12.2014, with interest for the period of delay beyond 30.6.2014. There is no bar to pay these amounts in installments. For example a declarant may pay the 50% amount that he is required to pay by 31.12.2013 in more than one installment. Therefore, payment of 50% “tax dues” in lump-sum may not be insisted to.
4. In some instances, it has been observed that the Designated Authority has raised frivolous/unnecessary queries as regards the veracity and the manner of calculation of tax dues. While the designated authority may cause arithmetical check as regards the correctness of computation of tax dues, the Scheme does not envisage investigation by the designated authority into the veracity of declaration. Only if the Commissioner has reason to believe that the declaration filed by the declarant is substantially false he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, serve notice on the declarant requiring him to show cause why he should not pay the tax dues not paid or short-paid.