Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Central Sales Tax (CST) Customs Central Excise Cenvat Credit Service Tax CST AMENDMENT CST AMENDMENT - Contd. CST AMENDMENT - Contd. Allahabad High Court - Reliance Industries Limited {2012 (194) ECR 293 (All)} Gujarat High Court - B.G. Exploration {[2015] 84 VST (1)} What about other goods which get co-mingled in the common carrier: Crude Oil ATF Chemicals CST AMENDMENT - Contd. Customs Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential AMENDMENTS TO PROMOTE MAKE IN INDIA EXEMPTION WITHDRAWN 1. Parts and Accessories of Mobile Phones • • • • Charger or Adapter Battery Wired Headsets Speakers EXEMPTION GRANTED Full BCD and CVD Exemption: • Inputs or parts for use in manufacture of these specified items • Inputs or sub-parts of above IGCR to be followed BCD, CVD & SAD exemption removed 2. E-Readers Full BCD Exemption: • Raw Materials or parts for use in manufacture of e-readers Specific BCD exemption withdrawn IGCR to be followed Will exemption to “Electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions” under Notification No. 25/2005-Cus apply? 3. Populated PCBs of mobile phone or table computer SAD – 2% SAD exemption withdrawn IGCR to be followed 4. Populated PCBs of personal computers (laptops/desktops) SAD exemption withdrawn New Exemptions Granted – Promote Make in India Parts, Components and Accessories (including sub-parts) for use in manufacture of Broadband Modem [8517 62 30] Routers [8517 62 30] Set top boxes for gaining access to internet [8517 69 60] Digital Video Recorder (DVR)/ Network Video Recorder (NVR) [8521 90 90] Reception apparatus for television but not designed to incorporate video display [8528 71 00] CCTV Camera/ IP Camera [8525 80 20] Lithium Batteries (other than batteries of mobile phones) [8507 60 00] Full BCD and CVD Exemption Granted IGCR Procedure to be followed Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemptions made subject to IGCR Procedure Product Exemptio n LCD, LED or OLED panels for manufacture of television classifiable under 8529 BCD – Nil Solar tempered glass or solar tempered (anti-reflective coated) glass for use in manufacture of solar cells/panels/modules classifiable under chapter 70 BCD - 5% Phosphoric Acid [Chapter 28] for manufacture of fertilizers BCD – 5% CVD – Nil Anhydrous ammonia (Chapter 28), for the manufacture of goods falling under Chapter 31, intended for use as fertilizers CVD – Nil Denatured ethyl alcohol (ethanol) for use in manufacture of excisable goods (2207 20 00) BCD – 2.5% Machinery, electrical equipment, other instruments and their parts [Chapter 84, 85 & 90] for use in: • Fabrication of semiconductor wafer and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) • Assembly, testing, marking and packaging of semi conductor chips [except populated Printed Circuit Boards] BCD – Nil SAD - Nil Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential New Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty for Manufacture of Excisable Goods) Rules, 2016 • Supersedes existing IGCR Rules, 1996 • Applicable from 1st April, 2016 • Key Changes • Exemption based on self-declaration rather than permission from central excise authorities • No need for separate registration under these rules • Manufacturer of non-excisable/ exempted final products –to obtain Central excise registration under rule 9 of Central Excise Rules • Information regarding intention to avail benefit to both Excise and Customs authorities. • Excise to forward the same to Customs. • Customs to grant benefit on Bill of Entry on this basis itself. • Continuity bond with surety/ security to be executed to Excise authorities. • Intimation regarding receipt of goods in factory and maintenance of account of receipt/ consumption and stock • Specific provision for disposal of unutilized or defective imported goods with 3 months from import subject to payment of duty and interest Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Telecom Equipment – Exemption Withdrawn • Budget 2014 excluded certain telecommunication products from the purview of ITA Bound exemption (Notification No.24/2005-Cus.) • However, mobile operators claimed alternate exemption in terms of Sl. No. 372 of Notification No. 12/2012-Cus. • Anomaly now corrected by excluding the same set of telecommunication equipment from Notification No. 12/2012-Cus. as well • Impact – The mobile operators exemption is no longer available for major 2G, 3G and 4G telecommunication equipment. • Intended to promote the “Make in India” scheme? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Product Specific Amendments Exemption extended on both parts of aircraft imported after repair and parts imported for repair by an MRO AVIATION SECTOR – KEY CHANGES agencies under the Standard Exchange Scheme. 8% concessional rate of Excise Duty/ CVD on Aviation Turbine Fuel restricted to supply from Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) airports to Scheduled Commuter Airlines (SCA) For other rate of 14% applicable Maximum period of stay of foreign aircrafts for MRO operations in India Increased from 60 days to 6 months Further extension as DGCA may deem fit For Import of tools/ tool kits by MRO agencies: • • BCD, CVD and SAD exemption subject to certification by DGCA. Procedure for exemption simplified based on records and subject to actual user condition. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Other Key Amendments Product Amendments Wireless Microphones • • • Tariff Item 8525 50 50 stands deleted. Now, all microphones including wireless microphones shall be covered under Tariff Item 8518 10 00. Inconsistency with HSN removed. Smart Watches • • Notified for RSP based assessment. Abatement allowed 35% Foreign Satellite Data on storage media BCD, CVD and SAD exempt on import by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. Disposable sterilized dialyzer and micro barrier of Artificial Kidney [Chapter 84 or 90] BCD, CVD and SAD exempt. Goods for construction of ships of Indian navy or coast guard, Aircrafts, aircrafts parts, aircraft engines, aircraft engine parts, Arms, ammunition and military stores etc. BCD and CVD exemption withdrawn Polyester staple fibre manufactured from plastic scrap or plastic waste 6% concessional rate of excise duty / CVD withdrawn from Notification No. 12/2012-CE. “Clean Energy Cess” renamed as “Clean Environment Cess” – Coal, Lignite & Peat Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rs.200 PMT increased to Rs.400 PMT EXPORT DUTY – WITHDRAWN/ REDUCED Product Existing Rate New Rate Iron Ore Fine (Fe Content below 58%) 10% Nil Iron Ore Lumps (Fe Content below 58%) 30% Nil Chromium ores and concentrates 30% Nil Bauxite 20% 15% Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential LEGISLATIVE CHANGES Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential GENERAL AMENDMENTS Amendment to Section 28, Customs Act • Normal period of limitation for issuing a Show Cause Notice is increased from 1 year to 2 years • ‘Short paid/non paid’ added in the Section to cover default in case of deferred payment of duty under Section 47 of the Customs Act, 1962 Amendment to Section 25 – Power to grant exemption from duty • No requirement to publish the Notification and offer the Gazette for sale – Param Industries – SC – redundant Amendment to Section 47, 51 and 156 – Deferred payment of Customs duty • By notification, a certain class of importers may now be permitted to make deferred payment of duty in a manner specified by way of rules. • Central Government to make rules on due date and manner of making deferred payment Section 53, Customs Act is amended where a proper officer may allow transit of certain goods and conveyance without payment of duty only subject to the conditions as may be prescribed by the Board. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential AMENDMENTS TO WAREHOUSING PROVISIONS Introduction of a special warehouse licensed under Section 58A, where goods are kept under continued physical control of the department Existing private bonded warehouse and public bonded warehouse have become record-based warehouses Requirement of notifying warehousing stations dispensed with by deleting Section 2(45) and Section 9 and the words ‘warehousing station’ from Chapter Heading of Chapter III, thereby removing ‘warehousing station’ from the Customs Act INDIRECT TAX DISPUTE RESOLUTION SCHEME, 2016 A common dispute resolution scheme for Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax. Available as an option in respect of disputes (appeals) pending before Commissioner (Appeals) only. Benefit restricted to appeals pending as on 1st March, 2016. Effect of order passed under the scheme • • • Appeal stands disposed off Complete immunity from all proceedings under the Act in respect of the dispute. The order will not be deemed to be an order on merits. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential INDIRECT TAX DISPUTE RESOLUTION SCHEME, 2016 Steps to follow: • The Assessee has to make a declaration upto 31st December, 2016 before the Designated Authority. Designated Authority means an Officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner designated under the scheme. • Declaration to be acknowledged by Designated Authority. • Within 15 days of receipt of acknowledgement, Declarant has to deposit duty/Tax along with interest and 25% of penalty imposed under the Order-In-Original. • Intimate Designated Authority within 7 days of such payment. • Order of discharge - Order to be passed by Designated Authority within 15 days of receipt of such proof of payment. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential INDIRECT TAX DISPUTE RESOLUTION SCHEME, 2016 Exclusions under the scheme: • Orders in respect of search and seizure proceeding • Orders in respect narcotic drugs or other prohibited goods. • Order is in respect of offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 or the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. • Any detention order passed under Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act, 1974. • Prosecution instituted before the 1st June, 2016. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Change in Rate Expansion of Levy New Exemption : RMC Rationalisation of Cess Interest on Provisional Assessment Ease of Doing Business Cenvat Credit Rate of excise duty No change in Excise Duty Rate of 12.5% Increase in Rate Sl. No. Product Earlier rate of duty New rate of duty 1 Polyester Staple fibre or Polyester filament yarn manufactured from plastic waste and scrap (Ch. 54 or 55) 2% (without credit) 2% (without credit) 6% (with credit) 12.5% (with credit) 2 Sacks and bags (Tariff Item 3923 21 00 and Ch. 3923 29) 15% & 12.5% 15% 3 Waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured (Ch. 2202 10) 18% 21% Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Reduction in rate of excise duty Sl. No. Product Earlier rate of duty New rate of duty 1 Solar Lamp (Tariff Item 9405 50 40) 12.5% Nil 2 Rubber sheets and resin rubber sheets for soles and heels (Tariff item 4008 29 10) 12.5% 6% 3 Specified goods for use in manufacture of centrifugal pumps under tariff item 8413 70 10 (Ch. 8413 91 or 8501 31 19) 12.5% 6% 4 Micronutrients (Ch. 28, 29 or 38) (falling under Sr. No. 1(f) of Schedule 1 Part (A) of the Fertilizer Control Order 12.5% 6% 5 Mixture of Fertilizers (Ch. 31) [Co-operative Societies holding certificate of manufacture for mixture of fertilizers under Fertilizer Control Order] 12.5% NIL Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Readymade Garments Jewellery Aluminium foils Other items Ready made garments Branded Goods + RSP ≥ Rs. 1,000 Branded Goods + RSP < Rs. 1,000 OR Unbranded Goods (irrespective of RSP) Other than Cotton Cotton 2 % (Without CENVAT) OR 12.5 % (With CENVAT) Nil (Without CENVAT) OR 6 % (With CENVAT) Nil (Without CENVAT) OR 12.5 % (With CENVAT) Effective from 1.3.2015 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Ready made garments…….contd. SSI – for March 2016 upto Rs. 12.5 Lakhs Tariff value – 60% of RSP Registration- Option available to brand owner as well as job worker Retail Tailors taxable? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 1.3.2015 Jewellery sector Centralised registration to manufacturers of articles of jewellery other than plain silver jewellery other than plain silver jewellery increased to Rs. 6 crores with an eligibility limit of Rs. 12 crores – for March 2016 Rs. 50 lakh Articles of silver jewellery, other than those studded with diamonds, ruby, emerald or sapphire (“plain silver jewellery”) Nil (no change from present position) Articles of jewellery – of precious metals other than silver jewellery not studded 1% without credit on inputs and capital goods OR 12.5% with credit Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Alum iminium foils of thickness 0.2mm or less – included under Third Schedule packing or repacking of such goods in a unit container or labelling or re-labelling of containers including the declaration or alteration of retail sale price on it or adoption of any other treatment on the goods to render the product marketable to the consumer S.R. Tissues Pvt. Ltd. 2002 (139) E.L.T. A81 (S.C) Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Accessories of vehicles, fork lift trucks and other self propelled machineries Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Expansion of Levy : Other items Description of goods Abatement Smart watches 35 All goods of 3401 and 3402 (earlier only specified were covered) Soaps and other active agents 30 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 1.3.2015 Ready-mix Concrete Excise duty on Ready-mix Concrete manufactured at site of construction (Ch. 3824): Nil Existing entry: “Concrete mix manufactured at the site of construction for use in construction work at such site” Substituted entry: “Concrete mix or Ready-mix Concrete (RMC), manufactured at site of construction for use in construction work at such site” Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 1.3.2015 Ready-mix Concrete….contd. Larson & Tubro Ltd.- 2015 (324) E.L.T. 646 (S.C.) W.P.I.L. Ltd.- 2005 (181) E.L.T. 359 (S.C.): Amendment clarificatory? “A clarificatory notification would take effect retrospectively. Such a notification merely clarifies the position and makes explicit what was implicit. Clarificatory notifications have been issued to end the dispute between the parties.” Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 1.3.2015 Rationalization of cess Cess introduced or increased Cess withdrawn or reduced i. Cess under The Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1946 ii. Cess under The Salt Cess Act, 1953 • Infrastructure Cess introduced (1.3.2016) iii. Passenger Welfare Cess under The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 iv. Cess under The Textiles Committee Act, 1963 v. • Clean Environment Cess increased from Rs 300 to Rs. 400 per tonne (1.3.2016) Cess under The Limestone and Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1972 vi. Cess under The Tobacco Cess Act, 1975 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential vii. Cess under The Iron Ore, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Cess Act, 1976 viii. Cess under The Cine-workers Welfare Cess Act, 1981 Oil Industries Development Cess reduced from 4500 PMT to 20% ad valorem Automobile industry – Infrastructure cess Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Automobile industry – infrastructure cess Description of motor vehicle falling under 8703 Rate of Cess Petrol/ LPG/CNG driven motor vehicles of length not exceeding 4m and engine capacity not exceeding 1200cc 1% Diesel driven motor vehicles of length not exceeding 4m and engine capacity not exceeding 1500cc 2.5% All categories of motor vehicles of 8703 other than the ones mentioned above and exempted under Notification No. 1/2016-CE 4% Exemption- ambulances, Electrically operated, three wheeled, Hybrid Vehicles, taxi, Cars for physically handicapped persons Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Automobile industry – infrastructure cess Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Interest on amount paid under provisional assessment Interest payable for the period starting with the first day after the due date till the date of actual payment, whether such amount is paid before or after the issue of order for final assessment. Bombay High Court - Commissioner of Central Excise & Customs, Mumbai Vs. CEAT Limited has been overcome Effective from 1.3.2015 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Ease of Doing Business Reduction in number of statutory returns • No requirement of filing • Annual Financial Information Statement • Annual Installed Capacity Statement. Assesse required to file Annual Return under provisions of Excise Rules and Credit Rules Facility of revision of return • Revision of ER-1 Return and Annual Return filed within the due dateby the end of calendar month in which original return is filed. • Rationalization of rate of interest • Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Facility available to EOU also Different rates of interest prescribed under Excise Act, 1944 and other rules rationalized. Interest is now payable at the rate of 15% pa Ease of Doing Business Distribution of credit on inputs by warehouse of manufacturer • Manufacturer having one or more factories allowed to take credit on inputs received under an invoice issued by a warehouse of the manufacturer which receives the inputs • Rules applicable to First Stage Dealer/Second Stage Dealer to apply mutatis mutandis to a warehouse of manufacturer Chartered Engineer (CE) Certificate for claiming rebate on inputs • Assessee claiming rebate on inputs to file Chartered Engineer Certificate for correctness of ratio of output and input where SION is notified. AC/DC may grant permission for manufacture of export goods on basis of such certificate. In case of doubt, AC/DC may visit the factory • Earlier, AC/DC had to verify the correctness of ratio of output and input by calling samples or by visiting the factory. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Ease of Doing Business • Earlier RGCR Rules, 2001 rescinded. New Rules effective from 01.04.2016. • The new Rules are intended to simplify the procedures, including allowing duty exemptions to importer/manufacturer based on self-declaration instead of obtaining permissions from the Central Excise authorities. • Rules now provide that the demand of duty will be raised on the supplier manufacturer if the recipient manufacturer is found to be non-existent. This provision has been inserted for the first time in the proposed Rules Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 1.4.201 Definitions NCCD and Infrastructure Cess Rule 4(5)(b) and Rule 4 (6) Rule 6 and Rule 7 Rule 14 of Interest on credit Definition Amended • Capital goods definition amended to include • Wagons falling under 860692 • Office equipment and Appliances • Specific mention for capital goods used outside factory for pumping of water • Earlier only for generation of electricity Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Definition Amended • Inputs • Capital goods having value upto Rs. 10,000/ piece • Specific mention for pumping of water Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential NCCD and Infrastructure Cess • No credit other than NCCD be utilized for payment NCCD for all product • Earlier restriction was limited to mobile phones only • Dharmapal Satyapal 323 ELT 55 (Gau.) • KamakHaya Cosmetics 232 ELT 33 (Gau.) • Prag Bosini 295 ELT 682 (Gau.) No Longer Applicable Effective 1.3.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential NCCD and Infrastructure Cess • Infrastructure Cess • To be Paid in Cash • No credit of Cess • No specific mention under Rule 3(1) • Can manufacturer of automobile take credit of cess under Rule 16? Effective 1.3.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 4(5)(b) And Rule 4 (6) • Rule 4(5)(b) substituted • To allow tools in addition to jigs, fixtures, moulds and dies sent to contract manufacturer or job-worker • Such goods can be directly sent without receiving in the factory • Rule 4(6) permission can be granted for three years in place of one Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • New Rule 6(1) to Rule 6(4) substituted • Options of Separate book of accounts removed • Two Options available • 6% / 7% on value of exempted goods and exempted service respectively • Proportionate credit reversal Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • 6%/7% payable upto maximum of total credit available in the account at the end of period to which payment relates. • Total credit available means what? (iv) The maximum limit prescribed in the first option would ensure that the amount to be paid does not exceed the total credit taken. The purpose of the rule is to deny credit of such part of the total credit taken, as is attributable to the exempted goods or exempted services and under no circumstances this part can be greater than the whole credit. (TRU-2) Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • Proportionate Credit Reversal • Applicable to Common inputs and input services only and not to exclusively used for dutiable goods or taxable service • Thyssenkrupp Industries (I) Pvt. Ltd. 310 ELT 317- taken care of • No final products manufactured or no output service provided in preceding financial year, provisional credit admissible upto 50% only Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • No option exercised and Intimation for proportionate credit reversal not filed, option for proportionate credit can be exercised on payment of interest • Transition provision provided till 30th June, 2016 for financial year 20152016. Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • Exempted goods to include non excisable goods (Same as earlier provision) • Exempted service to include activity not a service under Section 65B(44) • Value to be invoice/ agreement/ contract value and where value is not available, value to be determined by using reasonable means consistent with principle of valuation contained in Finance Act and rules made thereunder Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 amended • Service under Section 65B(44) defined as under :“service” means any activity carried out by a person for another for consideration, and includes a declared service, but shall not include— (a) an activity which constitutes merely,— (i) a transfer of title in goods or immovable property, by way of sale, gift or in any other manner; or (ii) such transfer, delivery or supply of any goods which is deemed to be a sale within the meaning of clause (29A) of article 366 of the Constitution; or (iii) a transaction in money or actionable claim; (b) a provision of service by an employee to the employer in the course of or in relation to his employment; (c) fees taken in any Court or tribunal established under any law for the time being in force. Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 6 (4) amended • No credit on Capital Goods used exclusive in manufacture of exempted goods or provision of exempted service for a period of 2 years from date of commencement of commercial productions/ date of installation or provision of exempted service • • • • Spenta International 216 ELT 133 Tri-LB Gujarat Propack 313 ELT 152 (Guj) Kailash Auto 280 ELT 49 (Kar.) Hindustan Coca Cola 313 ELT 152 Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 7 amended • Credit can be distributed to outsourced manufacturing unit • Outsourced manufacturing unit means job-worker paying duty under 10A of valuation rules or contract manufacturer paying under Section 4A • Credit common to more than one unit to be distributed to respective unit • Credit common to all units to be distributed to all the units • Credit on services with ISD upto 31.3.2016 not to be distributed to outsourced manufacturing unit Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 7 amended • Outsourced manufacturer to maintain separate account for ISD credit received and can be utilized for payment of duty on goods manufactured for ISD • Provision of Rule 6 to apply to manufacturing units or provider of output service and not at ISD • Can ISD take credit post 1.4.2016 and distribute to outsourced units even in respect of services received prior to 1.4.2016? Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rule 14 : Interest • Rule 14 (2) of Credit Rule Deleted “The existing sub- rule (2) of rule 14 prescribes a procedure based on FIFO method for determining whether a particular credit has been utilized. The said sub-rule is being omitted. Now, whether a particular credit has been utilised or not shall be ascertained by examining whether during the period under consideration, the minimum balance of credit in the account of the assessee was equal to or more than the disputed amount of credit”. TRU Circular Effective 1.4.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Change in Rate Rationalization of abatement Negative List Declared Services Exemptions Other legislative changes Cenvat Credit – Relevant changes Tax Rates Change in the rate of service tax • Krishi Kalyan Cess • Abatements rationalized Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Krishi Kalyan Cess • Rate - 0.5% on the value of taxable services • Levied over and above the service tax making effective rate to 15%. (Service tax @ 14% + Swachh Bharat Cess @ 0.5%+ Krishi Kalyan Cess @0.5%) • Set-off against input cess paid • Provisions of Chapter V of Finance Act, 1994 to apply Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Krishi Kalyan Cess Issues: • Treatment in specified cases: • Special Economic Zone (SEZ), • Rebate in case of exports • Applicability – Point of Taxation? • Service provided earlier • Clarifications/Notification of Swachh Bharat Cess – Applicable? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemptions: Legal Services Levy of service tax on legal services? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemptions: Legal Services .. Senior Advocate Exemption Withdrawn • Legal service provided to: • An advocate or partnership firm of advocates • Any person other than a business entity • Business entity with a turnover up to rupees ten lakh in the preceding financial year Exemption Introduced • Legal services provided by a senior advocate to a person other than a person ordinarily carrying out any activity relating to industry, commerce or any other business or profession Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.04.2016 Exemptions: Legal Services .. • Services provided by a person represented on an arbitral tribunal to an arbitral tribunal (Exemption withdrawn) Effective from 01.04.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemptions: Construction Sector Low Cost Houses: Exemption Extended Exemption provided for low cost houses up to a carpet area of 60 square meters per house in a housing project Approved under The ‘Affordable Housing in partnership’ component of the housing for All (Urban) Mission/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna Any housing scheme of a State Government Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Exemption : Software Position prior to 1st March, 2016 (A) RSP affixation required Excise duty/CVD leviable Service tax exemption not available (B) RSP affixation not required Excise duty/CVD exempted Service tax exemption not available Position with effect from 1st March, 2016 (A) RSP affixation required Excise duty/CVD leviable Service tax exemption available (B) RSP affixation not required Excise duty/CVD leviable on value of medium (including value of freight and insurance)on which software is loaded Service tax leviable on the value of software Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Software : Issues Packaged/canned software – Goods or services? Requirement for exemption from service tax? Taxability of software loaded on media with multi-user licenses? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemption to services to Govt/Governmental authority/local authority Exemption restored for the following services provided under contract entered prior to 1.03.2015 on which stamp duty has been paid: Other original works meant predominantly for use other than for commerce, industry, or any other business or profession a structure meant predominantly for use as an educational, a clinical or an art or cultural establishment a residential complex predominantly meant for self-use or the use of their employees or other persons specified in the Explanation 1 to clause 44 of section 65B of the said Act Above exemption is restored till 31.03.2020 Effective from 01.03.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemption to services to Govt/Governmental authority/local authority • Proposal to provide exemption during the period between 01.04.2015 and 29.02.2016 (Section 102 of the Finance Bill, 2016) • Refund of service tax paid in respect of the services provided during the above period shall be available. • Application of refund shall be made with six months from the date on which the Finance Bill, 2016 receives the assent of the President • Issues: • Procedure for claiming refund? • Unjust enrichment? • Meaning of appropriate stamp duty? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemption to ports/airports • Exemption to services by way of construction, erection, commissioning or installation of original works pertaining to an airport or port is now being restored till 1.04.2020. • Conditions: • Applicable for the contract entered prior to 01.03.2015 • Appropriate stamp duty to be paid, and • Certificate required from Ministry of Civil Aviation or the Ministry of Shipping certifying that the contract had been entered into before 01.03.2015. • Proposal to provide exemption for the period between 01.04.2015 and 29.02.2016 (Section 103 of the Finance Bill, 2016) • Refund of service tax paid in respect of the services provided during the above period shall be available. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Exemption withdrawn • Transport of passenger by ropeways, cable car or aerial tramway Effective from 01.04.2016 • Monorail and metro • Original works pertaining to monorail or metro withdrawn with effect from 1.03.2016 • Exemption continues for contracts entered prior to 1.03.2016 Effective from 01.03.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential New Exemptions –Others • Services by way of construction, erection, commissioning, installation, completion, fitting out, repair, maintenance, renovation, or alteration of: • a civil structure or any other original works pertaining to the In-situ rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private participation under the Housing for All (Urban) Mission/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, only for existing slum dwellers • a civil structure or any other original works pertaining to the Beneficiary-led individual house construction / enhancement under the Housing for All(Urban) Mission/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Effective from 01.03.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential New Exemptions – Others… • Exemptions provided in respect of services provided by Employees’ Provident Fund Organization to persons governed under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 • Exemption provided to services provided by Securities and Exchange Board of India by way of protecting the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market • Services provided by National Centre for Cold Chain Development under Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmer’s Welfare by way of cold chain knowledge dissemination Effective from 01.04.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rationalization of Abatement Abatement Reduced SERVICE PRESENT ABATEMENT PROPOSED ABATEMENT CONDITION Transportation of goods in containers by rail by any person other than Indian Railways 70% 60% Cenvat credit on inputs and capital goods not available Credit on input services available Services of goods transport agency in relation to transportation of used household goods 70% 60% Cenvat credit on inputs, capital goods and input service not available Services (ii) a tour, if the tour operator is providing services solely of arranging or booking accommodation for any person in relation to a tour Tours other than (i) above Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential 90% 90% 75%/60% 70% Conditions continue provided earlier as Rationalization of Abatement Abatement Reduced SERVICE Construction service PRESENT ABATEMENT PROPOSED ABATEMENT CONDITION 70%/75% 70% Conditions continue as provided earlier Effective from 01.04.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rationalization of Abatement Abatement Introduced SERVICE ABATEMENT PROPOSED IMPLICATIONS Services provided by a foreman of chit fund in relation to chit 30% Condition : No credit on inputs, capital goods and input services. Transport of passengers with or without accompanied belongings by stage carriage 60% Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Condition : No credit on inputs, capital goods and input services. EFFECTIVE DATE 01.04.2016 01.06.2016 Rationalization of Abatement Transport of goods by rail by Indian Railways Credit on input services made available Transport of passengers, with or without accompanied belongings by rail Transport of goods in a vessel Effective from 01.04.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Negative List: Pruned Entries Omitted Present Status Services by way of pre-school education and higher secondary school, education to obtain a qualification and approved vocational education courses Exemption available (S. No. 9) Definition of “educational provided Service of transportation of passengers with or without accompanied belongings by “a stage carrier” Exemption introduced for non-air conditioned stage carriage (S. No. 23(bb)) Services by way of transportation of goods by an aircraft or vessel from a place outside India up to the customs station of clearance Exemption introduced for transportation of goods by an aircraft (S. No. 53) Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential institution Declared Service : Right to use the spectrum • Assignment by the Government of the right to use the radio-frequency spectrum and subsequent transfers thereof to be declared as a service. Effective Date: Assignment of right to useWhether TRUG? 1st April, 2016 Date of enactment of Finance Bill Currently taxable? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Rebate for services used for export Rebate claim: • Refund of service tax on services used beyond the factory for export of goods for the period from 1.7.2012 to 2.3.2016 (both days inclusive). • Application for claim of rebate of service tax to be made within one month from the date of commencement of Finance Act, 2016 Issues Manner in which such claim for rebate to be filled? Authority before whom the rebate claim to be filed? Rebate – Where credit availed earlier? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Other legislative changes : Increase in limitation period Service Tax The time period for assessment in normal periods in section 73 proposed to be increased to 30 months from 18 months Issues: Revised time limit applicable for pending matters? Uttam Steels 2015 (319) ELT 598 (SC) Excise Duty The limitation period for demand of duty increased from one year to 2 years, in cases not involving fraud or collusion or any willful mis-statement or suppression of facts etc Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Increase in limitation period Introduced in Finance Act, 1994 as 6 months in S. 73 (value of taxable services escaping assessment) Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Amended to one year vide Finance Act, 2002 Amended to 18 months vide Finance Act, 2012 Proposed to be amended to 30 months vide Finance Bill, 2016 Interest payable on delayed payment Proviso to section 75 substituted Where assesse collects service tax but does not deposit the amount with the Central Government then rate of interest on delayed payment may be specified by way of notification. Notification No. 13/2016 provides: S. No. Situation Rate of interest 1 Collection of amount as service tax but failing to pay the amount to Central Government 24% 2 Any situation other than above 15% Effective from date of assent of Finance Bill, 2016 Issues: Situations where S. No. 2 will be attracted? Case where amount is charged as cum-tax? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Interest payable on delayed payment- history 1.5% simple interest per month vide Finance Act, 1994 Amended to 15% per annum vide Finance Act, 2001 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Section 75 amended and interest payable reduced to 13% vide Notification No. 26/2014-ST Amended vide Notification No. 12/2014: Up to 6 months: 18% 6 months to 12 months: 24% Beyond 12 months: 30% Amended vide Notification No. 13/2016: Amount collected but not paid: 24% Any other case: 15% Provisions relating to arrest Section 89 Offences and penalties • Monetary limit for prosecution of In sub-section (1), the word “rupees fifty lakhs” is proposed to be substituted with “rupees two hundred lakhs” “in case of offence specified in clauses (a), (b) or (c) where the amount exceeds fifty lakh rupees, with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years” (i) (ii) in case of offence specified in clause (d) where the amount exceeds fifty lakh rupees, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven year” Effective from date of enactment of Bill Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Provisions relating to arrest Section 90 Cognizance of offences • Sub-section (2) which provides that offences apart from those under section 89(1)(ii) are non-cognizable and bailable to be omitted Section 91 Power to arrest • In sub-section (1), “clause (i) or” to be omitted • Sub-section (3) pertaining to power of Assistant/Deputy Commissioner in case of a non-cognizable and bailable offence to be omitted Effective from date of enactment of Bill Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Provisions relating to arrest Impact of the amendments Power to arrest will be extended only where the amount is in excess of Rs. 2 crore instead of Rs. 50 lakhs Such power of arrest limited to cases where the assesse collects any amount but fails to pay the amount to the Central Government beyond a period of 6 months and will not cover offences under S. 89(1)(a)(b) and (c) Issues Whether power of arrest for offences under S. 89(1)(a)(b) and (c) will directly be covered by the CrPC? Effective from date of enactment of Bill Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Reverse Charge: Government Services Section 66D excludes any service by Government/local authority to a business entity • Made effective from 1.4.2016 • Scope/Coverage: • • • Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Licenses? Statutory fees? Permissions? Section 67A & Point of Taxation Section 67A : Determination of rate of tax • Sub-section (2) inserted to provide specific rule making powers in respect of rate of tax in accordance with Point of Taxation Rules, 2011 Effective from date of enactment of Bill Point of Taxation (POT) • Explanation to Rule 5 inserted to provide: • POT in case of new levy on service. Issues: • Whether Krishi Kalyan Cess, Swachh Bharat Cess, etc are new levy? Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Effective from 01.03.2016 Cenvat credit rules relating to service tax Amendments relating to transportation of goods by a vessel for export Rule 2(e) amended to exclude transportation of goods by a vessel from customs station in India to outside India from definition of exempted service Effective from 01.03.2016 Sub-rules (1), (2), (3) and (4) of rule 6 inapplicable to transportation of goods by a vessel from customs station in India to outside India by way of rule 6(7). Effective from 01.04.2016 Amendments relating to assignment of right to use natural resources Sixth proviso to rule 4(7) added to provide formula for availment of Cenvat credit of service tax paid on consideration paid for assignment of right to use natural resources: Cenvat credit to be availed in FY= ST on charges payable for assignment of right to use/No. of years of assignment Effective from 01.04.2016 Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Cenvat credit rules relating to service tax Amendments relating to assignment of right to use natural resources (cont.) Seventh proviso to rule 4(7): in case of further assignment of right to use spectrum against consideration, amount of balance of Cenvat credit as does not exceed service tax payable on consideration charged shall be allowed in the same financial year. Effective from 01.04.2016 Eighth proviso to rule 4(7): in case of annual or monthly user charges for assignment of right to use natural resources, the Cenvat credit shall be allowed in the same financial year in which they are paid. Effective from 01.04.2016 Impact: • The amendments in rule 2(e) and 6(7) will ensure continuity of the Cenvat credit chain with respect to service of transportation of goods by sea by a vessel by way of export of goods even though such services are not subject to the levy of service tax. • Cenvat credit of service tax paid on charges paid for the assignment of right to use natural resource shall be spread over the period of usage of such right. Copyright 2016, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan / Confidential Questions ? Founded by V. Lakshmikumaran and V. Sridharan in 1985, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (L&S) is one of the largest integrated law firms in India with over 300 professionals including 46 partners. The firm has nine offices located across India in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata and Gurgaon. It specializes in the areas of Customs & International Trade, Taxation, Intellectual Property and Corporate law. The firm has handled more than 40000 litigation cases before various fora both in India and abroad including 2,000 cases before the Supreme Court of India. For more information, visit us at www.lakshmisri.com NEW DELHI 5 Link Road, Jangpura Extension, Opp. Jangpura Metro Station, New Delhi 110014 --B-6/10, Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi - 110 029 Phone : +91-11-4129 9811 E-mail : lsdel@lakshmisri.com MUMBAI 401-404, Kakad Chambers 132, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400 018 Phone : +91-22-2491 4382 E-mail : lsbom@lakshmisri.com CHENNAI 2, Wallace Garden, 2nd Street Chennai - 600 006 Phone : +91-44-2833 4700 E-mail : lsmds@lakshmisri.com BENGALURU 4th floor, World Trade Center Brigade Gateway Campus 26/1, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram West, Bangalore-560 055. Ph: +91(80) 49331800 Fax:+91(80) 49331899 E-mail : lsblr@lakshmisri.com HYDERABAD ‘Hastigiri’, 5-9-163, Chapel Road Opp. Methodist Church, Nampally Hyderabad - 500 001 Phone : +91-40-2323 4924 E-mail : lshyd@lakshmisri.com AHMEDABAD B-334, SAKAR-VII, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380 009 Phone : +91-79-4001 4500 E-mail : lsahd@lakshmisri.com PUNE 607-609, Nucleus, 1 Church Road, Camp, Pune – 411 001 Phone: +91-20-66801900 E-mail : lspune@lakshmisri.com KOLKATA 2nd Floor, Kanak Building 41, Chowringhee Road Kolkatta-700071 Phone : +91-33-40051 5570 E-mail : lskolkata@lakshmisri.com GURGAON OS2 & OS3, 5th floor, Corporate Office Tower, AMBIENCE Island, Sector 25-A, Gurgaon- 122001 Phone: +91- 0124 – 477 1300 Email: lsgurgaon@Lakshmisri.com ............................................................................................................................... ....................... Disclaimer: L&S Update is meant for informational purpose only and does not purport to be advice or opinion, legal or otherwise, whatsoever. Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan does not intend to advertise its services through this update. Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan or its associates are not responsible for any error or omission in this update or for any action taken based on its contents. © 2016 Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, India. All rights reserved.