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Tax Litigation in India,
an update
India Tax Workshop 2011
Vijay Iyer
Prasad Paranjape
Moderator – Sunil Kapadia
Direct Tax Litigation
An update
India Tax Workshop 2011
10 - 12 November 2011
Vijay Iyer
1. An Overview
2. Corporate Tax Litigation
Update
3. Transfer Pricing Litigation
Update
Outline
An Overview of Direct
Tax Litigation in India01
Page 5 India Tax Workshop 2011
Direct Tax Litigation in India
► As per recent report of the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India)
► Rs 2.2 lakh crore is locked up in appeals at various levels till the end of 2008-09.
► Most of these cases are where the Government is the Appealant
► Based on estimates, the total number of cases in litigation is approximately
60,000 out of which the Government is in appeal in about 50,000 cases and
the taxpayers are in appeal in about 10,000 cases
► With the tax authorities getting more and more aggressive, the number of
cases going up to the courts in continuously rising
► Most multinationals have some form of tax litigation pending at some forum at
any point in time
Corporate Tax
Litigation Update
02
1. Permanent Establishment
issues
2. Tax on sales activities
3. Tax on procurement activities
4. Construction PE
5. Taxation of secondments
6. Other issues
Page 7 India Tax Workshop 2011
India Tax–Recent trends in PE taxation of MNCs
► PE taxation continues to occupy significant focus in India
► Spate of rulings from Judicial Authorities (Authority for Advance Rulings, Tribunals
and Courts)
► Rulings indicate outcomes are fact specific; although, at times divergent views
taken
► Aggressiveness visible where commercial activities / part thereof carried out in
India
► Tax surveys an important tool used by tax administration to unearth facts e.g. Rolls
Royce
► Key issues of importance in PE taxation based on recent pronouncements:
► Sales and distribution activities
► Procurement activities
► Construction activities
► Secondment
Page 8 India Tax Workshop 2011
► F Co has a LO in India for “sales and
marketing activities”
► Activities of LO:
► Identification of customers and understanding
requirements
► Participate in negotiations
► Indian customers place order directly on F
Co
► F Co supplies goods directly to Indian
customers
► LO assists in logistics
Case Study – Sales and distribution activities
India
Overseas
LO
F Co
Indian
Customer
Solicits
Orders
Provision
of spare
parts and
services
► Bangalore ITAT confirms Korean company’s LO is a PE in India
► PE activities neither preparatory / auxiliary
► Karnataka High Court confirms ITAT findings
Would activities of LO constitute “Agency PE” of
F Co in India
Page 9 India Tax Workshop 2011
Case Study – Procurement activities
► F Co is a wholesaler and retailer of goods with worldwide
operations; creates innovative products and does R&D
outside India
► F Co purchases manufactured goods from vendors worldwide
including India
► F Co has LO in India to support its procurement function.
Activities include:
► Vendor identification/ development/ recommendation/
monitoring
► Collection of information/ samples
► Quality control and uploading material prices into product data
management systems
► Coordinating and acting as communication channel between
vendors and F Co
Overseas
India
F Co
Purchase
Contract
LO
Vendors
Procurement,
Material
Management
Sales
Would activities of LO constitute PE of F Co in India
► Authority for Advance Rulings held that LO creates fixed place PE of F Co
► Activities of LO result in PE under Article 5(1); not confined to only purchase of goods in India for exports
► LO practically involved in all activities except sales
► Under Article 7, income attributable to LO is taxable in India
Page 10 India Tax Workshop 2011
Case Study – Construction activities
India
Overseas
Location A
Contract 1
3 Months
F Co
Location B
Contract 3
3 Months
Location C
Contract 2
4 Months
► True test is interconnection and
interrelationship, in addition to geographical
proximity and commercial nexus
► If the contracts are in different locations and
not so inextricably interconnected , there
should be no aggregation of time
Is Construction PE
created as aggregate
time spent in India
exceeds 183 days?
Several contracts Sub - contracting
► Place of work of I Co far away from site
► I Co’s facility not at disposal of F Co
► AAR held that I CO time should not be included
India
Overseas
F Co
Contract Site
3 Months
I Co office
4 Months
Sub-contract
Should time spent by I
Co be aggregated to
determine whether F Co
has construction PE ?
Page 11 India Tax Workshop 2011
► Certain key employees of F Co seconded to I
Co (a WOS) to carry out day to day business
activities of I Co
► Terms of secondment
► Personnel remain on F Co’s payroll
► Salary of personnel paid by F Co and cross
charged to I Co
► Personnel work under supervision, control and
direction of I Co
► Personnel return to F Co on completion of
secondment with I Co
Case Study – Secondment – Two Conflicting Views
India
Overseas
F Co
I Co
Personnel
PE Blocker
View 1
► Held that arrangement is not
secondment but for provision of
managerial services
► Cross charge of salary has been held
as fees for included services as per
India-US treaty
View 2
► Held that seconded personnel are
employees of I Co for all practical
purposes
► Accordingly, the secondment would not
create a service PE as per India-US
treaty
Whether potential use of a PE blocker entity can
help??
Page 12 India Tax Workshop 2011
Other Issues
► Implication of Gift of Shares of an Indian company
► The transfer of shares held in Indian subsidiary by the applicant to its Singapore
subsidiary pursuant to a scheme of business re-organisation without consideration,
constitutes ‘gift’, Hence, it would not attract capital gains tax liability in India
► Mauritius Treaty Implications
► By virtue of the Mauritian DTAA, the capital gain arising to taxpayer was not taxable
in India
► Taxability of discount on promissory notes
► Discounting of bill amounts to purchase of negotiable instrument and it does not
result into any debtor/creditor or lender/borrower relationship. Thus, discounting
cost is not in the nature of interest and hence not taxable in India
► Taxability of data processing fees
► Under India-UK Treaty, since there is no transfer of technical skill or know-how
while rendering the service, the UK entity is not rendering any managerial or
technical services to the Applicant and therefore the payment received is not liable
to tax
Transfer Pricing
03
1. Current Landscape
2. Judicial Precedence on Key TP
Issues
3. Litigation Road Ahead
4. MAP & APA Update
5. Concluding Thoughts
Page 14 India Tax Workshop 2011
Current landscape
► Transfer Pricing and International Tax are focus areas for the tax
department
► Legislative changes to plug potential loopholes
► Increasingly aggressive positions adopted by the revenue
► Augmented staffing and training of officers
► TP audits are widening in their scope and are more intrusive
► Request for higher level of documentation and access to operational
personnel
► Arming of tax officials with greater powers of investigation
► Newer areas of challenge
► Intangibles, Intra-group services, cross border financing arrangements
► Growing cross-country collaboration
► Several exchange of information treaties effected
► Extensive interaction with OECD officials
Page 15 India Tax Workshop 2011
Current landscape
► Build up of cases at ITAT level
► DRP functioning for AY 2006-07 did not achieve stated purpose
► Lack of fact finding and investigation by the DRP
► Absence of speaking orders at the DRP level
► Experience at ITAT
► Initial trend generally in favor of taxpayer
► Recent decisions indicate a mixed/ balanced outcome
► A number of “reasonable” judgments; but some level of unpredictability/
inconsistency
► Efforts invested in understanding the Functional, Asset & Risk analysis of
the taxpayer and comparable companies
► Focus on strong footprint of evidence from first stage
Page 16 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Erosion of tax base ► AAR - Instrumentarium Corporation
► Coca Cola Branch Office
► Jindal Dyechem Industries (favorable)
► Indo American Jewellery (favorable)
Diverse views on the subject
No taxable income
– Non applicability
of TP provisions
► AAR - Dana Corporation
► AAR - Amiantit International Holding Ltd
► Venenburg Group BV
► VNU International BV
► Whirlpool India Holdings Ltd
► Deere & Co.
► Praxair Pacific Ltd.
TP provisions were not
applicable, where income was not
taxable in India
Importance of FAR
analysis
emphasised
► Mentor Graphics Pvt Ltd
► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd
► Sony India Pvt Ltd
► Philips Software Center Pvt Ltd
► Honeywell Automation India Ltd
► Quark Systems Pvt. Ltd.
► BP India Services Pvt. Ltd.
Robust FAR analysis is critical for
defense
Page 17 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
TNMM analysis at
transactional level
► UCB India Pvt Ltd
► Global Vantedge
► Development Consultants Pvt Ltd
► Twinkle Diamonds
► Starlite
► Indo-American Jewellery
► Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd
► Star India Ltd
► Symantec Software Solutions Private Ltd
► Exxon Mobil
Judgments in favor of
transactional level
comparability. However at
times, aggregated approach
may give a far reasonable
result
TP adjustment to be
restricted to AE
transactions only
► Il Jin Electronics (I) Pvt Ltd
► T Two International Pvt Ltd
ITAT judgments currently
support this proposition
Adjustment on account of
differences in accounting
practices
► Schefenacker Motherson Ltd
► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd
Upfront evaluation of various
comparability criteria is
recommended
Use of comparables
having related party
transactions
► Sony India Pvt Ltd (10-15%)
► Philips Software Center Pvt Ltd (Re. 1)
► Global Logic India Pvt Ltd (25%)
► Avaya India Pvt Ltd (15%)
Diverse views on threshold for
RPT computation
Page 18 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Applicability of +/-5% range
in case of one price
► Perot Systems TSI
► Essar Steel Ltd
Relief of +/-5% is available
only when more than one
price is determined by the
most appropriate method
Whether +/-5% range is a
standard deduction
► Development Consultants
► Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd
► Sony India Pvt Ltd.
► Philips Software Centre P. Ltd.
► Schefenacker Motherson Ltd
► Toshiba India Ltd
► UE Trade Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd
► Cummins India Ltd
► SAP Labs India Pvt Ltd
► BASF India Ltd
► Technimount Icb Pvt Ltd
► Marubeni India Pvt Ltd (not allowed)
► Global Vantedge (not allowed)
► ST Microelectronics (not allowed)
Diverse views on the subject
Page 19 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Whether +/-5% benefit
is applicable in case
ALP is determined using
only one method
► ADP Pvt Ltd (+/-5% benefit not allowed if
ALP determined using one method)
► Electrobug Technologies Ltd (+/-5% benefit
allowed even if ALP determined using one
method)
Diverse views on the subject.
Use of multi-year data ► Aztec Software and Technology
► Honeywell Automation India Ltd
► Customer Services India (P) Ltd
► Skoda Auto India Ltd
► Panasonic India Pvt Ltd (use of single year
data allowed)
► ST Microelectronics Pvt. Ltd.
Mandatory requirement of law
for use of current FY data,
cannot be dispensed with,
unless use of multiple year
data adds value to the TP
analysis. Burden of proof on
taxpayer
CUP is the most
preferred method
► Clearplus India Pvt Ltd
► Serdia Pharmaceuticals
CUP is the most direct method
for determining ALP, provided
product comparability is
established
Interest free loan -AAR ► Instrumentarium Corporation Determining the effect of
interest free loan is outside
the ambit , AAR- directed to
comply with TP provision.
Page 20 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Grant of interest free loan /
use of RBI or Govt. of India
approval to conform arm’s
length condition
► Perot Systems TSI
► VVF Limited
Both judgments against taxpayers. Robust
economic analysis necessary for financing
transactions
Corporate Guarantee – Not
an international transaction
► Four Soft Ltd. (favorable) Not an international transaction, notional
commission is deleted.
Tax holiday benefit – if tax
payer does voluntary TP
adjustment
► I-Gate Global Solutions Ltd Unlike the adjustment made by the revenue,
a suo-moto adjustment by taxpayer would
not prejudice the tax holiday benefit
DRP should provide cogent
reasons/ speaking order
► Geodis Overseas (P) Ltd
► Agilent Technologies India
Pvt Ltd
► Vodafone Essar Ltd
► Colt Technology Services
India Pvt Ltd
► India Gypsum Limited
► FIS Global Business
Solutions India P. Ltd
DRP should provide cogent reasons/ pass
speaking order
Management fees ► Gemplus India Pvt Ltd Documentation to support benefit derived/
services received is essential
Page 21 India Tax Workshop 2011
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Marketing intangibles ► Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Bright-line approach
Abnormal/ supernormal
profitability of
comparables
► Agnity India Technologies Pvt Ltd
► Adobe Systems India Pvt Ltd
► Quark Systems Pvt Ltd
► Sapient Corporation Pvt Ltd
► Exxon Mobil (no automatic
exclusion of supernormal profit
companies)
Diverse views but generally
companies earning abnormal
profits should not be treated as
comparables.
Whether assessee
making losses reflect
incorrect TP policy
► Ekla Appliances
► MSS India
► Carraro India Ltd
Presence of losses does not
imply incorrect TP policy
Use of foreign tested
party / comparables
► Development Consultants Pvt Ltd
(allowed use of foreign tested
party)
► Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (not
allowed)
► Global Vantedge Pvt Ltd (not
allowed)
Diverse views on the subject –
further development to be seen
Globally accepted view –
Tested party should be the
lesser complex entity
Page 22 India Tax Workshop 2011
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Interest on
outstanding
receivables
► Logix Micro Systems Ltd (unfavorable)
► Nimbus Communications Ltd (favorable)
Diverse views on the subject
Start-up / Idle
capacity and
working capital
adjustment
► Global Vantedge Pvt. Ltd.
► Vertex Customer Services
► Sony India Pvt Ltd
► Fiat India Pvt Ltd
► E.I. Dupont India P. Ltd
All judgments in favour of
taxpayers. Upfront evaluation
of such adjustments is
recommended
Applicability of
turnover filter
► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd
► Indo American Jewellery
► Symantec Software Solutions Private Ltd
(rejected use of turnover filter)
► DHL express (India) Pvt Ltd (rejection of
companies with turnover < 20% of
assessee’s turnover)
Diverse views on the subject
Cost contribution
arrangement
► Dresser Rand India Pvt. Ltd. (favorable) TPO has no authority to
question the commercial
wisdom of the assessee.
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Page 23 India Tax Workshop 2011
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Penalty for concealment of income [271(1)(c)] – TP addition
A bonafide difference of
opinion, cannot constitute
furnishing inaccurate
particulars of income, hence
no concealment of penalty on
such TP addition.
Since the treatment of same
is debatable issue and TP
study is being review by a
reputed consultant, hence no
penalty as ALP is determined
in good faith and with due
diligence.
► Change in method ► Firmenich Aromatics India P. Ltd.
► RBS Equities India P. Ltd.
(for Change in method )
(favorable)
► Reducing rate of
commission from 20% to
12%
Hinduja Ventures Ltd. (Commission
rate from 20% to 12%) (favorable)
► Extraordinary item -
provision for doubtful
debt (As AE went in to
winding up) – part of
operating cost ?
► Vertex Customer Services
(favorable)
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Page 24 India Tax Workshop 2011
Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway
Penalty for non-filing
of Form 3CEB
► Open Technologies India Pvt
Ltd
► JJ Exporters Ltd
► G I Systems Org (India) Pvt. Ltd
(penalty sustained on account
of failure to furnish reasonable
reason)
No penalty if reasonable cause for not
furnishing Form 3CEB on time
Penalty for non
maintenance of
documentation
► Cargill India Pvt Ltd
► Philips Software Centre Pvt Ltd
► UCB India Pvt Ltd
Substantive compliance should be the
criteria and if the deficiency in
maintenance does not materially impact
the ALP, then penalty should not be
levied
Reimbursement ► British Gas India (favorable) Before adding any mark up, nature and
purpose of expense vis-à-vis nature of
services rendered , remanded the matter
back to AO.
TP adjustment based
on the assumption of
accrual benefit to AE
► Patni Computer System Ltd
(favorable)
Since no evidence of any tangible
benefit accrued to AE, consultancy fees
cannot be allocated to the AE.
Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
Page 25 India Tax Workshop 2011
Litigation road ahead
► Use of writ against non-speaking orders
► Use of Miscellaneous Applications (MAs) to correct adverse / incorrect
observations by the Tribunal
► Appeal to High Court against ITAT orders
► Typically only ‘matter of law’ is admitted
► Requires careful consideration of issues, evidence already on record and
framing of grounds
Page 26 India Tax Workshop 2011
MAP & APA update
MAP
► Two rounds concluded between India-US Competent Authority for
technology/ BPO companies
► First round: around 18-24 percent, depending upon year, nature of service
► Second round: attempts to negotiate higher mark-ups for “high value” services
► Engagement expected soon with Japanese & UK Cas
► Indian position on availability of MAP for TP disputes in the absence of Article
9(2) in the tax treaty
APAs
► Government working on guidelines for APAs envisaged in DTC
► TPOs involved in the process
► Knowledge & experience assimilation meeting with Canadian tax authorities
► Focus area during recent Government of India & OECD seminar in Delhi
Page 27 India Tax Workshop 2011
Concluding thoughts
► Aggravation of uncertain TP environment
► Removal of tolerance range of +/(-) 5 percent
► Absence of any safe harbour provisions so far
► Enhanced investigative powers of TPOs
► TP controversy to continue unabated
► Legal issues to be settled only at the higher court levels
► New areas of challenge like intangibles
► Interplay with PEs and Indirect taxes
► Need for a proactive approach to documentation and audit defense
► APAs could be a game changer
Thank you
Emerging trends in Indirect
tax law and litigation
Prasad Paranjape
India Tax Workshop 2011
10 - 12 November 2011
► Indirect Tax litigation: Future
► Export of Services
► Goods vs. Service
► Availment of Cenvat Credit on
angles, channel, beams etc
► Customs Exemption
Notification
► Renting of Immovable Property
► Managing Indirect Tax
Litigation
► Harmonization of Indirect Tax
Litigation in GST regime
Inside
Indirect Tax Litigation: Future
01
Page 32 India Tax Workshop 2011
Indirect Tax Litigation: Future
► Indirect tax target/ collection
(approx. numbers)*
(figures in Crore)
* Based on secondary sources of information such as internet, articles, newspapers etc
F.Y. Centre
(INR)
State
(INR)
Total (INR)
2009-10 2,45,000 2,10,000 4,55,000
2010-11 3,40,000 2,50,000 6,00,000
2011-12 (Target) 4,00,000 3,00,000 7,00,000
Page 33 India Tax Workshop 2011
IDT Litigation: Future (Contd.)
► Status of tax disputes
► Over 30,000* direct and indirect tax disputes pending before High Courts
and Supreme Courts involving tax dispute of USD 40,000* million
► Over 40,000* indirect tax appeals pending before CESTAT
► Additionally, numerous Sales Tax/ VAT cases pending in Courts/ Tribunals
► Measures to reduce the disputes/ faster dispute resolution:
► Recently, circular issued to enhance the monetary limit of tax demanded
for filing appeals by Revenue (Supreme Court Rs. 5 lakh, High Court Rs.
2 lakh, Tribunal Rs. 1 lakh) to reduce number of cases
► Establishment of National Tax Tribunal – future uncertain!!
► Another Tax Dispute Settlement Scheme before GST?
* Based on secondary sources of information such as internet, articles, newspapers etc
Export of Services
02
Page 35 India Tax Workshop 2011
Export of Services
► Various amendments (in relation to Export of Service Rules, 2005) to
clarify the meaning ‘export of service’
► Endeavour of the legislature to give tax benefit to exporters of service
► However, on account of disputes raised by Tax Authorities, the issues
surrounding ‘export of service’ is subject to serious litigation
► In the recent case of Paul Merchants Ltd vs CCE, Ludhiana 2011-TIOL-
1448-CESTAT- Del, the matter has been referred to Third Member;
► Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd vs Commissioner Service tax, matter
was heard by the Tribunal (New Delhi), however decision pending
Goods vs. Service
03
Page 37 India Tax Workshop 2011
Goods vs. Service
► Supply of goods by Service provider
► Favorable judgments for service provider where Courts relied on
‘dominant intention test ‘ and held that supply of goods incidental to
service becomes part of service and not liable to VAT
► Idea Mobile Communication Ltd vs CCE [2011-VIL-17-SC-ST];
► Bharti Airtel Limited vs State (In the matter of light energy)
► CST vs SKY Gourmet Catering Pvt Ltd (Karnataka High Court)
► Bharti Airtel & Another vs ACST [2010-34 VST202(WBTT)]; State vs BSNL
[2011-VIL-49-AP]
► Supply of software whether goods or service
► Issue is still open due to divergent views of the Courts
► Microsoft case - Settlement Commission (in Customs matter)
► Infotech Software Dealers’s Association vs UOI [2010 (20) STR 289 (Mad)]
► Infosys Technologies Limited vs State [2011 (71) Kar. L.J41 Tri]
Availment of Cenvat Credit on
angles, channel, beams etc
04
Page 39 India Tax Workshop 2011
Availment of Cenvat Credit on angles,
channel, beams etc
► Cenvat Credit on angle, beams, channels etc used in fabricating
structural support
► Vandana Global Ltd [2010-TIOL-624 CESTAT-DEL-LB] - held that
supporting structure for a machinery cannot be treated as part or
accessory of machinery. Cenvat credit on steel items etc used for
constructing such support structure disallowed
► Rajasthan Spinning & Weaving Mills Ltd [2010-TIOL-51-SC-CX] - SC
allowed Cenvat credit on angles, beams etc used for fabrication of the
structural support for machinery
► Apps Mills Ltd [2011-TIOL-1378-CESTAT- Bang] – The Tribunal allowing
cenvat credit on such items held that Vandana Global decision is no
longer valid as it runs contrary to subsequent ruling of Apex Court in
Rajasthan Spinning & Weaving Mills Ltd
All pending matters should be argued in the light of Bangalore Tribunal decision
as the matter has now been settled by the SC
Customs Exemption Notification
05
Page 41 India Tax Workshop 2011
Customs Exemption Notification
► Import by JV partner not import by JV to avail benefit of exemption
notification
► Gammons India Limited vs CC [2011-TIOL-60-SC-CUS]
► SC held an exception or an exemption provision exempting a person from tax
liability must establish clearly that such person is covered by the said provision;
► in case any doubt or ambiguity the benefit must always got to Revenue
► However, there are Cases where the benefit of the Exemption was
granted:
► IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects Ltd. vs CC and Techini Bharathi Ltd. vs
CC, Mumbai.
Judgments were fact specific. Clear and unambiguous drafting of the terms
of the JV contract recommended to establish that import by partner was on
behalf of JV
Renting of Immovable Property
06
Page 43 India Tax Workshop 2011
Renting of Immovable Property
► High Courts have upheld the constitutional validity of "renting of
immovable property"
► Shubh Timb Steels Limited vs UOI [AIT-2010-539 HC]
► Retailers Association of India vs UOI [AIT- 2011- 368-BOM HC]
► Matter is pending before SC in the case of Retailers Association of
India (BOM HC) and Home Solutions Retails (India) Ltd (DEL HC)
[2011-TIOL-103-SC-ST]
All asessee are collecting and depositing Service tax on a conservative basis
Managing Indirect Tax Litigation
07
Page 45 India Tax Workshop 2011
Managing Indirect Tax Litigation
► Rise in judicial decisions contrary to well established principles of law
resulting in ‘unsettling of settled positions’. For example:
► Steel Strips vs CCE [2011 (269) ELT 0257 Tri-LB]; Instrumentation Ltd vs
CCE [2011(023) STR 0221 Tri-Del]; CCE vs BSBK Pvt Ltd [2010 (18)
STR 555 (Tri-LB)]; Obeetee Textiles Pvt Ltd vs CCE 2011 (272) ELT 11
(ALL)
Page 46 India Tax Workshop 2011
Managing Indirect Tax Litigation
► Alternate dispute resolution mechanism under Indirect tax laws
should be explored:
► Option to approach Settlement Commission on Excise and Customs
related matters (though there is a proposal to include matters relating to
Service tax as well)
► Forum for self surrender and seeking relief – not for challenging
legality of orders
► Immunity from prosecution, imposition of penalty/ fine can be granted
subject to conditions:
► bill of entry/ shipping bill/ return is filed and show-cause notice is issued;
► matter is pending for adjudication;
► additional amount of duty accepted by applicant exceeds Rs 3 lakh and
► applicant has paid additional amount of duty accepted along with interest
Page 47 India Tax Workshop 2011
Managing Indirect Tax Litigation
► Alternate Dispute Mechanism (cont’d)…
► ‘Advance ruling ‘ for Customs, Excise and Service tax matters
► Involves determination of specified questions of law or facts in relation to duty/
tax liability
► Should be for proposed business activity in India
► Advance ruling’ in favor of assessee not ‘high’; Can be explored to avoid
litigation
► Advance ruling and order by Settlement commission is conclusive –
only remedy is writ petition
Page 48 India Tax Workshop 2011
Managing Indirect Tax Litigation
► Conservative approach to be followed in light of the following
developments in Cenvat Law
► Amendment in the Cenvat law to disallow credit of tax recovered on
account of non-levy or non-payment or short payment by reason of fraud
etc or contravention of provisions of Finance Act with an intent to evade
tax (Rule 9 of CCR)
► SC in UOI vs Ind-Swift Laboratories Ltd (2011-TIOL-21-SC-CX) held that
interest on availment of irregular CENVAT credit payable from the date of
taking credit and not from the date of utilizing such credit
Harmonization of Indirect Tax
litigation in GST regime
08
Page 50 India Tax Workshop 2011
Harmonization of Indirect Tax Litigation in
GST regime
► Requirement of Harmonization of litigation system under the
proposed GST regime (currently, diverse litigation system for different
indirect tax legislations)
► Challenges involved in unifying the present diverse litigation system:
► Shifting pending cases to GST regime
► Unifying tax litigation policies and processes under it. For instance:
► Applicability of territorial jurisdiction;
► Unification and simplification of diverse appellate process existing under
Central and State laws
► Procedural harmonization with respect to various appeal forms, fees, pre-
deposit requirements etc
Thank you
The discussions in this presentation are personal views of the speaker and are
intended to provide only a general outline of the subjects covered. The presentation
should not be regarded as comprehensive or sufficient for making decisions, nor
should it be used in place of professional advice, which should always have regard for
the particular commercial facts and circumstances. Accordingly, Ernst & Young Private
Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss arising from any action taken or not taken by
anyone by relying on this presentation.

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Tax Litigation in India - EY India

  • 1. Tax Litigation in India, an update India Tax Workshop 2011 Vijay Iyer Prasad Paranjape Moderator – Sunil Kapadia
  • 2. Direct Tax Litigation An update India Tax Workshop 2011 10 - 12 November 2011 Vijay Iyer
  • 3. 1. An Overview 2. Corporate Tax Litigation Update 3. Transfer Pricing Litigation Update Outline
  • 4. An Overview of Direct Tax Litigation in India01
  • 5. Page 5 India Tax Workshop 2011 Direct Tax Litigation in India ► As per recent report of the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) ► Rs 2.2 lakh crore is locked up in appeals at various levels till the end of 2008-09. ► Most of these cases are where the Government is the Appealant ► Based on estimates, the total number of cases in litigation is approximately 60,000 out of which the Government is in appeal in about 50,000 cases and the taxpayers are in appeal in about 10,000 cases ► With the tax authorities getting more and more aggressive, the number of cases going up to the courts in continuously rising ► Most multinationals have some form of tax litigation pending at some forum at any point in time
  • 6. Corporate Tax Litigation Update 02 1. Permanent Establishment issues 2. Tax on sales activities 3. Tax on procurement activities 4. Construction PE 5. Taxation of secondments 6. Other issues
  • 7. Page 7 India Tax Workshop 2011 India Tax–Recent trends in PE taxation of MNCs ► PE taxation continues to occupy significant focus in India ► Spate of rulings from Judicial Authorities (Authority for Advance Rulings, Tribunals and Courts) ► Rulings indicate outcomes are fact specific; although, at times divergent views taken ► Aggressiveness visible where commercial activities / part thereof carried out in India ► Tax surveys an important tool used by tax administration to unearth facts e.g. Rolls Royce ► Key issues of importance in PE taxation based on recent pronouncements: ► Sales and distribution activities ► Procurement activities ► Construction activities ► Secondment
  • 8. Page 8 India Tax Workshop 2011 ► F Co has a LO in India for “sales and marketing activities” ► Activities of LO: ► Identification of customers and understanding requirements ► Participate in negotiations ► Indian customers place order directly on F Co ► F Co supplies goods directly to Indian customers ► LO assists in logistics Case Study – Sales and distribution activities India Overseas LO F Co Indian Customer Solicits Orders Provision of spare parts and services ► Bangalore ITAT confirms Korean company’s LO is a PE in India ► PE activities neither preparatory / auxiliary ► Karnataka High Court confirms ITAT findings Would activities of LO constitute “Agency PE” of F Co in India
  • 9. Page 9 India Tax Workshop 2011 Case Study – Procurement activities ► F Co is a wholesaler and retailer of goods with worldwide operations; creates innovative products and does R&D outside India ► F Co purchases manufactured goods from vendors worldwide including India ► F Co has LO in India to support its procurement function. Activities include: ► Vendor identification/ development/ recommendation/ monitoring ► Collection of information/ samples ► Quality control and uploading material prices into product data management systems ► Coordinating and acting as communication channel between vendors and F Co Overseas India F Co Purchase Contract LO Vendors Procurement, Material Management Sales Would activities of LO constitute PE of F Co in India ► Authority for Advance Rulings held that LO creates fixed place PE of F Co ► Activities of LO result in PE under Article 5(1); not confined to only purchase of goods in India for exports ► LO practically involved in all activities except sales ► Under Article 7, income attributable to LO is taxable in India
  • 10. Page 10 India Tax Workshop 2011 Case Study – Construction activities India Overseas Location A Contract 1 3 Months F Co Location B Contract 3 3 Months Location C Contract 2 4 Months ► True test is interconnection and interrelationship, in addition to geographical proximity and commercial nexus ► If the contracts are in different locations and not so inextricably interconnected , there should be no aggregation of time Is Construction PE created as aggregate time spent in India exceeds 183 days? Several contracts Sub - contracting ► Place of work of I Co far away from site ► I Co’s facility not at disposal of F Co ► AAR held that I CO time should not be included India Overseas F Co Contract Site 3 Months I Co office 4 Months Sub-contract Should time spent by I Co be aggregated to determine whether F Co has construction PE ?
  • 11. Page 11 India Tax Workshop 2011 ► Certain key employees of F Co seconded to I Co (a WOS) to carry out day to day business activities of I Co ► Terms of secondment ► Personnel remain on F Co’s payroll ► Salary of personnel paid by F Co and cross charged to I Co ► Personnel work under supervision, control and direction of I Co ► Personnel return to F Co on completion of secondment with I Co Case Study – Secondment – Two Conflicting Views India Overseas F Co I Co Personnel PE Blocker View 1 ► Held that arrangement is not secondment but for provision of managerial services ► Cross charge of salary has been held as fees for included services as per India-US treaty View 2 ► Held that seconded personnel are employees of I Co for all practical purposes ► Accordingly, the secondment would not create a service PE as per India-US treaty Whether potential use of a PE blocker entity can help??
  • 12. Page 12 India Tax Workshop 2011 Other Issues ► Implication of Gift of Shares of an Indian company ► The transfer of shares held in Indian subsidiary by the applicant to its Singapore subsidiary pursuant to a scheme of business re-organisation without consideration, constitutes ‘gift’, Hence, it would not attract capital gains tax liability in India ► Mauritius Treaty Implications ► By virtue of the Mauritian DTAA, the capital gain arising to taxpayer was not taxable in India ► Taxability of discount on promissory notes ► Discounting of bill amounts to purchase of negotiable instrument and it does not result into any debtor/creditor or lender/borrower relationship. Thus, discounting cost is not in the nature of interest and hence not taxable in India ► Taxability of data processing fees ► Under India-UK Treaty, since there is no transfer of technical skill or know-how while rendering the service, the UK entity is not rendering any managerial or technical services to the Applicant and therefore the payment received is not liable to tax
  • 13. Transfer Pricing 03 1. Current Landscape 2. Judicial Precedence on Key TP Issues 3. Litigation Road Ahead 4. MAP & APA Update 5. Concluding Thoughts
  • 14. Page 14 India Tax Workshop 2011 Current landscape ► Transfer Pricing and International Tax are focus areas for the tax department ► Legislative changes to plug potential loopholes ► Increasingly aggressive positions adopted by the revenue ► Augmented staffing and training of officers ► TP audits are widening in their scope and are more intrusive ► Request for higher level of documentation and access to operational personnel ► Arming of tax officials with greater powers of investigation ► Newer areas of challenge ► Intangibles, Intra-group services, cross border financing arrangements ► Growing cross-country collaboration ► Several exchange of information treaties effected ► Extensive interaction with OECD officials
  • 15. Page 15 India Tax Workshop 2011 Current landscape ► Build up of cases at ITAT level ► DRP functioning for AY 2006-07 did not achieve stated purpose ► Lack of fact finding and investigation by the DRP ► Absence of speaking orders at the DRP level ► Experience at ITAT ► Initial trend generally in favor of taxpayer ► Recent decisions indicate a mixed/ balanced outcome ► A number of “reasonable” judgments; but some level of unpredictability/ inconsistency ► Efforts invested in understanding the Functional, Asset & Risk analysis of the taxpayer and comparable companies ► Focus on strong footprint of evidence from first stage
  • 16. Page 16 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Erosion of tax base ► AAR - Instrumentarium Corporation ► Coca Cola Branch Office ► Jindal Dyechem Industries (favorable) ► Indo American Jewellery (favorable) Diverse views on the subject No taxable income – Non applicability of TP provisions ► AAR - Dana Corporation ► AAR - Amiantit International Holding Ltd ► Venenburg Group BV ► VNU International BV ► Whirlpool India Holdings Ltd ► Deere & Co. ► Praxair Pacific Ltd. TP provisions were not applicable, where income was not taxable in India Importance of FAR analysis emphasised ► Mentor Graphics Pvt Ltd ► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd ► Sony India Pvt Ltd ► Philips Software Center Pvt Ltd ► Honeywell Automation India Ltd ► Quark Systems Pvt. Ltd. ► BP India Services Pvt. Ltd. Robust FAR analysis is critical for defense
  • 17. Page 17 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…) Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway TNMM analysis at transactional level ► UCB India Pvt Ltd ► Global Vantedge ► Development Consultants Pvt Ltd ► Twinkle Diamonds ► Starlite ► Indo-American Jewellery ► Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd ► Star India Ltd ► Symantec Software Solutions Private Ltd ► Exxon Mobil Judgments in favor of transactional level comparability. However at times, aggregated approach may give a far reasonable result TP adjustment to be restricted to AE transactions only ► Il Jin Electronics (I) Pvt Ltd ► T Two International Pvt Ltd ITAT judgments currently support this proposition Adjustment on account of differences in accounting practices ► Schefenacker Motherson Ltd ► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd Upfront evaluation of various comparability criteria is recommended Use of comparables having related party transactions ► Sony India Pvt Ltd (10-15%) ► Philips Software Center Pvt Ltd (Re. 1) ► Global Logic India Pvt Ltd (25%) ► Avaya India Pvt Ltd (15%) Diverse views on threshold for RPT computation
  • 18. Page 18 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…) Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Applicability of +/-5% range in case of one price ► Perot Systems TSI ► Essar Steel Ltd Relief of +/-5% is available only when more than one price is determined by the most appropriate method Whether +/-5% range is a standard deduction ► Development Consultants ► Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd ► Sony India Pvt Ltd. ► Philips Software Centre P. Ltd. ► Schefenacker Motherson Ltd ► Toshiba India Ltd ► UE Trade Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd ► Cummins India Ltd ► SAP Labs India Pvt Ltd ► BASF India Ltd ► Technimount Icb Pvt Ltd ► Marubeni India Pvt Ltd (not allowed) ► Global Vantedge (not allowed) ► ST Microelectronics (not allowed) Diverse views on the subject
  • 19. Page 19 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…) Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Whether +/-5% benefit is applicable in case ALP is determined using only one method ► ADP Pvt Ltd (+/-5% benefit not allowed if ALP determined using one method) ► Electrobug Technologies Ltd (+/-5% benefit allowed even if ALP determined using one method) Diverse views on the subject. Use of multi-year data ► Aztec Software and Technology ► Honeywell Automation India Ltd ► Customer Services India (P) Ltd ► Skoda Auto India Ltd ► Panasonic India Pvt Ltd (use of single year data allowed) ► ST Microelectronics Pvt. Ltd. Mandatory requirement of law for use of current FY data, cannot be dispensed with, unless use of multiple year data adds value to the TP analysis. Burden of proof on taxpayer CUP is the most preferred method ► Clearplus India Pvt Ltd ► Serdia Pharmaceuticals CUP is the most direct method for determining ALP, provided product comparability is established Interest free loan -AAR ► Instrumentarium Corporation Determining the effect of interest free loan is outside the ambit , AAR- directed to comply with TP provision.
  • 20. Page 20 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…) Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Grant of interest free loan / use of RBI or Govt. of India approval to conform arm’s length condition ► Perot Systems TSI ► VVF Limited Both judgments against taxpayers. Robust economic analysis necessary for financing transactions Corporate Guarantee – Not an international transaction ► Four Soft Ltd. (favorable) Not an international transaction, notional commission is deleted. Tax holiday benefit – if tax payer does voluntary TP adjustment ► I-Gate Global Solutions Ltd Unlike the adjustment made by the revenue, a suo-moto adjustment by taxpayer would not prejudice the tax holiday benefit DRP should provide cogent reasons/ speaking order ► Geodis Overseas (P) Ltd ► Agilent Technologies India Pvt Ltd ► Vodafone Essar Ltd ► Colt Technology Services India Pvt Ltd ► India Gypsum Limited ► FIS Global Business Solutions India P. Ltd DRP should provide cogent reasons/ pass speaking order Management fees ► Gemplus India Pvt Ltd Documentation to support benefit derived/ services received is essential
  • 21. Page 21 India Tax Workshop 2011 Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…) Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Marketing intangibles ► Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Bright-line approach Abnormal/ supernormal profitability of comparables ► Agnity India Technologies Pvt Ltd ► Adobe Systems India Pvt Ltd ► Quark Systems Pvt Ltd ► Sapient Corporation Pvt Ltd ► Exxon Mobil (no automatic exclusion of supernormal profit companies) Diverse views but generally companies earning abnormal profits should not be treated as comparables. Whether assessee making losses reflect incorrect TP policy ► Ekla Appliances ► MSS India ► Carraro India Ltd Presence of losses does not imply incorrect TP policy Use of foreign tested party / comparables ► Development Consultants Pvt Ltd (allowed use of foreign tested party) ► Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (not allowed) ► Global Vantedge Pvt Ltd (not allowed) Diverse views on the subject – further development to be seen Globally accepted view – Tested party should be the lesser complex entity
  • 22. Page 22 India Tax Workshop 2011 Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Interest on outstanding receivables ► Logix Micro Systems Ltd (unfavorable) ► Nimbus Communications Ltd (favorable) Diverse views on the subject Start-up / Idle capacity and working capital adjustment ► Global Vantedge Pvt. Ltd. ► Vertex Customer Services ► Sony India Pvt Ltd ► Fiat India Pvt Ltd ► E.I. Dupont India P. Ltd All judgments in favour of taxpayers. Upfront evaluation of such adjustments is recommended Applicability of turnover filter ► E-Gain Communications Pvt Ltd ► Indo American Jewellery ► Symantec Software Solutions Private Ltd (rejected use of turnover filter) ► DHL express (India) Pvt Ltd (rejection of companies with turnover < 20% of assessee’s turnover) Diverse views on the subject Cost contribution arrangement ► Dresser Rand India Pvt. Ltd. (favorable) TPO has no authority to question the commercial wisdom of the assessee. Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
  • 23. Page 23 India Tax Workshop 2011 Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Penalty for concealment of income [271(1)(c)] – TP addition A bonafide difference of opinion, cannot constitute furnishing inaccurate particulars of income, hence no concealment of penalty on such TP addition. Since the treatment of same is debatable issue and TP study is being review by a reputed consultant, hence no penalty as ALP is determined in good faith and with due diligence. ► Change in method ► Firmenich Aromatics India P. Ltd. ► RBS Equities India P. Ltd. (for Change in method ) (favorable) ► Reducing rate of commission from 20% to 12% Hinduja Ventures Ltd. (Commission rate from 20% to 12%) (favorable) ► Extraordinary item - provision for doubtful debt (As AE went in to winding up) – part of operating cost ? ► Vertex Customer Services (favorable) Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
  • 24. Page 24 India Tax Workshop 2011 Issues covered Judgments Key takeaway Penalty for non-filing of Form 3CEB ► Open Technologies India Pvt Ltd ► JJ Exporters Ltd ► G I Systems Org (India) Pvt. Ltd (penalty sustained on account of failure to furnish reasonable reason) No penalty if reasonable cause for not furnishing Form 3CEB on time Penalty for non maintenance of documentation ► Cargill India Pvt Ltd ► Philips Software Centre Pvt Ltd ► UCB India Pvt Ltd Substantive compliance should be the criteria and if the deficiency in maintenance does not materially impact the ALP, then penalty should not be levied Reimbursement ► British Gas India (favorable) Before adding any mark up, nature and purpose of expense vis-à-vis nature of services rendered , remanded the matter back to AO. TP adjustment based on the assumption of accrual benefit to AE ► Patni Computer System Ltd (favorable) Since no evidence of any tangible benefit accrued to AE, consultancy fees cannot be allocated to the AE. Judicial precedence on key TP issues (Cont’d…)
  • 25. Page 25 India Tax Workshop 2011 Litigation road ahead ► Use of writ against non-speaking orders ► Use of Miscellaneous Applications (MAs) to correct adverse / incorrect observations by the Tribunal ► Appeal to High Court against ITAT orders ► Typically only ‘matter of law’ is admitted ► Requires careful consideration of issues, evidence already on record and framing of grounds
  • 26. Page 26 India Tax Workshop 2011 MAP & APA update MAP ► Two rounds concluded between India-US Competent Authority for technology/ BPO companies ► First round: around 18-24 percent, depending upon year, nature of service ► Second round: attempts to negotiate higher mark-ups for “high value” services ► Engagement expected soon with Japanese & UK Cas ► Indian position on availability of MAP for TP disputes in the absence of Article 9(2) in the tax treaty APAs ► Government working on guidelines for APAs envisaged in DTC ► TPOs involved in the process ► Knowledge & experience assimilation meeting with Canadian tax authorities ► Focus area during recent Government of India & OECD seminar in Delhi
  • 27. Page 27 India Tax Workshop 2011 Concluding thoughts ► Aggravation of uncertain TP environment ► Removal of tolerance range of +/(-) 5 percent ► Absence of any safe harbour provisions so far ► Enhanced investigative powers of TPOs ► TP controversy to continue unabated ► Legal issues to be settled only at the higher court levels ► New areas of challenge like intangibles ► Interplay with PEs and Indirect taxes ► Need for a proactive approach to documentation and audit defense ► APAs could be a game changer
  • 29. Emerging trends in Indirect tax law and litigation Prasad Paranjape India Tax Workshop 2011 10 - 12 November 2011
  • 30. ► Indirect Tax litigation: Future ► Export of Services ► Goods vs. Service ► Availment of Cenvat Credit on angles, channel, beams etc ► Customs Exemption Notification ► Renting of Immovable Property ► Managing Indirect Tax Litigation ► Harmonization of Indirect Tax Litigation in GST regime Inside
  • 32. Page 32 India Tax Workshop 2011 Indirect Tax Litigation: Future ► Indirect tax target/ collection (approx. numbers)* (figures in Crore) * Based on secondary sources of information such as internet, articles, newspapers etc F.Y. Centre (INR) State (INR) Total (INR) 2009-10 2,45,000 2,10,000 4,55,000 2010-11 3,40,000 2,50,000 6,00,000 2011-12 (Target) 4,00,000 3,00,000 7,00,000
  • 33. Page 33 India Tax Workshop 2011 IDT Litigation: Future (Contd.) ► Status of tax disputes ► Over 30,000* direct and indirect tax disputes pending before High Courts and Supreme Courts involving tax dispute of USD 40,000* million ► Over 40,000* indirect tax appeals pending before CESTAT ► Additionally, numerous Sales Tax/ VAT cases pending in Courts/ Tribunals ► Measures to reduce the disputes/ faster dispute resolution: ► Recently, circular issued to enhance the monetary limit of tax demanded for filing appeals by Revenue (Supreme Court Rs. 5 lakh, High Court Rs. 2 lakh, Tribunal Rs. 1 lakh) to reduce number of cases ► Establishment of National Tax Tribunal – future uncertain!! ► Another Tax Dispute Settlement Scheme before GST? * Based on secondary sources of information such as internet, articles, newspapers etc
  • 35. Page 35 India Tax Workshop 2011 Export of Services ► Various amendments (in relation to Export of Service Rules, 2005) to clarify the meaning ‘export of service’ ► Endeavour of the legislature to give tax benefit to exporters of service ► However, on account of disputes raised by Tax Authorities, the issues surrounding ‘export of service’ is subject to serious litigation ► In the recent case of Paul Merchants Ltd vs CCE, Ludhiana 2011-TIOL- 1448-CESTAT- Del, the matter has been referred to Third Member; ► Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd vs Commissioner Service tax, matter was heard by the Tribunal (New Delhi), however decision pending
  • 37. Page 37 India Tax Workshop 2011 Goods vs. Service ► Supply of goods by Service provider ► Favorable judgments for service provider where Courts relied on ‘dominant intention test ‘ and held that supply of goods incidental to service becomes part of service and not liable to VAT ► Idea Mobile Communication Ltd vs CCE [2011-VIL-17-SC-ST]; ► Bharti Airtel Limited vs State (In the matter of light energy) ► CST vs SKY Gourmet Catering Pvt Ltd (Karnataka High Court) ► Bharti Airtel & Another vs ACST [2010-34 VST202(WBTT)]; State vs BSNL [2011-VIL-49-AP] ► Supply of software whether goods or service ► Issue is still open due to divergent views of the Courts ► Microsoft case - Settlement Commission (in Customs matter) ► Infotech Software Dealers’s Association vs UOI [2010 (20) STR 289 (Mad)] ► Infosys Technologies Limited vs State [2011 (71) Kar. L.J41 Tri]
  • 38. Availment of Cenvat Credit on angles, channel, beams etc 04
  • 39. Page 39 India Tax Workshop 2011 Availment of Cenvat Credit on angles, channel, beams etc ► Cenvat Credit on angle, beams, channels etc used in fabricating structural support ► Vandana Global Ltd [2010-TIOL-624 CESTAT-DEL-LB] - held that supporting structure for a machinery cannot be treated as part or accessory of machinery. Cenvat credit on steel items etc used for constructing such support structure disallowed ► Rajasthan Spinning & Weaving Mills Ltd [2010-TIOL-51-SC-CX] - SC allowed Cenvat credit on angles, beams etc used for fabrication of the structural support for machinery ► Apps Mills Ltd [2011-TIOL-1378-CESTAT- Bang] – The Tribunal allowing cenvat credit on such items held that Vandana Global decision is no longer valid as it runs contrary to subsequent ruling of Apex Court in Rajasthan Spinning & Weaving Mills Ltd All pending matters should be argued in the light of Bangalore Tribunal decision as the matter has now been settled by the SC
  • 41. Page 41 India Tax Workshop 2011 Customs Exemption Notification ► Import by JV partner not import by JV to avail benefit of exemption notification ► Gammons India Limited vs CC [2011-TIOL-60-SC-CUS] ► SC held an exception or an exemption provision exempting a person from tax liability must establish clearly that such person is covered by the said provision; ► in case any doubt or ambiguity the benefit must always got to Revenue ► However, there are Cases where the benefit of the Exemption was granted: ► IVRCL Infrastructures & Projects Ltd. vs CC and Techini Bharathi Ltd. vs CC, Mumbai. Judgments were fact specific. Clear and unambiguous drafting of the terms of the JV contract recommended to establish that import by partner was on behalf of JV
  • 42. Renting of Immovable Property 06
  • 43. Page 43 India Tax Workshop 2011 Renting of Immovable Property ► High Courts have upheld the constitutional validity of "renting of immovable property" ► Shubh Timb Steels Limited vs UOI [AIT-2010-539 HC] ► Retailers Association of India vs UOI [AIT- 2011- 368-BOM HC] ► Matter is pending before SC in the case of Retailers Association of India (BOM HC) and Home Solutions Retails (India) Ltd (DEL HC) [2011-TIOL-103-SC-ST] All asessee are collecting and depositing Service tax on a conservative basis
  • 44. Managing Indirect Tax Litigation 07
  • 45. Page 45 India Tax Workshop 2011 Managing Indirect Tax Litigation ► Rise in judicial decisions contrary to well established principles of law resulting in ‘unsettling of settled positions’. For example: ► Steel Strips vs CCE [2011 (269) ELT 0257 Tri-LB]; Instrumentation Ltd vs CCE [2011(023) STR 0221 Tri-Del]; CCE vs BSBK Pvt Ltd [2010 (18) STR 555 (Tri-LB)]; Obeetee Textiles Pvt Ltd vs CCE 2011 (272) ELT 11 (ALL)
  • 46. Page 46 India Tax Workshop 2011 Managing Indirect Tax Litigation ► Alternate dispute resolution mechanism under Indirect tax laws should be explored: ► Option to approach Settlement Commission on Excise and Customs related matters (though there is a proposal to include matters relating to Service tax as well) ► Forum for self surrender and seeking relief – not for challenging legality of orders ► Immunity from prosecution, imposition of penalty/ fine can be granted subject to conditions: ► bill of entry/ shipping bill/ return is filed and show-cause notice is issued; ► matter is pending for adjudication; ► additional amount of duty accepted by applicant exceeds Rs 3 lakh and ► applicant has paid additional amount of duty accepted along with interest
  • 47. Page 47 India Tax Workshop 2011 Managing Indirect Tax Litigation ► Alternate Dispute Mechanism (cont’d)… ► ‘Advance ruling ‘ for Customs, Excise and Service tax matters ► Involves determination of specified questions of law or facts in relation to duty/ tax liability ► Should be for proposed business activity in India ► Advance ruling’ in favor of assessee not ‘high’; Can be explored to avoid litigation ► Advance ruling and order by Settlement commission is conclusive – only remedy is writ petition
  • 48. Page 48 India Tax Workshop 2011 Managing Indirect Tax Litigation ► Conservative approach to be followed in light of the following developments in Cenvat Law ► Amendment in the Cenvat law to disallow credit of tax recovered on account of non-levy or non-payment or short payment by reason of fraud etc or contravention of provisions of Finance Act with an intent to evade tax (Rule 9 of CCR) ► SC in UOI vs Ind-Swift Laboratories Ltd (2011-TIOL-21-SC-CX) held that interest on availment of irregular CENVAT credit payable from the date of taking credit and not from the date of utilizing such credit
  • 49. Harmonization of Indirect Tax litigation in GST regime 08
  • 50. Page 50 India Tax Workshop 2011 Harmonization of Indirect Tax Litigation in GST regime ► Requirement of Harmonization of litigation system under the proposed GST regime (currently, diverse litigation system for different indirect tax legislations) ► Challenges involved in unifying the present diverse litigation system: ► Shifting pending cases to GST regime ► Unifying tax litigation policies and processes under it. For instance: ► Applicability of territorial jurisdiction; ► Unification and simplification of diverse appellate process existing under Central and State laws ► Procedural harmonization with respect to various appeal forms, fees, pre- deposit requirements etc
  • 51. Thank you The discussions in this presentation are personal views of the speaker and are intended to provide only a general outline of the subjects covered. The presentation should not be regarded as comprehensive or sufficient for making decisions, nor should it be used in place of professional advice, which should always have regard for the particular commercial facts and circumstances. Accordingly, Ernst & Young Private Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone by relying on this presentation.