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The government is exploring an increase in the income-tax exemption limit for individuals to compensate for the high recent inflation, but revenue considerations and the fact that the limit was hiked sharply in 2008-09 could force it to maintain status quo or give just a token hike. The proposal has figured in the preliminary discussions , as the policymakers debate ways to give some relief to households from high inflation. Full Article

The finance ministry is likely to keep the corporate tax rate unchanged at 30%, as it faces stiff resistance from companies to the draft direct tax code's proposal to cut the rate to 25% and remove all exemptions. "Corporates are resisting the phasing out of exemptions even with a lower tax rate," said a senior government official. Full Article

The government will sift through the financial data filed by companies with the Registrar of Companies to get a better picture of their investments and expenditure, helping it get better inputs for key policy decisions such as tax incentives. Financial details submitted with the RoC will be aggregated under various parameters such as investments, deposits and trade debt, a government official told. The initiative is driven by the ministry of corporate affairs. The RoC ha.. Full Article

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the two Himalayan states which have drawn thousands of crores of investments due to the tax benefits they offer, stare at the possibility of losing the status as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee looks to plug loopholes and boost revenues for a government that’s on a spending spree. Full Article

India will stick to its earlier announced deadline for convergence with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by April 2011, a top Government official has said. “Let me make it very clear that India is a signatory to accept IFRS.By accept, I mean convergence to IFRS by April 2011 and not adoption. Full Article

With just three months left for the Union Budget 2010-11, the Ministry of Finance has started the process of pre-Budget consultations. A first round of pre-Budget meetings with the various ministries has already taken place.The ministry has also written to industry bodies to send in their proposals for the Budget. It will hold discussions with the industry beginning next month. Full Article

The government is working to bring limited liability partnerships (LLPs) within the scope of foreign direct investment guidelines, a move which will facilitate the inflow of overseas capital through a corporate structure that has just recently been allowed in India. Full Article

Employees enjoying perks such as rent-free accommodation, cars, chauffeurs, credit cards and club memberships may have to pay tax on the value of these benefits, with the government proposing a shift in the tax burden on perquisites (perks) from the employer to the employee. Prior to FY06, employees paid tax on certain perquisites. However, with the [...] Full Article