India has migrated to new regime of Service Tax w.e.f. July 1, 2012 where in all services, except negative list of services and exempted services are liable to suffer Service Tax @ 12.36 percent. While the government expects over 125 lakh crore rupees from Service Tax in current fiscal, it appears that the task may be achieved easily but at the cost of rising disputes and confusion.
July is the month when most of us in the tax bracket need to file income tax returns, more so in case of individual assessees and where audit is not required. 31st July is the last date for filing income tax returns by all individuals, firms, HUFs, etc. whose books of accounts are not subject to audit under any law including income tax. This generally covers all individual assessees including salaried persons, professionals etc.
The consumption of services in India has become costlier w.e.f. 1.7.2012. The services which were hitherto not taxable at all are into tax net now. Those which were taxed earlier have a larger scope or are taxed with lesser exemptions. The valuation norms have been made tougher so that Service Tax is levied on gross value of service which will include even non monetary consideration.
Economic slow down is ruling the world today, including India. While slow down brings with it retardation in economic growth, lower investments, increase in prices, lesser demand & production and reduced employment opportunities, the current slow down comes with tagged inflation which is persistent and long over due for correction), weakened rupee as against dollar with 10% impact in last one month alone negligible fresh investment in core sectors, enhanced tax rates and interest rates etc. Added to this is the lull in capital market with no activity in primary market and a not so buoyant stock market, though the market saw a rise in last few trading sessions.
For those of readers who do not know the status of Budget proposals, let me update that the Finance Bill, 2012 proposals have become statutory provisions now and the bill has become Finance Act, 2012 with President of India signing the same on 28th May, 2012. Thus, most of the changed provisions in income tax and Excise / Service Tax have become applicable.
The residential property market in India, particularly in the Tier I & II cities, has remained sluggish for the past 12 months, with significantly lower sale volumes, especially when compared to the high absorption rates of 2010. Home loan interest rates now seem to be declining from their cyclical highs but unforeseen tax levies have come at a time when the industry is facing its moment of reckoning.
The Union Budget 2012-13 and the Finance Bill, 2012 has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is likely to be passed by Rajya Sabha this week and then become a statute on President’s assent. Withdrawal of Income Tax (TDS) on purchase of immovable property up to Rs 5 lakhs GAAR provisions postponed to 1.4.2014 Securities transaction tax (SST) on sale of unlisted securities reduced to 0.2 percent No excise duty on purchase of jewellery upto Rs 5 lakh No service tax on deemed sale of goods
Investments and sale to consumers does pick up around Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most auspicious days in the hindi calendar to buy gold, silver , jewellery and to make investment. ‘Akshaya’ means some thing which never diminishes. It is believed that all investments on this day appreciates. Infact, as per astrology, each moment today is auspicious. Though Akshaya Tritiya falls on 24th April, people are celebrating and offering discounts and schemes to lure customers through out the week. People are also eager to bring wealth and prosperity to one’s door steps. Not only this, World Gold Council has offered a 6 percent off on gold coins to celebrate Akshaya Tritya and tied up with Indian posts.
Union Budget 2012-13 could not lift the sentiment of the capital markets in India as the markets do not seem to be influenced or moved by the budget proposals, which are otherwise also not directly in favour of capital market.
At last the budget day arrived and we have heard the budget speech of Finance Minister. Some of us could also read few relevant papers of budget document. On macro view, the budget seems to be an non event so far as providing impetus and further fuel to the economy is concerned, there being no major policy steps in taking a leap into the next decade. This opportunity could have been used, more so 2012 being first year of the new five year plan.
