The Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Local Body Tax Amnesty Scheme 2015

CA Jayesh Gogri

Urban Development department of Maharashtra State vide Notification No. LBT-2015/CR-82/2015/UD-32, notified an amnesty scheme for Local Body Tax (LBT) defaulters in Maharashtra Municipal Corporations.

1. Salient Features of the Scheme

Applicability

Eligible Persons         :     Both Registered and un-registered Traders /Persons

Tax Dues in                  :     Any of 25 Municipal Corporations within Maharashtra State

Tax Dues covered       :     From date of introduction of LBT to 31.03.2015 (Including Dues pertaining to assessed period as well as un-assessed period)

Compliance Period     :     03-06-2015 to 31-07-2015

Benefits

• Full waiver from interest and penalty
• In case of part payment of tax waiver shall be limited corresponding to the amount of tax paid.

Terms and Conditions

• Un-registered person shall take registration first
• Tax returns shall be filed from the date of tax liability to 31.03.2015
• In case of return already filed, benefit of this scheme can be availed by way of submitting revised return
• Benefit shall be withdrawn if, appeal/ review application/writ petition is filed subsequently
• Separate amnesty applications as prescribed for each year before respective Municipal Commissioner
• Last date for filing returns and making payment is 31.07.2015.

2. Other Features

• If the assessee pays total pending tax dues upto 31.03.2015 as per Order passed before 31.05.2015, waiver from interest and penalty
• Unconditional withdrawal of appeal necessary if, Person already in appeal and submission of proof of such unconditional withdrawal
• Benefit is also extended to persons who have already filed returns and paid taxes(belatedly), before Amnesty Scheme coming into force
• No refund shall be granted as a result of this Scheme
• Assessments under amnesty shall be completed by 31.12.2015 and no levy of tax, interest or penalty thereafter
• During assessment of amnesty application, if variation in tax liability is more than 10%, interest or penalty will be applicable.

Click here to Read Other Articles of CA Jayesh Gogri