Saving on taxes is not a big problem if one has the means to do it within the limits of law. Investors who have made short-term profits in ‘high-gain’ asset classes like equities, real estate and bullion are going all out to save on taxes. Affluent investors are resorting to ‘dividend stripping’ to set off their gains against “managed” losses arising in mutual fund portfolios.
On the Direct Tax side, goods concessions were announced for Individuals- the new rate of taxes shall be exempted till income of 1.6 lakhs, 10% upto 5 lakhs, 20% from 5 to 8 lakhs and 30% above 8 lakhs. Further additional tax deduction of 20K was announced on investment in long term infrastructure bonds. For corporates the surcharge was reduced from 10 to 7.5%. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) has been increased from 15 to 18%.
There is no change in the rates of Income Tax for Partnership firms, Limited Companies. But Current surcharge of 10 per cent on domestic companies reduced to 7.5 per cent and Minimum alternate tax on the book profits is increased from 15% to 18%. The Deduction u/s 80C has been increased by Rs. 20000 subject to the condition that the additional deduction of Rs 20000 shall be available if the investment is made in the Infrastructure bonds.
These rates are also applicable for charging income-tax during the financial year 2010-11 on current incomes in cases where accelerated assessments have to be made, for instance, provisional assessment of shipping profits arising in India to nonresidents, assessment of persons leaving India for good during the financial year, assessment of persons who are likely to transfer property to avoid tax, assessment of bodies formed for a short duration, etc.
Section 9 provides for situations where income is deemed to accrue or arise in India. Vide Finance Act, 1976, a source rule was provided in section 9 through insertion of clauses (v), (vi) and (vii) in sub-section (1) for income by way of interest, royalty or fees for technical services respectively.
Note: Changes come into effect immediately unless otherwise specified. Major proposals about Central Excise duty are the following:A. General CENVAT Rate for non-petroleum goods:The standard rate of excise duty of 8% on non-petroleum products is being increased to 10% with a few exceptions where exemptions/concessions have been given.
Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994 is being amended to,- a) insert an explanation in sub-section (3) of Section 73 to clarify that no penalty shall be imposed where service tax along with interest has been paid before issuance of notice by the department under this sub-section. b) provide definition of the term ‘business entity’ to include an association of persons, body of individuals, company or firm but not an individual.
Statutory taxes charged by the foreign governments are being excluded from taxable value for levy of service tax under the Air passenger transport service. 2) Exemption from service tax is being provided to services relating to ‘Erection, Commissioning or Installation’ of,-
The existing taxable service ‘Intellectual Property Right (IPR)’ excludes copyright from its scope. Copyrights on (a) cinematographic films and (b) sound recording are being brought under the ambit of service tax. However, copyright on original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work would continue to remain outside the scope of service tax.
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