Memo to the World: You’ll Just Have to Live with the Big 4 Whether You Like It or Not. “There are plenty of industries where there are four big players. The world just has to get on with it.” ~ John Griffiths Jones, chairman of KPMG in the UK and co-chairman in Europe on the concern that four accounting major accounting firms are not enough.
After the recent incidents of corporate fraud compounded by one of the worst periods of economic turbulence, there is a need to improve the levels of assurance provided over business activities. The need for internal audit, a profession dedicated to providing assurance, is greater than ever, and internal auditors’ role is taking centre-stage within organisations. These demands have created significant pressure on internal auditors to re-evaluate their approach and methods for evaluation.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (“CBDT”) had released the draft Direct Tax Code (“DTC”) in August 2009 with a view to simplify tax legislation in India. Based on the response and comments received for the DTC, the CBDT has released “Revised discussion paper on The Direct Tax Code” (“revised draft” / “revised discussion paper”). The revised draft proposes certain modifications to the DTC. The revised DTC is proposed to be presented in the monsoon session 2010 of the Parliament and will become law effective 1 April 2011 once enacted.
In respect of other employees, it is to be determined whether they receive gratuity from an employer covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 or not. It is pertinent to note that every gratuity payment received by an employee is not exempt from tax per se. In this context, it is important to note the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 read with the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have been in existence in India for quite some time now. But so far ETFs have not enjoyed the kind of popularity that the conventional Mutual Funds enjoy. One reason could be the lack of understanding of the concept of ETF amongst the general investor. Second, and probably the more important reason, is that ETFs by nature track a certain index (e.g. Nifty or the Bankex).
I am very happy to know the news that the Bar Council of India has already taken a decision to conduct an All India Qualifying Examination for law graduates for entering into profession. I don’t think that there will be an illogical uproar in legal circles in India on the proposed Examination to be conducted by the Bar Council of India. Even if there is an illogical uproar, it is the time to forcibly implement the reforms at any cost as otherwise, the damage to the legal profession; legal system and the society will be irreparable.
Question is that whether IDR is a derivative product, shares or security. Derivative means future and options. If it can be listed as future and options then IDR may be derivative product in addition to other type of asset. It is not shares as shares are not allotted by the bank to the applicants. As you say ten IDR representing one share but if shares are actually not allotted, the name of IDR holder not entered in the register of members then it cannot be said that IDR is share. Now question is that whether it is security?
The Income Tax Department has, in a 761-page order, asserted its jurisdiction to tax Vodafone Group Plc’s $11.2 billion deal with Hutchison Telecommunications International in 2007, saying the deal was designed to hoodwink tax authorities by showing it had taken place abroad.
This story will get louder every summer in all our cities, towns and villages. Worse, crisis is here to stay. By 2011, our Capital will need to increase its water supply by almost 50 per cent to take care of the basic needs of its citizens. Not just deforestation and industrialisation are to be blamed. It appears that we are losing our fundamental battle for survival. It is, therefore, time to understand that these are more than warning signals, which call for responsibility in all our actions – in our respective capacities.
There are already two articles published on our website www.capradeepjain.com on this issue. The title of these articles was “SSI exemption: – The branded issue” and “Brand name for packing material: – all is well when ends well”. The budget has made further amendment while passing the budget to end the controversy. This amendment has prompted us to write this third piece on this very same issue. We will discuss the issue in brief to have a better understanding of the subject and thereafter will discuss the implications of this amendment.
