In this regard, please find enclosed for necessary action, a copy of Ad hoc Exemption Order No. 2/2/2011, dated 8-8-2011, whereby Government has granted exemption to the taxable service of outdoor catering referred to in sub-clause (zzt) of clause (105) of section 65 of the Finance Act, if the same has been provided by a Non Government Organisation registered under any Central Act or State Act, under the Centrally assisted Mid-Day Meal Scheme, from the whole of service tax leviable thereon under section 66 of the Finance Act, during the period 10-9-2004 to 2-9-2010
It has now been decided to i. increase the current limit of FII investment in Government Securities by US $ 5 billion raising the cap to US $ 15 billion. The incremental limit of US $ 5 billion can be invested in securities without any residual maturity criterion; and, ii. increase the current limit of FII investment in corporate bonds by US $ 5 billion raising the cap to US $ 20 billion. The incremental limit of US $ 5 billion can be invested in listed corporate bonds.
Gross direct tax collection during April-October of the current fiscal was up by 20.28 percent at Rs.284,081 crore as against Rs.236,176 crore in the same period last fiscal. While gross collection of corporate taxes was up 20.35 percent (Rs. 189,872 crore against Rs. 157,767 crore last year), gross collection of personal income tax was up by 20.17 percent (Rs.93,769 crore against Rs.78,029 crore last year). Net direct tax collections stood at Rs.2 18,850 crore, up from Rs.204,347 crore in the same period last fiscal, registering a growth of 7.10 percent.
The Government of India has reviewed the extant policy on FDI and decided as under: (i) FDI, up to 100%, under the automatic route, would continue to be permitted for greenfield investments in the pharmaceuticals sector. (ii) FDI, up to 100%, would be permitted for brownfield investments (i.e. investments in existing companies), in the pharmaceuticals sector, under the Government approval route.
In the context of formulating the proposals for the Union Budget of 2012-13, the Ministry of Finance would like to be benefited by the suggestions and views of your Association. You may like to send your suggestions for changes in the duty structure, rates and broadening of tax base on both direct and indirect taxes giving economic justification for the same.
Government has formulated a five pronged strategy to tackle the menace of black money which is as below: (i) Joining the global crusade against black money, (ii) Creating an appropriate legislative framework,(iii) Setting up institutions for dealing with Illicit Funds,(iv) Developing systems for implementation (new manpower policy); and (v) Imparting skills to the manpower for effective action (constant training for skill development).
Gross direct tax collections during the first five months of the current fiscal (April – August 2011) were up by 25.89 percent at Rs. 154,360 crore as against Rs. 122,618 crore in the same period last fiscal. While gross collection of corporate taxes was up 29.72 percent (Rs.96,597 crore against Rs. 74,463 crore last year), gross collection of personal income tax was up by 19.91 percent (Rs.57,582 crore against Rs. 48,023 crore last year).
The Government of the Republic of India signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the Oriental Republic of Uruguay for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital on 8th September, 2011.
The Committee on Comprehensive Review of National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) headed by Deputy Governor, RBI has recommended revision of certain provisions of PPF Scheme, 1968 and benchmarking of interest rates on various small savings schemes with the secondary market yields on Central Government securities of comparable maturities with suitable spread.
LETTER [F.NO. 137/25/2011 – SERVICE TAX], Representations have been received seeking clarification regarding leviability of service tax on the additional amount that is collected towards the delay in making payment to the stock brokers by their customers (delayed payment charges) in respect of Stock Broker’s services.
