In our earlier article[1], we have discussed the issue on taxability of annuities received in a Hybrid Annuity Model. This is the update to the earlier article after the recent judgment of Honourable Karnataka High Court in the matter of DPJ Bidar – Chincholi (Annuity) Road Project Private Limited has quashed the impugned circular which tried to levy the tax on annuity payments. In this article, we deal with the issue involved and the analyse the judgment of High Court.

Introduction:

The construction of road is quintessentially a primary infrastructure and boost to the national infrastructure. The construction of road and maintenance thereof, is one of the important factors to boost the national income and economic productivity. The taxation of construction of road under the service tax regime was completely exempted from tax. Though, there was a lot of confusion on the taxation of maintenance of roads under the service tax regime, the ambiguity was put into rest by creating a specific entry for exemption. This was a huge relief to the sector and the service providers, considering the huge stakes of demands.

Read more: Striking Down of Circular on Taxability of Annuities – HAM Projects – Karnataka High Court in DPJ...

In this 97^h edition, we bring you articles on interesting overlapping issues and other items. The article on ‘Remittance of Assets vs LRS – Comparative Study under FEMA and IT’ deals about various issues that we face on day to day from our NRI and resident clients. The recent introduction of TCS on LRS has created an additional layer of complexity for the residents transferring money using the LRS route. Also, there are certain stark differences between the remittance of asset regulations and LRS both under FEMA and IT Act. Hence, we thought to contribute an article around those aspects with FAQs.

The next article is on the recent Karnataka High Court judgment wherein the Circular 150 under GST laws was struck down. The Circular tried to tax the annuities received by concessionaire naming them as deferred payments for construction and those are not the payments which were referred to Entry 23A of Notification No 12/2017 – CT (R). However, the High Court stated that a circular cannot override the Entry in the notification and accordingly struck down the Circular. The High Court stated that there is nothing in law which prohibits the executive to collect tax on the annuity payment aka deferred payments for construction but that should be stipulated in the law. Though the judgment is favourable to the concessionaries, how the GST Council sees this and try to restrict the benefit of Entry 23A to annuity payments aka deferred payments for construction must be observed in days to come. The ideology behind Entry 23A was to grant exemption for annuities which are paid instead of toll. However, the said intention seems to be put on the back burner by the GST Council after 43^rd GST Council meeting which was evident from the issuance of Circular 150. Interestingly, without waiting for the above judgment or contesting before any Courts, the NHAI started sending letters to concessionaries stating that they will the pay the tax on the annuities which were earlier stated by NHAI as exempted at the time of bidding.

Read more: SBS Wiki E Journal August 2022

Introduction:

On 19^th May 2022, the Supreme Court delivered two judgments that shaken the foundations of indirect taxation. One in the matter of Mohit Minerals Private Limited[1], which struck down the levy of reverse charge on the importer for ocean freight services (for more on this, please read our article here[2]). Two, in the matter of Northern Operating Systems Private Limited[3], which upheld the revere charge on secondment of employees. Results of both the verdicts are opposite to the most popular public view, thus changing the way we look at the future of indirect taxation.

In this article, we wish to analyse the judgment of Supreme Court in the matter of Northern Operating Systems Private Limited (supra) and conclude with our remarks as to how the said judgment will impact the position under GST laws.

Read more: Analysis on Supreme Court Judgment in Northern Operating Systems – Upholding RCM on Manpower...

Introduction:

Gujarat High Court strikes again, this time holding that providing an adhoc and standard method to value of undivided share of land involved in provision of construction services as invalid and has Para 2 of Notification No 1/2017 – CT (R) to be read down.

Before going into the detailed study of ruling for understanding the hit and miss of the Court in Munjaal Manishbhai Bhatt[1],  it is necessary to understand the issue involved, the major arguments by petitioner and revenue and the analysis of High Court. Let us proceed to examine the same. Our analysis on the judgment and way forward is given at the conclusion of this article.

Read more: The Hit and Miss of Gujarat High Court in Munjaal Manishbhai Bhatt – 1/3rd Deduction for Transfer...