Monday, November 21, 2016

How much money I deposit in my account during Demonetization Scheme?

This is a great step for curbing black money acquired legally but tax not paid) and dirty money (acquired through illegal source) in India. The move is so unexpected that people have no time at all to remove their black money and now this would become simply a waste of paper for them.



I can't imagine any better move than this to eliminate black money from the country. However, its immediate impact is likely to be very adverse on the stock market and the sectors like real estate where lot of black money is used. Its impact on the other sectors would be as following.
The sale of gold and diamond jewelry would drastically decline. This means less foreign currency outgo and hence better balance of payment situation.
  1. Corruption would be reduced drastically.
  2. Credit card and other legal transactions would go up.
  3. Taxes (Income Tax, Excise, Service tax and Sales Tax) would go up substantially since more transaction would be in white.
  4. Criminal activities would reduce.
  5. Use of illegal money in election would be reduced drastically.
  6. Property rates would reduce drastically.
There would, however, be a lot of chaos in first few days.Then everything would fall in its place.

The old unit of currency must be retired and replaced with a new currency unit.

What is the meaning of Demonetization?

Demonetization is the act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender.  Demonetization is necessary whenever there is a change of national currency.


Importance Of This Decision:
Government will track every single penny which is present in the form of Black Money in India.

Rising graph of Fake Currency will drop soon & from next time no one will check your 500 Rs. note.

This decision will help us to tackle against corruption as government will always have its eye on your transaction and money.

Political Views about Rs. 2000 Note
Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said "Introduction of Rs 2000 note is a puzzle."
 Yog Guru Baba Ramdev Said "मैं बड़े नोटों का विरोध की     बात पर अब भी कायम हूं। मेरे हिसाब से 2000 रुपये का नोट चलाने से  काला धन इकट्ठा करने वालों को और सहूलियत हो जाएगी। ऐसे में इस  मुहिम का कोई मतलब नहीं रह जाएगा।"


Conclusion
PM Modi's intention is very clear about curbing the black money and he has comprehensive blue print to redefine the Indian economy.

I would like to draw your all attention upon his past decisions which played a pivotal role in revamping Indian economy.


  • Firstly they asked for all the bank account number in your Return of Income.
  • Then they linked your PAN with Aadhar
  • They linked all the subsidies, pension and other benefits directly to your bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme.
  • Then they gave opportunity to all the common men to open an account with bank through Jan Dhan Yojna.
  • They entered into revised treaty with most of the countries in which unaccounted money goes through HAWALA e.g. Mauritius and thus the route of Black Money coming from Mauritius which everyone knew is stopped.
  • They passed few strict laws to overcome the evil of black money such as Benami Transaction Act and Foreign Black Money Act.
  • They levied Excise duty on Gold.
  • They also made TCS compulsory for Cash transactions above 2 lakhs.
  • They withdrew lakhs of pending income tax and service tax litigations where Common men had won at Appeal level and Department had gone further.
  • They also entered into information exchange agreement with such countries.
  • Then they gave last opportunity to all black money hoarders through Income Declaration Scheme, 2016.
Now they have a Scheme for Dispute Resolution Panel again to reduce Litigation till December 2016.
Now the masterstroke, that they have banned Rs. 500 & Rs. 1000 denominations.
Not only the destination of this whole process is commendable but even the journey or the chronology of these events is interesting which explains the ultimate destination and who knows , may be the journey is still not over and the ultimate destination may still be the Swiss Account holders!!



Presented By
Diwakar Agrawal
Legal consultant
Mob.: 9911746549

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

WHAT IS NRI, PROI, OCB AND TREATMENT IN FEMA, 1999


DEFINITION :

1. Who is non-resident Indian (NRI)?

Answer :- An Indian Citizen who stays abroad for employment/carrying on business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a non-resident. (Persons Posted in U.N. organisations and official deputed abroad by Central/State Governments and Public Sector undertakings on non-temporary assignments are also treated as non-residents). Non-resident foreign citizens of Indian Origin are treated on par with non- resident Indian citizen (NRIs). Indians going abroad for study, seminars, lectures, or research are not NRIs. No student can be an NRI until he/she finishes his/her studies and starts working abroad.



2. Who is a person of Indian Origin?

Answer:- For the purposes of Availing of the facilities of opening and maintenance of bank accounts and investments in shares/securities in India: A foreign citizen (other than a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh)is deemed to be of Indian origin, if, he, at any time, held an Indian passport, or he or either of his parents or any of his grand parents was a citizen of India by virtue of the Constitution of India or citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955).

Note : A spouse (non being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh) of an Indian citizen or of a person of Indian origin is also treated as a person of Indian origin for the above purposes provided the bank accounts are opened or investments in shares/securities in India are made by such persons only jointly with their NRI spouses.


For investments in immovable properties: A foreign citizen (other than a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka or Napal), is deemed to be of Indian origin if he held an Indian passport at any time or he or his father or paternal grand-father was a citizen of India by virtue of the Constitution of India or the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955).

3. What is an OCB?  

Answer :- Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCBs) are bodies predominantly owned by individuals of Indian nationality or origin resident outside India and include-overseas companies, partnership firms, societies and other corporate bodies which are owned, directly or indirectly, to the extent of atleast 60% by individuals of Indian nationality or origin resident outside India as also overseas trusts in which atleast 60% of the beneficial interest is irrevocable held by such persons.

Such ownership interest should be actually held by them and not in the capacity as nominees. The various facilities granted to NRIs are also available with certain exceptions to OCBs so long as the ownership/beneficial interest held in them by NRIs continues to be atleast 60%.




FAQS RELATED TO GENERAL FACILITIES:

1. Are OCBs required to produce any certificate regarding ownership / beneficial interest in them by NRIs?

Answer :- Yes. In order to establish that the ownership/beneficial interest in any OCB held by NRIs is not less than 60%, the concerned body/ trust is required to furnish a certificate from an overseas auditor/chartered accountant/certified public accountant in form OAC where the ownership/ beneficial interest is directly held by NRIs. and in form OAC 1 where it is held indirectly by NRIs and further that such ownership interest is actually held by them and not in the capacity as nominees.


2. Are persons resident in India required to surrender foreign exchange acquired/held by them?

Answer :- Yes. Residents receiving foreign exchange from abroad by way of gift, inheritance, remuneration for services rendered, etc. are required to bring it to India within three months acquiring the foreign exchange and surrender it to an authorised dealer within seven days from its receipt in India. This rule also applies to non-residents who return to India for a purpose other than temporary visits.

3. Does this rule apply to other assets viz. foreign currency shares/securities or immovable property held abroad?

Answer :- Residents are required to declare such assets to the Reserve Bank within three months from acquiring them and obtain permission of the Reserve Bank for holding them.

4. Are Returning Indians permitted to acquire fresh foreign currency assets by remittance from India?

Answer :- Yes, provided the funds for the purpose are drawn out of their Resident Foreign Currency Accounts.

5. Are any concessions available to Returning Indians in respect of assets acquired by them while they were resident outside India?

Answer :- Yes. Persons who have returned to India on or after April 18, 1992 and have stayed abroad for a continuous period of not less than one year have been granted general permission/exemption from the requirement of surrendering/declaring their foreign currency assets abroad. As a result they can continue to maintain their foreign currency accounts and other assets, viz., foreign currency shares/securities or immovable properties abroad.

Under the general permission/exemption, Returning Indians can retain their foreign currency accounts with banks abroad and hold, transfer or dispose of their foreign currency assets. This can be done provided these funds/assets were lawfully acquired by them out of foreign exchange earned through employment, business or vocation outside India taken up or commenced while they were resident outside India and not in contravention of the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973.

6. Is such an exemption available to any other categories?

Answer :- Yes. Residents who had acquired foreign currency assets abroad before July 8, 1947 can continue to hold them abroad, provided they were held outside India with the general or special permission of the Reserve Bank as on 6th July 1994. This general permission/exemption has also been granted by the Government of India vide their Notification dated July 6, 1994.

7. Do resident donees or legal heirs require the Reserve Bank permission to receive or hold foreign currency assets by way of gift or inheritance from Returning Indians or from those holding assets since prior to July 8, 1947 with the permission of the Reserve Bank?

Answer :- No. Resident donees or legal heirs of the persons covered under the general permission/exemption granted by the Government of India can continue to maintain their foreign currency assets provided in the case of gift the resident donee is a relative, i.e., husband, wife, brother, sister or any lineal ascendant or descendant of the donor and the tax, if any, has been paid in India. Resident donees not eligible for the exemption should surrender the foreign exchange to an authorised dealer against payment in rupees.

8. Can such overseas assets covered by the general permission/exemption be utilised freely?

Answer :- Yes. The resident donees or legal heirs can freely utilise overseas assets covered by the general permission/exemption assets as well as income earned thereon or sale proceeds received subsequently, for bona fide payments in foreign currency.

9. What is the procedure for obtaining such permission?

Answer :- Applications for the purpose should be made in form FAD 1 to the Reserve Bank of India. The forms are available with the Exchange Control Department (Foreign Accounts Section), Amar Building, Bombay-400 001. Returning Indians are also offered the facility of keeping their foreign currency funds with a bank in India. This facility is known as the Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) Account Scheme.

10. What is the Resident Foreign Currency Account Scheme?

Answer :- This is a Scheme drawn up by the Reserve Bank permitting Returning Indians to open foreign currency accounts with banks in India for holding funds brought by them to India. This facility replaces the earlier (RIFEE) facility.

11. What funds can be credited to RFC accounts of Returning Indians?

Answer :- The Returning Indians can credit to RFC accounts, the entire amount of foreign exchange brought to India at the time of their return to India for permanent settlement as well as the balances standing to the credit of their Not Resident (External) (NRE) and Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) accounts.

12. Can funds in RFC accounts be remitted abroad?

Answer :- Yes. Funds in RFC accounts can be remitted abroad for any bona-fide purpose of the account holder or his dependents as well as withdrawn freely for local payments in rupees.

13. Can persons who have returned to India after a short assignment of less than one year open RFC accounts?

Answer :- Their applications for opening RFC accounts would be considered by the Reserve Bank. Persons who have gone abroad for studies, training, etc., are, however, not eligible for this facility.

14. Can Returning Indians continue to maintain their existing NRE/FCNR/NRO accounts in India?

Answer :- No. Returning Indians are required to redesignate immediately on their return to India their NRE/FCNR accounts as resident rupee accounts or transfer the balances held in their NRE/FCNR accounts to Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) Accounts (if eligible). The Non Resident (Ordinary) (NRO) accounts also have to be redesignated as resident rupee accounts. The funds held in NRO accounts cannot be credited to RFC accounts.

15. Are any tax concessions available to NRIs on balances/deposits held in NRE/FCNR accounts?

Answer :- Yes. Income from interest on moneys standing to the credit of NRE/FCNR accounts is exempt from income tax. Gifts from such accounts are also free of Gift-tax.

16. What are the tax benefits to the NRNR deposit account holders ?

Answer :- They enjoy the following tax benefits :

Income from the deposits will be free from Indian Income Tax.

The deposit will also be exempt from Gift Tax for one-time gifting (in the case of NRIs only).

Exemption from Income Tax will not be available to resident donee and those residents, who being joint holders, become     owners of the deposit as survivor of the non-resident depositor.

17. What about tax benefits on funds held in FCNR accounts?

Answer :- Tax Exemption on interest earned on deposit held in foreign currency is available to non-residents and persons who are not ordinarily resident in India as defined under Income Tax Act, 1961.

18. Can remittances be sent into India otherwise than through the medium of a bank in the country of residence of the remitter?

Answer :- Yes. Exchange Houses in the Gulf countries have been permitted to send remittances into India by means of DDs, MTs and TTs drawn on banks in India.
19. Can NRIs take out of India precious stones or jewellery purchased by them during their visit to India?

Answer :- Yes. NRIs can take out of India precious stones and jewellery (both gold and non-gold) purchased by them in India, without any limit, provided the purchase is made against payment in any convertible foreign currency.

20. Can NRIs take out of India household articles purchased out of funds in NRO accounts during their temporary visit to India?


Answer :- Yes. RBI permits on application such requests received from NRIs upto the value of Rs.20,000 for articles other than those made of gold or silver or those banned for exports.

21. Can assets held in India by NRIs prior to their becoming non-resident be repatriated outside India?
Answer :- No.


PRESENTED BY

CS DIWAKAR AGRAWAL

EMAIL: diwakar.ydlmp@gmail.com





Saturday, September 3, 2016

MSME REGISTRATION BENEFITES

SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES (SSI) REGISTRATION

Small Scale and ancillary units (i.e. undertaking with investment in plant and machinery of less than Rs. 10 million) should seek registration with the Director of Industries of the concerned State Government.

Registering your SSI Unit
The main purpose of Registration is to maintain statistics and maintain a roll of such units for the purposes of providing incentives and support services. States have generally adopted the uniform registration procedures as per the guidelines. However, there may be some modifications done by States. It must be noted that small industries is basically a state subject. States use the same registration scheme for implementing their own policies. It is possible that some states may have a 'SIDO registration scheme' and a 'State registration scheme'.
Objectives of the Registration Scheme
They are summarised as follows:
1.        To enumerate and maintain a roll of small industries to which the package of incentives and support are targeted.
2.        To provide a certificate enabling the units to avail statutory benefits mainly in terms of protection.
3.        To serve the purpose of collection of statistics.
4.        To create nodal centres at the Centre, State and District levels to promote SSI.
Features of the Scheme
Features of the scheme are as follows:
1. DIC is the primary registering centre registration is voluntary and not compulsory.
2. Two types of registration is done in all States. First a provisional registration certificate is given. And after commencement of production, a permanent registration certificate is given.
3. PRC is normally valid for 2 years and permanent registration is given in perpetuity.
Provisional Registration Certificate (PRC)
o    This is given for the pre-operative period and enables the units to obtain the term loans and working capital from financial institutions/banks under priority sector lending.
o    Obtain facilities for accommodation, land, other approvals etc.
o    Obtain various necessary NOCs and clearances from regulatory bodies such as Pollution Control Board, Labour Regulations etc.
Permanent Registration Certificate
Enables the unit to get the following incentives/concessions:

1. Income-Tax exemption and Sales Tax exemption as per State Govt. Policy. 

2. Incentives and concessions in power tariff etc. 
3. Price and purchase preference for goods produced.
4. Availability of raw material depending on existing policy. 
5. Permanent registration of tiny units should be renewed after 5 years.
The registration under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 is for facilitating the promotion and development and enhancing the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises.

What are Micro, Small and Medium enterprises?
What are Micro, Small and Medium enterprises?


The following slabs have been prescribed under the MSMED Act to determine the status of the Enterprise:

No.
Type of Enterprise
Manufacturing Enterprises
(Investment in Plant and Machinery)
Service Industry
(Investment in equipment)
1.
Micro
Does not exceed Rs. 25 Lakh
Does not exceed Rs. 10 Lakh
2.
Small
Exceeds Rs. 25 Lakh but does not  exceed Rs. 5 Crore
Exceeds Rs. 10 Lakh but  does not exceed Rs. 2 Crore
3.
Medium
Exceeds Rs. 5 Crore but does not  exceed Rs. 10 Crore
Exceeds Rs. 2 Crore but does  not exceed Rs. 5 Crore

Which are the classes of enterprises that may qualify for Registration?

All classes of enterprises, whether Proprietorship, Hindu undivided family, Association of persons, Co-operative society, Partnership firm, Company or Undertaking, by whatever name called can apply for the registration and get qualified for the benefits provided under the Act.

Whether the Registration is mandatory / compulsory ?

A Medium enterprise engaged in the manufacture or production of goods has to compulsorily register under the MSMED Act. For other Enterprises the registration is discretionary or optional.


Taking into consideration the benefits available under the Act, it is recommended that every enterprise shall opt for the registration.

ENEFITS OF SSI/MSME REGISTRATION
The registration scheme has no statutory basis. Units would normally get registered to avail some benefits, incentives or support given either by the Central or State Govt. Benefits available under the MSMED Act Registration of Micro, Small and Medium (MSM) Enterprises under MSMED Act is a very powerful medium to enjoy the regime of incentives offered by the Centre generally contains the following:


Micro and Small Enterprises:

1.        Easy finance availability from Banks, without collateral requirement
2.        Protection against delay in payment from Buyers and right of interest on delayed payment
3.        Preference in procuring Government tenders,
4.        Stamp duty and Octroi benefits,
5.        Concession in electricity bills
6.        Reservation policies to manufacturing / production sector enterprises
7.        Time-bound resolution of disputes with Buyers through conciliation and arbitration
8.        Reimbursement of ISO Certification Expenses
9.        Credit prescription (Priority sector lending), differential rates of interest etc.
10.    Excise Exemption Scheme
11.    Exemption under Direct Tax Laws.
12.    Stamp duty and Octroi benefits,
13.    Statutory support such as reservation and the Interest on Delayed Payments Act.
14.    Subsidy on ISO Certifications
15.    Subsidy on NSIC Performance and Credit ratings
16.    Participation in Govt Purchase registrations
17.    Regsiattion with NSIC
18.    Counter Guarantee from Govt. of India through CGSTI
19.    Waiver in Earnest Money (Security Deposit ) in Govt. tenders
20.    Stamp duty and Octroi benefits,
21.    15% weightage in price Preference.
22.    Reduction in rate of Interest from banks (Subject to ratings)
23.    Free of Cost Govt tenders

(It is to be noted that the Banking Laws, Excise Law and the Direct Taxes Law have incorporated the word SSI in their exemption notifications. Though in many cases they may define it differently. However, generally the registration certificate issued by the registering authority is seen as proof of being SSI).


States/UTs have their own package of facilities and incentives for small scale. They relate to development of industrial estates, tax subsidies, power tariff subsidies, capital investment subsidies and other support. Both the Centre and the State, whether under law or otherwise, target their incentives and support packages generally to units registered with them.



Medium Enterprises:

1.        Easy finance availability from Banks, without collateral requirement
2.        Preference in procuring Government tenders
3.        Reservation policies to manufacturing / production sector enterprises
4.        Time-bound resolution of disputes with Buyers through conciliation and arbitration

The Buyers have to ensure whether those suppliers of goods and services are under the purview of MSMED Act i.e. the Buyers have to confirm the registration of the suppliers under the MSMED Act.


The Buyer should ensure the payment before the end of credit period decided else the interest would be payable.



In case of disputes, application to Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) would trigger the conciliation and arbitration process. Once the application is done under MSEFC, there is no provision to withdraw the proceedings. Therefore, the Buyer should ensure the best ways to resolve the disputes, if any, instead approaching to MSEFC in the initial stages of dispute.



The Buyers need to ensure that the Buyer does not owe any outstanding amount including interest due to MSM Enterprises for more than 15 days. Otherwise, the Buyer needs to disclose this non-payment in the Annual Financials of the Buyer.

Payment of interest
The Act provides for the payment of compound interest at 3 times the Bank Rate by the Buyer in case of failure to make the payment with in maximum of 45 days from the date of receipt of goods or services.

Disclosure of delayed payment in audited accounts

Where any buyer is required to get his annual accounts audited under any law for the time being in force, such buyer shall furnish the following additional information in his annual statement of accounts, namely: -


- The principal amount and the interest due thereon (to be shown separately) remaining unpaid to any supplier (micro or small enterprise) as at the end of each accounting year.



- The amount of interest paid by the buyer along with the amounts of the payment made to the supplier beyond the appointed day during each accounting year. 



- The amount of interest due and payable for the period of delay in making payment (‘payment’ here means the payment which have been made but beyond the appointed day during the year and without adding the interest thereon specified under this Act for the period of delay).

Disallowance of interest under Income Tax Act, 1961
According to the Income Tax Act, 1961 the amount of interest payable or paid by any buyer, for delayed payments to Micro and Small Enterprises shall not be allowed as deduction for the purpose of computation income under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Printing of MSMED Registration/EM Number on the letter heads 


The Micro and Small Enterprises should mention/get printed on their letter heads, supply order sheets, invoices, bills and other relevant documents, the MSMED Registration/Entrepreneurs Memorandum (EM) Number allotted by a competent authority, so that there remains an identification of being a MSE supplier.




PRESENTED BY
DIWAKAR AGRAWAL

MOB-: 91-99911746549