The Ministry of Finance has issued Notification dated 18.09.2013 and inserted “Safe Harbour Rules” by way of Rules 10TA to Rule 10TG in the Income-tax Rules, 1962. The Rules have been framed based on the recommendations of the Rangachary Committee. The salient terms of the Safe Harbour Rules are explained in this press release

The Ministry of Finance has issued a press release stating that the Safe Harbour Rules have been finalized after considering the comments of various stake holders. The significant aspect is that in case of transactions in the nature of routine ITES and ITS activities the earlier ceiling of Rs 100 crore has been removed. Transactions upto Rs. 500 crore have been provided safe harbour margin of 20% and transaction above Rs.500 crore have been provided safe harbour margin of 22%. Similarly, the ceiling of Rs. 100 crore provided for transactions in the nature of corporate guarantee has been removed. Also, the rules provide for a time bound procedure for determination of the eligibility of the assessee and the international transactions. Any rejection of the option exercised by the assessee shall be by way of a reasoned order passed after hearing the assessee. The assessee shall have a right to file an objection with the Commissioner against adverse finding regarding the eligibility. The Commissioner shall thereafter decide about the validity of the option exercised by the assessee

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has released a report on “Tax Administration” in which several far-reaching observations have been made regarding the functioning of the Income-tax department. One of the issues that irked the Committee was the tendency amongst the Assessing Officers of passing “adventurous” assessment orders. It noted that the arbitrary additions made in such “adventurous” orders were causing undue harassment to the taxpayers and had led to high levels of dis-satisfaction. It recorded the solemn statement of the Revenue Secretary that a system would be implemented which would provide disincentives against such orders. The department assured the Committee that it would henceforth inculcate in the Assessing Officers an attitude of passing “fair and judicious” assessment orders.

Pursuant to the judgement of the Delhi High Court in Court on Its Own Motion vs. UOI 352 ITR 273, the CBDT has issued Instruction No. 12/2013 (F. NO. 312/55/2013-OT) dated 09.09.2013 stating that no refund should be adjusted without following the procedure prescribed in s. 245 of the Act of intimating the assessee of the proposed adjustment and considering his objections thereto

Pursuant to the Companies Act 2013 which was enacted on 29.08.2013, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has released the Draft Companies Rules 2013

The Companies Act, 2013, which received the assent of the President on the 29th August, 2013, is available for download Taxmann Companies Act 2013