International Tax Review, the prestigious publication on global transfer pricing and international taxation issues has released a publication in which it has identified the best CA firms in India specializing in transfer pricing matters. What is heartwarming is that while the top roost is occupied by the Big 4 CA firms, a number of local CA firms have been recognized for their top-quality transfer pricing work.

The CBDT has issued Order No. 186 of 2013 dated 01.10.2013 stating that the President has appointed 164 officers of the India Revenue Service (Income Tax) to the grade of Joint Commissioner of Income-tax purely on Ad-hoc basis in the pay scale of Rs. 15,600-39,100 + 7,600/- with immediate effect and until further orders

The Brazilian Institute of Tax Law at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, arranged an event on 30th September 2013 which was attended by luminaries in the World of international taxation. The luminaries, who are also Judges in their respective Countries, made incisive presentations on controversial topics and provided authoritative answers to several issues

The CBDT has issued an order dated 30.09.2013 u/s 119 of the Act stating that in view of the reports of dislocation of general life caused due to recent heavy rains and floods in the State of Gujarat, the ‘due-date’ for filing Returns of Income in the cases of Income-tax assessees in the State of Gujarat who are liable to file their Income tax returns by 30th September, 2013 is extended to 14th October, 2013.

Further to Order F.No.225/117/2013/ITA.II dated 26.09.2013 requiring the Tax Audit Report to be filed by 30.09.2013, the CBDT has issued an Order dated 30.09.2013 directing all CCsIT /DsGIT to ensure that all Income Tax Offices shall remain open til1 8:00 p.m on 30th September, 2013 for the convenience of taxpayers, who wish to file Report of Audit manually for assessment year 2013-2014, as per the said order

The Ministry of Finance has vide letter dated 17.09.2013 invited applications for appointment to the post of “Income Tax Ombudsman”. There are posts of “Income Tax Ombudsman” at 12 stations, namely, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal and Kochi and some of the posts will fall vacant during the period 1.10.2013 to 31.3.2014. The post of “Income Tax Ombudsman” carries a pay scale of Rs.75500-80000. Interested candidates are requested to forward their application by 07.10.2013 indicating their preferred location

Vide Notification dated 23.09.2013 issued by the CBDT, Rules 10U to 10UC have been inserted in the Income-tax Rules, 1962 to provide for the entire procedure for monitoring the General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR). The relevant forms have also been notified. The said Rules will come into effect on 1st April 2016.

Further to the Order dated 26.09.2013 issued u/s 119(2)(a) of the Act extending the due date for the electronic filing of the Tax Audit Report to 31.10.2013, the CBDT has issued a Press Release dated 26.09.2013 clarifying that the print copy of the Tax Audit Report as well as the Return of Income has to be filed by the prescribed due date of 30.09.2013 and that there is no extension of that time limit

The CBDT has issued an order u/s 119(2)(a) of the Act extending the due date for the electronic filing of the Tax Audit Report to 31.10.2013. However, a print copy of the Tax Audit Report is required to be furnished manually to the jurisdictional Assessing Officer within the prescribed due date of 30.09.2013.