We are pleased to report that an eminent senior tax advocate, who was also the President of the ITAT Bar Association, has been appointed Member of SEBI

The CBDT has issued a stern Office Memorandum dated 07.08.2015 stating that officers/staff of the income Tax Department are leaving their stations/headquarters early on Fridays, during weekend and holidays and joining their duties late on next working day. It is further stated that many a times no permission is being taken from the superior controlling authorities before leaving location/headquarters as required under the rules. It is stated that apart from disturbing decorum and office discipline, this practise of leaving stations/headquarters by the officers /staff without prior permission and not observing the office timings, is causing inconvenience to the taxpayers and members of public who visit income tax offices in connection with their tax matters either by prior appointment or otherwise. This has been viewed adversely by the Chairperson, CBDT. The CBDT has warned that failure to obtain permission of competent authority before leaving station/headquarters is to be viewed seriously and may entail disciplinary action. It is also stated that Article 56 of the Civil Service Regulations also provides that no officer is entitled to pay and allowance for any time he may spend beyond the limits of his charge without authority

The Society of Indian Law Firms, a collective of India’s Premier Law Firms, has filed a complaint dated 18th June 2015 with the Bar Council of India claiming that the big four CA firms, E&Y, Deloitte, KPMG & PWC, are carrying on unauthorized practice of law and that this contravenes section 29 of the Advocates Act which provides that only Indian citizens who are enrolled with the State Bar Councils as advocates have the right to practice the profession of law in India. The Complaint has given specific instances of the alleged violation of law by E&Y, Deloitte, KPMG and PWC.

Hon’ble Shri. S. K. Ray, Member (A&J), CBDT, has addressed a letter dated 03.07.2015 in which he has expressed his dismay at the fact that despite several instructions on the subject, necessary due diligence and caution is not being exercised while granting authorization for filing of appeals. He has referred to several decisions where courts have taken an adverse view against the Department. He has also referred to a “shocking incident” in a “sensitive search case” where he says the “apathy of the Department Officers is evident”. He has warned that Courts are taking a “stern and inclement view” of the Department’s actions in litigation matters. He further points out that litigation not only entails financial costs but also tarnishes the image of the Department and strains its resources. He has stated that it is imperative that the available resources are optimally utilised to obtain maximum benefit out of litigation

The CBDT has issued Circular No. 13 of 2015 dated 6th July 2015 in which it has noted that a number of queries have been received from the public about the scope of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 and the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Rules, 2015. The Board has considered the said queries and clarified the points raised by issue of the circular in the form of questions and answers

In view of the repeated strictures passed by judicial bodies on the gross inefficiencies of the income-tax department relating to litigation, the CBDT has issued Instruction No. 06 dated 03.07.2015 setting out clear-cut responsibilities of the CIT (Judicial)

The CBDT has issued Circular No. 12 of 2015 dated 02.07.2015 setting out the Explanatory Notes on Provisions Relating to Tax Compliance For Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets as Provided In Chapter VI of The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015

The Ministry of Finance has vide Notification No. 58/2015 dated 2nd July 2015 notified the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Rules, 2015