PM sets up panel to review IT taxation -Governance Now

PM sets up panel to review IT taxation

The panel headed by N Rangachary will be in addition to the one set up to review the GAAR provisions

PTI | July 31, 2012

In yet another move to provide clarity on taxation issues, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday set up a committee to look into such matters pertaining to IT sector and research and development related activities.

The panel, headed by former Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman N Rangachary, will be in addition to the one set up to review the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) provisions to address the concerns of foreign investors.

The new four-member committee will hold consultations with stakeholders and related government departments to finalise the approach to taxation of Development Centres and suggest appropriate measures. "...it was felt that there is still a need to address some other issues relating to the taxation of the IT sector such as the approach to taxation of Development Centres, tax treatment of 'onsite services' of domestic software firms, and also the issue of finalising the Safe Harbour provisions announced in Budget 2010," a PMO statement said.

Safe Harbour principles are international disclosure practices to check litigations in transfer pricing -- an accounting mechanism undertaken by MNCs to reduce tax liabilities. "Safe Harbour provisions have the advantage of being a good risk mitigation measure, provide certainty to the tax payer," the statement said.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister had set-up a panel headed by ICRIER chief and taxation expert Parthasarathi Shome to bring "greater clarity" and prepare a roadmap for GAAR by September 30 for its implementation. Rangachary is also a member of the GAAR panel.

Comments

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg