Taxpayers get relief from recovery during pendency of stay

In a relief to tax payers, the government has asked taxmen not to proceed with recovery of a 'confirmed' demand in relation to indirect taxes during pendency of stay applications.
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) on Monday issued a circular on 'Recovery of Confirmed Demand of Tax During the Pendency of Stay Application' in relation to indirect taxes.
Confirmed demand of tax arises, when after examining the submissions of a tax payer, an order is issued confirming demand of tax from a tax payer.
"The circular provides that in cases where stay application is pending before Commissioner (Appeals) or CESTAT for periods prior to August 6, 2014, no recovery shall be made during the pendency of the stay application," an official statement said.

The government in August 2014 amended the law to provide for a requirement to pay 7.5 per cent or 10 per cent of tax demand after filing of appeal. The amount to be deposited depended on stage of appeal, "obviating the need for appellate authority to hear any stay application," it said.
The circular further provides that in cases where demand is confirmed by CESTAT or High Court recovery proceeding may be initiated after a period of 60 days from the date of the order provided that no stay is in operation.
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Nitish Sharma, Partner, Nangia & Co said, "The circular have objectively clarified and provided for guiding principles to revenue in liberalising the time period for recovery of confirmed demands on matters of litigation.