Page 2 - Sukumar Mukhopadhyay

GST law retains many distortions of the past

The whole big exercise of writing the goods and services tax law has been done in the most unimaginative manner

High time Board's circular was made binding on Commissioner Appeals

A classic case of anomaly arises when the Commissioner, Appeals, does not follow the circular of the Board, but gives an order different from the circular

Tax planning in the context of Panama Papers

Evasion is not the same as tax planning. If a manufacturer does not show his production in the register and thereby avoids tax, it is evasion, pure and simple

Latest effort to restructure board's circulars needs modification

In the last seven years, the board should have completed the task of deleting all its orders, which are against the Supreme Court order

Sukumar Mukhopadhyay: Fostering ease of doing business

An indirect tax Budget so positive that it is almost thrilling

Start with a new mindset, withdraw weak cases

Making GST work for government

Making tax officers more accountable

Change in performance appraisal system will deter corruption and motivate officers to pass correct orders

Resolve the issue of service tax on clubs internally

Prolonged litigation is undesirable as it affects confidence in the government

When appeal lies to SC but revenue goes to HC

Matters relating to classification or valuation have to be filed with the apex court under Central Excise Act and Customs Act

How to end tax uncertainty

The CBEC needs to look into not only legal, but also interpretational and administrative aspects

Certain issues on GST that must be resolved

Bringing alcohol, tobacco and petroleum under the purview of GST will help expand the tax base

How to make tribunals more relevant

If revenue department does not go to the tribunal at the drop of a hat, the latter will function better

Tax terrorism can be reduced if FM is serious

Despite finance minister's assurance, tax officials seem reluctant to take steps for tackling issues at stake

Criticisms of proposed GST are mostly wrong

All GSTs in federal countries all over the world are imperfect

Customs in 1961 provided better delivery of service than now

Requirement to achieve the target gives officers unlimited power

Can CBEC circular be always retrospective if it is beneficial?

Supreme Court has not made any general observation that a circular of the Board is retrospective

Sukumar Mukhopadhyay: A very traditional Budget

The finance minister does not move beyond the old approach of giving more exemptions

Budget 2015 would also need reforms in Customs

One of the risks is to get swayed by the idea that exemptions bring popularity

How to make Budget 2015-16 investment-friendly

Stability has been a major consideration for the promotion of investment in India and for 'Make in India'.

How GST will benefit traders and manufacturers

Concept of manufacture will be replaced by value added which is numerically measureable and is not controversial