Ministry of Finance

Streamlining of National Pension System (NPS)

Posted On: 10 DEC 2018 3:01PM by PIB Delhi

Decision

The Union Cabinet in its Meeting on 6th December, 2018 has approved the following proposal for streamlining the National Pension System (NPS).

• Enhancement of the mandatory contribution by the Central Government for its employees covered under NPS Tier-I from the existing 10% to 14%.
• Providing freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds and pattern of investment to central government employees.
• Payment of compensation for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS contributions during 2004-2012.
• Tax exemption limit for lump sum withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60%. With this, the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax. (At present, 40% of the total accumulated corpus utilized for purchase of annuity is already tax exempted. Out of 60% of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40% is tax exempt and balance 20% is taxable.)
• Contribution by the Government employees under Tier-II of NPS will now be covered under Section 80 C for deduction up to Rs. 1.50 lakh for the purpose of income tax at par with the other schemes such as General Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund, Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund provided that there is a lock-in period of 3 years.

Background

The new entrants to the central government service on or after 01.01.2004 are covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC), during its deliberations, examined certain concerns regarding NPS and made recommendations in the year 2015. The 7th CPC recommended for setting up of a Committee of Secretaries in this regard. Accordingly, a Committee of Secretaries was constituted by the Government to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of NPS in the year 2016. The Committee submitted its report in the year 2018. Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Committee, draft Cabinet Note was placed before the Cabinet for its approval.

Implementation strategy and targets

The proposed changes to NPS would be made applicable immediately once time critical decisions are taken in consultation with the other concerned Ministries / Departments.

Major impact

• Increase in the eventual accumulated corpus of all central government employees covered under NPS.
• Greater pension payouts after retirement without any additional burden on the employee.
• Freedom of choice for selection of Pension Funds and investment pattern to central government employees.
• Benefit to approximately 18 lakh central government employees covered under NPS.
• Augmenting old-age security in a time of rising life expectancy.
• By making NPS more attractive, government will be facilitated in attracting and retaining the best talent.

Expenditure involved

The impact on the exchequer on this account is estimated to be to the tune of around Rs. 2840 crores for the financial year 2019-20, and will be in the nature of a recurring expenditure. The financial implications on account of provisions regarding payment of compensation for non-deposit or delayed deposit of NPS contributions during 2004-2012, would be in addition to the amount indicated above.

No. of beneficiaries

Approximately 18 lakh central government employees covered under NPS would be benefitted from the streamlining of the National Pension System.

States/districts covered

Pan India.

Details and progress of scheme if already running

Presently, the new entrants to the central government service on or after 01.01.2004 are covered under the NPS. NPS is being implemented and regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in the country.

PIB

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The finance ministry has informed Congress MP Shashi Tharoor that his suggestion to increase the tax exemption limit for pension up to Rs 5 lakh would be examined during the ongoing preparations for the Union Budget 2018, according to a communication.

Responding to a letter written by Tharoor in late September, Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla said the suggestion that pension up to Rs 5 lakh per annum should be exempted from income tax in all cases was examined.

“The proposal would be examined during the exercise for the ensuing Union Budget 2018 and the outcome would be reflected in the Finance Bill, 2018,” said the letter, which was tweeted by Tharoor.

The letter, dated November 14, said that a pensioner who is above 80 years is not required to pay tax if the total income, including pension, does not exceed Rs 5 lakh.

“The suggestion that pension up to Rs 5 lakh per annum should be exempt in all cases would require amendment to the existing provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961,” the letter said.

A pensioner, who is a senior citizen – aged 60 to 80 years – is exempt from income tax if the income, including from pension, does not exceed Rs 3 lakh.

About the letter, Tharoor tweeted, “Govt’s semi- encouraging reply to my request to exempt pensioners from tax on the first 5 lakhs of income. Hope @arunjaitley will include this in his next budget”.

The work for preparation of the General Budget has already commenced and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to present it to Parliament in the first week of February.

Source: Indian Express

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CIRCULAR No. 18/2017

F. No. 385/01/2015-IT (B)

Government of India/भारत सरकार
Ministry of Finance/वित्‍त मंत्रालय
Department of Revenue(राजस्‍व व‍िभाग)
Central Board of Direct Taxes(केन्‍द्रीय प्रत्‍यक्ष कर बोर्ड)

North Block, New Delhi
29th May, 2017

Subject: Requirement of tax deduction at source in case of entities whose income is exempted under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 – Exemption thereof.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (the Board) had earlier issued Circular No. 4/2002 dated 16.07.2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 dated 23.04.2015 which laid down that in case of such entities, whose income is unconditionally exempt under Section 10 of the Income-tax Act (the Act) and who are also statutorily not required to tile return of income as per Section 139 of the Act, there would be no requirement for tax deduction at source (TDS) from the payments made to them since their income is anyway exempted from tax under the Act. The issue of whether exemption from TDS can be extended to more entities on these principles and whether the exemption is needed to be withdrawn in respect of some of the exempted entities was examined by the Board.

2. Examination of the eligibility of entities for exemption from TDS on the principle of unconditional exemption and no requirement to file return revealed that Circulars No. 4/2002 and 7/2015 are required to be updated to make the following changes:

Entities that meet both the above mentioned conditions but are not mentioned in the aforesaid Circulars need to be included in the list of exempted entities.

Entities that are mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 but their exemption from income tax has since been withdrawn need to be removed from the list of exempted entities.

Entities that are mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 but because of subsequent amendment they are now required to mandatorily the their returns of income u/s 139 need to be removed from the list of exempted entities.

3. In view of the above, a revised list of entities exempted from TDS has been drawn by adding entities in the first category listed above to the entities mentioned in Circular No. 4/2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 and removing entities in second and third categories from the list of existing entities eligible for exemption from TDS.

4. Accordingly, it has been decided that in case of below mentioned funds or authorities or Boards or bodies, by whatever name called, referred to in section 10 of the Income-tax Act, whose income is unconditionally exempt under that section and who are also statutorily not required to tile return of income as per section 139 of the Income-tax Act, there would be no requirement for tax deduction at source, since their income is anyway exempt under the Income-tax Act –

(i) “local authority”, as referred to in the Explanation to clause (20);

(ii) Regimental Fund or Non-public Fund established by the armed forces of the Union referred to in clause (23AA);

(iii) Fund. by whatever name called, set up by the Life Insurance Corporation of India on or after 1st August, 1996, or by any other insurer referred to in clause (23AAB);

(iv) Authority (whether known as the Khadi and Village Industries Board or by any other name) referred to in clause (23BB);

(v) Body or authority referred to in clause (23BBA);

(vi) SAARC Fund for Regional Projects set up by Colombo Declaration referred to in clause (23BBC);

(vii) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority referred to in clause (23BBE):

(viii) Central Electricity Regulatory Commission referred to in clause (23BBG);

(ix) Prasar Bharati referred to in clause (23BBH);

(x) Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund referred to in sub-clause (i), Prime Minister’s Fund (Promotion of Folk Art) referred to in sub-clause (it), Prime Minister’s Aid to Students Fund referred to in sub-clause (iii), National Foundation for Communal Harmony referred to in sub-clause (ilia), Swachh Bharat Kosh referred to in sub-clause (iiiaa), Clean Ganga Fund referred to in sub-clause (iiiaaa) of clause (23C);

(xi) Provident fund to which the Provident Funds Act, 1925 (19 of 1925) referred to in sub-clause (i), recognized provident fund referred to in sub-clause (ii), approved superannuation funds referred to in sub-clause (iii), approved gratuity fund referred to in sub-clause (iv) and funds referred to in sub-clause (v) of Clause (25);

(xii) Employees’ State Insurance Fund referred to in clause (25A);

(xiii) Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee referred to in clause (26AAB);

(xiv) Corporation. body, institution or association established for promoting interests of members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or backward classes referred to in clause (26B);

(xv) Corporation established for promoting interests of members of a minority community referred to in clause (26BB);

(xvi) Corporation established for welfare and economic upliftment of ex-servicemen referred to in clause (26BBB);

(xvii) New Pension System Trust referred to in clause (44).

4. This circular supersedes earlier Circulars on this issue e.g. Circular No. 4/2002 dated 16.07.2002 and Circular No. 7/2015 dated 23.04.2015 with effect from the date of issue of this Circular.

5. Hindi version shall follow.

(Sandeep Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: CBDT Circular

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The tax exemption of disability pension received by Armed Force Personnel are among those exemptions under Income Tax Act for which you may not get a direct reference in the Income Tax Act.

However , such tax exemption are allowed by the executive instruction issued by either Finance Ministry notification or under the delegated powers to CBDT . Armed Forces personnel get the disability pension which is basically aggregate of two components-disability pension and service pension. Previously , this website had posted earlier 3 Types of Pension to Armed Forces Completely Tax Free!

Disability Pension to Armed Forces : What is it ? Update :

The below portion is modified as the government, has issued new circular for minimum disability pension .

The circular is applicable to all Pre-2006 Armed Forces Disability/War Injury Pensioners who were/ are in receipt of Disability Pension/ Liberalized Disability Pension/ War Injury Pension as on 24th September 2012.

Download the Circular 542 dated 27/05/2015

As per the website of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), where an Armed Forces Personnel is invalided out of service, which is accepted as attributable to or aggravated by military service, he shall be entitled to disability pension consisting of Service Element & Disability Element as follows:-

Service Element The amount of service element shall be determined as 50% of less emoluments drawn as given in para 6 of MOD letter dt- 12.11.2008 which is subject to minimum Rs 3500/- p.m.

Disability Element The rates of disability elements for 100% disability for various ranks shall be 30% of emolument last drawn subject to Rs. 3510/- per month. Disability lower than 100% shall be computed by reducing proportionately.

Disability Element on Invalidment Where an Armed Force personnel is invalided out of service under circumstances mentioned in para 4.1 of Govt. letter dt. 31.01.01, the extent of disability shall be determined as follows for the purpose of computing the DE :- Percentage as finally assessed by Competent AuthorityPercentage to be reckoned for computing DE Between 1 to 4950 Between 50 & 7575 Between 76 &100100 Disability Element on Retirement/Discharge Where an Armed Forces personnel is retained in service despite disability and subsequently retired/ discharged on completion of tenure or on attaining the age of retirement, he shall be entitled to Disability Entitlement at the rate prescribed for 100% disablement. For disablement less than 100% but not below 20%, the rates shall be reduced proportionately.
No disability element shall be payable for disability less than 20% .

Is Disability Pension to Armed Forces Tax Free ?

Yes, although there is nothing in section 10 of the Income Tax Act , which is a general exemption section under Income tax Act , the disability pension has been made tax free through Finance Ministry notification No 878-F (Income Tax) dated 21-3-1922 .

The following instruction from CBDT explains that the entire disability pension is exempt

INSTRUCTION NO 136F.NO. 34/3/68-IT(AI)GOVT OF INDIA CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES NEW DELHI, DATED THE 14TH JAN 1970
FROM :SHRI S N NAUTIALSECRETARY, CBDT

TO:ALL COMMISSIONERS OF INCOME TAX

SUBJECT : EXEMPTION – SERVICE AND DISABILITY ELEMENT OF DISABILITY PENSION GRANTED TO A DISABLED OFFICER OF THE INDIAN ARMY –

WHETHER EXEMPTED FROM INCOME TAX. REFERENCE IS INVITED TO THE BOARD’S LETTER F NO 42/9/59-IT(AI), DATED THE 5TH SEPT 1960 ON THE ABOVE SUBJECT WHEREIN IT WAS MENTIONED THAT IN THE CASES FALLING UNDER ITEM (29) OF FINANCE DEPTT NOTIFICATION NO 878-F (INCOME TAX) DATED 21-3-1922, THE‘DISABILITY ELEMENT’ OF THE DISABILITY PENSION RECEIVED BY AN OFFICER OF THE ARMY WILL ONLY BE EXEMPTED FROM TAX AND THAT THE ‘SERVICE ELEMENT’ WILL BE SUBJECTED TO TAX.

2. ON RECONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF LAW, THE BOARD ARE ADVISED THAT ITEM 29 OF THE NOTIFICATION DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN TYPES OF PENSIONS. ACCORDINGLY IN THE CASES FALLING UNDER ITEM 29 OF THE ABOVE NOTIFICATION, ENTIRE DISABILITY PENSION WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INCOME-TAX.

3.THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE NOTICE OF ALL ASSESSING OFFICERS INYOUR CHARGE. YOURS FAITHFULLY,
SD/- (S N NAUTIAL) SECRETARY ,CBDT

Confusion on Exemption Disability Pension & Service Element As the disability pension is aggregate of two elements- disability element and service element- a confusion was created in filed formation of tax authorities , whether the disability element only is tax free and not the service element. CBDT , therefore , in order to wipe out any confusion , issued another instruction

F. No. 200/51/00-ITA-1 dt. 02.7.2001 to stress that both element of disability pension is tax exempt.
Read the instruction below :

[F. NO. 200/51/00-ITA-1 DT. 02.7.2001 FROM MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPTT. OF REVENUE CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES, NEW DELHI.]

SUBJECT: EXEMPTION FROM INCOME TAX TO DISABILITY PENSION, I.E. ” DISABILITY ELEMENT” AND “SERVICE ELEMENT” OF A DISABLED OFFICER OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES- INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING.

REFERENCE HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE BOARD REGARDING EXEMPTION FROM INCOME TAX TO DISABILITY PENSION, I.E. “DISABILITY ELEMENT” AND “SERVICE ELEMENT” OF A DISABLED OFFICER OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES.

2. IT APPEARS THAT FIELD FORMATIONS IN CERTAIN CASES ARE NOT UNIFORMLY ALLOWING DISABILITY, PENSION IN SPITE OF BOARD’S INSTRUCTION NO.136 DATED 14TH JANUARY, 970 (F.NO.34/3/68-IT(A.1)).

3. THE MATTER HAS BEEN RE-EXAMINED IN THE BOARD AND IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO REITERATE THAT THE ENTIRE DISABILITY PENSION, I.E. ” DISABILITY ELEMENT” AND “SERVICE ELEMENT” OF A DISABLED OFFICER OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINUES TO BE EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX.

4. THIS MAY BE BOUGHT TO THE NOTICE OF ALL THE OFFICERS WORKING UNDER YOU.
SD/- B.L. SAHU OFFICER ON SPECIAL DUTY (ITA .1)

No TDS on Disability Pension to Army Personnel
As it happens in India, everyone becomes the super authorities against the common man. The government received complaint that certain banks are deducting the tax on the disability pension .

So , government issued a press release that no TDS is required on the said disability pension paid to Armed Forces personnel.
Read below the excerpt. PRESS RELEASE, DATED 20-12-2007

IT HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE PRESS THAT SOME BANKS WERE DEDUCTING TAX FROM PENSION OF DISABLED EX-SERVICEMEN IN VIOLATION OF GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTIONS.

RBI WAS REQUESTED TO HAVE THE MATTER INVESTIGATED AND REMEDIAL ACTION TAKEN. AFTER EXAMINATION, RBI DISCOVERED THAT IN ONE SPECIFIC INSTANCE, DUE TO OVERSIGHT, THE PENSIONER’S DISABILITY PENSION WAS WRONGLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHILE CALCULATING INCOME-TAX.

RBI HAS ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL AGENCY BANKS TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS OF PARA 88.3 OF DEFENCE PENSION PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS, 2005, REGARDING EXEMPTION OF INCOME-TAX OF THE DISABILITY PENSION OF THE PENSIONERS OF ARMED FORCES.

BANKS HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO ISSUE SUITABLE INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL THEIR PENSION DISBURSING BRANCHES THAT INCOME-TAX SHOULD NOT BE DEDUCTED FROM THE DISABILITY PENSION PAID TO THE PENSIONERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

Conclusion

The disability pension given to Armed Forces Personnel are having two components-disability element & service element. Both are tax free vide Ministry of Finance notification read with clarification from CBDT and also there can not eb any TDS as the amount is fully tax free.

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An ex-servicemen from Hyderabad used the RTI act in order to get his due. As per the state government all ex-servicemen/widows are exempted from paying property tax for any one house owned by them.

An Ex-Serviceman had to struggle for 9 long years with the civic authorities to get exemption from property tax. After repeated failures to get his due, he used the RTI act and woke up the civic authorities from their slumber.

This is the story of an ex-serviceman who had to struggle with the civic authorities for 9 long years to get his due. Mr. PP Sebastian worked in the Indian Air Force and is now settled in Hyderabad. He had to run after the local municipal authorities for 9 long years to get his property tax exemption order.

The Background Story

Most state governments extend a variety of welfare measures for serving personnel and ex-servicemen. The erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Government also extended similar facilities to ex-servicemen. As per the orders of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State government, all serving army personnel and ex-servicemen/widows are exempted from paying property tax for any one house owned by them.

18. Exemption from property tax one house/property of Ex-Servicemen/widows/serving personnel when it is occupied by the Widows/Ex-Servicemen and by the family in case of serving personnel for their self dwelling purpose.

Application for exemption filed in 2006

Mr. Sebastian applied for property tax exemption in October 2006 in accordance to the Government Order. He submitted his application to Alwal Municipality, duly submitting all the required certificates. Instead of granting him exemption, the civic authorities kept sending him property tax bills. Moreover, the ex-serviceman received threatening calls to clear his dues

This is to bring to your kind notice that, I am ex-serviceman and had applied for tax exemption on 23rd October, 2006 as per the regulation after paying tax twice. I am yet to receive my tax exemption papers from your end.
Instead I have been receiving property tax bill every year. I had approached 4 to 5 times pertaining to my tax exemption as soon as the receipt of the property tax bill. But I have received no reply from Alwal Municipality so far.

RTI to the Rescue

Meanwhile in 2007, the Alwal Municipality was merged into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). After repeated trials to know the status of his earlier application, Mr. Sebastian was exhausted and was resigned to his fate.

In early 2013, Mr. Sebastian came to know of Right to Information (RTI) through an awareness workshop. As soon as he realized its power, he filed an application under RTI with the GHMC authorities to know the status of his earlier request for property tax exemption.

After repeated follow-ups and intervention from the State Information Commission, the GHMC finally admitted that they had lost his application that was filed in 2006. They also requested Mr. Sebastian to submit all the documents once again to initiate further action.

With reference to subject cited, it is to inform that the application related to Exemption of Property Tax pertains to——– situated at Temple Alwal was given in erstwhile Alwal Municipality on 23.10.2006. Efforts were made to trace out the application, but the same is not traced out. Therfore, you are requested to kindly submit the required documents for taking further necessary action for exemption of property tax of above said property.

Finally, after submitting the application once again, the GHMC issued the property tax exemption order in December 2015.

ORDER:

In exercise of the powers conferred as per the M.C.H Act 1955 and in accordance with the Government Orders, Vide Ref 2nd cited the following Property (Assessment) is hereby temporarily exempted from the payment of Property tax with effect from 01.04.2007 till further orders, since the under mentioned premises are under the possession of Ex-Serviceman/ Widow of Ex-Serviceman/Serving Army Personnel.

H.No. & Locality	Name of the Assessee	Exemption effect date	Exempted Asst.No. Amount per annum
	Sri.P.P.Sebastian	01.04.2007	1124/-

 

‘If not for RTI, I would not have got this exemption’

‘If not for RTI, I would not have got this exemption. Thanks for my living God who guided me to that workshop’, Mr. Sebastian said. He is now a contented individual who feels that every citizen should know and use RTI.

Source: newslaundry

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* Tax proposals on indirect tax front would yield Rs 7,525 crore.

* ​Indian Custom Single Window Project to be taken up for facilitating trade.

* Clean energy cess increased from Rs 50/ tonne to Rs 100/tonne.

* Additional 5% excise tax to be levied on aerated drinks with added sugar (cold drinks). Tobacco products also to get costly as excise duty hiked to 72%

* Government announces reduction in excise duty for specified food package industry from 10% to 6%.

*​ Excise duty on footwear reduced from 12% to 6%

* Government announces measures to encourage manufacture of LCD/LED panels of TVs.

* Housing loan rebate to raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

* Net effect of direct tax proposals is revenue loss of Rs 22,200 crore.

* Government proposes to increase investment limit under Section 80C from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

* Tax exemption limit for small and marginal, and senior tax payers changed from Rs 2.0 to Rs 2.5 lakh. For senior citizens, no tax for income up to Rs 3 lakh per annum.

* No changes in tax rate.

* PPF limit to be raised to Rs 1.5 lakh: Jaitley

* Rs 100 crore for training of sportspersons for upcoming Asian Games.

* Government announces Rs 150 crore for communication needs of Andaman and Nicobar islands.

* Government announces Arun Prabha channel for northeastern region; will be 24/7 channel.

* Rs 1000 crore provided for rail connectivity in northeastern region.

* Programme for displaced Kashmiri migrants with Rs 500 crore to be started.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for project to link rivers.

* Government announces Rs 100 crore for development of Archaeological sites. Gaya to be developed as world class tourism spot.

* Rs 5000 crore set aside for defence outlay over and above amount provided under interim budget.

* National Police Memorial to be set up. Rs 50 crore set aside for this purpose.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for development of Technology Development Fund.

* Rs 100 crore War Memorial at Princess Park, India Gate.

* Policy of One Rank One Pension to be adopted for defence personnel.

* RBI will create framework for licenses of small banks.

* Government aims to provide all households with banking facilities to empower the weaker sections; there should be atleast 2 bank accounts in each household.

* Urgent need to converge current Indian standard with international accounting standards: Jaitley

* Rs 37, 800 crore allotted for National Highways.

* Revision of rate of royalty on minerals to be taken up on request from the states.

* In order to complete gas grid, 15000 km of additional pipeline to be developed through PPP mode.

* ​New and renewable energy deserves high priority; ultra modern power projects to be taken up in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh with Rs 500 crore.

* Rs 4200 crore set aside for Jal Marg Vikas project on river Ganga connecting Allahabad to Haldia , over 1620 km.

* Scheme for development of new airports at tier II and III cities through PPP mode.

* Rs 200 crore set aside for 6 more textile clusters in Rae Bareily, Lucknow, Surat, Bhagalpur. Rs 50 crore set aside for Pashmina Production program in J&K.

* MSMEs are the backbone of the economy; to be revived through a Committee to examine and report in three months.

* 6 more textile clusters to be set up.

* Industrial Smart Cities to come up at 7 cities.

* All govt departments and ministries to be integrated through E-platform by 31 December this year.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for Kisan Television to provide real time information on various farming and agriculture issues.

* National Industrial Corridor to be set up. Rs 1000 crore set aside for this.

* Rs 5000 crore short time rural credit refinance fund for 2014-15.

* Rs 50 core set aside for indigenous cattle breed and blue revolution for inland fisheries.

* Propose to provide finance to 5 lakh landless farmers through NABARD.

* Govt will initiate scheme to provide a soil health card; Rs 100 crore set aside. Rs 56 crore for soil testing labs across the country.

* Agriculture University in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, and Horticulture University in Haryana, Telangana; Rs. 200 cr set aside by the government.

* Slum development to be included in Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

* Govt announces Rs 100 crore for modernization of madrassas.

* Govt announces development of Metro rails in PPP mode; Rs 100 crore set aside for metro scheme in Ahmedabad and Lucknow.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for Community Radio Centres; 600 new and existing ones will be supported.

* National Rural Internet and Technology Mission; Rs 500 crore set aside.

* Govt proposes to set up Center of Excellence in MP named after Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.

* 5 more IITs and 5 IIMs to be set up .

* Propose to set up four more AIIMS; Rs. 500 crore set aside for this. Six new AIIMS started recently have become functional. Four new AIIMS will be set up in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Vidarbha and Purvanchal.

* Govt proposes National Housing Banking programme; sets aside Rs 8000 crore for this program.

* Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has a massive impact on rural development; Govt sets aside Rs 14,389 crore for this scheme.

* Crisis Management Center for women at Delhi; money to be provided from Nirbhaya fund.

* Govt announces Beti Padhao, Beti Badhao Yojana; sets aside Rs 100 crore for this.

* Safety of women of prime importance.

* EPFO will launch a unified account scheme for portability of Provident Fund accounts.

* Schemes for disabled persons in the country. 15 new Brail presses to be established and revival of 10 existing.

* Rs 50,548 crore proposed for Schedule Caste development.

​ * Govt committed to providing 24/7 power supply to all homes. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna for electricity supply to rural areas.

* Rs 200 crore for ‘Statue of Unity’ of Sardar Vallabh Patel.

* Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayin Yojana to be started for irrigation.

* We will examine proposal to give additional autonomy to banks and make them more responsible: Jaitley

* E-visas to be introduced at nine airports in India in phased manner.

* FDI in insurance to be increased to 49%

* FM announces FDI in defence up from 26 to 49 % with Indian management and control

* Transfer pricing is major area for litigation; proposes changes in transfer pricing regulation: Jaitley

* I propose to strengthen authority for advance ruling in tax: Jaitley

* Aim to achieve 7-8 per cent economic growth rate in next 3-4 years.

* We wish to provide an investment friendly taxation system: Jaitley

* This govt will not ordinarily change policies retrospectively which creates a fresh liability.

* GST will streamline tax administration and result in higher tax collection for center and states.

* A new urea policy would be formulated.

* Considering that we had two years of low GDP growth, a large subsidy burden, target of 4.1% fiscal burden is daunting: Jaitley

* We must address the problem of black money: Jaitley

* Iraq crisis leading behind an impact. Inflation has remained at elevated level: Jaitley

* We have taken up the challenge in the right ernest; will create a vibrant and strong India: Jaitley.

* The task before me is very challenging. We need to introduce fiscal prudence. there is an urgent need for more reforms.

* The steps I will announce are only the beginning of the journey we wish to take for macro economic stabilization: Jaitley

*People below poverty line anxious to free themselves: Jaitley

* Green shoots of recovery seen in world economy.

*​ We look forward to lower inflation: Jaitley

Source: TOI

The post Highlights of Union Budget 2014 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is expected to double exemption limit on long-term financial savings to ease tax burden on the middle class in his maiden budget on Thursday, sources told NDTV. Currently, the income tax exemption limit on such savings is capped at Rs. 1 lakh.

Savings instruments such as housing loan repayment (principal), five-year and above tenure fixed deposits, provident funds (PFs) and life insurance policy premiums are some investment vehicles that qualify for tax exemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

If Mr Jaitley doubles the exemption limit to Rs. 2 lakh, high earners (taxable income above Rs. 10 lakh) will save Rs. 30,000 in taxes per year. Those in the mid-income category (taxable income Rs. 5-10 lakh) will save Rs. 20,000 in taxes, while individuals in the Rs. 2-5 lakh tax bracket will save Rs. 10,000 per year.

The move will incentivise domestic savings, which is an important source of low-cost funds for the government. Economists say this money could be utilised for infrastructure development, which is the top priority for the Modi government.

However, a Rs. 1 lakh hike in exemption limit will cost the government over Rs. 30,000 crore in foregone revenues. Mr Jaitley may have to compensate for the loss in revenue by hiking other taxes such as excise duty or import duty. The other option is to drastically hike the divestment target for this year from the current target of Rs. 36,925 crore.

Source: http://profit.ndtv.com/budget/arun-jaitley-may-double-tax-exemption-in-maiden-budget-585102

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on EXEMPTION FROM FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN

Que1. What is the purpose of this notification and who are proposed to be exempted from the requirement of filing of the return?

Ans: The primary objective of this notification is to exempt those salaried taxpayers from the requirement of filing income-tax returns, who have (i) total income not exceeding Rs. 5,00,000, and (ii) the total income consists only of income chargeable to income tax under the head Salaries and interest income from savings bank account if such interest income does not exceed Rs. 10,000.

Further, such salaried taxpayer would be eligible for exemption from filing a return of income only if tax liability has been discharged by the employer by way of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and the deposit of the same to the credit of the Central Government. For this purpose, taxpayer has to intimate his interest income to the employer during the course of the year.

For Example – (i) If an individual has salary income of Rs. 4,90,000 and interest income from savings bank account not exceeding Rs. 10,000 (which has been reported to the employer and tax has been deducted thereon), then the taxpayer would be exempt from the requirement of filing income-tax returns since the total income from both the above sources does not exceed five lakh rupees.

(ii) A taxpayer having salary income of Rs. 4,98,000 and interest income from savings bank account of Rs. 2,000 (which has been reported to the employer and tax has been deducted thereon), would also be eligible under this Scheme.

(iii) A taxpayer having salary income upto Rs. 5,00,000 and nil interest income would also be eligible under this Scheme.

(iv) A taxpayer having salary income of Rs. 5,50,000, interest income from savings bank account of Rs. 8,000(which has been reported to the employer and tax has been deducted thereon), and who has claimed deduction of Rs. 70,000 under section 80C (on account of certain payments/investments/savings) would also be eligible under the Scheme.

(v) A taxpayer having salary income of Rs. 6,10,000, interest income from savings bank account of Rs. 10,000 (which has been reported to the employer and tax has been deducted thereon), and who has claimed deduction of Rs. 1,00,000 under section 80C (on account of certain payments/investments/savings), a deduction of Rs. 20,000 under 80CCF (Infrastructure Bonds) and a further deduction of Rs. 15,000 under section 80D (Health Insurance Premium) would also be eligible under the Scheme.

Que2. Whether a salaried taxpayer having total income of less than Rs. 5,00,000 and claiming a refund of Rs. 3,000 would be eligible under this Scheme

Ans: No. The taxpayer has to file a return of income for making a claim of refund.

Que3. Is having a valid PAN number a precondition for being covered by the notification?

Ans: Yes. The notification clearly specifies that the individual has to report his PAN to the employer. Hence having a valid PAN is a precondition for falling within the ambit of the notification.

Que4. Can an individual who is getting income under the head “salaries” from more than one employer take benefit of the notification?

Ans: No. A salaried taxpayer who has earned income from more than one employer during the financial year is not covered under this Scheme.

Que5. Whether this notification would also cover taxpayers having ‘loss from house property’, which are often reported by the employees to the employer.

Ans: No. Under the existing procedure, DDO/employer can give credit to the employee for a claim for loss under the head “income from house property” u/s 24 made by the employee. As a result, a salaried employee’s total income may reduce to less than Rs. 5,00,000 as loss from the head “income from house property” would have been set-off against salary income. Such a taxpayer is not exempted from filing his return of income as the notification exempts only cases where the total income is under the head “salary” and from savings bank account (income from other sources) not in excess of Rs. 10,000. If the taxpayer has any loss under the head “income from house property”, he will not be eligible for exemption from filing a return of income.

Que6. Does savings bank account include other banking accounts like fixed deposits or recurring deposits accounts?

Ans: No. The benefit of the notification is available to taxpayers whose interest income comprises of interest earned on savings bank account ONLY.

Que7. Circular No. 8/2010 dated 13.12.2010 which is applicable for Assessment Year 2011-12 stipulates that the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO)/Employer while deducting TDS from salary of an employee cannot allow deduction u/s 80G except donations made to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or the Lt. Governor’s Relief Fund. Whether the notification would cover only these cases?

Ans: Yes. An individual cannot avail the exemption under this notification if the claim of deduction for donations under section 80G is for donations other than those mentioned in Circular No.8/2010. A taxpayer has to file a return of income for making a claim in respect of claim of deduction under section 80G for such donations (not specified in Circular No.8/2010).

Que8. Will a salaried individual having agricultural income, which is exempt from tax, be covered within the ambit of the notification?

Ans: A salaried individual with agricultural income exceeding five thousand rupees shall be out of the ambit of the notification. A return will have to be filed in such a case, even if other conditions of the notification are satisfied as the agricultural income (of more than Rs. 5,000) has to be included, for rate purposes, in the total income.

Reference:
http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/archive/FAQ_ITRExemptionFiling_07182011.pdf

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