1. No. 11/21022/23(22)2020-FCRA-III

Government of India

Ministry of Home Affairs

(Foreigners-II Division – FCRA)

First Floor, Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, New Delhi

Dated: 29th June 2024

Public Notice: Extension of the Validity of FCRA Registration Certificates

In continuation of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Notice No. 11/21022/23(22)/2020-FCRA-III dated 28th March 2024, the Central Government has decided to extend the validity of FCRA registration certificates in public interest. This extension applies to the following categories of FCRA-registered entities:

1. Entities with Pending Renewal Applications:

– The validity of registration certificates, which was extended till 30th June 2024 as per the Public Notice dated 28th March 2024, will now be extended till 30th September 2024 or until the renewal application is disposed of, whichever is earlier.

2. Entities with Certificates Expiring Between 1st July 2024 and 30th September 2024:

– For entities whose 5-year validity period expires within this timeframe and who have applied or will apply for renewal before the expiry date, the validity will be extended till 30th September 2024 or until the renewal application is disposed of, whichever is earlier.

Important Instructions for FCRA Registered Associations

– Renewal Refusal: If an application for renewal of the certificate of registration is refused, the validity of the certificate will be deemed to have expired on the date of refusal. In such cases, the association will not be eligible to receive or utilize any foreign contributions.

– Action Required: All concerned associations must take note of this decision and take appropriate action accordingly.

This notice is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Issued by:

Jeetendra Chadha

Director (FCRA)

Key Takeaways for FCRA Registered Entities:

– Extended Validity: Entities with pending renewal applications and those whose certificates expire between July and September 2024 now have extended validity till 30th September 2024 or until their renewal applications are processed.

– Critical Deadlines: Associations should ensure they apply for renewal before their current certificate expires to benefit from the extended validity period.

– Non-eligibility on Refusal: Associations whose renewal applications are refused will lose eligibility to receive and utilize foreign contributions immediately upon refusal.

For further details and actions, FCRA registered entities should refer to the official notice and follow the prescribed guidelines.

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Stay Updated: For more updates on FCRA registration and compliance, keep an eye on official announcements from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

DOWNLOAD THE NOTICE

https://fcraonline.nic.in/Home/PDF_Doc/fc_notice_29062024.pdf

Introduction:

In a bid to enhance the ease of doing business for taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a recent advisory has introduced two new payment methods under the e-payment system. This article serves as a detailed guide on utilizing Credit Card (CC), Debit Card (DC), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for seamless transactions.

Expanding Payment Options:

To cater to the diverse needs of GST taxpayers, two additional payment methods have been integrated into the e-payment system. Alongside the existing net-banking option, taxpayers can now conveniently utilize Credit Card (CC) and Debit Card (DC), including popular cards such as Mastercard, Visa, RuPay, and Diners (CC only, issued by any Indian bank).

Universal Accessibility through Kotak Mahindra Bank:

One notable feature of this new payment system is its compatibility with Kotak Mahindra Bank, allowing users to make payments using CC/DC issued by any Indian bank. While Kotak Mahindra Bank has already integrated this feature, other banks are currently in the process of joining this initiative. Presently, this enhanced payment facility is available in 10 states, and the remaining states are expected to integrate soon.

Quick Steps for Seamless Transactions:

For those eager to embrace the convenience of CC, DC, and UPI payments, the process is designed to be user-friendly. Here are the quick steps to navigate through the new payment options:

1. Select Payment Method: Choose the desired payment method – Credit Card (CC), Debit Card (DC), or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

2. Card Options: If opting for cards, choose from a range of widely accepted options – Mastercard, Visa, RuPay, or Diners (CC only, issued by any Indian bank).

3. Bank Independence: Irrespective of the bank that issued your Credit Card or Debit Card, payments can be seamlessly processed through Kotak Mahindra Bank. Other banks are in the integration process.

4. Availability Across States: While the enhanced payment facility is currently operational in 10 states, it’s anticipated that all states will soon adopt this advanced system for the convenience of GST taxpayers.

Conclusion:

This advisory signifies a significant stride in making the payment process more versatile and accessible for GST taxpayers. With the introduction of Credit Card (CC), Debit Card (DC), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) options, the e-payment system aims to provide a hassle-free experience. Keep an eye on further updates as more states join this initiative, ensuring a uniform and user-friendly payment experience for all GST taxpayers.

Embrace the future of GST payments – quick, secure, and tailored to your preferences.

[For the latest updates and insights on tax matters, stay tuned with us.]

Follow the Steps

New Delhi, January 23, 2024 – In a recent notification by the Ministry of Finance, the Central Board of Direct Taxes has granted a significant income tax exemption to the ‘State Legal Service Authority Union Territory Chandigarh’ (PAN: AAAGS1716A). The exemption, authorized under clause (46) of section 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, is applicable to specified income arising to the Authority.

Details of the Exemption:

The ‘State Legal Service Authority Union Territory Chandigarh’ has been granted this special exemption for various categories of income, which includes:

1. Grants received from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as well as the Central Authority, i.e., National Legal Services Authority constituted under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.
2. Grants or donations received from the Central Government or the State Government of Punjab/Haryana for the purpose of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
3. Amount received under the order of the court.
4. Fees received as recruitment application fee.
5. Interest earned on bank deposits.

Conditions for Exemption:

To maintain the income tax exemption, the ‘State Legal Service Authority Union Territory Chandigarh’ is required to adhere to certain conditions, including:

1. Not engaging in any commercial activity.
2. Ensuring that its activities and the nature of the specified income remain unchanged throughout the financial years.
3. Filing a return of income in accordance with the provisions of clause (g) of sub-section (4C) of section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

Effective Period and Application:

This significant notification is deemed to have been applied for assessment years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024, relevant for the financial years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023, respectively.

Explanatory Memorandum:

The accompanying explanatory memorandum certifies that no person is adversely affected by giving retrospective effect to this notification.

This move by the Ministry of Finance provides a notable boost to the ‘State Legal Service Authority Union Territory Chandigarh,’ recognizing its vital role in legal services and facilitating its financial stability.

For more updates on financial and legal matters, stay tuned with us.

[Notification No. 15/2024 F. No. 196/18/2020-ITA-I(Part-1)]

VIKAS SINGH, Director (ITA-I)

Source: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/communications/notification/notification-15-2024.pdf

Introduction:

As of January 23, 2024, registered taxpayers are reminded of the imperative obligation outlined in Rule 10A of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, regarding the submission of bank account details. This advisory serves to highlight the significance of complying with the specified timelines and the potential consequences for non-compliance.

Submission Deadline and Legal Requirement:

All registered taxpayers are mandated by the CGST Act, 2017, and the corresponding Rules to furnish their bank account details within 30 days from the date of registration or before the due date of filing GSTR-1/IFF, whichever occurs earlier. Failure to adhere to this requirement may lead to disruptions in business activities and the subsequent suspension of GSTIN.

Immediate Action Required:

Taxpayers who have not yet provided their bank account details are strongly advised to do so promptly, especially if the 30-day period is approaching expiration. Taking immediate action will prevent any potential disruptions in business operations and safeguard against the suspension of GSTIN.

Upcoming Functionality Features:

A new functionality is in development, poised to be deployed in the near future, with features aimed at streamlining the process:

1. Consequences of Non-Compliance:
2. a) Taxpayer Registration Suspension: After 30 days, non-compliance will result in the suspension of taxpayer registration, with intimation in FORM REG-31 issued accordingly.
3. b) Debarment from GSTR-1/IFF Filing: Non-compliant taxpayers will be debarred from filing any further GSTR-1/IFF.

2. Revocation Mechanism:

– If taxpayers update their bank account details in response to the FORM REG-31 intimation, the suspension will be automatically revoked.

3. Cancellation Process:

– Failure to update bank account details even after 30 days of FORM REG-31 issuance may lead to the initiation of the cancellation process for the suspended registration by the Officer.

Urgent Call to Action:

Registered taxpayers are urged to take immediate action, providing the necessary bank account information to avoid adverse consequences. Timely compliance will ensure the uninterrupted continuation of business operations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, adherence to the mandatory submission of bank account details is not just a legal requirement but a crucial step in ensuring the smooth functioning of your business. The upcoming functionality, along with its consequences for non-compliance, underscores the gravity of this advisory. Team GSTN extends its appreciation to all taxpayers for their cooperation in maintaining a transparent and compliant tax environment.

Thanking you,

Team GSTN

Keywords: Bank Account Details Submission, Rule 10A Compliance, GSTIN Registration Suspension

Source: https://www.gst.gov.in/newsandupdates/read/623