PRESS NOTE
                  STUDY TEAM ON COMMON TAX CODE
      As announced by the Honorable Finance Minister's in his Budget speech, a
Study Team has been set up by the Government, under the leadership of Shri. M.
K. Gupta, "to examine the possibility of a common tax code for service tax and
central excise, which could be adopted to harmonize the two legislations".
      The Study Team will examine the feasibility and also suggest a draft
Common Tax Code for service tax and central excise that can be implemented
under the present Constitutional scheme, keeping in view the challenges in the
context of impending Goods and Service Tax (GST). The Study Team has also
been directed to address issues relating to input tax credits with a view to
simplify the existing scheme and to mitigate cascading to the extent possible, and
to harmonize existing procedures and processes to make them more trade-
friendly. The Study Team may also suggest any other measure that will help in
reducing the cost of compliance for business or transition towards a
comprehensive GST.
      Shri M K Gupta, IRS (retd), formerly vice-Chairman of the Customs and
Central Excise Settlement Commission, is widely recognized for his in-depth
knowledge and sound understanding of service tax and central excise law and
procedure. He possesses vast experience of working in the Finance Ministry and
also in the field formations of service tax and central excise. As part of its efforts,
the Study Team will interact with various chambers of commerce and industry
and recognized business and industry associations representing various segments
of the services and manufacturing sector, as may be required. Government has
directed the Study Team to submit its report by the 30th of September, 2012.


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