Income Tax :
Income-tax Rules: The administration of direct taxes is looked after by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The CBDT is empowered to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act. For the proper administration of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the CBDT frames rules from time to time. These rules are collectively called Income-tax Rules, 1962. It is important to keep in mind that along with the Income-tax Act, 1961, these rules should also be studied.
Circulars and Notifications: Circulars are issued by the CBDT from time to time to deal with certain specific problems and to clarify doubts regarding the scope and meaning of the provisions. These circulars are issued for the guidance of the officers and/or assessees. The department is bound by the circulars. While such circulars are not binding on the assessees, they can take advantage of beneficial circulars. Notifications are issued by the Central Government to give effect to the provisions of the Act. For example, under section 10(15)(iv)(h), interest payable by any public sector company in respect of such bonds or debentures and subject to such conditions as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf would be exempt. Therefore, the bonds and debentures, interest on which would qualify for exemption under this section are specified by the Central Government through Notifications. The CBDT is also empowered to make and amend rules for the purposes of the Act by issue of notifications. For example, under section 35CCD, the CBDT is empowered to prescribe guidelines for notification of skill development project. Accordingly, the CBDT has, vide Notification No.54/2013 dated 15.7.2013, prescribed Rule 6AAF laying down the guidelines and conditions for approval of skill development project under section 35CCD. .
Case Laws: The study of case laws is an important and unavoidable part of the study of income-tax law. It is not possible for Parliament to conceive and provide for all possible issues that may arise in the implementation of any Act. Hence the judiciary will hear the disputes between the assessees and the department and give decisions on various issues. The Supreme Court is the Apex Court of the country and the law laid down by the Supreme Court is the law of the land. The decisions given by various High Courts will apply in the respective states in which such High Courts have jurisdiction.
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