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One Counsel

LAW OFFICES INDIA

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Income Tax, GST & Customs

🏛️ Tax & Customs Advisory by One Counsel Law Offices India

Practical Legal Solutions for Income Tax, GST, and Customs Challenges

At One Counsel , we provide clear and effective guidance on India’s dynamic tax and customs landscape. Whether it is compliance, advisory, or litigation, our lawyers focus on helping clients reduce risks, meet obligations, and resolve disputes with confidence.

📌 Our Practice Focus

1. Income Tax

  • Tax structuring and compliance support.
  • Representation in assessments, appeals, and investigations.
  • Assistance with exemptions, deductions, and benefits under the Act.
  • Legal representation in disputes with authorities.

2. GST

  • Advisory on registration, returns, and compliance management.
  • Addressing disputes on input tax credit (ITC).
  • Filing refund applications and pursuing claims.
  • Handling audits, investigations, and GST-related litigation.

3. Customs

  • Advisory on classification, valuation, and duty structure.
  • Support in import-export clearances and licensing.
  • Representation in seizure, penalty, and enforcement matters.
  • Guidance for businesses engaged in international trade.

⚠️ Key Considerations in Tax & Customs

  • ✅ Timely compliance prevents avoidable disputes and penalties.
  • ✅ Proper documentation strengthens ITC claims and tax benefits.
  • ✅ Correct classification and valuation reduce risks of customs action.
  • ✅ Seeking legal advice early can prevent escalation of notices into litigation.

🔍 Why One Counsel?

  • Specialised knowledge in tax and customs matters.
  • Tailored strategies for businesses and individuals.
  • Strong representation before authorities and courts.
  • Clear, practical advice to help clients stay compliant and protected.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What should I do if I receive a GST notice?
    A: Don’t ignore it. Respond within the stipulated time and consult a lawyer to draft a proper reply. A well-prepared response can often prevent escalation into penalties or litigation.
  • Q: Can I claim input tax credit (ITC) if the supplier has not filed their returns?
    A: In most cases, ITC can be denied if the supplier defaults. We help clients assess eligibility, gather documentation, and pursue legal remedies when ITC is unjustly blocked.
  • Q: How can individuals reduce the risk of income tax scrutiny?
    A: Ensure timely filing, disclose all sources of income, and maintain proper documentation for investments and deductions. Proactive compliance is the best safeguard.
  • Q: What happens if customs authorities seize my goods?
    A: You have the right to challenge the seizure. Our team assists in filing representations, contesting penalties, and seeking the release of goods.
  • Q: Do you represent clients outside Delhi or India?
    A: Yes. We handle matters across India and also assist non-resident individuals and foreign businesses dealing with tax and customs authorities here.
  • Q: What precaution should I take before importing a product?
    A: Before importing, ensure the product complies with Indian customs classification, licensing requirements, and any restrictions under DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Verify the applicable duty rates, exemptions, and valuation methods to avoid disputes. It is also important to check whether the product needs clearances from regulatory bodies such as FSSAI, BIS, or the Drug Controller, depending on the category. Maintaining accurate documentation and engaging legal advice at the planning stage can save you from delays, penalties, or seizure at ports.
  • Q: How is customs duty calculated?
    A: Customs duty is generally based on the product’s classification under the Customs Tariff, its assessable value, and applicable duty rates. The value often includes cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Any misclassification or undervaluation can attract penalties, so accurate documentation and legal review are essential.
  • Q: What if my consignment is delayed at the port?
    A: Delays can arise due to incomplete documentation, random checks, or compliance issues. The first step is to identify the reason for the hold. Our team assists in liaising with customs officials, addressing queries, and ensuring compliance to expedite clearance and minimise demurrage costs.
  • Q: Are there exemptions or concessions available on imports?
    A: Yes. Certain products qualify for reduced or zero duty under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), government incentive schemes, or specific notifications. We help clients identify such benefits and claim them lawfully, reducing overall import costs.
  • Q: What is the CAAR?
    A: The CAAR stands for Customs Authority for Advance Rulings. It is a statutory body under Indian customs law that provides binding rulings on classification, valuation, applicability of notifications, and other customs-related issues. Importers, exporters, or any person with a proposed transaction can approach CAAR to seek clarity before undertaking the activity.
    The advantage of approaching CAAR is certainty. Its rulings help businesses plan imports and exports with a clear understanding of duty liability and compliance obligations, thereby reducing the risk of future disputes with customs authorities.
  • Q: What if my shipment is put on hold against the CAAR Ruling?
    A: If customs authorities hold your shipment on the basis of a ruling by the Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR), it usually means there is a dispute regarding classification, valuation, or eligibility for exemptions. In such cases:
    • You may seek a review or appeal before the higher authority, such as the Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR) or High Court, depending on the issue.
    • Legal representation can help challenge the application of the CAAR ruling if it has been wrongly interpreted or applied to your case.
    • Parallelly, you can request provisional release of goods against a bond or security to prevent business losses while the matter is under adjudication.
  • Q: What should I do if customs authorities keep perishable items under seizure for a long time, causing business losses?
    A: If your perishable goods are detained, immediate action is crucial. You can file a representation or appeal with the customs authorities requesting expedited release, highlighting the perishable nature of the items. In parallel, you may claim compensation for losses incurred due to undue detention, provided proper documentation of the goods, value, and losses is maintained.
📌 Still have questions? Reach out to One Counsel Law Offices India for tailored guidance.

📞 Get in Touch

For expert assistance with Income Tax, GST, or Customs matters:

📍 Address: 352 E/5, Munirka, Delhi – 110067

📧 Email: onecounselindia@gmail.com

📱 Phone: +91-9555506208

🌐Website: www.onecounselindia.com

Disclaimer: This website content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a detailed assessment, please schedule a consultation with our team.