Friday, 18 April 2025

Upcoming dividend announcements with record dates mostly in April and May 2025

 Several Indian companies have upcoming dividend announcements with record dates mostly in April and May 2025. Key details include:

  • Vesuvius India: Final dividend of 145%, record date May 1, 2025

  • Muthoot Finance: Interim dividend (0%), record date April 25, 2025

  • Sanofi India: Final dividend of 1170%, record date April 25, 2025

  • Huhtamaki India: Final dividend of 100%, record date April 24, 2025

  • Elantas Beck: Final dividend of 75%, record date April 23, 2025

  • CIE Automotive India: Final dividend of 70%, record date April 23, 2025

  • Schaeffler India: Final dividend of 1400%, record date April 23, 2025

  • Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India: Final dividend of 550%, record date April 17, 2025

  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Interim dividend of 60%, record date April 16, 2025

  • Hexaware Technologies: Interim dividend of 575%, record date April 15, 2025

  • Ashiana Housing: Interim dividend of 50%, record date April 11, 2025

  • Crisil: Final dividend of 2600%, record date April 14, 2025

  • Saraswati Saree Depot: Interim dividend of 15.15%, record date April 10, 2025

  • Shree Worstex: Interim dividend of 5%, record date April 4, 2025

  • Varun Beverages: Final dividend of 25%, record date April 4, 2025

  • DCM Shriram Industries: Interim dividend of 100%, record date April 4, 2025

  • United Spirits: Interim dividend of 200%, record date April 3, 2025

  • RailTel Corporation of India: Interim dividend of 10%, record date April 2, 2025

  • ADC India Communications: Interim dividend of 250%, record date April 2, 2025

  • MSTC: Interim dividend of 45%, record date April 2, 2025

Additionally, major companies have announced dividends recently or are expected to announce soon:

  • Tata Elxsi: Declared a record Rs 75 per share dividend for FY25; record date and payment date to be announced post AGM.

  • Jio Financial Services: Announced its first-ever dividend of Rs 0.50 per share for FY25; record date to be announced.

  • Infosys: No fresh dividend announced; interim dividend of Rs 6 per share declared earlier is considered final.

These dividends cover a mix of interim and final payouts, with record dates mostly falling in April 2025, indicating shareholders need to hold shares before these dates to be eligible for dividends

Dividend announcements in Indian companies around April–June 2025

 Key upcoming dates to watch for dividend announcements in Indian companies around April–June 2025 are as follows:

May 30, 2025: Record date for Infosys’ final dividend of Rs 22 per share. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for June 25, 2025, and the dividend payment date is June 30, 20251.

April 2025: Multiple companies have record dates in April, including Vesuvius India (May 1), Muthoot Finance (April 25), Sanofi India (April 25), Huhtamaki India (April 24), and others with dividend payments typically following shortly after the record date4.

Ex-Dividend Dates: These are typically one business day before the record date and are important for investors to know when buying shares to be eligible for dividends28.

Declaration Dates: The dates when companies officially announce dividends vary but generally precede record dates by a few weeks7.

Investors should monitor company announcements closely around these dates to ensure eligibility for dividends. The record date is critical as shareholders on this date are entitled to receive the dividend, and the ex-dividend date determines when shares start trading without the dividend entitlement2.

In summary:

Key Date

Event

Example Company

May 30, 2025

Record date for final dividend

Infosys

June 25, 2025

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Infosys

June 30, 2025

Dividend payment date

Infosys

April 2025

Multiple record dates for dividends

Vesuvius India, Muthoot Finance, Sanofi India, etc.

Keeping track of these dates helps investors plan their trades to capture dividend payouts effectively

Supreme Court Directs Mandatory Reporting of High-Value Cash Transactions

 Supreme Court Directs Mandatory Reporting of High-Value Cash Transactions

A significant ruling by the Supreme Court of India regarding cash transactions, which may impact your property dealings and civil suits. This is important for ensuring compliance with income tax laws and avoiding potential penalties.

The Core Issue: Section 269ST and Cash Transactions

The Supreme Court has reinforced the importance of Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act, which prohibits receiving amounts of Rs. 2,00,000 (Rupees Two Lakhs) or more in cash under the following circumstances:

  • In aggregate from a single person in a day.

  • In respect of a single transaction.

  • In respect of transactions relating to one event or occasion.

The Supreme Court emphasized that they found that these large cash transactions often go unreported.

What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for You

In a recent ruling dated April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court has issued mandatory directions to ensure stricter enforcement of Section 269ST, especially concerning property transactions and civil suits. Here's what you need to be aware of:

  1. Court Reporting Obligations: If you're involved in a civil suit where a claim is made that Rs. 2,00,000 or more was paid in cash, the court (including Registrars) must inform the Income Tax Department. This triggers an investigation into the transaction's validity and potential violation of Section 269ST.

  2. Sub-Registrar Reporting Obligations (Property Transactions): When registering a property, if the documents indicate that Rs. 2,00,000 or more was paid in cash, the Sub-Registrar is required to report this to the Income Tax Department.

  3. Income Tax Department Action: Upon receiving information about such cash transactions, the Income Tax Department is obligated to take appropriate legal action after following due process.

  4. Penalties for Non-Compliance (for officials): There is the potential for disciplinary action against government officials like sub-registrars if they fail to report high-value cash payments.

Practical Implications and Recommendations

  • Avoid High-Value Cash Transactions: The most straightforward way to avoid scrutiny and potential penalties is to avoid dealing with high-value cash payments entirely. Use banking channels (RTGS, NEFT, cheques, demand drafts, etc.) for transactions of Rs. 2,00,000 or more.

  • Be Transparent: If, for unavoidable reasons, a cash component is involved, ensure it is properly documented and that all parties are fully aware of the legal requirements.

  • Civil Suits: Before filing any civil suit where cash payments of Rs. 2,00,000 or more are involved, consult with me to ensure all tax implications are understood and compliance measures are in place.

  • Property Transactions: When buying or selling property, be extra cautious about cash payments. Ensure everything is documented clearly, and consider seeking legal advice to ensure you are compliant with all applicable laws.

Important Note: Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The onus is on you to ensure you are compliant with Section 269ST and other relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act.

What I can do for you:

  • I will help you navigate the potential tax implications of your property or civil suits

  • I will help you comply with Section 269ST and any other relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act.

Thursday, 17 April 2025

Consequences of Multiple PAN Cards and Surrender Procedure

 The serious issue of holding multiple Permanent Account Numbers (PANs) and outlines the correct procedure for surrendering any duplicate PAN cards you may possess.

I. Understanding the Severity: Consequences of Holding Multiple PAN Cards

Holding more than one PAN card is a violation of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and can result in significant penalties. The Income Tax Department views multiple PANs as a potential attempt to evade taxes, even if that is not your intention.

  • Penalty: Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, 1961, empowers the Assessing Officer to levy a penalty of ₹10,000 for possessing more than one PAN. This penalty can be applied for each PAN card held in addition to the valid one.

  • Scrutiny and Assessment: Having multiple PANs automatically flags your tax records for scrutiny. The Income Tax Department may initiate a detailed assessment of your past tax filings to ensure compliance.

  • Difficulties in Transactions: Using different PANs for different financial transactions can create inconsistencies in your financial records. This can lead to problems with banks, financial institutions, and other regulatory bodies. It can also affect credit scores.

  • Legal Complications: In severe cases, where the Income Tax Department suspects fraudulent intent, legal action may be initiated.

  • Disallowance of benefits under various Government Schemes: Having multiple PANs may result in the disallowance of benefits under various Government schemes for which the applicant is otherwise eligible for.

Therefore, it is crucial to rectify this situation immediately if you possess more than one PAN card.

II. The Correct Procedure: Surrendering the Additional PAN Card(s)

The Income Tax Act provides a clear procedure for surrendering any extra PAN card(s) you may hold. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify the Valid PAN: Determine which PAN card you wish to retain. This should ideally be the PAN card linked to your bank accounts, investments, and previous tax filings. You will retain this one.

  2. Prepare a Letter of Surrender: Draft a letter addressed to the Assessing Officer (AO) of the Income Tax Department having jurisdiction over you. You can usually find the AO information on the Income Tax Department website or in your previous assessment orders.

    The letter should contain the following information:

    • Your full name

    • Your father's name

    • Your date of birth

    • Your address

    • The PAN you wish to retain (your valid PAN).

    • The PAN(s) you wish to surrender. Clearly state all the PAN numbers that you are surrendering.

    • Reason for having multiple PANs (if known – e.g., inadvertent application, name change, etc.). Be truthful and concise.

    • A statement requesting the cancellation of the duplicate PAN(s).

    • Your signature

  3. Complete Form 49A (Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data):

    • Download Form 49A from the Income Tax Department website (or obtain it from a PAN service provider). This form is used for various PAN-related applications.

    • Fill out the form carefully.

    • In the form, mention the PAN number that you want to retain.

    • In Item No. 11 of the form, mention all the PAN numbers that you want to surrender. Clearly mark the check box next to each PAN you are surrendering.

    • Submit relevant documents/proof as per the guidelines of the Income Tax Department.

  4. Attach Copies of PAN Cards: Include photocopies of all PAN cards (both the one you are retaining and the ones you are surrendering). Ensure the copies are clear and legible. Self-attest the copies.

  5. Submit the Documents: Send the surrender letter, completed Form 49A, and copies of the PAN cards to the Assessing Officer (AO) having jurisdiction over you. You can send it by registered post or submit it in person at the AO's office.

  6. Acknowledgement: Keep a copy of your surrender letter, Form 49A, and the postal receipt (if sent by post) as proof of submission.

  7. Follow-up (Optional): After a few weeks, you can contact the Assessing Officer to check on the status of your surrender request.

III. Important Considerations and Recommendations:

  • Truthfulness: It is vital to be truthful in your surrender letter and Form 49A. Any misrepresentation of facts can lead to further complications.

  • Record Keeping: Maintain thorough records of all communication with the Income Tax Department regarding the surrender process.

  • Professional Assistance: If you are unsure about any part of the surrender process, or if you face difficulties, seek assistance from a qualified tax professional or Chartered Accountant.

  • Bank Accounts/Investments: Ensure that all your bank accounts, investments, and other financial records are linked to your valid PAN. Update your PAN details with all relevant institutions after the surrender is processed.

  • Do it ASAP: Do not delay this process. The sooner you surrender the duplicate PAN(s), the lower the risk of facing penalties or scrutiny.

IV. Legal Basis and Rules:

  • Income Tax Act, 1961: Specifically, Section 139A deals with the allotment of PAN, and Section 272B deals with the penalty for failure to comply with Section 139A.

  • Income Tax Rules, 1962: While there aren't specific rules explicitly titled "Surrender of PAN," the process is based on the general provisions of the Act and the procedures established by the Income Tax Department.

  • CBDT Circulars and Notifications: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issues circulars and notifications from time to time clarifying various aspects of the PAN application and surrender process. It's advisable to check the latest notifications on the Income Tax Department website.