CAs discuss issues on upcoming GST Appellate Tribunal

The Jalandhar Branch of the Northern India Regional Council of Indian Chartered Accountants Institution (ICAI) organised a seminar at Hotel Fortune Avenue on Friday evening. The seminar covered two topics — art of presentation before Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) and NRI Taxation. The event drew an impressive gathering of over 100 CAs and featured insightful deliberations, recognition of senior members and the announcement of a landmark local faculty initiative.

The evening commenced with a session by CA Abhinav Vijh, secretary, Jalandhar Branch, on the art of presentation before ITAT. With the upcoming GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), the topic’s importance was underlined by CA Puneet Oberoi, chairman, Jalandhar Branch, who said the seminar on the appellate tribunal was very important considering the fact that GSTAT was going to be formed very soon. CAs should grab the opportunity and be ready before it actually came, he added. Abhinav’s session was packed with practical tips on drafting appeals, preparing paper books, filing rejoinders and mastering the skills required to appear before an appellate forum. He was introduced by CA Manpreet Kalra.

This was followed by an engaging presentation on NRI Taxation by CA Amit Rustagi, introduced by CA Lokesh Khatri. His talk was full of real-life case studies and practical insights, making complex provisions easy to grasp. In his address, chairman CA Puneet Oberoi highlighted that being in the Doaba area, all CAs had NRI clients, but many times there was confusion because of overlapping provisions of the Income Tax Act and FEMA. Such seminars were an opportunity to gain clarity and confidence, he said.

A touching highlight of the evening was the felicitation of senior members — CAs JR Gupta, Inderjit Sharma and SK Vatta — whose decades of service to the profession were honoured with a standing ovation. A specially prepared video showcasing their life journeys was played in the background, creating an emotional and memorable moment for all present.