Q8 · UPSC Prelims 2018 · Set A · Art and Culture

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With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.2.Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements".Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

  1. A

    1 only

    (a) 1 only. The 6 percent equalisation levy on specified online advertisement services was introduced by the Finance Act, 2016 as a separate levy, not as a chapter of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Statement 1 is therefore false and cannot be the key.

  2. B

    2 only

    (b) 2 only. Because the levy is not income-tax, non-resident platforms generally cannot claim DTAA foreign-tax credit for it in the home country. Statement 2 is false, so this letter is not the key.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2. Both statements fail, so both-correct is not the key.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2. (d) Official key: Equalisation levy sat outside the Income-tax Act, and DTAA credit is not available in the ordinary way. Neither statement is correct, which matches the stored key.

Summary. Official key is (d) neither 1 nor 2. The 6 percent equalisation levy on online ads was a Finance Act levy, not an Income-tax Act provision. It is not income-tax, so Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements do not ordinarily give a home-country credit. Honour the stored letter (d).

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2026 · Q46 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme: 1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities. 2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine. 3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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