Sanchita Mimani
Mumbai
Summary
Seasoned Tax Lawyer with close to 15 years of experience in tax advisory, litigation and compliance improvement support services. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my long-term expertise, meticulous approach and solution driven mindset in a tax leadership role.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Taxation (Direct and Indirect Tax)
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd
06.2022 - Current
- Responsible for leading and managing various aspects of tax planning, major tax litigations, compliances and reporting
- Leading investigations including search and seizure proceedings initiated by Director General of GST Intelligence (‘DGGI’) and Income tax Authorities pertaining to various industry issues
- The role includes appearing before the officers in summons proceedings, making legal and factual submissions, strategizing in terms of way forward, interacting with senior counsels to understand the merits of the issue and way forward etc
- Representing the Company before the Direct tax and Indirect tax authorities on various industry issues
- Successfully obtained a positive clarification from the MoF on certain industry issues
- Handling key Direct and Indirect litigations for the Company and successfully obtained a positive order at the Central Excise and Service tax Appellate Tribunal (‘CESTAT’) level, involving a demand of 100 + crores
- Spearheading tax audits for 34 states
- Proficient in maintaining relationship with various statutory authorities
- Efficiently collaborating with internal teams, external advisors, and tax authorities to develop and execute tax strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives
- Spearheading various process improvement initiatives and strategic planning with internal as well as external stakeholders
Associate Partner
Economic Laws Practice
Mumbai
09.2011 - 02.2022
- Litigation related experience: Qua various litigations mandates my role has been a combination of being the lead advisor, strategist and representing lawyer
- Actively engaged in providing end-to-end support to clients in relation to investigations initiated by tax enforcement authorities and other regulatory authorities
- Provided regular assistance to various clients in drafting of appeals, writ petitions, appearance before various forums including High Court and Apex Court, engaging and briefing senior counsels
- Assisted clients in formulating and executing an appropriate strategy qua pending litigations/ investigations initiated in terms of way forward, positions to be adopted in future and ensuring no punitive or coercive action is instituted against the client or its personnel
- Handled various legacy Indirect tax matters under the erstwhile VAT, Service Tax & Excise regime
- Customs and trade related experience: Assisted clients in understanding the Export Control Regulations in India including the licensing requirements, applicable product exemptions and obtaining clarifications from the ministry
- Assisted clients in transaction structuring and availing various benefits provided under the Foreign Trade Policy (‘FTP’) including the following: Evaluation of alternate schemes to strategize how incentives can be maximized
- Representational Assistance (PIC/ PRC, etc) & Government Advocacy
- Resolution of disputes relating to fulfilment of conditions/ obligations
- Assisted various clients in respect of various core Customs and FTP issues - availment of benefit under Free Trade Agreement, valuation of imported goods, classification, eligibility to claim exemptions, Export Oriented unit (‘EOU’) related issues
- Assisted clients is setting-up bonded warehouse facilities, including evaluation of cost & benefit analysis
- Handling holding support to various clients through the entire SVB proceedings (which included filings, meeting authorities, making submissions, appeals against negative SVB orders etc)
- Other Advisory related experience: Reviewing contract and advising on structuring options in order to optimize tax along with contract vetting/ drafting
- Actively engaged in providing advisory and tax structuring support on various Indirect tax laws for existing businesses and proposed investments in India [including state specific benefits]
- Assisted clients in setting-up offices and routing operations through GIFT city
- Policy initiatives - Have been engaged in successfully representing the cause of various industry associations and sectors before the Ministry of Finance and its functionaries on various issues vexing business operations
- Conducted a review exercise and an in-depth analysis for the client to streamline existing tax positions and mitigate potential tax disputes
- Effective handling of tax audits, GST audit/certification, Liasioning with statutory auditors, handling of tax queries, investigations, attending assessments on all India basis
- Allied laws: Advised on applicability of Legal Metrology and E-waste regulations
- Advised on regulations prescribed under Bureau of Indian Standards (‘BIS’) Act, 1986 to various foreign clients undertaking imports in India
- Working knowledge of direct tax – handled matters such as filing writs in case of faceless assessments, representation on behalf of general insurance companies on grandfathering under Section 55(2)(ac) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, advising on payment of royalty amongst others
- Worked across sectors including banking and financial services, FMCG, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, shipping and logistics, aviation, amongst others
Indirect Tax Team
Ernst & Young Private Limited
Mumbai
04.2009 - 02.2011
Education
BBA LLB -
Symbiosis Law School
Pune01.2009
Class XIIth - C.B.S.E
D.A.V Public School
Ranchi01.2004
Class Xth - I.C.S.E
Loreto Convent
Ranchi01.2002
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of Tax Laws
- Expert in applying legal principles to practical business scenarios with utmost clarity
- Strong team leadership and mentoring abilities
- Effective communication skills with senior executives (including CEOs, CFOs, Directors, etc), Govt authorities, Senior Counsels, etc
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/02/86
- Marital Status: Married
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Vice President Taxation (Direct and Indirect Tax)
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd
06.2022 - Current
Associate Partner
Economic Laws Practice
09.2011 - 02.2022
Indirect Tax Team
Ernst & Young Private Limited
04.2009 - 02.2011
BBA LLB -
Symbiosis Law School
Class XIIth - C.B.S.E
D.A.V Public School
Class Xth - I.C.S.E
Loreto Convent
Similar Profiles
Tushar GathadeTushar Gathade
Insurance Advisor (POSP) at ICICI Lombard General Insurance CoInsurance Advisor (POSP) at ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co
Sakshi Turki JamwalSakshi Turki Jamwal
Senior Relationship Manager at ICICI Lombard General InsuranceSenior Relationship Manager at ICICI Lombard General Insurance
Vignesh Alagesan EaswaranVignesh Alagesan Easwaran
Development Manager at ICICI Lombard General Insurance CoDevelopment Manager at ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co