ITAT Weekly Round Up

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This Round-Up analytically summarizes the key stories related to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) reported at Taxscan. from October 15 to October 20, 2023

Disallowance u/s 37 can’t be made when Details have been furnished by Assessee for Business Promotion Expenditure: ITAT DCIT vs M/s. Glaze Trading India Pvt. Ltd CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2450

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the disallowance under Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 cannot be made when the details have been furnished by the assessee for the business promotion expenditure.

The Two-member bench comprising of M. Balaganesh (Accountant member) and Anubhav Sharma (Judicial member) held that the CIT(A) has extensively dealt with the issue on the basis of the nature of the business of the assessee. The whole model of the business of the assessee is dependent upon the agents or distributors who are given incentives and there is business expediency with promotion of the business of the assessee due to these expenditures as in A.Y. 2013-14 so in the present assessment year also, as the assessee had brought on record the effect of business promotion expenses in the increase of the turnover and net profit.

Share Transaction can’t be treated as Bogus just by the Statement of Broker to have provided Accommodation Entries: ITAT deletes Addition u/s 69C Smt. Veena Chaturvedi vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2451

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) deleted the addition under Section 69C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and held that the share transaction cannot be treated as bogus just by the statement of the broker to have provided accommodation entries.

The Two-member bench comprising of Amit Shukla (Judicial member) and Amarjit Singh (Accountant member) held that where the transactions have been made both purchases and sales online and there was no adverse material or information except with some brokers stated in their statement that they have provided accommodation entry in various scrips in one such scrip involved, that does not lead to drawing any adverse inference to treat the share transactions as bogus done through stock exchange.

Software being an integral part, shall be eligible for same rate of Depreciation as applicable to Computer System: ITAT grants relief to Caterpillar India ACIT vs M/s. Caterpillar India Pvt.Ltd. CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2452

The Chennai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the software is an integral part of the computer system and shall be eligible for the same rate of depreciation as applicable to the computer system.


The Two-member bench comprising of V. Durga Rao (Judicial member) and Manoj Kumar Aggarwal (Accountant member) accepting the submission of the assessee and the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeal) [CIT(A)] concurred with the assessee’s submissions and directed the Assessing Officer to allow the higher depreciation of 60%. Thus, the appeal of the revenue was dismissed.

Failure of PCIT to Furnish Investigation Report or other Regulators in Respect of Scrips Dealt by the Assessee: ITAT quashes Revision Order Mukesh Kumar Agarwalla vs Pr. Commissioner of Income tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2453

The Gauhati Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that Principal Commissioner of Income Tax [PCIT] in his order has no where recorded about any investigation report or reports of other regulators in respect of the scrip dealt by the assessee therefore quashed the revisionary order under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.


Issuance of DIN number is Insignificant and Superfluous, when it is not mentioned on the Body of Communication: ITAT Toyoda Micromatic Machinery India Private Limited vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2454


The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that simultaneous issue of the DIN number is insignificant and superfluous exercise, in the absence of mentioning the DIN number on the body of the communication, thus set aside the order of Transfer Pricing Officer (TPO) and Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP).

The Bench comprising of Shamim Yahya, Accountant Member and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member observed that in the impugned transfer pricing order, there is no DIN Number in its body, the Bench further relied on the decision of Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Abhimanyu Chaturvedi vs DCIT. The Tribunal held that simultaneous issue of the DIN number is insignificant and superfluous exercise, in the absence of mentioning the DIN number on the body of the communication. Hence, the appeal was allowed. The TPO’s order and the DRP order was set-aside being null and void. As a consequence, the assessment order also becomes null and void.

Payment by Builder/ Developer for Compensation/Damages to Allottees is not Interest u/s 2(28) of Income Tax Act, No TDS: ITAT M/s Sawhney Builders Pvt. Ltd vs The ACIT (TDS) CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2455

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held the compensation/damages paid by the assessee to its allottees cannot be tagged as interest under Section 2(28A) of the Income Tax Act,1961 and  therefore, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) provision of Section 194A of the Income Tax Act was not applicable.

The Bench comprising of Chandra Mohan Garg, Judicial Member and Pradip Kumar Kedia, Accountant Member observed that the impugned payment is nothing but compensation/damages paid by the assessee to its allottees which cannot be tagged as interest under Section 2(28A) of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, TDS provision of Section 194A of the Income Tax Act is not applicable towards such payment. Therefore the assessee cannot be treated as assessee in default for noncompliance of TDS provisions on account of such payments. Hence the impugned order was set aside and so the appeal was allowed.


Documentary Evidences Furnished by Assessee to Claim Loss Suffered not held to be Bogus/False by AO during Assessment or Penalty Proceedings : ITAT Deletes Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) of Income Tax Act Robbs Traders & Finance Pvt. Limited vs Assessing Officer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2469

The Kolkata Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the documentary evidences have not been held as false either by the AO during the assessment proceeding or during penalty proceeding.

The Bench comprising of Rajpal Yadav, Vice-President and Girish Agrawal, Accountant Member observed that AO has nowhere demonstrated as to how the loss claimed by the assessee is bogus. He only issued a show-cause notice and the Assessee withdrew its claim just in order to avoid litigation with Department. The Bench held that the documentary evidences have not been held as false either by the AO during the assessment proceeding or during penalty proceeding. Therefore, the assessee does not deserve to be visited with penalty.

Non-Consideration of Evidences Furnished to Prove Identity and Creditworthiness of Investors and Genuiness of Transaction: ITAT directs AO to Delete Income Tax Addition Prompt Barter Private Limited vs Income Tax Officer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2468

The Kolkata Bench held that the assessee has furnished all the evidences proving identity and creditworthiness of the investors and genuineness of the transactions but AO has not commented on these evidences filed by the assessee, thus set aside the order of Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)  [CIT(A)] by directing the AO to delete the addition.

The Bench comprising of Rajesh Kumar, Accountant Member and Sonjoy Sarma, Judicial Member observed that the AO, instead examining and enquiring into the material further, has straightaway jumped to the conclusion that these are unexplained cash credit within the meaning of Section 68 of the Income Tax Act. Similarly the CIT(A) has affirmed the findings of AO.

Further the Tribunal held that the assessee has furnished all the evidences proving identity and creditworthiness of the investors and genuineness of the transactions but AO has not commented on these evidences filed by the assessee. Besides the investors have also furnished complete details/evidences before the AO which proved the identity , creditworthiness of investors and genuineness of the transactions. Therefore the Tribunal set aside the order of CIT(A) by directing the AO to delete the addition, and so the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Deduction u/s 80IB(10) of Income Tax Act Applies to Undertaking Developing and Building Housing Projects, not to Mere Partner in a Joint Partnership Firm: ITAT Sai Teja Constructions vs Dy. C. I. T. Circle 8(1) CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2467

The Hyderabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the deduction under Section 80IB(10) of the Income Tax Act,1961 can be claimed by the joint venture and not by the assessee who is merely a partner in the partnership firm.

The Bench comprising of R.K. Panda, Vice-President and Laliet Kumar, Judicial Member observed that the deduction under Section 80IB(10) of the Income Tax Act is applicable to an undertaking developing and building housing projects with certain conditions. However, in the instant case, the assessee is not an undertaking developing and building housing projects but is merely a partner in a joint venture/partnership firm. It was held that the assessee is not entitled to deduction under Section 80IB(10) of the Income Tax Act since the assessee is merely a partner in SMR Sai Teja Estates and deduction, if any, can only be claimed by the said firm upon fulfilling the requisite conditions.

No Income Tax Addition can be made in the Absence of Incriminating Materials in respect of Unabated Assessment: ITAT Allows Assessee’s Appeal Sushil Singla vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2466

The Delhi Bench of Income tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the addition made towards cash deposit in bank account were made recuperation of any incriminating material found during the course of search.

The Bench comprising of M. Balaganesh, Accountant Member and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member observed that the AO in the search assessment under Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act for the aforesaid years had merely examined the bank account maintained by the assessee with UBI and had resorted to make addition towards cash deposit made in the said bank account.

The Bench referred to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of PCIT Vs. Abhisar Buildwell P. Ltd,  where it had been categorically held that in respect completed assessment/unabated assessments no addition can be made by AO in absence of any incriminating material found during the course of search under Section 132 or Section 132A of the Income Tax Act. Hence, the appeals of the assessee were allowed.

Payment of Money to Retiring Partner is Capital Expenditure : ITAT Reverses CIT(A) Order ITO vs M/s. Sarsan Developers CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2465

The Pune Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the amount paid to the retiring partner in terms of settlement arrived at between two partners for giving up his interest in the partnership firm is a capital expenditure.

The Bench comprising of Inturi Rama Rao, Accountant Member and S. S. Viswanethra Ravi, Judicial Member held that the amount of Rs.4,99,90,000/- was paid to the retiring partner in terms of settlement arrived at between two partners for giving up his interest in the partnership firm, there cannot be any dispute that the amount paid to a retiring partner for giving up his interest in the partnership firm is a capital expenditure. It was further noted that the CIT(A) without appreciating proper facts of the case went on to hold that the payment of money to the retiring partner is revenue expenditure. Therefore, the decision of the  CIT(A) was reversed and so the grounds of appeal filed by the Revenue was allowed.

Non-submission of Challan to Prove Payment of Sales Tax : ITAT Directs to Submit Documents Within 6 Months Jay Polychem India Ltd vs ACIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2464

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ordered the assessee to submit the challan proving the payment of sales tax and the relevant order of the VAT assessment along with the demand notice before the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO) within 6 months from the date of this order.

The Bench comprising of C. M. Garg, Judicial Member Dr. B. R. R. Kumar, Accountant Member granted liberty to the assessee to submit the challan proving the payment of sales tax and the relevant order of the VAT assessment along with the demand notice before the JAO within 6 months from the date of this order, failing which the revenue would at liberty to initiate the recovery proceedings as the provisions of the Income Tax Act. The Tribunal followed the order of  Supreme Court in the case Checkmate Services P. Ltd. vs. Commissioner Of Income Tax-I . Hence the appeal of the assessee was partly allowed for statistical purpose.

Rejection to Claim of Exemption u/s 80G of Income Tax Act by Charitable Trust due to Failure to Respond to Notice Issued: ITAT restores matter to CIT(E) for Re-adjudication Sohum Charitable Trust vs CIT Exemption CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2443

The Delhi Bench of Income tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that assessee has sufficient cause in not responding to the notices issued by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption) [CIT(E)], thus restored the matter to the files of CIT(E) for fresh adjudication.

The Bench comprising of M. Balaganesh, Accountant Member and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member observed that main grievance of the assessee is that the notice calling for certain details issued by the CIT(E) were uploaded only in the income tax e filing portal and the same were not sent to the assessee by email which is mandate of Section 282 of the Income Tax Act. The Tribunal held that assessee has sufficient cause in not responding to the notices issued by the CIT(E) and accordingly feel that assessee should be given one more effective opportunity to furnish the requisite details that were called for by the  CIT(E). Accordingly, the case was restored to the file of the CIT(E) for de novo adjudication in accordance with the law. Hence the appeal of the assessee was allowed for statistical purposes.

Provisions of S.40(a)(ia) not Applicable for Non-Deduction of TDS in Salary prior to AY 2015-2016: ITAT Deletes Disallowance (Erstwhile) Sumaitri Bima Distributors Pvt. Ltd vs Income Tax Officer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2461

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the disallowance holding that the provisions of Section 40(a)(ai) of the Income Tax Act 1961 was not applicable for non-deduction of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in salary prior to annual year 2015-2016.

The two-member Bench of M. Balaganesh, (Accountant Member) And Anubhav Sharma, (Judicial Member) observed that the AO had proceeded to disallow the salary expenditure for making payment without deduction of tax at source under Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act which was evident from the assessment order.

In this regard, the Bench held that the provisions of Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act could not be applied at all for non-deduction of tax at source in respect of salary as the same was introduced in the statute in Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act only w.e.f 01.04.2015 and hence, could not be applied for years prior to AY 2015-16. Accordingly, the disallowances made by the AO under Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act were to be deleted and this ground raised by the assessee was allowed.

TNMM is Most Appropriate Method in absence of details of independent contracts/functions/ services rendered to different AEs and unrelated parties: ITAT Willis Towers Watson India Pvt. Ltd., vs ACIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2460

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the transactional net margin method (TNMM) is the most appropriate method in the absence of details of independent contracts/ functions/ services rendered to different Associated enterprises (AEs) and unrelated parties.

The Two-member bench comprising of Kul Bharat (Judicial member) and B.R.R. Kumar (Accountant member) held that the DRP has already allowed the CUP as MAM and the TPO sought to undertake the comparison “invoice by invoice” with the third party located in the same “geographical location” while rejecting the CUP undertaken by the assessee however, these facts are of no relevance as long as the amount/rate charges for hours incurred by an individual for a project is uniform and the services were provided to its AE as well as to third party by same employee located in India. Since, the appeal of the assessee was decided in favour of the assessee, the Stay Application of the assessee was fructuous and hence dismissed.

Relief to MSEDCL: ITAT deletes disallowance of Net Prior Period Expenditure debited under the head ‘prior Period Expenses’ Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd vs Asst. CIT Date of Judgement:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2462

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai bench while granting relief to Maharashtra state electricity board deleted the disallowance of net prior period expenditure debited under the head of “Prior Period Expense”.

After reviewing the facts and records, the two-member bench of B R Baskaran (Accountant member ) and Kavitha Rajagopal (Judicial Member) granted relief to assessee company and deleted the disallowance   disallowance of net prior period expenditure debited under the head of “Prior Period Expense”. Therefore the bench allowed the Appeal  .

Notice issued u/s 143(2) by Non-Jurisdictional AO, ITAT Quashes Consequent Assessment order u/s 143 (3) for want of Valid Assumption of Jurisdiction Bharat Bhushan Verma vs Income Tax Oficer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2457

The Raipur Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed the consequent assessment order passed under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act 1961 for want of vald assumption of jurisdiction as the notice under Section 143(2) of Income Tax Act was issued by a non-jurisdictional officer.

A Single Bench of Ravish Sood, (Judicial Member) relying upon the claim of the assessee that as the A.O i.e., ITO-1(2), Raipur having jurisdiction over the case of the assessee, had framed the assessment vide his order passed under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act dated 28.11.2017 without issuing notice under Section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act; held that , the same could not be sustained and was liable to be quashed at the very threshold for want of valid assumption of jurisdiction for framing the said impugned assessment.

Licensing of Software Products of “Microsoft” in India by “HP Services” is not Taxable in India as Royalty u/s 9(1)(vi) and Article 12 of Indo US DTAA: ITAT HP Services [Singapore] PTE Ltd vs The Dy. .C.I.T CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2481

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the licensing of the software products of Microsoft in India by HP Services is not taxable in India as royalty under Section 9(1)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Article 12 of Indo US DTAA.

The Two-member bench comprising of Saktijit Dey (Vice-President) and N.K. Billaiya (Accountant Member) referring to the above mentioned case and the assessee’s own case held that the amounts paid by resident Indian end-users/distributors to non-resident computer software manufacturers/suppliers, as consideration for the resale/use of the computer software through EULAs/distribution agreements, is not the payment of royalty for the use of copyright in the computer software.

Therefore, the Assessing Officer was directed to consider revenue from these two companies as royalty and tax as per the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act.


Advance Payment for Purchase of Land and Deposit in Capital Gain Scheme Account Established: ITAT Dismisses Income Tax Dept’s Appeal Income Tax Officer vs Sant Singh CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2482

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that advance payment made for the purchase of land stand establish as the same was through a banking channels and the bank certificate of deposit in the capital bank account is duly established.

The Bench comprising of M. Balaganesh, Accountant Member and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member observed that the CIT(A) has also taken into consideration the fact that even there were rectification proceedings under Section 154 of the Income Tax Act, initiated by the AO in which too the information provided by the assessee was duly taken into consideration and no mistake was found in the order.

The Tribunal was of considered opinion that the Annotated Report of DCIT, was not a mere internal document but formed the basis for the reopening, which the CIT(A) has rightly held to be a case of change of opinion. Therefore the appeal of Revenue was dismissed and consequently the C.O stand allowed.

Remand of Issue to AO for Re-adjudication by PCIT without Determining Profit Declared by Assessee is Erroneous: ITAT sets aside Revision Order u/s 263 of Income Tax Act Polygel Industries Pvt. Ltd vs PCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2480

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that that the PCIT has merely remitted the issue back to the file of the AO to redo the assessment without giving a finding that the profit declared by the assessee is erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue.

The Bench comprising of Kuldip Singh, Judicial Member and S.Rifaur Rahman, Accountant Member observed that while examining the assessment records PCIT has observed that the profit declared by the assessee in its standalone financial statements is â‚č.68,53,323/- whereas the profit declared in the consolidated financial statements is â‚č.1,80,91,596/-, since he is not convinced with the submissions of the assessee and the profit adopted by the AO for the purpose of Section 115JB of the Income Tax is not proper.

The Tribunal held that the PCIT has merely remitted the issue back to the file of the AO to redo the assessment without giving a finding that the profit declared by the assessee is erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue. Accordingly, order passed under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act was set-aside and the grounds raised by the assessee was accordingly allowed.

ESOP Expenditure Incurred towards Raising Share Capital is Allowable as Revenue Expenditure: ITAT Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax vs Dhani Services Ltd. CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2472

The Mumbai bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the Employees Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) expenditure incurred towards raising of share capital was allowable as revenue expenditure.

The two-member Bench of B.R. Baskaran (Accountant Member) and Narender Kumar Choudhry (Judicial Member) noted that the view taken by the Assessing Officer in order to disallow the ESOP expenditure was contrary to the view expressed by the Special Bench in the case of Biocon Ltd, wherein it had been held that ESOP expenditure was allowable as Revenue expenditure.

The two-member Bench of B.R. Baskaran (Accountant Member) and Narender Kumar Choudhry (Judicial Member) noted that the view taken by the Assessing Officer in order to disallow the ESOP expenditure was contrary to the view expressed by the Special Bench in the case of Biocon Ltd, wherein it had been held that ESOP expenditure was allowable as Revenue expenditure.

Books of Account & Vouchers are not required in 44AD return: ITAT Deletes Addition u/s 69A of Income Tax Act Narendra Kumar Gupta vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2478

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition under Section 69A of the Income Tax Act 1961, holding that the books of account and vouchers were not required in return filed under Section 44AD of the Income Tax Act.

The two-member Bench of Shamim Yahya, (Accountant Member) and Astha Chandra, (Judicial Member) observed that as regards, the amount belonging to Narender Kumar Gupta and Sons HUF was concerned, it was noted that 44AD return had been submitted which had been accepted. The income, therefore, therein had been accepted. In such circumstances, there was no reason why the cash due of the income disclosed under Section 44AD of the Income Tax Act should not be accepted.

The bench set aside the impugned order holding that it was a settled law that books of account & vouchers were not required in 44AD return. Hence, adverse inference could not be taken that cash book & vouchers had not been maintained. The same income could not be taxed twice once in the hands of HUF and once again in the hands of the assessee.

Non-Responding and Non-Complaining before PCIT when issue Restored to AO for Proper Enquiries cannot make Revision Illegal and not Maintainable: ITAT Mahesh Prasad Singh Vidyanagar vs The Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2477

The Raipur Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that non responding and non-complaining before Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT) when issue was restored to the Assessing Officer (AO) for proper enquiries could not make revision illegal and not maintainable.

The two-member Bench of Ravish Sood, (Judicial Member) and Arun Khodpia, (Accountant Member) observed that since, the additional evidence were filed before us for the first time which were neither produced before the A.O nor before the PCIT, therefore, the same needed examination/verification in order to establish their authenticity and correctness.

The PCIT had made certain observations, however, without giving any findings on the facts had restored the issue back to the file of the A.O for making proper enquiries and to re-adjudicate the issue in view of the Explanation 2 of Section 263 of the Income Tax Act. Such order of the PCIT wherein further opportunity was granted to the assessee, to appear before the AO to submit necessary explanations/information for substantial justice, whereas the assessee had not responded and remain non-compliant in explaining his case before the PCIT, could not be termed as perverse or illegal or not maintainable. The Bench dismissed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Amendment to section 36(1)(va) of Income Tax Act will not be applicable to Assessment Year 2017-18: ITAT allows deduction in respect of employees’ contribution to PF Giri Bahadur vs Ward – 34(1)(4) CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2463


“The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai bench, held that the amendment to section 36(1)(va) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, would not be applicable to assessment year 2017-2018. Therefore, the bench allowed a deduction in respect of employees’ contribution to the Provident Fund (PF).

After considering the rival submissions and overall facts and circumstances, the two-member bench of S. Rifaur Rahman (Accountant Member) and Vikas Awasthy (Judicial Member) held that the amendment to section 36(1)(va) of the Act would not be applicable to Assessment Year 2017-18. Therefore, the bench allowed the appeal. To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE

ITAT upholds Addition on LTCG u/s 50C based on Unregistered Deeds merely Entered in Judicial Stamp Papers Hari Mittar Yadav vs ITO CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2474

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has upheld the addition of Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) under Section 50C of the Income Tax Act based on the unregistered deed merely entered in judicial stamp papers.

The two-member Bench of Om Prakash Kant, (Accountant Member) and Kavitha Rajagopal, (Judicial Member) observed that the deed of the reconstitution relied upon by the assessee was merely an unregistered document, which does not instil confidence. It was pertinent to point out that the assessee had failed to provide any such communication to the Registrar of Firms related to the reconstitution of the firm. The assessee had also failed to furnish the original partnership deed or the registered reconstitution deeds.

In this case, there had been a subsequent rectification deed registered which substantiates the assessee’s claim, but in the present case the assessee had failed to prove his claim by way of any documentary evidence which can be relied upon. The Bench dismissed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Comparison with Fair Market value of Loan Interest not Made while Making Disallowance u/s 40A(2)(a): ITAT Deletes Disallowance Genxt Mobile LLP vs Asstt. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2473

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the disallowance holding that the comparison with fair market value of loan interest was not made while making disallowance under Section 40A(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1961.

The two-member Bench of Prashant Maharishi, (Accountant Member) and Sandeep Singh Karhail, (Judicial Member) observed that as per Section 40A(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act, if in the opinion of the AO, the payment made by the assessee to any related person was excessive or unreasonable having regard to the fair market value of the goods, services or facilities for which the payments was made, so much of the expenditure as was considered excessive or unreasonable by the AO should not be allowed as deduction

Therefore, the Bench was of the considered view that the AO while partly disallowing the interest paid by the assessee had not followed the provisions of Section 40A(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act, which required comparison with the fair market value of the goods, services or facilities, which in the present case was the loan taken by the assessee. Accordingly, the appeal filed by the assessee was allowed and disallowance was directed to be deleted.


Payment of Interest u/s 234B not Necessary when Certain Income Qualified for Deduction: ITAT Deputy Director of Income Tax vs M/s.Linklaters CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2475

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the payment of interest under Section 234B of the Income Tax Act 1961 was not necessary when certain income qualified for deduction.

The two-member Bench of R.S.Syal, (Accountant Member) and V.Durga Rao, (Judicial Member) noted that no Special Bench had been constituted so far on the issue as had been decided by the Tribunal in assessee’s own case. Further no Miscellaneous application had been filed against the afore-said order. Once the Tribunal had decided a particular issue in assessee’s own case in an earlier year and there was no change in facts or law in the subsequent year, then there was no scope for deviating from the view originally taken by the Tribunal. In view of these facts it was conveyed that the adjournment was not possible.

The only other effective ground was against not charging interest under Section 234B of the Income Tax Act. Both sides were in agreement that there were several orders passed by the Tribunal holding that when a particular income was such on which tax was deductible, then there was no obligation for paying interest under Section 234B of the Income Tax Act. The tribunal, in assessee’s own case in for assessment years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, had ordered for the deletion of levy of interest under Section 234B of the Income Tax Act. Following the precedent, the Bench dismissed this ground of appeal and partly allowed the appeal filed by the revenue.

FTS and Interest Income earned from joint venture Indian company shall be taxed as per order passed TDS officer u/s 195 of Income Tax Act: ITAT DCIT vs M/s. Foundation Co. of Canada Ltd CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2471

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Delhi bench held that the Fee for Technical Service (FTS) and interest income earned from the joint venture Indian company should be taxed as per the order passed by the Tax Deduction at Source Officer under Section 195 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

the two-member bench of Dr. B.R.R. Kumar (Accountant member) and Saktijit Dey (Vice-President) held that, in fact, the TDS Officer has issued an order under section 195 of the Income Tax Act instructing the payer to deduct tax at the rates of 10% and 15%, respectively, in recognition of this factual condition. Therefore, the bench dismissed the appeal of revenue. Ananya Kapoor, Counsel appeared for the assessee, and Vizay B. Vasanta, counsel appeared for revenue.

Non-Awareness of Tax Payment: ITAT deletes Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) of Income Tax Act Ushaben Chauhan vs Income Tax Officer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2486

The Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) deleted the penalty under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 due to the non-awareness of tax payment by the assessee.

The Single-member bench comprising of Suchitra R. Kamble (Judicial member) held that the assessee has not filed return of income and it appears that the assessee being not aware about the tax on sale consideration of the land is genuine. The decision of the Gujarat High Court in the case of Sun on Peak Hotel (P.) Ltd. was applicable in the present case as the assessee herein has a genuine case of not being aware of tax payment. Thus, the penalty imposed under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act was not justifiable. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Expense on account of Interest on Margin facility and late Payment to Brokers, Not in Nature of Penalty: ITAT allows Disallowance u/s 37 Swing Infraspace P. Ltd. vs ITO CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2485

The Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) allowed the disallowance under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and held that the expenses on account of interest on margin facility and late payment to brokers shall not be in nature of penalty.

The Two-member bench comprising of Annapurna Gupta (Accountant member) and T.R. Senthil Kumar (Judicial member) held that the books of accounts admittedly were all produced before the Assessing Officer, and the ledger account of these expenses also did not reveal any such fact so as to arrive at a finding that these expenses were disallowable being penalty in nature.

The assessee being in the nature of trading in shares and securities, the expenses incurred on account of interest on margin facility and late payment to brokers were undoubtedly incurred in the course of business. There was no requirement for the assessee to prove they were not in the nature of penalty, disallowable under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Non-compliance of Notice due to different Email ID on Form 35 and ITR: ITAT allows another opportunity to Assessee Vikram Udeshanghbhai Padhiyar vs Income Tax officer CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2484

The Surat bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) allowed another opportunity to the assessee for non-compliance of notice due to a different email ID on Form 35 and the Income Tax Return (ITR).

The Single-member bench comprising of Pawan Singh (Judicial member) held that the CIT(A) had dismissed the appeal in ex parte order without discussing the merit of the case. The impugned order passed by CIT(A) was not in accordance with the mandate of Section 250(6) of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the bench restored the appeal back to the file of the Assessing Officer to pass the assessment order afresh. And the Assessing Officer was also directed to provide a reasonable opportunity to the assessee. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Interest received by Cooperative Societies from Cooperative Banks Eligible for Deduction under Section 80P of Income Tax: ITAT Navrang Basant Co-operative Housing Society Limited vs ITO 17(2)(4) CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2487

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the interest received by the cooperative societies from cooperative banks is eligible for deduction under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act 1961.

The two-member Bench of Prashant Maharishi, (Accountant Member) and Narender Kumar Choudhry, (Judicial Member) observed that assessee was a cooperative society more precisely a housing society and not a cooperative bank therefore the provision Section 80P (4) of the Income Tax Act would not apply to assessee and therefore assessee was held to be eligible for deduction under Section 80 P (2) of the Income Tax Act.

Here the assessee had invested in saraswat Cooperative bank, shamrao Vithal cooperative bank and Maharashtra District cooperative bank limited. There was no doubt that the assessee was not a cooperative bank. Section 80P (4) of the Income Tax Act denies deduction to cooperative banks only. This view was upheld by the supreme court in the case of Kerala State Co-Operative Agricultural & Rural Development Bank Ltd. V Assessing Officer. The Bench allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Entries in  books of  account of Individual Entity Prior to Amalgamation cannot be part of additions made u/s 153A of IT Act in hands of assessee: ITAT deletes Addition Citygold Education Research Limited vs Deputy Commissioner of Income-tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2488

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai Bench, held that entries in the books of account prior to amalgamation could not be part of additions made under Section 153A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in the hands of the assessee. Therefore, the bench deleted the addition.

After reviewing the facts and records, the two-member bench of Padmavathy S. (Accountant member) and Kuldip Singh (Judicial Member) held that additions made under section 37(1) and section 50C based on the transactions in the books of Citygold Farming Pvt Ltd and Headland Farming P Ltd in the assessee’s hands shall not be sustained.


Payment towards Employees’ contribution on account of PF/ESIC made after due date prescribed relevant statutes attract Disallowance u/s 36(1)(va) of Income Tax Act: ITAT dismisses assesee Appeal Giri Bahadur vs Ward – 34(1)(4) CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2463

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai Bench, held that payments towards employees’ contributions on account of Provident Fund and Employee State Insurance Contributions made after the due date prescribed under relevant statutes should attract disallowance under section 36(1)(va) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

After reviewing the facts and records, the single bench of N. K. Choudhry (Judicial Officer) held that payments towards employees’ contributions on account of Provident Fund and Employee State Insurance Contributions made after the due date prescribed under relevant statutes should attract disallowance under section 36(1)(va) of the Income Tax Act.

Disallowance of Claim of Write Off made in individual Entity’s Financials Prior to Amalgamation cannot be added as Income in hands of Assessee: ITAT Citygold Education Research Limited vs Deputy Commissioner of Income-tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2488

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai Bench, held that the disallowance of the claim of write-off made in an individual entity’s financials prior to amalgamation could not be added as income in the hands of the assessee.

After reviewing the facts and records, the two-member bench of Padmavathy S. (Accountant member) and Kuldip Singh (Judicial Member) held that the disallowance of the claim of write-off made in an individual entity’s financials prior to amalgamation could not be added as income in the hands of the assessee. Therefore, the bench deleted the addition made by the assessing officer.

Failure to substantiate genuineness of activities of Assessee Trust for getting Registration u/s 12A of Income Tax Act: ITAT remits matter back to CIT(E) for De-Novo Consideration Kai Vaijanath Channappa Darde Vaidyakiya Research Centre vs The Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2490

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Delhi Bench remitted the file of the assessee back to CIT(E) for de novo consideration due to the failure to substantiate the genuineness of the activities of the assessee trust for obtaining registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

After reviewing the facts and records, the two-member bench of G. D. Padmahshali (Accountant Member) and Partha Sarathi Choudhury (Judicial Member) has remitted the matter back to the CIT(E) for de novo consideration.

Addition u/s 69B can’t be made by AO purely based upon conjectures/surmises and without considering Evidences produced: ITAT Babusona Mondal vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2491

The Kolkata bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the addition under Section 69B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 cannot be made by the Assessing Officer purely based upon the conjectures/surmises and without considering the evidence produced.

The Single-member bench comprising of Rajesh Kumar (Accountant member) held that the addition made by the Assessing Officer is purely based upon conjectures and surmises as the Assessing Officer has failed to take note of the evidence filed by the assessee before the Assessing Officer in the form of purchase bills, stock register, etc. and also the fact that the wastage and breakage sustained by the assessee in the ordinary course of business. Thus, the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax Act (Appeal) was set aside and the Assessing Officer was directed to delete the addition which was made under Section 69B of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Additions can’t be allowed on Unsecured loans incurred wholly and exclusively for Purpose of Business: ITAT Amit Agarwal vs ITO CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2493

The Kolkata bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that additions cannot be allowed on unsecured loans incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business.

The Single-member bench of Rajesh Kumar (Accountant member) held that the observations of the Assessing Officer that the interest paid on the unsecured loan was personal in nature was without any substantive finding whereas, on the other hand, the assessee has vehemently argued before us by referring to the balance sheet and profit and loss account that the said loan was in fact taken for the purpose of business and interest was incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business of the assessee. There was merit in the contentions of the assessee that the loan was taken only for the purpose of business and not for any personal objectives. Accordingly, the order of CIT(A) was set aside and the Assessing Officer was directed to delete the addition.

Claim of Capital Gain Deduction u/s 54 of Income Tax Act towards Purchase of Two Adjacent and Joint Flats for the Purpose of one Residence Unit: ITAT Restores Matter to AO for Verification Shri Amrik Sokhi vs ITO CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2496

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) restored the matter to the file of the Assessing Officer (AO) for verification and examination to allow claim of capital gain deduction under Section 54/54F of Income Tax Act,1961 towards purchase of two adjacent and joint flats for the purpose of one residence unit.

The Bench comprising of G.S Pannu, President and Chandra Mohan Garg, Judicial Member restored the matter to the file of the AO for verification and examination of fact as to whether the assessee has purchased two adjacent and joint flat for the purpose of using the same as one residential unit and after being satisfied to allow the benefit of exemption under Section 54 and 54F of the Income Tax Act. The appeal of assessee was allowed for statistical purposes.

Maintenance of Cash of company at Residence mixed with Cash of Family Members during Search Proceeding: ITAT Deletes Addition u/s 69A of Income Tax Act Nishant Pitti vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2495

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition under Section 69A of the Income Tax Act 1961 as it was imposed based upon the maintenance of cash of company at residence mixed with cash of family members during the search proceedings.

The two-member Bench of C. M. Garg, (Judicial Member) and B. R. R. Kumar, (Accountant Member) observed that the argument of the CIT(A) that if at all the cash was kept at residence , then the same must be kept separately and not mixed with cash of the family members could not be accepted. The Bench owing to the availability of the cash in the accepted books of accounts of the company as well as accepted statement affairs filed by the family members ,allowed the appeal filed by the assessee holding that no further addition was required on account of cash found at the premises.

Receipt from Support Services cannot be Treated as FIS under Article 12(4)(b) of India -USA DTAA: ITAT Deletes Income Tax Addition Bain & Company Inc vs DCIT CITATION:   2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 2497

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that services rendered are not in relation to any manufacturing activity, therefore the receipts cannot be treated as Fee for Included Services  (FIS) under Article 12(4)(b) of the India – USA Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA), and the Assessing Officer (AO) was directed to delete the addition.

The Bench comprising of Saktijit Dey, Vice-President and Dr. B.R.R. Kumar, Accountant Member observed that the AO has treated the receipts from support services as FIS and brought it to tax. Thus, on overall consideration of facts and materials on record the Tribunal was of the view that the Revenue has not brought on record any materials to establish the fulfillment of make available condition of Article 12(4)(b) of India – USA DTAA.

The decision of the Coordinate Bench in case of H.J. Heinz Company Vs. ADIT which the DR relied on is distinguishable on facts as the services rendered in case of that assessee is in relation to manufacture of products. Whereas, in the facts of the present appeal, services rendered are not in relation to any manufacturing activity. Therefore in this view of the matter, the receipts cannot be treated as FIS under Article 12(4)(b) of the India – USA DTAA, and the AO was directed to delete the addition. Hence, appeal of the assessee was allowed.

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