IT : Interest under section 220(2) for non-payment of demand is chargeable only after expiry of thirty days from issue of demand notice and not for a period prior to date of notice
[2013] 31 taxmann.com 213 (Delhi)
HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Vodafone Mobile Service Ltd.
v.
Union of India*
BADAR DURREZ AHMED AND R.V. EASWAR, JJ.
W.P. (C) NO. 325 OF 2013
C M NO. 673 OF 2013
C M NO. 673 OF 2013
FEBRUARY 15, 2013
I. Section 220 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Collection and recovery of tax - When tax payable and when assessee deemed in default [Interest for non-payment of demand] - Assessment year 2005-06 - Interest under section 220(2) was levied for a period of fifty months prior to date of demand notice - Assessee claimed that interest under section 220(2) was chargeable for non-payment of demand after expiry of thirty days from issue of demand notice and, therefore, interest for period prior to notice was unjustified - Whether interest under section 220(2), charged for a period prior to issue of demand notice, was prima facie bad - Held, yes [Para 6] [In favour of assessee]
HELD-II
| 6. The original demand of Rs. 225.86 crores comprised of two components as per the petitioner. The two components were Rs. 114 crores towards the alleged principal tax liability and Rs. 110 crores towards the purported interest liability. We shall first consider the Rs. 110 crores interest liability. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner the said figure of Rs. 110 crores can be broken up into three components. The first component being an amount of Rs. 75 crores which has been raised as per the demand notice under section 156 dated 16.03.2012 under section 220(2) of the said Act. If we examine the said demand notice, the said demand has been raised on 16.03.2012 for a period prior to the date of notice. More particularly, for a period of 50 months prior to the date of the notice, which would entail the period beginning February 2008 and ending on March 2012. It is the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that this demand is ex facie bad inasmuch as section 220(2) contemplates charging of interest for non-payment of a demand raised under section 156 and that, too, after 30 days thereof. In the present case the demand itself was raised on 16.03.2012 therefore there cannot be any interest charged for a period prior to it. We are in agreement with this submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner. We make it clear that this is only a prima facie view. And, this view is based on a plain reading of the provisions of section 220(2) of the said Act.• | The demand under section 220(2) was raised on 16-3-2012 for a period of 50 months prior to the date of the notice, which would entail the period beginning February 2008 and ending on March 2012. It is contended by the assessee that this demand is ex facie bad as section 220(2) contemplates charging of interest for non-payment of a demand raised under section 156 and that, too, after 30 days thereof. In the present case the demand itself was raised on 16-3-2012. Therefore, there cannot be any interest charged for a period prior to it. This submission of the assessee is accepted. It is made clear that this is only a prima facie view based on a plain reading of the provisions of section 220(2). [Para 6] |
On 5 August 2013 13:39, Nagarajan.R <nagarajan.raju@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Mr.Rajagopalan,
Of course it may be correct that omission to admit an interest u/s.244A may not come under the purview of Section 154. Since there was no time-limit for taking action under section 148, the AO issued a notice u/s.154 and my client has accepted for rectification u/s.154 as a mistake has been committed by the assessee in not admitting the interest as income during the relevant assessment year. This was accepted in order not to antoganise the AO and to have a smooth relationship with him.
Nagarajan
On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 11:27 AM, RAJAGOPALAN R. <rajag52@gmail.com> wrote:
To assess the interest u/s.244A pertaining to an earlier assessment year granted during the previous year relevant to the assessment year 2001-02, but omitted to be considered in the assessment for the A.Y 2001-02, was a Notice u/s 154 sufficient?
Was there, in regard to the interest u/s 244A, any mistake apparent from record?
If the income had escaped assessment, was not action u/s 148 called for?
On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 10:27 AM, Pavan Singla <singlapavan@gmail.com> wrote:
correct.section 220(2) is very clear. The interest from the date of issue of demand notice.AO is wrong.
On 3 August 2013 18:53, Nagarajan.R <nagarajan.raju@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Sir,
I am a retired Incometax Officer from Chennai. In one of my clients case, an Assessing Officer issued a notice u/s.154 to rectify the mistake on the part of my client and assess a sum of Rs.2 lakhs for which my client had given no objection. However, while passing an order u/s.154 (raising a demand consequent to adding the said sum of Rs.2 lakhs to the income already assessed), the Assessing Officer has also levied interest u/s.220(2) on the demand now raised as per order u/s.154. The assessment year involved is 2001-02 and he has levied the interest u/s.220(2) right from the date of original demand on the fresh demand now being raised as per order u/s.154. Whether the action of the AO is correct.? My view is that since a fresh demand is raised as per order u/s.154 only now and interest u/s.220(2) is payable after 30 days of the present demand. Whether my view is correct or the view of the AO is correct? Kindly enlighten me.WebRep
Overall rating
On Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 7:41 AM, Pavan Singla <singlapavan@gmail.com> wrote:
IT : Since there is no application of mind in section 143(1) assessment, reopening of such assessment for disallowing expenditure previously allowed, is not mere change of opinion, and is valid
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[2013] 35 taxmann.com 261 (Allahabad)
HIGH COURT OF ALLAHABAD
Bharat Straw Board & Paper Mill (P.) Ltd.
v.
Commissioner of Income-tax, Allahabad*
R.K. AGRAWAL AND BHARATI SAPRU, JJ.
IT REFERENCE NO. 122 OF 1997
JANUARY 9, 2013
Section 147, read with sections 143(1) and 37(4) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Income escaping assessment - Non-disclosure of primary facts [Section 143(1) v. Section 147] - Assessment year 1987-88 - Guest house maintenance expenses and its rent were wrongly allowed in assessment under section 143(1) - Subsequently, in reassessment proceedings under section 147, guest house maintenance expenses and rent were disallowed under section 37(4) - Whether, where there was no application of mind during assessment under section 143(1), reopening of assessment for disallowing expense previously allowed, did not amount to mere change of opinion, and thus, reopening of assessment was valid - Held, yes [Para 5] [In favour of assessee]
FACTS
| ■ | Assessment of assessee company was completed under section 143(1). Subsequently, notice for reopening assessment was issued as assessee had claimed guest house maintenance expenses and guest house rent. The Assessing Officer disallowed both under section 37(4). | |
| ■ | On appeal, the Commissioner (Appeals) held that the guest house expenses were wrongly allowed in assessment order. Therefore, there was escapement of income. | |
| ■ | The Tribunal also upheld the addition on ground that framing of assessment under section 143(1) did not require any application of mind, and therefore, the Assessing Officer was justified in taking recourse to reassessment proceedings. | |
| ■ | On revenue's appeal: |
HELD
| ■ | It is not in dispute that under section 147, assessment cannot be reopened on the ground of mere change of opinion. However, this principle would not be applicable to the facts of the present case. It is also not in dispute that the assessment was completed under section 143(1) on 6-1-1987. Subsequently, the assessing officer noticed that the guest house maintenance expenses had been claimed, which was not allowable. Therefore, he had reason to believe that the income had escaped assessment. It is note worthy to mention that the assessment order framed under section 143(1) did not require any application of mind as the same is subject to certain adjustment. The return was accepted and the order was passed. Thus, it cannot be said that there was any application of mind while passing the assessment order and if subsequently it came to the notice, on the basis of the material already on record, that an item of expenditure had wrongly been allowed, which was against the specific statutory provision, then certainly it is not a case of change of opinion but there was reason to believe that the income had escaped assessment. Thus, reopening of the assessment completed under section 143(1), by issue of a notice under section 148, was valid. [Para 5] | |
| ■ | So far as the claim of expenses on the maintenance of guest house is concerned, the Supreme Court in the case of Britannia Industries Ltd. v. CIT[2005] 278 ITR 546/148 Taxman 468, specifically held that in view of specific provision of section 37(4), expenses incurred on the maintenance of guest house is not to be allowed. [Para 6] | |
| ■ | Therefore, the Tribunal has rightly upheld initiation of proceedings under section 148 and also disallowed payment of rent of towards maintenance of guest house under section 37(4). [Para 7] | |
| ■ | Accordingly, the questions are answered in the affirmative, i.e., in favour of the revenue and against the assessee. [Para 8] |
CASES REFERRED TO
Foramer v. CIT [2001] 247 ITR 436/119 Taxman 61 (All.) (para 3), A. Pusa Lal v. CIT [1988] 169 ITR 215 (AP) (para 4) and Britannia Industries Ltd. v. CIT [2005] 278 ITR 546/148 Taxman 468 (SC) (para 4)
ORDER
1. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Allahabad has referred the following questions of law under Section 256(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") for opinion to this Court:-
"(1) Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the Tribunal was justified in law in holding that the re-opening of the assessment completed under section 143(1) by issue of a notice under section 148 of the Act was valid?
(2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in law in holding that payment of rent of Rs. 4,000/- was within the purview of section 37(4) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and could, therefore, be disallowed under it?"
2. Briefly stated the facts giving rise to the present reference are as follows:
The reference relates to the Assessment Year 1987-88.
The assessee is a company and the assessment was completed under section 143(1) on 6.1.1987. Subsequently, notice under section 148 was issued on 25.3.1989 and a return was filed disclosing a sum of Rs. 14,870/-. In the course of assessment proceedings, an enquiry was made regarding a sum of Rs. 79,670/- claimed as deduction on account of guest house maintenance expenses. In reply to the notice to show cause why the same should not be disallowed under section 37(4) of the Act the assessee explained that in order to fulfil the nature of activities an office was opened in New Delhi. The expenses incurred on the maintenance of this office were classified as 'Guest House Maintenance Expenses' due to misconception by the statutory auditors. A letter was also filed from the statutory auditors dated 6.1.1990 stating that the expenses incurred in the premises at New Delhi were classified as Guest House Expenses and it was clarified that it was used for carrying on the business of the company and, therefore, it was outside the purview of section 37(4) of the Act. The Assessing Officer was not satisfied and held that this was merely a change of opinion and expenses amounting to Rs. 79,678/- pertained to maintenance of Guest House. The same were disallowed. The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the addition after observing that the clarification issued by the statutory auditors did not specify as to how and in what circumstances the so called mistake in the audit report took place by the auditors. An objection was also taken before him that the assessing officer was not justified in taking recourse to proceedings under section 148 of the Act for brining to tax the above amount. The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) noted that notice under section 148 was issued on 7.3.1989 because it had been noticed by the assessing officer that the guest house maintenance expenses amount to Rs. 79,670/- had been claimed and they were wrongly allowed in the assessment order dated 6.11.1987. There was no application of mind while completing the assessment under section 143(1) of the Act. The assessee's objection was rejected by saying that income liable to tax had clearly escaped assessment and, therefore, the assessing officer was fully justified in invoking the provisions of section 147 of the Act. The validity of proceedings under section 148 were again challenged before the Tribunal but were rejected on the ground that the assessment order framed under section 143(1) did not require any application of mind and, therefore, the assessing officer was justified in taking recourse to proceedings under section 148 of the Act. The Tribunal relying on section 37(5) of the Act held that the accommodation had been rightly held to be a guest house. Regarding allowance of rent under section 30 of the Act it was rejected in view of the Explanation (ii) to Section 37(4) which is reproduced below:
"Explanation (ii): The expenditure incurred on the maintenance of the guest house shall, in a case where the residential accommodation has been hired by the assessee, include also the rent paid in respect of such accommodation."
We have heard learned counsel for the parties.
3. Learned counsel for the assessee submitted that the assessment was completed under section 143(1) of the Act on 6th January, 1987 and notice under section 148 of the Act could not be issued as there was no subsequent material on record to show that any income had escaped assessment. According to him the reassessment proceeding has been initiated merely on the ground of change of opinion which is not permissible under law. He, therefore, submitted that reassessment proceedings are liable to be set aside. He has relied upon a decision of this Court in the case of Foramer v. CIT[2001] 247 ITR 436/119 Taxman 61 wherein it has been held that notice for reassessment on the mere change of opinion cannot be issued.
4. Learned standing counsel, however, submitted that it was noticed by the assessing officer that the guest house maintenance expenses amounting to Rs. 79,670/- which have been claimed in the return and have been wrongly allowed in the assessment order dated 6.11.1987 constituted reasonable belief to reopen the assessment. He has relied upon a decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in the case of A. Pusa Lal v. CIT [1988] 169 ITR 215 wherein it has been held that where assessment has been completed under section 143(1) of the Act even if the ingredients of section 147 are satisfied it does not exclude the power of the assessing officer to reopen the assessment under section 147 of the Act. He also relied upon a case of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Britannia Industries Ltd. v. CIT [2005] 278 ITR 546/148 Taxman 468 for the proposition that section 37(4) of the Act specifically excludes expenses incurred on the maintenance of residential nature of guest house and, therefore, the Tribunal had rightly allowed the expenses incurred on maintenance of guest house.
5. We have given our thoughtful consideration to the various pleas raised by the learned counsel for the parties. It is not in dispute that under section 147 of the Act assessment cannot be reopened on the ground of mere change of opinion. However, this principle would not be applicable to the facts of the present case. It is also not in dispute that the assessment was completed under section 143(1) of the Act on 6th January, 1987. Subsequently the assessing officer noticed that the guest house maintenance expenses amounting to Rs. 79,678/- had been claimed which was not allowable, therefore, he had reason to believe that the income had escaped assessment. It is note worthy to mention that the assessment order framed under section 143(1) of the Act did not require any application of mind as the same is subject to certain adjustment. The return was accepted and the order was passed. Thus, it cannot be said that there was any application of mind while passing the assessment order and if subsequently it comes to the notice on the basis of the material already on record that an item of expenditure has wrongly been allowed which is against the specific statutory provision then certainly it is not a case of change of opinion but there was reason to believe that the income had escaped assessment. Thus reopening of the assessment completed under section 143(1) of the Act by issue of a notice under section 148 of the Act was valid.
6. So far as the claim of expenses on the maintenance of guest house is concerned Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Britannia Industries Ltd. (supra) has specifically held that in view of specific provision of section 37(4) of the Act expenses incurred on the maintenance of guest house is not to be allowed.
7. We are, therefore, of the considered opinion that the Tribunal has rightly upheld initiation of proceedings under section 148 of the Act as also disallowed payment of rent of Rs. 4,000/- towards maintenance of guest house under section 37(4) of the Act.
8. We accordingly answer the questions referred to us in the affirmative, i.e., in favour of the Revenue and against the assessee.
There shall be no order as to costs.
IT/ILT : Where non-resident agent did not have PE in India, Commission paid by assessee to non-resident agent for rendering services in foreign countries cannot be disallowed under section 40(a)(i)
IT/ILT : Since non-resident shipping companies was separately taxed under section 172, TDS was not required to be deducted from freight expenses paid to them
IT: Enduring nature expenditure cannot be considered as capital in nature unless an asset was created
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[2013] 35 taxmann.com 587 (Mumbai - Trib.)
IN THE ITAT MUMBAI BENCH 'K'
Gujarat Reclaim & Rubber Products Ltd.
v.
Additional Commissioner of Income-tax, 10(2)*
B. RAMAKOTAIAH, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER
AND VIJAY PAL RAO, JUDICIAL MEMBER
AND VIJAY PAL RAO, JUDICIAL MEMBER
IT APPEAL NOS. 8868 (MUM.) OF 2010,
8789 (MUM.) OF 2011 AND 169 (MUM.) OF 2012
[ASSESSMENT YEARS 2007-08 & 2008-09]
8789 (MUM.) OF 2011 AND 169 (MUM.) OF 2012
[ASSESSMENT YEARS 2007-08 & 2008-09]
APRIL 19, 2013
I Section 9, read with sections 40(a)(i) and 195 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Income - Deemed to accrue or arise in India [Commission] - Assessment years 2007-08 to 2008-09 - Whether where assessee paid commission to non-resident agent outside India for services provided in foreign countries, in absence of PE of non-resident agent in India said payment would not be chargeable to tax in India hence, no disallowance under section 40(a)(i) can be made - Held, yes [Para 4.6] [In favour of assessee]
II. Section 195, read with section 40(a)(i) and section 172 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Deduction of tax at source - Payment to non-resident [In section 172 cases] - Assessment year 2007-08 - Assessee paid ocean freight expenses to non-resident shipping company - Assessing Officer disallowed ocean freight expenses on ground that assessee had not deducted tax at source - Whether since income of non-resident shipping companies was separately taxed under section 172, assessee was not required to deduct tax at source and thus, disallowance under section 40(a)(i) cannot be made - Held, yes [Para 7.5] [In favour of assessee]
III. Section 37(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Business expenditure - Allowability of [Enduring benefit] - Assessment year 2007-08 - Whether where expenditure was of enduring nature, same could not be disallowed by considering it as capital in nature unless an asset was created - Held, yes [Para 8.6] [In favour of assessee]
IV. Section 37(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Business expenditure - Allowability of [Interest] - Assessment year 2007-08 - Assessee claimed interest and finance charges paid by it - Assessing Officer disallowed proportionate interest on interest free advances and investment made by assessee to its associate concern - Whether since assessee's available capital and reserves was more than borrowed fund, it can be presumed that loan and investment in associate concern were made from interest free funds available with assessee and thus, proportionate interest cannot be disallowed as it had no nexus to other finance charges claimed by assessee - Held, yes [Paras 9.5 & 9.6] [In favour of assessee]
Circulars and Notifications : Board Circular No. 723 dated 19-9-1995.
FACTS-I
| ■ | During the assessment years 2007-08 and 2008-09, the assessee paid commission of Rs. 17.29 lakh and 32.73 lakh respectively to non-resident agents for rendering services in respect of procuring export orders from various countries. | |
| ■ | The Assessing Officer invoked the provisions of section 40(a)(i) and disallowed the commission expenses claimed by the assessee on grounds that the assessee had not remitted the amount after deducting the tax at source. | |
| ■ | In appeal, the assessee contended that the non-resident agents did not had any business connection in India thus, tax was not required to be deducted. The Commissioner (Appeals) in assessment year 2007-08 confirmed the disallowance whereas in Assessment year 2008-09 deleted the disallowance made by the Assessing Officer. | |
| ■ | On appeal before the Tribunal: |
HELD-I
| ■ | There is no dispute with reference to the fact that the assessee paid commission at 5 per cent on FOB value of the shipment of the product to the foreign agents and is also not in dispute that the agent is not authorised to market the products to any third party and it does not have any business connection in India. Their services are also not utilised in India. Therefore, respectfully following the decision of the Delhi High Court in the case ofCIT v. EON Technology (P.) Ltd. [2011] 203 Taxman 266/15 taxmann.com 391 and also the Coordinate bench decision in the case ofArmayesh Global v. ACIT (supra), the income of the non-resident cannot be considered as accrued or arisen or deemed to accrue or arise in India as the services of the said agents were rendered/utilized outside India and the commission was also payable/paid outside India. Further, in the absence of permanent establishment in India, the income of the said agents cannot be subjected to tax in India and hence the assessee was not liable to deduct tax on payments made to the said agents. Therefore, provisions of section 40(a)(i) have no application on the given facts. [Para 4.6] | |
| ■ | Discussion made by the Commissioner (Appeals) in the assessment year 2008-09 is correct both on facts and on law, the same is upheld and the revenue ground on this issue in assessment year 2008-09 is dismissed and assessee's grounds in assessment year 2007-08 are allowed. [Para 4.7] |
FACTS-II
| ■ | The assessee claimed the ocean freight expenses paid to a non-resident shipping company aggregating to Rs. 58.82 lakh. | |
| ■ | The Assessing Officer invoked the provisions of section 40(a)(i) and disallowed the ocean freight expenses on ground that the tax was not deducted by the assessee. | |
| ■ | In appeal, the assessee contended that shipping income was taxable under section 172 which itself was a self-contained code and as per the Board Circular No. 723, provision of section 194(c) and 195 was not applicable as provision of section 172 applied on shipping income. The Commissioner (Appeals) rejected the contention of the assessee and confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. | |
| ■ | On second appeal: |
HELD-II
| ■ | The Assessing Officer without assigning any specific reasons disallowed Ocean Freight Expenses under section 40(a)(i). There is no dispute with reference to the fact that the Ocean freight was paid to foreign shipping companies. [Para 7] | |
| ■ | In view of Board Circular No. 723 dated 19-9-1995 the assessee company is not required to deduct tax at source from the ocean freight paid by it of Rs. 58,82,475 to Transmode Overseas Partners, Germany, because the said company is liable to tax under section 172. [Para 7.1] | |
| ■ | Since the Board circular is binding on the authorities and since the incomes are being taxed under section 172 separately, there is no need for deducting any tax under the provisions of the TDS and therefore, disallowance under section 40(a)(i) does not arise. [Para 7.5] |
FACTS-III
| ■ | The assessee claimed legal and professional expenses of Rs. 6.35 lakh. | |
| ■ | The Assessing Officer found that the sum of Rs. 6 lakh was spent for development of ERO software systems which results into the creation of assets and remainder amount of Rs. 35,000 was spent for acquiring land which was not related to revenue expenditure. On the basis of above finding, the Assessing Officer disallowed the legal expenses of Rs. 6.35 lakh. However, the Assessing Officer allowed depreciation of Rs. 3.6 lakh at the rate of 60 per cent on Rs. 6 lakhs. | |
| ■ | On appeal, the Commissioner (Appeals) deleted the disallowance of Rs. 35,000 stating that the same pertains to revenue expenditure for rendering professional services and sustained the balance amount of Rs. 6 lakhs. | |
| ■ | In second appeal, the assessee submitted that out of Rs. 6 lakh amount of Rs. 2.5 lakh was paid for providing consultancy services for smooth working of Networking System which was recurring in nature and there was no acquisition of asset or advantage for enduring benefits. A fee of Rs. 3 lakh was paid to provide the consultancy in relation to FOXPRO and SAP related issue and an amount of Rs. 0.5 lakh was paid for consultancy services in respect of ERP facilities which was already in existence and thus, there was no creation of any asset. |
HELD-III
| ■ | The nature of the expenditure and the submissions of the assessee had been considered. Even though the expenditure may be of enduring nature, the same cannot be considered as capital in nature always unless an asset was created. [Para 8.6] | |
| ■ | Since the same principle were also upheld by the Bombay High Court in the case of CIT v. Raychem RPG Ltd. [2012] 346 ITR 138/21 taxmann.com 507 the orders of the Assessing Officer is modified and is directed to allow the expenditure as revenue in nature. Consequently, depreciation, if any, allowed by the Assessing Officer can be withdrawn. [Para 8.7] |
FACTS-IV
| ■ | The assessee had paid interest and financial charges of Rs. 1.01 crore and claimed deduction for the same. | |
| ■ | The Assessing Officer noticed that the assessee had given interest free loan of Rs. 6.5 lakh to its associate concern in which it had on equity participation of Rs. 20.05 lakh and disallowed the proportionate interest of Rs. 3.18 lakh. | |
| ■ | On appeal, the Commissioner (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. | |
| ■ | On second appeal, the assessee submitted that it had interest free funds in the form of capital and reserves and surplus aggregating to Rs. 16.09 crore and had earned profit after tax but before depreciation allowance of Rs. 12.56 crore thus, the interest free loan and investment in associate company was made out of its own funds and not out of the borrowed fund. |
HELD-IV
| ■ | There is no dispute with reference to the availability of the interest free fund in the form of capital and reserves aggregating to Rs. 16.09 crore. In fact the income declared during the year itself was to the tune of Rs. 7.29 crore. Further, as seen from the schedule III of the secured loans, the assessee has a cash credits, bill discounting, loan for its working capital requirements to an extent of Rs. 5.65 crore and term loan for Mumbai Office premises at Panoli Plant and captive power plant at Ankleshwar to the tune of Rs. 1.16 crore, the details of which can be referred the notes forming part of the account for the year ended on 31-3-2007. The interest charges and the finance charges as seen from the record are mostly paid for these loans and working capital requirements including discounting of bills. Therefore, no part of the interest could be disallowed on the reason that the assessee had advanced interest free advances to its sister concern. It is also a fact that the assessee has invested money in a sister concern and if any disallowance is required the same has to be considered under section 14A which is the case not here as assessee has not earned an exempt income. Since assessee's available capital is more than the borrowed funds, presumption as decided by the jurisdictional High Court in the case of CIT v. Reliance Utilities & Power Ltd. [2009] 313 ITR 340 (Bom.) equally apply. [Para 9.5] | |
| ■ | Respectfully following the Coordinate Bench in the case of Dy. CIT v. Mohit Diamonds (P.) Ltd. in [ITA No. 2097/M/11, dated 31-7-2012] both on facts and principles the amount of Rs. 3,18,600 cannot be disallowed as it has no nexus to the other finance charges claimed by assessee as business expenditure. [Para 9.6] |
CASE REVIEW-I
CIT v. EON Technology (P.) Ltd. [2011] 203 Taxman 266/15 taxmann.com 391 (Delhi) (para 4.6) and Armayesh Global v. Asstt. CIT [2012] 51 SOT 564/21 taxmann.com 130 (Mum.) (para 4.6) followed.
CASE REVIEW-IV
Dy. CIT v. Mohit Diamonds (P.) Ltd. [IT Appeal No. 2097/M/11, dated 31-7-2012] (para 9.6) and CIT v. Reliance Utilities & Power Ltd. [2009] 313 ITR 340 (Bom.) (para 9.5) followed.
CASES REFERRED TO
BASF (India) Ltd. v. W. HasanCIT [2006] 280 ITR 136/151 Taxman 31 (Bom.) (para 4.4), Unit Trust of India v. P.K. Unny [2001] 249 ITR 612/116 Taxman 658 (Bom.) (par 4.4), Armayesh Global v. Asstt. CIT [2012] 51 SOT 564/21 taxmann.com 130 (Mum.) (Para 4.4), CIT v. EON Technology (P.) Ltd. [2011] 203 Taxman 266/15 taxmann.com 391 (Delhi) (para 4.4), ITO v. Freight Systems India (P.) Ltd. [2006] 6 SOT 473 (Delhi) (para 6), Subhash Chand Gupta v. ITO [IT. Appeal No. 898, 899 & 731 (JP) of 2010, dated 23-9-2011] (para 7.3), Hindustan M-1 Swaco Ltd. v. ITO [IT Appeal No. 1004 (Ahd.) of 2010, dated 7-9-2012] (para 7.3), Dy .CIT v. Mahindra Realty & Inf. Developers Ltd. [IT Appeal No. 1160 (Mum.) of 2010, dated 28-1-2011] (para 8.5), CIT v. Raychem RPG Ltd. [2012] 346 ITR 138/21 taxmann.com 507 (Bom.) (para 8.5), Dy. CIT v. Mohit Diamonds (P.) Ltd. [IT. Appeal No. 2097 (Mum.) of 2011, dated 31-7-2012] (para 9.4), Sheetal Manufacturing Co. v. Jt. CIT [IT. Appeal No. 7107 (Mum.) of 2011, dated 28-9-2012] (para 9.4) and CIT v. Reliance Utilities & Power Ltd. [2009] 313 ITR 340 (Bom.) (para 9.5).
B.V. Jhhaveri and Ms. Manju Sisodia for the Appellant. Deepak K. Sinha for the Respondent.
ORDER
Per Bench - These are appeals by assessee and Revenue in AY 2007-08 and 2008-09. The appeal in 2007-08 is by assessee against the orders of the CIT (A-22 Mumbai dated 25.10.2010, whereas the cross appeals for the AY 2008-09 are against the order of the CIT (A)-21 Mumbai dated 10.10.2011. Since the issues are common in all the appeals, these are considered together. Grounds raised by assessee in AY 2007-08 are as under:
ITA No.8868/Mum/2010 - AY 2007-08:
| "(1) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Commissioner of Income Tax (A) erred in directing the Assessing Officer to carry out the rectification u/s.154 of the Act instead of deciding on merit in respect of additions of Rs. 14,24,448/- being Excise Duty on Opening Stock on the mistaken presumption that the said amount is claimed twice in the return, though the full facts in respect of the same were available before the CIT(A). The CIT(A) ought to have decided the matter on the merit. | |
| (2) | Without prejudice to above, AO has wrongly made addition of Rs. 14,24,448/- being excise duty on opening stock on the presumption that the same has been claimed twice. | |
| (3) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Commissioner of Income Tax (A) erred in confirming addition on account of Commission payments of Rs. 17,29,389/- under section 40(a)(i) without considering the fact that the said payments are not covered u/s. 40(a)(i) of the Act and 1 or no tax was required to be deducted. | |
| (4) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Commissioner of Income Tax (A) erred in confirming addition on account of Ocean Freight expenses of RS. 58,82,475/- under section 40(a)(i) without considering the fact that the said payments are not covered u/s. 40(a)(i) of the Act and 1 or no tax was required to be deducted. | |
| (5) | Without prejudice to above and on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) erred in relying on circular nO.7 of 2009, which has come in to effect only prospectively and hence question of disallowance u/s.40(a)(i) does not arise. | |
| (6) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Commissioner of Income Tax(A) erred in confirming addition of Legal & Professional Expenses of Rs. 6,00,0001- though these expenses were of revenue nature and not of capital nature. | |
| (7) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) erred in directing the Assessing Officer to carry out the rectification u/s.1S4 of the Act instead of deciding on merit in respect of Repair & Maintenance (Computer Software Expenses) of Rs. 9,85,864/- though these expenses were not claimed in Profit and Loss Account and were in fact been capitalised and therefore there was no question of disallowing the said expenses. In fact, though the CIT(A) decided on the merit, it was wrongly directed to carry rectification u/s.154 of the Act instead of allowing the same. | |
| (8) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) erred in directing the Assessing Officer to carry out the rectification u/s.154 of the Act instead of deciding on merit in respect of Repair & Maintenance (Office Renovation Expenses) of Rs. 3,60,845/- though these expenses were not claimed in Profit & Loss Account and were in fact been capitalised and therefore there was no question of disallowing the said expenses. In fact, though the CIT(A) decided on the merit, it was wrongly directed to carry rectification u/s.154 of the Act instead of allowing the same. | |
| (9) | On the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Commissioner of Income Tax(A) erred in confirming addition on account of interest expenses of Rs. 3,18,6001-, without considering that: |
| (a) | No borrowed funds were utilised for Investments/ Advances. | |
| (b) | Most of the amounts were given for strategic investment and not by way of loan. | |
| (c) | The Investments were made on various dates and not on the first day of the year for working out interest". |
2. In the course of the appellate proceedings the Ground Nos.1,2,7 & 8 were not pressed as AO rectified the order under section 154.
3. The issue in Ground Nos. 3 & 5 is on the disallowance of an amount of Rs. 17,29,389 under section 40(a)(i) of the Act of commission paid to non resident agents. This ground is similar to Ground Nos. 1 & 2 raised by the Revenue in AY 2008-09 in ITA No.169/Mum/2012 as the CIT (A) therein has held against the Revenue on similar facts. Therefore, all the grounds are considered together for the sake of convenience.
4. Briefly stated, assessee paid an amount of Rs. 17,29,389 as commission payment to non-resident agents for the services provided in foreign country. As they do not have any business connection in India, assessee has not deducted any tax when the amounts were remitted. On the reason that assessee should have remitted the amount after deducting the tax, AO invoked provisions of section 40(a)(i) and disallowed the amount. The learned CIT (A) in AY 2007-08 rejected assessee's contentions and confirmed the disallowance. Therefore, assessee is in appeal.
4.1 In AY 2008-09 assessee paid an amount of Rs. 32,73,538 to non residents for services provided in foreign countries. For the same reasons, AO disallowed the above amount invoking the provisions of section 40(a)(i). The learned CIT (A) after elaborate discussion deleted the said addition. Therefore, the Revenue is aggrieved in that year.
4.2 Before us the learned Counsel submitted that during the AY 2007-08 assessee paid commission to five non resident agents for rendering services in respect of procuring export orders from various countries. Copies of commission agreements, copies of credit notes and payment advices are at pages 20 to 63 of the Paper Book. It was stated that the non residents agents were operating in their own respective countries and they procured the orders for assessee from the parties outside India and the commission was paid to them outside India directly in foreign currency. In India, neither these agents have any business connection nor do they have any place of business. Therefore, commission income earned by the non resident agents outside India has not deemed to accrue or arise in India and hence the said commission income of the non resident agents are not taxable in India.
4.3 It was further submitted that the assessee company appointed aforesaid agents for marketing and distribution of various grades of reclaim rubber in the respective countries for a commission of 5% of the FOB value of the shipment of the products to the clients. The terms & conditions of sales of the products by the principal including price, delivery schedule, packing, payment terms, product grades and specifications is to be mutually decided between the Principal, Agents and the Customers which is confirmed by a purchase order from the agent or from the customer. In other words, assessee reserves the right of execution of order and/or cancel the order procured by the agent. The agent is not authorized to market the products of third party which are competing with those of the assessee company.
4.4 Assessee relied on the Board Circular No.23 and 786 which was subsequently withdrawn by the Circular No.7 issued on 22.10.2009. The learned Counsel relied on the decision of the Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of BASF (India) Ltd. v. W. Hasan, CIT [2006] 280 ITR 136/151 Taxman 31 that the circular which are in force during the relevant AYs are to be applied. It was further relied on the Hon'ble Bombay High Court decision in the case of Unit Trust of India v. P.K. Unny [2001] 249 ITR 612/116 Taxman 658 to submit that the subsequent withdrawal of the circular will have no effect on the circular issued and applicable in the relevant AY. On merits the learned Counsel relied on the decision of the Coordinate Bench in the case of Armayesh Global v. Asstt. CIT [2012] 51 SOT 564/21 taxmann.com 130 (Mum.) to submit that the commission amounts paid does not arise or accrue in India as the services are rendered outside India. Therefore, provisions of section 195 does not apply and consequently cannot be disallowed under section 40(a)(i). He also relied on the judgment of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT v. EON Technology (P.) Ltd.[2011] 203 Taxman 266/15 taxmann.com 391 to submit that the payment of commission paid by the Indian Exporters to non resident agents cannot be disallowed under section 40(a)(i).
4.5 The learned DR however, relied on the orders of the CIT (A) in AY 2007-08 to submit that having withdrawn the Board Circular and is applicable for the proceedings pending, AO has rightly disallowed the amount and so the amount has to be disallowed under section 40(a)(i) and the order of the CIT (A) in AY 2008-09 is not correct. Therefore, that has to be reversed and the order of the CIT (A) in AY 2007-08 should be confirmed.
4.6 We have considered the issue. There is no dispute with reference to the fact that assessee paid commission at 5% on FOB value of the shipment of the product to the foreign agents and is also not in dispute that the agent is not authorized to market the products to any third party and it does not have any business connection in India. Their services are also not utilized in India. Therefore, respectfully following the decision of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of EON Technology (supra) and also the Coordinate bench decision in the case of Armayesh Global (supra), the income of the non resident cannot be considered as accrued or arisen or deemed to accrue or arise in India as the services of the said agents were rendered/utilized outside India and the commission was also payable/paid outside India. Further, in the absence of permanent establishment in India, the income of the said agents cannot be subjected to tax in India and hence assessee was not liable to deduct tax on payments made to the said agents. Therefore, provisions of section 40(a)(ia) have no application on the given facts. This issue was very elaborately discussed by the CIT (A) in AY 2008-09 which we consider as worth extracting for completeness of the order. The order of the CIT (A) in Para 4.3 in AY 2008-09 is as under:
"4.3 I have considered the facts of the case. The appellant made payment of commission to three non-resident commissions agents aggregating to Rs. 32,73,538/- for procuring the orders for export of reclaimed rubber manufactured by the appellant. It was admitted fact that firstly the non- resident commission agents procured orders outside India, secondly rendered services outside India and thirdly the payment to such non- resident commission agents were made by appellant in foreign currency and outside India. It was also an admitted fact that the said non-resident commission agents had no permanent establishment in India. The A.O. disallowed such payment of commission holding that firstly no documentary evidence was furnished to substantiate as to how the above payments were not liable for TDS except the mere statement that services were not rendered in India, secondly there were various provisions under the Act in which even services were performed outside India but if services were utilized in India the payments were liable to Indian Taxation Laws and thirdly the sec.195 mandates that if any sum which is chargeable to tax in India, tax at source needs to be deducted. The A.O. also held that if the appellant was believing that such payment was not liable for TDS, the appellant should have approached the IT Authorities for a certificate for Nil deduction of tax. I have considered the A.O's observation for making the disallowance of commission payment ujs.40(a)(i) of the Act. I am not in agreement with the A.O's observation. It is not understood as to what more evidence should have been submitted by appellant to substantiate that the payments were not liable for TDS except claiming that the services were not rendered in India. The A.O. also incorrectly observed that the TDS provisions were applicable if services are rendered outside India but if services are utilized in India. In the case under consideration though the services were rendered outside India but the services were not utilized in India and, therefore, the A.O's observation was not relevant. The A.O's observation was also irrelevant that the appellant should have approached the IT authorities for obtaining the certificate of Nil deduction of tax. When the appellant was claiming that such payment of commission to non-resident agents was not liable for TDS therefore, there was no need for approaching the IT authorities for obtaining such certificate. In the assessment order the A.O. also considered CBDT's Circular No.23 of 1969 and 786 of 2000 and withdrawal of such Circulars by CBDT vide Circular No.7 of 2009. The A.O. held that payment of commission by appellant to the non-resident commission agents was attracting the provisions of sec.195 of the Act and hence the appellant should have deducted TDS thereon.
I have considered the facts of the case. The question under consideration is as to whether the payment of commission to the non- resident commission agents was covered by the provisions of sec.195 of the Act. As per provisions of sec.195, any person responsible for paying to a non-resident any interest or any other sum chargeable under the provisions of this Act deducted income-tax thereon at the rates enforced. The payment made by appellant was admittedly not on account of any interest payment. Consequently it has to be examined whether the commission paid by appellant is covered by the term "any other sum chargeable under the provision of this Act" as provided in sec.195 of the Act. It is worth to mention here that for the purpose of applicability of sec.195 any other sum must be chargeable under the provisions of the I. T. Act. Sec. 5 of the I.T. Act deals with the "scope of total income". As per sub-sec.(2) of sec.5, the total income of a person who is not resident includes all income from whatever sources derived which is received or deemed to be received in India in such year by or on behalf of such person or accrue or arise or is deemed to accrue or arise to him in India during such year. Sec.7 explains the income deemed to be received. Sec.9 further explained/ defined the income deemed to accrue or arise in India. As per sub-sec.(I) of sec.9, the income shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India in case of all income accruing or arising whether directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India, or through any property in India, or from any asset or sources of income in India, or through the transfer of capital asset situated in India. In the case of payment of commission by appellant to its non-resident commission agents, such commission income to such non-resident commission agents was not received in India or was not accruing or arising in India whether directly or indirectly. Such income was also not accruing or arising to non-resident through or from any business connection in India since these commission agents were rendering services outside India and the payments were also made outside India. In the facts and circumstances it could not be said that these commission agents were having any business connection in India particularly when these non-resident commission agents were having no permanent establishment in India. Income (in the form of commission paid by appellant) was also not arise or accrued to those non-resident through or from any asset or sources of income in India or through transfer of capital asset situated in India. In the facts and circumstances, I am of considered view that provisions of sub-sec.(I)(i) of sec.9 were not applicable in the case of payment of commission to those non-resident commission agents. The ITAT, Mumbai in the case of DIT v. Ardeshi B. Cursetjee & Sons Ltd. 115 ITJ 916 has held that commission paid to non-resident agents outside India for services rendered outside India were not chargeable to tax in India. In the facts and circumstances, in my considered opinion, commission paid by appellant to the non resident commission agent was not chargeable under the provisions of I. T. Act. Such payment of commission was not chargeable to tax as the conditions specified in sub-clause (i) of sec.9(1) were not attracted. Sub Clause (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) & (vii) of sec.9(1) were also not applicable in the case under consideration. The Explanation to sec.9(2) inserted by Finance Act, 2010 with retrospective effect (01.06.1996) was also not applicable since the said explanation was not applicable to sub clause (i) of sec.9(1) of the Act.
The next question for consideration is the effect of withdrawal of Circular No.23 of 1969 and 786 of 2000 by the CBDT vide Circular No.7 of 2009.
| - | I have considered the facts of the case. In the Circular No.23 of 1969 dtd.23.09.1969 some illustration instances of non-resident having business connection in India had been given as under: | |
| - | Maintaining a branch office in India for the purchase or sale of goods or transacting other business. | |
| - | Appointing an agent in India for the systematic and regular purchase of raw materials or other commodities, or for sale of the non-resident's goods, or for other business purposes | |
| - | Erecting factory in India where the raw produce purchased locally is worked out into a form suitable for export abroad. | |
| - | Forming a local subsidiary company to sell the products of the non- resident parent company. | |
| - | Having financial association between a resident and a non-resident company. |
In the said circular CBDT have given clarification regarding the applicability of provisions of sec.9 in the certain specific situations as under:
| (1) | Non-resident exporter selling goods from abroad to Indian importer | |
| (2) | Non-resident company selling goods from abroad to its Indian subsidiary | |
| (3) | Sale of plant & machinery to an Indian importer on installment basis. | |
| (4) | Foreign agents of Indian exporters - a foreign agent of Indian exporter operates in his own country and no part of his income arises in India. His commission is usually remitted directly to him and is, therefore, not received by him or on his behalf in India. Such an agent is not liable to income-tax in India on the commission. | |
| (5) | Non-resident persons purchasing goods in India. | |
| (6) | Sale by a non-resident to Indian customer either directly or through agents. | |
| (7) | Extent of the profit assessable u/ s.9. |
In the above Circular relevant para is No.4 dealing with the subject of foreign agents of Indian exporters.
The CBDT vide Circular No.7 of 2009 dtd.22.10.2009 has withdrawn the Circular No.23/ 1969 with retrospective effect. In the Circular No.23 of 1969, CBDT clarified that the payment made to non-resident commission agents was not liable to income-tax in India. Such clarification of CBDT was based on the provisions of section 5, 7, 9, 195 and other relevant provisions of the Act. The question for consideration is when there is no relevant change in sections 5, 7, 9, 195 then as to how the withdrawal of Circular No.23 of 1969 of CBDT will make the commission paid to such non-resident commission agents taxable in India. I am of considered view that even after the withdrawal of Circular No.23 of 1969, the position will remain the same i.e. the commission paid to non-resident agents is not liable to tax under the provisions of LT. Act when the services were rendered outside India, services were used outside India, payments were made outside India and there was no permanent establishment or business' connection in India. It cannot be accepted that by virtue of CBDT Circular No.23/1969, the commission paid to non-resident agents become not liable to income-tax in India and on such withdrawal of Circular by the CBDT, such commission paid to non-resident agents become liable to income-tax in India. Irrespective of Circular issued by CBDT, the question of taxability of such commission to income-tax has to be decided as per the provisions of section 9(1) of the Act. I am of considered view that the provisions of sec.9(1) are not applicable to the commission paid to such non-resident agents. Such income (commission) in the hands of non-resident commission agents did not accrue or arise directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India. Such income to the non-resident commission agents did not accrue or arise in India through or from any property in India or through the transfer of capital asset situated in India. In the facts and circumstances the provisions of sec.9(1) were not applicable to such payment of commission by appellant to non-resident agents.
The year under consideration is A.Y.2008-09 covering the previous year period 01.4.2007 to 31.03.2008. The CBDT issued Circular No.7 of 2009 in the year 2009. In the above mentioned case, the Bench of ITAT have held that withdrawal of such Circular is not having retrospective effect and will be applicable prospectively. In the facts and circumstances, even if it is assumed that the withdrawal of Circular No.23 of 1969 by the CBDT's Circular No.7 of 2009 is having any effect on taxability of commission paid to non-resident agents, such withdrawal of Circular will not be applicable in the year under consideration. In the facts and circumstances the Circular No.23 of 1969 will be clearly applicable in the year under consideration making such commission payment not liable to tax in India.
In view of the above discussion, it is held that the payment of commission aggregating to Rs. 32,73,538/- by appellant to the non-resident commission agents was not attracting the provisions of sec.195 and sec.40(a)(i) of the Act. While holding so, the undersigned has considered the appeal order of CIT(A)-22, Mumbai dtd.20.01.2010 for A.Y.2007-08 in the case of appellant company on the identical issue. The disallowance made by A.O. is therefore, deleted. This ground of appeal is allowed."
4.7 In view of the elaborate discussion made by the CIT (A) in AY 2008-09 with which we fully concur as it is correct both on facts and on law, we uphold the same and dismiss the Revenue ground on this issue in AY 2008-09 and allow assessee's grounds in AY 2007-08. AO is directed to delete the addition so made.
5. In the result the grounds raised by assessee in AY 2007-08 are allowed.
6. Ground Nos. 4. The issue in this ground is with reference to disallowance of Ocean Freight Expenses paid by the assessee company to a non resident shipping company M/s Transmode Overseas Partners, Germany during the year AY 2007-08 aggregating to Rs. 58,82,475, invoking section 40(a)(i) of the Act. Similar disallowance was also made by AO in later year on payment of ocean Freight Expenses of Rs. 84,12,764 paid to M/s. MSE Agency India (P.) Ltd which was a general agent of M/s. Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA Geneva on the reason that TDS was not made. Assessee submitted that shipping incomes are taxable under section 172 which itself is a self contained code and therefore, as per the Board Circular No.723, provisions of section 194(C) and 195 shall not apply as provisions of section 172 applies. Assessee also relied on the decision of the Coordinate Bench in the case ofITO v. Freight Systems India (P.) Ltd. [2006] 6 SOT 473 (Delhi) for the same proposition and other decisions. The learned CIT (A) in AY 2007-08 confirmed the action of AO rejecting assessee's contentions, whereas the learned CIT (A) in AY 2008-09 following the CBDT Circular allowed assessee's contentions. It is to be noted that Revenue has accepted the decision of the CIT (A) in AY 2008-09 and has not preferred any appeal on the issue. The learned DR however, relied on the orders of AO and the CIT (A) in AY 2007-08.
7. After considering the rival contentions, we are of the opinion that AO without assigning any specific reasons disallowed Ocean Freight Expenses under section 40(a)(i) as he has clubbed the same along with commission payments discussed in the above grounds. There is no dispute with reference to the fact that the Ocean freight was paid to foreign shipping companies. The Board Circular No.723 dated 19.09.1995 reads as under:
'2. Section 172 deals with shipping business of non-resident. Section 172(1) provides the mode of the levy and recovery of tax in the case of any ship, belonging to or chartered by a non-residents, which carries passengers, live- stock, mail or goods shipped at a port in India. An analysis of the provision of section 172 would show that these provisions have to be applied to every journey a ship, belonging to or chartered by a non-resident, undertakes from any port in India. Section 172 is a self-contained code for the levy and recovery of the tax, ship-wise and journey-wise, and requires the filing of the return within a maximum time of thirty days from the date of departure of the ship.
3. The provisions of section 172 are to apply, notwithstanding anything contained in other provision of the Act. Therefore, in such cases, the provisions of section 194C and 195 relating- to tax deduction at source are not applicable. The recovery of tax is to be regulated, for a voyage undertaken from any port in India by a ship under the provisions of section 172.
4. Section 194C deals with work contracts including carriage of goods and passengers by any mode of transport other than railways. This section applies to payments made by a person referred to in clauses (a) to U) of sub-section (1) to any "resident". (termed as contractor). It is clear from the section that the area of operation of TDS is confined to payments made to any "resident". On the other hand, section 172 operates in the area of computation of profits from shipping business of non-resident ship-owner or characterer, he steps into the shoes of the principal. Accordingly, provisions of section 172 shall apply and those of Sections 194 C and 195 will not apply."
7.1 In view of the aforesaid Circular of the Board, the assessee company is not required to deduct tax at source from the ocean freight paid by it of Rs. 58,82,475/- to M/s. Transmode Overseas Partners, Germany, because the said company is liable to tax u/s. 172 of the Act.
7.2 In the Coordinate Bench decision of the Appellate Tribunal, Delhi Bench in the case of Freight Systems India (P.) Ltd. (supra), the Tribunal held as under:
"The provisions of section 172 constitute a code in itself with regard to the mode of levy and recovery of tax in the case of any ship, belonging to or chartered by a non-resident. By virtue of sub-section (8) of section 172 'the demurrage charge or handling charge or any other amount of similar nature' are treated at par with carriage paid or payable to such owner or charter. Thus, even as the amounts in the nature of demurrage etc. may not end up being paid to non-residents, these are treated as amounts falling within special provisions of section 172. This stands clarified in CBDT Circular No. 723, dated 19-9-1995 wherein these amounts have been taken outside the purview of section 194C. This Circular has made it further clear that where payments are made to shipping agents of non resident ship owners or charter ship at a port in India provisions of section 172 will apply because the agent steps into the shoes of the principal. However, the problem arises only when restrictive interpretation is placed on the Board's circular referred to hereinabove when AO has sought to draw distinction on the basis of the status of the agents. We would like to mention that even if the agent is to be treated as resident, by virtue of his acting on behalf of non-resident shippers or charters, he receives payments primarily on behalf of his principal i.e., non-resident ship owners or ships charters shipped at a port in India. In our opinion, even if these amounts are inclusive of small element of the amounts that ultimately may be going into his own pocket or any of resident on account of demurrage or handling charge or any amount of similar nature, it will be covered by sub-section (8) of section 172 inasmuch as the circular does not draw any distinction between a dry port and a sea port. Thus, as per provisions of section 172(8) the inland haulage charges are also covered under this provision of law and, hence, no deduction of tax is called under section 194C of the Act. We are further of the opinion that such an interpretation is also fair because the dry ports or ICD's are treated at par with the regular ports. Hence, the contradictory stand taken by the Assessing Officer i.e., when he included certain charges in freight in respect of movement of goods by road at the destination contrary by the slipping line such charges are deemed to be covered under section 172, but when the same shipping line or their agents take charges for transportation from ICD, where goods have been handed over to them by an exporter, then these amounts are not deemed to be covered under section 172.
For the reasons stated above, in our opinion, in the existing facts and circumstances of the case of the assessee, the assessee cannot be treated as an assessee in default, so, the CIT (Appeals) after properly considering the submissions of the assessee and properly analyzing the provisions of law, has rightly cancelled the impugned orders of the Assessing Officer by passing a well-reasoned and well-discussed consolidated order. Accordingly, the impugned order of the CIT (Appeals) is upheld and the grounds of appeal taken by the revenue in the respective appeals under consideration before us are rejected. "
7.3 Further, the following decisions also support the same view:
| (i) | Subhash Chand Gupta v. ITO [ITA Nos.898, 899 & 731/JP/2010, Jaipur dated 23.09.2011]. | |
| (ii) | Hindustan M-1 Swaco Ltd. v. ITO [ITA No.1004/Ahd/2010, dated 7th September, 2012]. |
7.4 It is to be noted that the learned CIT (A) followed the same Board Circular in AY 2008-09 to delete the disallowances so made by AO by stating as under:
"5.3 I have considered the facts of the case. The CBDT in Circular No.723 dtd. 19.09.1996 has stated that section 172 is a self contained code for the levy and recovery of tax, ship-wise and journey wise and required the filing of return within the maximum time of 30 days from the date of departure of the ship. The CBDT further clarified that the provisions of section 194-C and 195 relating to tax deduction at source will not be applicable. In view of the CBDT Circular, the disallowance made by AO at Rs. 84,12,764 is deleted. This ground of appeal is allowed".
7.5 The Revenue has accepted the above decision and has not even contested in AY 2008-09. In view of this, we cannot uphold the order of the CIT (A) confirming the action of AO. Since the Board circular is binding on the authorities and since the incomes are being taxed under section 172 of the Income Tax Act separately, we are of the opinion that there is no need for deducting any tax under the provisions of the TDS and therefore, disallowance under section 40(a)(i) does not arise. Therefore, assessee's ground No.4 is allowed.
8. Ground No.6. This ground pertains to the disallowance of an amount of Rs. 6.00 lakhs claimed as legal expenses. Assessee claimed the following amounts under the head legal and professional fee:
| Name of the party | Description | Amount |
| Ruchira Pillai | Fees for net security solution | 2,50,000 |
| Sangeeta Telang | Fees for ERP feasibility study report | 50,000 |
| Shalin Pandey | For acquiring land | 35,000 |
| SYSSOFT | Software Development | 3,00,000 |
| Total | 6,35,000 |
8.1 AO disallowed the above amount by stating as under:
"6.2 Bills of above parties were perused and examined. It is noticed that assessee has got enduring benefit from above expenses. The sum of Rs. 6,00,000 was spent for development of ERO software systems in the company. It results into creation of assets. Remainder amount of Rs. 35,000 was spent for acquiring land. It is not related to revenue expenditure. Therefore, sum of Rs. 6,35,000 is disallowed and added back to the total income of assessee. However, depreciation of Rs. 3,60,000 is allowed @ 60% on Rs. 6,00,000 being intangible assets came into existence by way of ERP system developed by assessee".
8.2 The learned CIT (A) after considering the facts of the case deleted the disallowance of Rs. 35,000 stating that the same pertains to revenue expenditure for rendering professional services and to that extent he has allowed, whereas the balance amount was sustained hence, assessee is aggrieved. It was submitted that the amount of Rs. 2,50,000 was paid to Ms. Ruchira Patil for providing consultancy services in respect of Network Solution Services at Mumbai office for smooth working of Networking system and connectivity solution and services for the Mumbai office and the branch at Ankleshwar. The expenses were of recurring in nature and there was no acquisition of an asset or advantage for enduring benefits.
8.3 A fee of Rs. 3,00,000 was paid to M/s Sys Soft towards attending the issues related to payroll system based on Foxpro software and modification for statutory and/or internal business. Before the SAP ERP System, the company was having FOXPRO program. M/s Sys Soft provided the consultancy in relation to FOXPRO and SAP related issues.
8.4 Similarly, an amount of Rs. 50,000 was paid to M/s Sangeeta Telang, an ERP Consultant, for her consultancy services in respect of ERP facilities, which was already in existence and thus, there was no creation of any asset.
8.5 The learned Counsel referring to the paper book and particularly the orders placed on record at Page Nos.87, 295 referred to the nature of the services to submit that the expenditure is revenue in nature. He also relied on the decision in the case of Dy .CIT v. Mahindra Realty & Inf. Developers Ltd. in [ITA No. 1160/Mum/2010 dated 28th January, 2011] and CIT v. Raychem RPG Ltd. [2012] 346 ITR 138/21 taxmann.com 507 of the Hon'ble Bombay High Court.
8.6 We have considered the nature of the expenditure and the submissions of assessee. Even though the expenditure may be of enduring nature, the same cannot be considered as capital in nature always unless an asset was created. This issue was discussed elaborately by the Coordinate Bench in the case of Mahindra Realty & Inf. Developers Ltd. (supra) (wherein the AM is also a Member). In that case the expenditure was for development of Website and the discussion on the issue is as under:
"6. Ground No. 2 is with reference to deleting the addition of Rs. 8,02,139/- made on account of website development charges. The A.O. noticed that the assessee has debited an amount of Rs. 8,02,139/- under the head 'website development charges'. The A.O. asked why the same should not be treated as capital expenditure. It was submitted that the website offers the various details of the company's business and products it offers. Hence it is essentially an advertisement expenses and allowable as revenue in nature. The A.O. did not accept the contentions of the learned A.R. and treated the expenditure as capital in nature stating that the life span of the website is quite long and it is an asset in the cyber space. However, he allowed depreciation @ 25% on website development charges. Before the CIT(A) it was submitted that the website is a very cost effective tool of advertisement/marketing of the company's business. It is a medium of corporate communication and offers advantages over traditional mode of advertisement. Therefore it is essentially an advertisement expenditure allowable as revenue expenditure. After hearing the learned A.R. and considering the facts the CIT(A) deleted the addition by holding as under: -
'9. I have carefully considered the above fact and do not find any merit in the observations and findings of the AO. Expenditure incurred on website development is although enduring in nature, the intent and purposes behind the development is not to create an asset but only to provide a means for disseminating the information about the assessee among its clients. In the case of CIT v. Indian Visit.com (P.) Ltd. [2008] 219 CTR 603 (Del), on identical facts, such expenditure was held to be revenue expenditure akin to printing of pamphlets etc. It was stated that mere enduring benefit, de hors any accretion to fixed capital would not make an expenditure a capital one. In the light of such facts and the legal position emerging from the cited decision, such expenditure is held to be revenue in nature and the addition made is deleted. The AO is, however, directed to withdraw depreciation allowed to the appellant.'
7. We have considered the issue. In our view the CIT(A) has rightly considered the nature of expenditure as revenue in nature. Similar issue was considered by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT v. Indian Visit.com (P.) Ltd. [2008] 219 CTR 603 (Del), wherein it was held as under: -
'Just because a particular expenditure may result in an enduring benefit would not make such an expenditure of a capital nature. What is to be seen is what is the real intent and purpose of the expenditure and as to whether there is any accretion to the fixed capital of the assessee. In the case of expenditure on a website, there is no change in the fixed capital of the assessee. Although the website may provide an enduring benefit to an assessee, the intent and purpose behind development of a website is not to create an asset but only to provide a means for disseminating the information about the assessee. The same could very well have been achieved and, indeed, in the past, it was achieved by printing travel brochures and other published materials and pamphlets. The advance of technology and the wide spread use of the internet has provided a very powerful medium to companies to publicize their activities to a larger spectrum of people at a much lower cost. Websites enable companies to do what the printed brochures did but, in a much more efficient manner as well as in a much shorter period of time and covering a much large set of people worldwide. The Tribunal has correctly appreciated the facts as well as the law on the subject and has come to the conclusion that the expenditure on the website was of a revenue nature and not of a capital nature. No substantial question of law arises for consideration.'
Respectfully following the above decision we uphold the decision of the CIT(A). The expenditure is correctly allowed as revenue expenditure. Ground is rejected".
8.7 In view of the above, since the same principles were also upheld by the Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of Raychem RPG Ltd. (supra), we modify the orders of AO and direct him to allow the expenditure as revenue in nature. Consequently depreciation, if any, allowed by AO can be withdrawn. With these directions, this ground is considered allowed.
9. Ground No.9 pertain to disallowance of interest expenses of.3,18,600. On perusal of details filed it is seen that assessee has paid interest and financial charges of Rs. 10,104,198/. It is also noticed that assessee has made investment amounting to Rs. 20,05,600/ and gave loan of Rs. 6,50,000/ to M/s Alpanso Netsecure Pvt. Ltd being associate company. Assessee was asked as to why the proportionate interest should not be disallowed. In response to such query, assessee has submitted note thereon as under:-
"The company has given a loan of Rs. 6,50,000/ to M/s Alphanso Netsecure Pvt. Ltd an associate concern in which company has an equity participation of Rs. 20,05,600/. The company has made investment in this company to increase its presence in the filed of software development. The different types of software are being developed by the said company. The some of the software may be useful for the company in manufacturing and security arrangement in different plants including networking.
The investments being in the nature of strategic investments it is in the interest of the company to infuse the funds to get better results in the said company.
It may be stated that the appellant company has sufficient interest free funds available to invest and/ or advances the money to the associate concern. The company has reserves and surplus of Rs. 14,76, 24,043/ in the beginning of the year even the profit of the company was Rs. 15,91,72,009/.
Considering the above facts, the loan and investments of Rs. 26.55 Lacs is out of the said reserves and surplus and not out of borrowed funds.
We would like to invite your attention to the judgment of S.A. Builders Ltd. v. CIT [2007] 288 ITR 1 (SC) where it has been held that if the investment is for the commercial expediency, the same can not be disallowed even the same is made in the company under the same management.
Similarly CIT v. Reliance Utilities & Power Ltd- 313 ITR 340 (Bom.) (2009). it has been held that if the investments are more than interest free funds available with the assessee, no interest can be disallowed.
9.1 AO however, did not agree. He disallowed the proportionate interest of Rs. 3,18,600 at 12% of the interest. The learned CIT (A) confirmed the same by stating as under:
"7.3 I have gone through the assessment order perused the submissions made by the appellant and also discussed the case with the A/R of the appellant. AO disallowed Rs. 3,18,600 out of interest and financial expenses stating that assessee had made investment in its sister concern M/s Alphanso Netsecure Pvt Ltd of Rs. 20,05,600 and also gave loan of Rs. 6,50,000 to it. AO noted that loans were used to invest in sister concern without any business consideration. The appellant before me stated that it has invested in the said company to increase its presence in the software development which was the business consideration and commercial expediency and hence interest is allowable as per the decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of SA Builders (Supra). However, I do not agree with the contention of the appellant since during the year, assessee had paid huge software charges to other concerns. Hence no business expediency is served by advancing loan to the sister concern. The appellant also claimed that it was having sufficient interest free fund to invest or advance to the associate concern. However, on perusal of balance sheet it is noticed that share capital and reserve and surplus in total amounted Rs. 31.21 crores as against which the invest in fixed assets is Rs. 37.21 crores. Thus, there were no interest free funds available with the appellant to make interest free advance/investment. Apparently these advances are out of the interest bearing funds only. Further, the provision of section 14A are also applicable since the appellant has made investment in shares. In view of these facts, I am of the considered opinion that AO has rightly made the disallowance of interest which is upheld".
9.2 It was submitted that during the year ending 31.3.2007, the assessee company had given interest free advance of Rs. 6,50,000 to M/s Alphanso Netsecure Pvt Ltd, a concern wherein assessee has an equity participation of Rs. 20,05,600. A copy of the ledger account of M/s Alphanso Netsecure Pvt Ltd in the books of assessee (Page 97) shows that the loan of Rs. 4,50,000 was given on 20th & 28th February, 2007 and further loan of Rs. 2,00,000 was given on 27th March, 2007 i.e. at the fag end of the year. AO computed disallowance of interest @ 12% p.a. i.e. Rs. 78,000 without taking into account that the loan was given at the fag end of the year. AO also computed disallowance of interest of Rs. 2,40,600 in respect of investment in equity shares of M/s Alphanso Netsecure Pvt Ltd of Rs. 20,05,600.
9.3 It is the case of the assessee company that it has interest free funds in the form of capital and reserves and surplus aggregating to Rs. 16,09,57,373 at the beginning of the year. In the year under consideration the assessee company had earned profit after tax but before depreciation allowance of Rs. 12,56,30,119. Thus, the assessee company had interest free fund many fold in comparison to interest free advance of Rs. 6,50,000 given at the fag end of the year and investment in shares of the group company of Rs. 20,05,600. It is therefore, submitted that the aforesaid interest free loan and investment in shares are out of its own funds and not out of the borrowed funds. Hence no portion of the interest paid on borrowing can be disallowed.
9.4 The learned Counsel referred to the decision of the ITAT in the case of Dy. CIT v. Mohit Diamonds (P.) Ltd. ITA No. 2097/M/11 for AY 2007-08 dated 31.7.2012 and also the decision in the case of Sheetal Manufacturing Co. v. Jt. CIT in ITA No. 7107/M/11 for AY 2008-09 dated 28.09.2012. The learned DR however, relied on the orders of the CIT (A) as far as the facts are concerned.
9.5 We have considered the issue. There is no dispute with reference to the availability of the interest free fund in the form of capital and reserves aggregating to Rs. 16.09 crores. In fact the income declared during the year itself was to the tune of Rs. 7.29 crores. Further, as seen from the schedule III of the secured loans, assessee has a cash credits, bill discounting, loan for its working capital requirements to an extent of Rs. 5.65 crores and term loan for Mumbai Office premises at Panoli Plant and captive power plant at Ankleshwar to the tune of Rs. 1.16 crores, the details of which can be referred to Note 2 of the notes forming part of the account for the year ended on 31.03.2007. The interest charges and the finance charges as seen from the record are mostly paid for these loans and working capital requirements including discounting of bills. Therefore, we are of the opinion that no part of the interest could be disallowed on the reason that assessee had advanced interest free advances to its sister concern. It is also a fact that assessee has invested money in a sister concern and if any disallowance is required the same has to be considered under section 14A which is the case not here as assessee has not earned any exempt income. Since assessee's available capital is more than the borrowed funds, presumption as decided by the Hon'ble jurisdictional High Court in the case of CIT v. Reliance Utilities & Power Ltd. [2009] 313 ITR 340/178 Taxman 135 (Bom.) equally apply. This aspect was elaborately discussed by the Coordinate Bench in the case of Mohit Diamonds (P.) Ltd. (supra) as under:
"The Learned AR pointed out that the assessee had Shareholders' funds including Share capital along with Reserve and surplus to the tune of Rs. 72.19 crores at the end of the year and the corresponding figure for the preceding year stood at Rs. 67.85 lacs. The above referred figures are apparent from the copy of balance sheet available on record. When we consider the amount of average loan advanced by the assessee to its sister concern, as taken by the AO, at Rs. 7.41 crores, we observe that such interest free loan is far short of interest free funds available with the assessee in the form of Shareholders' funds. The Hon'ble jurisdictional High Court in the case of CIT v. Reliance Utilities and Power Ltd. [2009] 313 ITR 340 (Bom.) has held that if there are interest free funds available to an assessee sufficiently in excess of its investment and at the same time the assessee has also raised a loan, it can be presumed that the investments were from interest free funds available. In view of the fact that the interest free funds advanced by the assessee to its subsidiary company are much less than the interest free funds available with it in the shape of Share capital along with Reserve and surplus, in our considered opinion there can be no question of sustaining any addition in this regard. We, therefore, uphold the impugned order but from a different angle. This ground is not allowed".
9.6 Respectfully following the Coordinate Bench, both on facts and principles we are of the opinion that the amount of Rs. 3,18,600 cannot be disallowed as it has no nexus to the other finance charges claimed by assessee as business expenditure. Accordingly the ground is allowed.
9.7 In the result, the appeal is allowed.
ITA No.169/Mum/2012 - AY 2008-09:
10. This appeal is filed by the Revenue and the grounds raised are as under:
| "1. | On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the learned CIT (A) erred in holding that payment of commission to a non resident commission agents was not attracting the provisions of section 195 and section 40(a)(ia) of the Act. | |
| 2. | On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the learned CIT (A) erred in holding that Circular No.7 of 2009 dated 22.10.2009 is not applicable for AY 2008-09 even though the assessment was completed on 08.12.2010. | |
| 3. | The appellant prays that the order of CIT (A) on the above ground be set aside and that of AO be restored". |
10.1 This issue of disallowance under section 40(a)(ia) raised in the above two grounds was discussed elaborately along with assessee's ground Nos. 3 & 5 in the appeal for AY 2007-08 (Supra). For the reasons stated therein, the Revenue grounds are rejected.
10.2 In the Result the appeal filed by the Revenue is dismissed.
ITA No.8789/Mum/2011 - AY 2008-09:
11. Assessee in this appeal has raised the following grounds:
| "1. | On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the learned CIT (A) erred in confirming addition on account of interest expenses of Rs. 4,56,672 without considering that: |
| (a) | No borrowed funds were utilized for investments/advances | |
| (b) | Most of the amounts were given for strategic investment and not by way of loan. | |
| (c) | The investments were made on various dates and not on the first day of the year for working out interest. |
| 2. | On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the learned CIT (A) erred in invoking the provisions of section 14A of the Act in respect of the investment in shares of associate concern, though the provisions of section 14A are not applicable to the facts of the case. | |
| 3. | On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the learned CIT (A) erred in invoking the provisions of section 14A of the Act as AO has considered total interest disallowance of Rs. 4,56,672 after considering and including investments in shares of associate concern and therefore, would amount to double disallowance". |
11.1 Ground No.1 is similar to the Ground No.9 discussed in ITA No.8868/Mum/2010 in AY 2007-08. The learned CIT (A) confirmed the same for the reasons stated in AY 2007-08. Since in that year we have not upheld the order of the CIT (A), in this year also as the facts and the legal principles being the same, we modify the order of the CIT (A) and allow assessee's grounds. An amount of Rs. 4,56,672 disallowed in this year was deleted. Ground no1 is allowed.
11.2 Ground Nos. 2 & 3 pertains to invoking section 14A after disallowance of interest. The learned CIT (A) during the appellate proceedings asked assessee why disallowance could not be made on the investment made in shares of sister concern. Since no reply was furnished, he directed AO to invoke Rule 8D and make suitable disallowance under section 14A. The learned Counsel submitted that there is no proper opportunity given by the CIT (A) and without examining facts directed AO to invoke Rule 8D. It was his submission that even though Rule 8D is applicable from AY 2008-09 the same cannot be invoked unless AO is satisfied that the assessee claim of no expenditure cannot be verified from the books of account. It was further submitted that the learned AO did not give any effect to the order so far. The learned DR however, relied on the orders of the CIT (A).
11.3 We have considered the issue. The directions of the CIT (A) without examining the facts directing to invoke Rule 8D cannot be considered as appropriate in the given facts of the case. Since AO has not invoked Rule 14A, nor there is any evidence on record that assessee claimed any amount as exempt, we are not in a position to give any finding on the issue. Therefore, without prejudice to the respective claims of assessee and revenue, in the interest of justice, we restore the issue to the file of AO for fresh adjudication whether the provisions of section 14A are applicable and whether provisions of section 14A(2) can be invoked on the facts of the case and if so whether any disallowance is required. Since the facts are not available on record, AO is directed to examine the facts first, give opportunity to assessee and determine disallowance under section 14A if warranted. He should keep in mind the principles laid down by the judicial authorities on the issue, including the jurisdictional High Court/ Supreme Court orders. The grounds are allowed for statistical purposes and the issue is restored to the file of AO for fresh adjudication.
11.4 In the result the appeal filed by assessee is treated as allowed for statistical purposes.
12. In the result appeal in ITA No. 8868/Mum/2010 filed by assessee is allowed, while appeal in ITA No.169/Mum/2012 filed by the Revenue is dismissed and appeal in ITA No.8789/Mum./2011 is partly allowed for statistical purposes.
In the case of CIT Vs. Manjunatha Cotton and Ginning Factory, Karnataka High Court has laid down the following Principles for levy of penalty Under section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 :-
(a) Penalty under Section 271(l)(c) is a civil liability.
(b) Mens rea is not an essential element for imposing penalty for breach of civil obligations or liabilities.
(c) Wilful concealment is not an essential ingredient for attracting civil liability.
(d) Existence of conditions stipulated in Section 271(l)(c) is a sine qua non for initiation of penalty proceedings under Section 271.
(e) The existence of such conditions should be discernible from the Assessment Order or order of the Appellate Authority or Revisional Authority.
(f) Even if there is no specific finding regarding the existence of the conditions mentioned in Section 271(l)(c), at least the facts set out in Explanation 1(A) & (B) it should be discernible from the said order which would by a legal fiction constitute concealment because of deeming provision.
(g) Even if these conditions do not exist in the assessment order passed, at least, a direction to initiate proceedings under Section 271(l)(c) is a sine qua non for the Assessment Officer to initiate the proceedings because of the deeming provision contained in Section 1(B).
(h) The said deeming provisions are not applicable to the orders passed by the Commissioner of Appeals and the Commissioner.
(i) The imposition of penalty is not automatic.
(j) Imposition of penalty even if the tax liability is admitted is not automatic.
(k) Even if the assessee has not challenged the order of assessment levying tax and interest and has paid tax and interest that by itself would not be sufficient for the authorities either to initiate penalty proceedings or impose penalty, unless it is discernible from the assessment order that, it is on account of such unearthing or enquiry concluded by authorities it has resulted in payment of such tax or such tax liability came to be admitted and if not it would have escaped from tax net and as opined by the Assessing Officer in the assessment order.
(l) Only when no explanation is offered or the explanation offered is found to be false or when the assessee fails to prove that the explanation offered is not bonafide, an order imposing penalty could be passed.
(m) If the explanation offered, even though not substantiated by the assessee, but is found to be bonafide and all facts relating to the same and material to the computation of his total income have been disclosed by him, no penalty could be imposed.
(n) The direction referred to in Explanation IB to Section 271 of the Act should be clear and without any ambiguity.
(o) If the Assessing Officer has not recorded any satisfaction or has not issued any direction to initiate penalty proceedings, in appeal, if the appellate authority records satisfaction, then the penalty proceedings have to be initiated by the appellate authority and not the Assessing Authority.
(p) Notice under Section 274 of the Act should specifically state the grounds mentioned in Section 271(l)(c), i.e., whether it is for concealment of income or for furnishing of incorrect particulars of income
(q) Sending printed form where all the ground mentioned in Section 271 are mentioned would not satisfy requirement of law.
(r) The assessee should know the grounds which he has to meet specifically. Otherwise, principles of natural justice is offended. On the basis of such proceedings, no penalty could be imposed to the assessee.
(s) Taking up of penalty proceedings on one limb and finding the assessee guilty of another limb is bad in law.
(t) The penalty proceedings are distinct from the assessment proceedings. The proceedings for imposition of penalty though emanate from proceedings of assessment, it is independent and separate aspect of the proceedings.
(u) The findings recorded in the assessment proceedings insofar as "concealment of income" and "furnishing of incorrect particulars" would not operate as res judicata in the penalty proceedings. It is open to the assessee to contest the said proceedings on merits. However, the validity of the assessment or reassessment in pursuance of which penalty is levied, cannot be the subject matter of penalty proceedings. The assessment or reassessment cannot be declared as invalid in the penalty proceedings.
Source- Download – CIT Vs. Manjunatha Cotton and Ginning Factory, ITA No. 2564 of 2005, Date: 13.12.2012, Karnataka High Court
IT : Penalty under section 271(1)(c) cannot be imposed for non-payment of TDS, being a technical default
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[2013] 33 taxmann.com 156 (Gujarat)
HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT
Commissioner of Income-tax-IV
v.
L G Chaudhary*
AKIL KURESHI AND MS. SONIA GOKANI, JJ.
TAX APPEAL NO. 536 OF 2012†
JANUARY 15, 2013
Section 271(1)(c) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Penalty - For concealment of income [Non-payment of TDS] - Assessment year 2006-07 - Assessing Officer imposed penalty on assessee under section 271(1)(c) for not deducting and depositing TDS on time - Commissioner (Appeals) and Tribunal deleted said penalty - Whether, where there was no concealment of income or furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income by assessee, non-payment of TDS being a technical default, deletion of penalty was justified - Held, yes [Para 3] [In favour of assessee]
Ms. Paurami B Sheth for the Appellant. B.S. Soparkar for the Respondent.
ORDER
Ms. Sonia Gokani, J. - Being aggrieved by the order of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ('ITAT' for short) dated 16.03.2012, revenue has preferred this tax appeal under Section 260A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter to be referred to as 'the Act'). Substantial question of law proposed for our consideration is as follows:
"Whether the Appellate Tribunal is right in law and on facts in confirming the order of the CIT(A) deleting the penalty of Rs. 1,97,55,306/- levied by Assessing Officer u/s. 271(1)(c) of the Act?"
2. The respondent, who is engaged in the business of construction for the year under consideration 2006-07, had disclosed his total income at Rs. 14 lacs (rounded off). The case was selected for scrutiny. The respondent also filed return after the fresh notice was issued. Certain additions were made by the Assessing Officer, who imposed the penalty while disallowing various expenses for not having deducted/deposited TDS. When challenged before the CIT(Appeals), it partly allowed the said appeal upholding disallowance of expense and not confirming penalty. When further challenged before the Tribunal, it had allowed such order of the CIT(Appeals) whereby it disallowed expenses for want of timely deduction/deposit of TDS. However, on the ground of disallowance made by the Assessing Officer with respect to the TDS, they did not uphold imposition and penalty u/s. 271(1)(c) of the Act. This has aggrieved the revenue, and therefore, the present appeal.
3. We heard learned counsel, Ms. Paurami Sheth for the appellant and senior counsel, Mr. Soparkar for the respondent. Learned counsel, Ms. Sheth has argued that the Tribunal had failed to see that the assessee had failed to deduct the TDS as per law which was also deposited late and on such disallowance as has been confirmed by both CIT (Appeals) and ITAT and therefore, the imposition of penalty by Assessing Officer was just and proper. Per contra, learned senior counsel submitted that none of the elements of Section 271(1)(c) get attracted in case of the respondent assessee. On due consideration of the submissions of both sides and on examining the orders of all the authorities, we find no reason to interfere in this appeal in as much as both the authorities namely CIT(A) and ITAT have rightly deleted the penalty observing that the disallowance was due to non-payment of TDS, which was at the most a technical default. There being nothing to indicate any concealment of the income or furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income by the assessee, the Assessing Officer was rightly not justified in levying the penalty.
4. This being a correct approach adopted by both the authorities concurrently, this tax appeal poses no question of law and the same requires no interference and is consequently to be dismissed.
ESHAInterest on excess refund.
234D. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, where any refund is granted to the assessee under sub-section (1) of section 143, and—
(a) no refund is due on regular assessment; or
(b) the amount refunded under sub-section (1) of section 143 exceeds the amount refundable on regular assessment,
the assessee shall be liable to pay simple interest at the rate of 6[one-half] per cent on the whole or the excess amount so refunded, for every month or part of a month comprised in the period from the date of grant of refund to the date of such regular assessment.
(2) Where, as a result of an order under section 154 or section 155 or section 250 or section 254 orsection 260 or section 262 or section 263 or section 264 or an order of the Settlement Commission under sub-section (4) of section 245D, the amount of refund granted under sub-section (1) of section 143 is held to be correctly allowed, either in whole or in part, as the case may be, then, the interest chargeable, if any, under sub-section (1) shall be reduced accordingly.
Inserted by Finance Act,2012 w.e.f 01/06/2003
Explanation 2.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions of this section shall also apply to an assessment year commencing before the 1st day of June, 2003 if the proceedings in respect of such assessment year is completed after the said date.]
The above amendment has been brought by Finance Acy,2012. However , i have still read many judgements of High courts and ITATs, where following earlier judgements , appeal has been allowed. DR/Standing counsel failed to brought this amendment to the notice of Hon,ble Bench/High courts.
This again shows the weakness of the appellate system of the department.
Regards,
Pawan Singla
BA (Hon's), LLB
Audit Officer
__._,_.___
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