Income Tax Annual Digest 2024: ITAT Cases [Part 19]

A Round-Up of all the ITAT Rulings in 2024
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This annual round-up analytically summarizes all the Income Tax related Orders of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Benches of India reported at Taxscan.in during 2024.

ITAT Remits Matter to AO for Reassessment as CIT(A) Sent Notices to Incorrect Email ID Venkataraju Chandra Shekar vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1088

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) remitted the matter to the Assessing Officer ( AO ) for reassessment after finding that the Commissioner of Income Tax(Appeals) [CIT(A)] had sent notices to an incorrect email address.

The two member bench comprising Soundararajan K ( Judicial Member ) and Laxmi Prasad Sahu (Accountant Member) set aside both the assessment and appeal orders, remitting the case to the AO for a fresh review and hearing, and partly allowed the appeal.

S.69A Addition cannot be made solely on Claim that Assessee not a Specified Person to Accept Demonetized Currency: ITATM/s. Vikas Co-operative Credit Society Niyamith Tilavalli vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1089

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) ruled that the addition under section 69A of Income Tax Act,1961 cannot be made solely on the claim that the assessee was not a specified person to accept demonetized currency.

The single member bench of George George K ( Vice President ) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

140-Day Delay in Filing Appeal before CIT(A) due to wrong Tax Consultant Advice: ITAT condones Delay Shri Chowlor Matada Swamy vs The Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1090

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) condoned a 140-day delay in filing an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)] due to the appellant’s mistaken belief, based on incorrect tax consultant advice.

The two-member bench comprising Prakash Chand Yadav ( Judicial Member ) and Waseem Ahmed ( Accountant Member ) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Accumulation Income can be applied towards Acquisition of Fixed Assets u/s 11(6) of Income Tax: ITAT Gujarat Safety Council vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1091

The Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) allowed the appeal of the assessee ruling that accumulated income can be applied towards the acquisition of fixed assets under Section 11(6) of the Income Tax Act,1961.

The two member bench comprising T.R Senthil Kumar (Judicial Member) and Narendra Prasad Sinha (Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

CIT(A) cannot dismiss Income Tax Appeal on Limitation Grounds after Condoning Delay: ITAT Kyalasanahalli Narayanappa Subramani vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1092

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal( ITAT ) ruled that the CIT(A) cannot dismiss an income tax appeal on limitation grounds after condoning the delay.

The two member bench comprising Soundararajan K(Judicial Member) and Waseem Ahmed (Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

364 Days Delay in Filing Appeal Due to Pursuit of Alternative Remedy u/s 119 of Income Tax Act: ITAT Condones Delay M/s. Sarvadeivatha Education Trust [Regd] vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1093

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) of Banglore in a recent case condoned a 364-day delay in filing appeal, noting that the delay was caused as a result of the assessee pursuing an alternative remedy under section 119 of the Income Tax Act 1961 ( ITA )

Thus in the interest of justice, the ITAT remitted the case back to the Assessing Officer (AO) for reconsideration, directing the AO to verify the exemption claim and ensure fair opportunity for the trust to present its case.

ITAT upholds Reopening of Income Tax Assessment: grants partial relief w.r.t. unexplained cash deposits Smt. Pozhaniappan Malliga vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1094

The Chennai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) partly allowed the appeal and upheld the reopening of income tax assessment as there was due application of mind.

The bench, comprising Shri Aby T. Varkey and Shri Manoj Kumar Aggarwal, allowed partial relief by granting the benefit of cash withdrawals amounting to Rs. 7.20 lacs.

25-Day Appeal Delay Due to Election Code of Conduct and Staff Ill Health: ITAT Restores Matter to CIT (A) M/s. KPTCL and ESCOMS Employees Co-operative Credit Society Ltd vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1095

The Bangalore bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) has restored the matter to the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) following a 25-day delay in the appeal, which was attributed to the condonation application and affidavit citing staff illness and the election code of conduct.

The Bangalore Bench of the Tribunal in Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd., Employees Credit Co-op. Society Ltd. found the reasons for delay disruptions due to the election code of conduct and subsequent Board meetings to be sufficient for condonation.

The Tribunal thus decided to allow the delay and remand the case for a merit review. In alignment with the precedent set by the Bangalore Bench, the Tribunal, under the bench led by George George K, condoned the 25-day delay in the current case and directed the CIT (A) to reconsider the appeal on its merits. The appeal is thus allowed for statistical purposes.

The appeal filed by the assessee was allowed, and the matter was restored to the CIT (A) for consideration of the issues on merit.

Nationalized Banks now liable for Minimum Alternate Tax after 2012 Income Tax Amendment: ITAT Union Bank of India vs DCIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1096

In a significant ruling, the Special bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) of Mumbai held that nationalized banks are liable for Minimum Alternate Tax ( MAT ) following amendments introduced by the Finance Act of 2012.

After a detailed review of the arguments, the special bench of Mr CV Bhadang, Mr BR Baskaran and Amit Shukla ruled in favor of the Revenue Department. The tribunal observed that the 2012 amendment clearly extended MAT to nationalized banks, despite their formation under a special statute.

With this ruling, the ITAT confirmed that nationalized banks, including Union Bank of India and Central Bank of India, are liable for MAT from the assessment year 2013-14 onwards.

Revenue fails to consider submissions, Violating Principles of Natural Justice: ITAT Restores Case for De Novo Adjudication Amalgamations Valeo Clutch Private Limited vs DCIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1097

The Chennai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) allowed the appeal for statistical purposes and restored the case for de novo adjudication.

It was further observed by the ITAT bench, comprising of Aby T Varkey and Manoj Kumar Agarwal, that by considering the principle of natural justice, the file is to be restored back for fresh adjudication. For statistical purposes, the appeal stands allowed.

Non-Appearance before CIT(A) Due to Hearing Notices Sent to Non-Communication Email Address: ITAT directs Fresh Adjudication Igoor Seva Sahakara Sangha Niyamitha vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1098

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal( ITAT ) found that the non-appearance of assessee before the Commissioner of Income Tax(Appeals)[CIT(A)] was due to hearing notices being sent to an email address specified in Form 35 as not for communication.

The two-member bench comprising Prakash Chand Yadav (Judicial Member) and Waseem Ahmed (Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee

Set back to Nayara: ITAT Confirms ₹2,513 Crore Loss Disallowance, cites Inter-Corporate Deposits as Sham Due to Missing SPA and Fair Valuation Nayara energy Ltd vs The Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1100

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) confirms Rs. 2513 Crore loss disallowance of the assessee Nayara Energy Ltd. The tribunal cited the lack of a Share Purchase Agreement ( SPA ) and insufficient evidence of fair valuation as reasons for treating the Inter-Corporate Deposits ( ICDs ) as a sham transaction.

Therefore, the tribunal upheld the disallowance of the Rs. 2,513 crore loss claimed by the assessee. The tribunal cited the missing SPA, the questionable timing of the fair valuation, and the lack of a genuine business rationale as key reasons for its decision. It confirmed that the transaction was a sham, and the loss was not deductible under the Income Tax Act. Thus, the appeal of the assessee on this ground had been dismissed.

S.54F Deduction Fully  Allowable on Capital Gains Reinvestment with Proforma Purchaser: ITAT Mr. Sambhaji Maruti Katkar vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1101

In a recent ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Pune Bench  held that full deduction claim under Section 54F of the Income Tax Act 1961 (ITA) is allowable on capital gains reinvestment with proforma purchaser.

Thus, the tribunal confirmed that the joint purchase did not bar the appellant from claiming the entire deduction, given that the investment had come from his own funds. In result, the Revenue’s ground was rejected.

Unverified Sellers: ITAT upholds 20% Addition on Alleged Bogus Purchases K L Tambi & Company vs Dy. Commissioner of Income-Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1102

The Jaipur Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) upheld a 20% addition on alleged bogus purchases due to unverified sellers. The tribunal reduced the original 25% disallowance, agreeing that the assessee failed to prove the genuineness of the transactions, and confirmed penalty proceedings.

The two member bench comprising Narinder Kumar (Judicial Member) and Rathod Kamlesh Jayantbhai (Accountant Member) upheld the 25% disallowance of bogus purchases but reduced the GP rate from 25% to 20%. The appeal was dismissed, and the disallowance and penalty proceedings under Section 271(1)(c) were confirmed.

Insufficiency of Verification efforts by AO, CIT(A): ITAT deletes Addition w.r.t. Sundry Creditors Sha Thanmal Sukhraj Jain & Co vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1103

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) deleted the additions of Rs. 90,79,428 and Rs. 29,60,999 related to sundry creditors due to insufficient verification efforts by the Assessing Officer ( A O ) and Commissioner of Income Tax ( Appeals ) [CIT(A)].

The two member bench comprising Beena Pillai ( Judicial Member ) and Laxmi Prasad Sahu ( Accountant Member ) deleted the additions of Rs. 90,79,428 and Rs. 29,60,999 due to the non-verification of confirmation letters by the AO and CIT(A).

Non-Filing of Evidence: ITAT upholds Addition of Sundry Creditors Balances Sha Thanmal Sukhraj Jain & Co vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1104

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) upheld the Assessing Officer ( AO )’s addition of Rs. 60,529 to the income of the assessee due to non-filing of evidence for discrepancies in sundry creditors’ balances.

The two member bench comprising Beena Pillai (Judicial Member) and Laxmi Prasad Sahu (Accountant Member) upheld the addition of Rs. 60,529 due to the lack of evidence.

Guidance Value of Land or Building Should be used to Determine Consideration Where Transfer Value of Capital Asset is not determinable: ITAT Sri Alagappa Muthiah (HUF) 34 vs DCIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1105

The Bangalore bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal(ITAT)ruled that the guidance value of land or building should be used to determine the consideration when the transfer value of a capital asset is not determinable.

A two-member bench comprising Soundararajan K(Judicial Member) and Chandra Poojari(Accountant Member) found no issues with the CIT(A)’s approach and dismissed the grounds raised by the revenue.

ITAT dismisses CIT(E) Appeal on Mahindra International School’s Tax Exemption due to Non-Compliance with Prescribed Authority Approval u/s 143(3 The DCIT vs Mahindra International School Academy CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1106

The Pune Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal dismissed the revenue appeal on Educational Institution’s Tax Exemption due to non-compliance with the requirements prescribed under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The two-member bench comprising Rama Kanta Panda (Vice President) and Satbeer Singh Godara (Judicial Member) observed that AO had not provided any specific evidence of non-compliance with the conditions for the exemption.

The tribunal emphasized that the CCIT’s approval for the exemption was still valid and that the AO did not follow the necessary statutory procedures under Section 143(3), which require notification to the prescribed authority (CCIT) before disallowing the exemption. Therefore, the tribunal dismissed revenue’s appeal and upheld CIT(A)’s decision in favor of the assessee.

Calculation of Interest Solely on Trade Receivables for ALP Determination is  Unreasonable: ITAT Microchip Technology (India) Private Ltd vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1107

In a recent ruling, the Hyderabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that it is unreasonable to calculate interest on trade receivables solely for determining arm’s length price (ALP).

The ITAT bench comprising of Manjunatha G. And K. Narasimha Chary allowed the appeal in part and the order was pronounced in the open court on 11-09-2024.

ITAT directs AO to delete Addition due to Disallowance u/s 14A made without recording satisfaction regarding Assessee’s Books of Account [Read Order] Condis India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd vs ACIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1162

In a recent ruling, the Cochin Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) directed the Assessing Officer ( AO ) to delete the addition due to disallowance which was made without recording satisfaction regarding the assessee’s books of account. The assessee in this case is Condis India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum, Kerala. During the assessment proceedings for the financial years 2013-14 to 2015-16, the AO noted that the company had declared dividend income of Rs. 2.88 crore as tax-exempt under Section 10(34) of the Income Tax Act,1961.

The ITAT observed that while Section 14A of the Income Tax Act allows for the disallowance of expenses related to tax-exempt income, the AO had acted mechanically, without considering the company’s overall income from consultancy services and other expenses. As a result, the ITAT directed the AO to delete the disallowance for all three assessment years. The ITAT bench comprising Soundararajan K (Judicial Member) and Waseem Ahmed (Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

The bench comprising Mr. Vikram Singh Yadav and Mr.Aakash Deep Jain, allowed the appeal of the assessee for statistical purposes.

No Finding by CIT(A) against Claim u/s 56(2)(viib): ITAT remands Revision Order for Re-examination of Qualification as Venture Capital [Read Order] Authorgen Technologies Pvt. Ltd vs The Pr. CIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1161

The Chandigarh bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) remanded the revision order for the re-examination of qualification as venture capital as there was no finding by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)] against the claim of the assessee under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The bench was of the opinion that the assessee must qualify as a venture capital undertaking and that relevant documentation was presented for the first time to the CIT(A), not to the AO, during set-aside proceedings. Since there is no finding from either the AO or CIT(A) on this, the ITAT bench remanded the matter to the AO for verification of the assessee’s claim under section 56(2)(viib), ensuring due process.

 The ITAT bench, comprising Mr. Vikram Singh Yadav and Mr.Aakash Deep Jain, allowed the appeal of the assessee for statistical purposes.

ITAT rules Interest from Savings Ac in co-op bank not Dividend/Investment Income Karumandurmedu MPCS Ltd vs The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1160

The Chennai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) ruled that interest earned from savings accounts in a Co-operative bank cannot be treated as income or dividends from investments.

The two-member bench comprising Viswanethra Ravi (Judicial Member) and Jagadish (Accountant Member) noted that the deduction under section 80P(2)(d) applies to income from interest or dividends received by a co-operative society from its investments in other co-operative societies.

The tribunal noted that the interest earned from the FDs was considered an investment, it emphasized that interest earned from a savings bank account maintained in a co-operative bank cannot be treated as income or dividend from investment.

ITAT sets aside Ex-Parte addition of Rs. 29.5 lakh due to assessee’s Illness and Husband’s Demise [Read Order] Bachan Kaur vs he ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1158

The Chandigarh bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT )  sets aside the ex-parte order due to the assessee’s illness and husband’s demise and grants a final hearing regarding the addition of Rs. 29.5 lakh as undisclosed income. In this case, the assessee, Bachan Kaur, had filed the appeal before the ITAT under Section 253 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, against the impugned order passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)].

The ITAT bench, while going through the facts of the present case, observed that the assessee was unwell and her husband was no more. Due to this, she was unable to pursue any proceedings before lower authorities diligently. The ITAT bench, comprisng of Mr. Vikram Singh Yadhav and Mr. Paresh M. Joshi, allowed the appeal of the assessee for statistical purposes.

ITAT quashes Income Tax Reassessment Due To Wrong Authority Approval For Pots 3-Year Arihant Engineers vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1151

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) quashed reassessment proceedings because the approval was wrongly obtained from the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax ( PCIT ) instead of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax ( PCCIT ) or Director General of Income Tax ( DGIT ). The ITAT ruled that reassessment cannot proceed after three years without approval from the higher-level authorities.

The two-member bench comprising Prashant Maharishi ( Accountant Member ) and Sandeep Singh Karhail ( Judicial Member ) observed that the reassessment proceedings were initiated in contravention of the law, as the reassessment notice was not approved by the correct authority.

The tribunal relied on the decision from the case of Siemens Financial Services (P.) Ltd. v/s DCIT, where similar issues regarding the approval authority were raised, and the reassessment proceedings were found invalid.

ITAT Rules PCIT’s S.263 Action Invalid for Second Opinion and allows Appeal Black Rock Financial Services Pvt. Ltd vs The Principal Commissioner of Income Tax-1 CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1145

The Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled that the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax’s (PCIT) action under Section 263 was invalid as it constituted an impermissible second opinion for the Assessment Year(AY) 2018-19.

The bench concluded that the Assessing Officer had properly verified the issue and that the PCIT’s claim for disallowance under Section 36(1)(iii) was unfounded, as all interest expenses were directly related to the company’s business. The two member bench comprising Suchitra Kamble(Judicial Member) and Narendra Prasad Sinha(Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Relief to IDFC: ITAT Directs AO to Limit Disallowance u/s 14A to 0.5% of Exempt Income Earned Based on Rule 8D(2)(iii) [Read Order] IDFC Limited vs The Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1159

The Chennai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) directed the assessing officer (AO) to limit the disallowance under Section 14A to 0.5% of exempt income earned by the assessee based on Rule 8D(2)(iii) of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.

The two members comprising Aby T. Varkey (Judicial Member) and Jagadish (Accountant Member) noted that the assessee had consistently claimed in earlier years that borrowed funds were used for investments yielding exempt dividend income.

Relief to Bennet Coleman: ITAT quashes Income Tax Assessment Order as NFAC Delays Digital Signature Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd vs National Faceless Assessment Centre CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1153

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) quashed the assessment order under Section 153 of the Income Tax Act due to the delayed digital sign of the National Faceless Assessment Centre ( NFAC ) beyond the statutory deadline. Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Appellant) challenged the validity of the assessment order claiming that it was signed after the limitation period prescribed under Section 153 of the Income Tax Act, making it invalid.

The two-member bench comprising Narendra Kumar Billaiya (Accountant Member) and Rahul Chaudhary (Judicial Member) observed that the digital signature on the assessment order, signed by Visesh Prakash, was dated October 1, 2021, and the accompanying tax computation sheet was also signed on the same date.Since the assessment order was not digitally signed by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2021, it was considered incomplete.

ITAT directs CIT(E) to consider Fresh 80G(5) Application after withdrawal Aadthakkar Parivar Devsthan Trust vs The CIT(Exemption) CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1149

In the recent ruling, the Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) directed Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption) [CIT(E)] to consider a fresh application for registration under Section 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, after the appeal filed by Aadthakkar Parivar Devasthan Trust was withdrawn.

The two member bench comprising T.R. Senthil Kumar (Judicial Member) and Makarand V.Mahadeokar(Accountant Member) recorded the statements of both parties and dismissed the appeal filed by the assessee as withdrawn, directing the CIT(E) to consider the fresh application for registration under Section 80G(5) of the Act.

Relief to Geojit:ITAT Dismisses Revenue’s duplicate appeal as it is infructuous DCIT vs Geojit Financial Services Ltd. CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1156

In a recent ruling, the Cochin bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) dismissed the duplicate income tax appeal filed by the Revenue against Geojit Financial Services Ltd as it was infructuous. The assessee in this case is Geojit Financial Services Ltd. In this case, the backdrop of the case arose when the Revenue filed an appeal against the ruling of the National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)] dated 15.03.2023 for the Assessment Year ( AY ) 2018-19.

The Cochin ITAT bench, composed of Soundararajan K ( Judicial Member ) and Waseem Ahmed ( Accountant Member ), dismissed the appeal filed by the Revenue as it considered it infructuous.

Relief to IDFC: ITAT Directs AO to Limit Disallowance u/s 14A to 0.5% of Exempt Income Earned Based on Rule 8D(2)(iii) [Read Order] IDFC Limited vs The Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION:   2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1159

The Chennai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) directed the assessing officer (AO) to limit the disallowance under Section 14A to 0.5% of exempt income earned by the assessee based on Rule 8D(2)(iii) of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.

The two members comprising Aby T. Varkey (Judicial Member) and Jagadish (Accountant Member) noted that the assessee had consistently claimed in earlier years that borrowed funds were used for investments yielding exempt dividend income. The tribunal agreed with the AO in rejecting the assessee’s claim that no interest expenditure was incurred to earn the exempt income. However, the tribunal noted procedural lapses in the computation made under Rule 8D(2)(ii).

ITAT Rules No Additions required 56(2)(viib) Income Tax as Rule 11UA allows 10% Tolerance Go Fashion (India) Ltd vs The Principal Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1157

The Chennai bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) ruled that no addition was required under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax, 1961 if the difference between the issue price and Fair Market Value ( FMV ) was below the 10% tolerance limit under Rule 11UA of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.

The two-member bench comprising Aby T. Varkey ( Judicial Member ) and Jagadish ( Accountant Member ) observed that the AO had indeed called for details during the assessment proceedings including the valuation of shares as per Rule 11UA and examined the issue and found the difference between the issue price and FMV was 0.65% and well within the 10% tolerance limit. The tribunal noted that Rule 11UA allows a 10% margin between the issue price and FMV. Since the difference was only 0.65%, there was no addition required under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

ITAT Quashes Reassessment Over Invalid Rs.10 Lakh Addition, Citing Intraday Profit Below Threshold [Read Order] Amish Manubhai Brahmbhatt vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1152

The Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) quashed the ₹10 lakh reassessment, ruling it invalid due to an intraday profit of Rs.49,792 falling below the threshold for reopening under Section 147 of Income Tax Act,1961.

The bench observed that while the AO alleged the generation of bogus capital gains and losses, the profit was below the Rs. 100,000 threshold for reopening the assessment under Section 147 of the Act. Since the basis for reopening the assessment was found lacking, the Tribunal concluded that the reassessment made by the Assessing Officer was unsustainable and liable to be quashed.

The two member bench comprising T.R.Senthil Kumar(Judicial Member) and Annapurna Gupta(Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Insufficient Evidence for Unexplained Cash Deposits Contradicts Registered Sale Deed: ITAT Dismisses Appeal [Read Order] Bisauha Ram Verma vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1148

The Raipur Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) dismissed the appeal of the assessee, due to insufficient evidence supporting the claim of unexplained cash deposits.

The bench, following the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Rattan Singh & Ors. and the Punjab & Haryana High Court in Paramjit Singh vs ITO, held that in the absence of evidence to challenge the registered sale deed, the contents of the document, including the sale consideration, cannot be disputed based on oral claims.

The two member bench comprising Ravish Sood ( Judicial Member ) and Arun Khodpia( Accountant Member ) dismissed the assessee’s appeal, finding it to lack merit.

CIT(A) Wrongly Dismissed Appeal Due to Alleged Non-Payment of Advance Tax: ITAT Remands Matter for Fresh Consideration [Read Order] Asian Earth Movers vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1146

Recently in a decision, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) of Bangalore remanded a case back to the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)] for fresh consideration after finding that the CIT(A) had wrongly dismissed the appeal on technical grounds, specifically over allegations of non-payment of advance tax.

The bench of Mr Laxmi Prasad Sahu and Mr Keshav Dubey considered these arguments and observed that the CIT(A) had indeed erred in dismissing the appeal based solely on the alleged non-payment of advance tax.

In its ruling, the ITAT remanded the case back to the CIT(A) for fresh consideration, instructing the lower authority to examine the substantive issues and to give the taxpayer a reasonable opportunity to present additional evidence.

Assessee entitled to raise Additional claims in Appeal when not made in Returns filed: ITAT [Read Order] Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax vs The Bharuch Dist. Central CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1142

In a recent ruling, the Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) held that the assessee is entitled to raise additional claims in appeal that were not made when the returns were filed.

The ITAT held that the bank was entitled to raise the additional claim during the appeal, even though it was not included in the original return. The ITAT bench, comprising Mr. Makarand V. Mahadeokar and Mr. Siddhartha Nautiyal, dismissed the department’s appeal and confirmed that the assessee’s additional claim for the deduction of Rs. 45 lakh is valid.

Hardship Allowance Received by Assessee from Developer as ‘compensation Towards Displacement’ is not a ‘revenue receipt’: ITAT [Read Order] Monica Parmanand Mirchandani vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1143

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) has held that Hardship Allowance received by assessee from Developer as ‘compensation towards displacement’ is not a ‘revenue receipt’ . The bench held that the hardship compensation is a ‘capital receipt.

In light of the various other decisions of the co-ordinate bench , the two member bench of Ms. Kavitha Rajagopal, JM and Girish Agrawal, AM viewed that the hardship compensation is nothing but a ‘capital receipt’ which is towards the hardship caused to the assessee as the name suggests, due to the displacement which is inevitable during redevelopment of the property where the developer compensates the assessee.

ITAT quashes Demand Order after S.153D Assessment Approved by Addl. CIT Next day Khoday Ehshwarsa and Sons vs Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1140

Recently in a case, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) quashed a demand order that arose from an assessment approved under Section 153D of the Income Tax Act 1961 (ITA), The assessee/ appellant,  M/s Khoday Eshwarsa and Sons (now Khoday Eshwarsa and Sons Pvt. Ltd.),  challenged the legitimacy of an income tax assessment conducted under Section 153A of ITA for the assessment year 2020-21. The assessment had been initiated following a search and seizure operation under Section 132 of the tax legislature, with the assessment ultimately being approved by the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, as per the legal requirement under Section 153D of ITA

After reviewing the case, the bench of Mr Waseem Ahmed and Mr Sundararajan observed significant merit in the arguments presented by the assessee. It noted that the short time frame between the submission of the draft orders and the approval suggested a lack of proper scrutiny. The Tribunal observed that the process mandated by Section 153D of ITA, which exists to ensure that assessments, especially those involving high-stake search cases, are conducted with due diligence and oversight, had not been followed appropriately. The ITAT ruled that the approval was given in a “mechanical manner,” without the necessary application of mind.

ITAT Condones Delay in Filing Appeal Due to Ignorance of Legal Procedures Amarabhai Ramjibhai Patel vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1139

The Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal(ITAT)  condones the delay in filing the appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)[CIT(A)] due to the assessee’s ignorance of legal procedures and lack of follow-up in the assessment proceedings.

A single member bench Suchitra Kamble(Judicial Member) condoned the delay in filing the appeal, allowed the application for additional evidence, and remanded the matter to the CIT(A) for proper adjudication. It emphasized that the assessee should be given a fair hearing and warned that non-cooperation could lead the CIT(A) to decide based solely on the submitted additional evidence.

ITAT Deems Labor Charges Genuine as Contractor Retracts Admission of False Payments, Quashes Disallowance [Read Order] DCIT (CC)-2(3) vs Classic Marble Co. Pvt. Ltd CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1136

Recently, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) of Mumbai quashed the disallowance of labor charges after determining the payments to be genuine, following a key contractor’s retraction of an earlier admission of false payments. The decision came after a thorough examination of the evidence provided by the taxpayer, which refuted claims by the Income Tax Department that the labor expenses were fictitious and inflated.

During the appellate proceedings, the bench of Mr BR Baskaran and Mr Sunil Kumar Singh examined the documents submitted by the assessee, along with a visit report from the Provident Fund Department, which had conducted its own inspection and confirmed that the laborers were duly registered, and the statutory requirements were fulfilled.

In result, the ITAT confirmed the genuineness of the labor payments and quashed the disallowance for all the years under consideration.

Non-Compliance and Failure to Explain Bank Credits: ITAT upholds ₹3.13 Crore S.69 Addition under Income Tax [Read Order] Prakash Govindbhai Patel vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1134

In a recent ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) upheld the addition of ₹3.13 crore as unexplained cash deposits in the bank accounts of an appellant, citing his failure to provide any justification or evidence regarding the source of the funds. The appellant had challenged the Income Tax Department’s decision to treat the deposits as unexplained income under Section 69A of the Income Tax Act 1961 ( ITA )

The bench of Mr Sidhartha Nautiyal and Mr Makarand V Mahadeokar  reviewed the facts of the case.The tribunal referred to several judicial precedents, affirming that the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer to substantiate the legitimacy of any unexplained credits in their bank accounts. Without any credible explanation or supporting evidence, the tribunal had no choice but to uphold the addition.

“Revenue not Justified in Addition made based on Rough Noting on Loose Sheets”: ITAT quashes S.40 Income Tax Addition [Read Order] Ace Developers vs The Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1137

In a recent decision, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) of Bangalore quashed an addition made under Section 40A(3) the Income Tax Act, 1961 ( ITA )  against a real estate development firm based in Mangaluru. The case revolved around the firm’s alleged cash payments and unaccounted income based on rough notings found during a search and survey operation at their premises.

The bench of Mr Waseem Ahmed and Mr Soundararajan carefully examined the case, including the impounded documents, statements, and the firm’s arguments. In its ruling, the Tribunal highlighted several key points. First, it observed that the documents relied upon by the AO were “loose sheets” containing rough notations and calculations, which lacked corroboration through other independent evidence. The Tribunal emphasized that rough notings or projections cannot be the sole basis for making substantial additions to income unless backed by concrete, verifiable data.

ITAT dismisses Section 12A Registration Appeal after Withdrawal Yug Nirman Gayatri Parivar Trust vs The CIT(Exemption) CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1135

In the recent ruling, the Ahmedabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) dismissed the appeal for registration under section 12A after the assessee withdrew it following the filing of a fresh application.

The assessee sought permission to withdraw the appeal as they had applied for fresh registration under section 12AB. Since the assessee considered the appeal unnecessary, permission was granted to withdraw by The two member bench comprising T.R.Senthil Kumar (Judicial Member) and Makarand V.Mahadeokar (Accountant Member)

Deduction u/s 80P(2)(d) of Income Tax Act entitled to Co-operative Society Sumel 6 Commercial Co-op. Service Society Limited vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1133

In a recent ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) allowed the appeal filed by the co-operative society and held that it was entitled to deductions under Section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for deposits in co-operative banks In this case, the assessee, Sumel 6 Commercial Co-op. Service Society Limited, had filed its Income Tax Returns for the Assessment Year 2020-21 and declared the income at ‘Nil’

The ITAT bench observed that the assessee has given the details of cooperative societies, which are listed under cooperative banks issued by the Ministry of Corporation, Government of India, and thus, the disallowance made by the AO under Section 80P(2)(d) of the Act is not justified. The ITAT bench, composed of Narendra Prasad Sinha and Suchitra Kamble, allowed the appeal in favor of the assessee.

ITAT Rebukes PCIT for Misusing Powers u/s 263 on Valid Income Tax Assessment Order Prakash Khatri 1 vs The PCIT CITATION:   2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1130

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) in a recent judgment reprimanded the wrongful exercise of powers by the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-3, Ahmedabad ( PCIT ) under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 while adjudging a valid Income Tax Assessment.

The two-member Bench of ITAT comprising T.R. Senthil Kumar, Judicial Member and Narendra Prasad Sinha, Accountant Member echoed the submissions made by the counsel for the Appellant and insisted that no income escapement can be alleged against the Assessee in light of Vaibhav Corporation’s Form 26AS proving that 1% TDS was made by the purchaser against Vaibhav Corporation.

ITAT stated that PCIT erred in issuing the file back to the Assessing Officer for re-computation of the Assessee’s income u/s 263 instead of rectification u/s 154 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 despite having solid evidence that the Sale was not conducted by the Assessee, referring to the Property Sale Deed and clarification letter issued by Sub Registrar Vadodara-3. Concludingly, the Appeal filed by the Assessee was allowed by ITAT.

ITAT deletes ₹9.84 Lakh Addition u/s 69A after Verifying Cash Deposits Linked to ₹10 Lakh Earlier Withdrawal, not Additional Income [Read Order] Shri Bharat Kumar Chetri vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1131

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) deleted Rs.9.84 Lakh addition made under Section 69A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 after verifying that the cash deposits were from Rs. 10 Lakhs which was withdrawn earlier by the assessee. Bharat Kumar Chetri, the assessee filed his income tax return declaring Rs. 4,24,800 as total income for the assessment year 2017-18. The assessee’s assessment was selected for limited scrutiny due to cash deposits and withdrawals.

The two-member bench comprising Laxmi Prasad Sahu (Accountant Member) and Prakash Chand Yadav (Judicial Member) noted that the assessee made three specific cash deposits Rs. 4,50,000 on August 26, 2016, Rs. 6,00,000 on October 1, 2016, and Rs. 15,800 on September 14, 2016.

 The tribunal noted that the assessee’s withdrawal of Rs. 10 lakhs in August 2016 was verified through bank statements, and there was no legal bar on keeping cash on hand. It was also noted that there were no significant material investments made by the appellant, and he had no other sources of income apart from his salary

ITAT rules Will Executed on Plain Paper is Proof of Income Shri Kolandasamy vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1129

The Chennai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) recently opined that a Will executed even on a plain paper is admissible while adjudging an Appeal regarding an Assessee’s disputed income and the exemptions claimed thereunder.

The two-member Bench of ITAT, Chennai comprising Manoj Kumar Aggarwal, Accountant Member and Manu Kumar, Judicial Member observed that the unregistered will executed by the Assessee’s late father stated that the Assessee has been bequeathed a total amount of Rs.25 Lacs explaining the source of cash deposit.

ITAT directs AO to Treat Income as Agricultural based on Documentary Evidence Shri Kolandasamy vs ITO CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1129

The Chennai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) in a recent judgment directed the Assessing Officer ( AO ) to treat Income of an Assessee as ‘Agricultural Income’ in light of disclosure of sufficient documentary evidence proving the same.

The two-member Bench of ITAT, Chennai comprising Manoj Kumar Aggarwal, Accountant Member and Manu Kumar, Judicial Member observed that the Assessee has furnished sufficient documentary evidence including Chitta and Adangal to prove that certain agricultural activity had been conducted on the said land.

ITAT directs AO to delete Addition due to Disallowance u/s 14A made without recording satisfaction regarding Assessee’s Books of Account Condis India Helathcare Pvt. Ltd vs ACIT CITATION: 2024 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1162

In a recent ruling, the Cochin Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ( ITAT ) directed the Assessing Officer ( AO ) to delete the addition due to disallowance which was made without recording satisfaction regarding the assessee’s books of account.

The ITAT bench comparing Soundararajan K (Judicial Member) and Waseem Ahmed (Accountant Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

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