ITAT Annual Digest [Part 50]

ITAT Annual Digest - Tax tribunal updates - Income Tax Appellate Tribunal analysis - Income tax updates 2023- ITAT - taxscan

This yearly digest summarizes all the ITAT stories published at taxscan.in in 2023

Penalty Against Agriculturist for Accepting Loan Through Banking Channel u/s 269SS of IT Act, 1961: ITAT Vijayaben G. Zalavadia vs JCIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1850

The Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that no penalty can be levied against an agriculturist for accepting a loan of more than Rs. 20,000/- in cash if the loan is received through a banking channel.

The Tribunal observed that the assessee submitted a bank statement and a certificate from the society confirming the loan was received through a banking channel. The revenue authorities did not doubt the bank statement or other documentary evidence.

The Single Bench Member Suchitra Kamble (Judicial Member) held that the revenue authorities had not discharged their burden of proof to show that the loan was not received through the banking channel and held that the penalty levied under Section 271D of the ITA was not sustainable in the absence of any reasonable doubt about the genuineness of the loan transaction.

Expenses incurred in relation to exempt income not deductible under Section 14A of Income Tax Act: ITAT M/s. Vishal Diamonds Pvt. Ltd vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1851

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that expenses incurred in relation to exempt income are not deductible under Section 14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the Act) and dismissed the appeal filed by the assessee against the order of the Assessing Officer (AO) disallowing the expenses incurred by the assessee in relation to the exempt income received by it from the partnership firm.

The Tribunal observed that the assessee, an equity share investment company, received exempt income from a partnership firm in 2018-19. However, the assessee argued that expenses were related to its overall business activities and that the partnership firm’s profit was already taxed.

The Two Bench Members comprising Karitha Rajagopal (Judicial Member) and S. Rifatur Rahman (Accountant Member) dismissed the assessee’s appeal and upheld the AO’s order disallowing expenses related to exempt income from a partnership firm and ruled that the assessee’s business model is solely to earn exempt income, and any expenses incurred will be considered for such income.

Partnership Firm Can Claim Depreciation on Motor Vehicle Even if Registered in Partner’s Name: ITAT Vinod Textiles vs ACIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1853

The Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the name of the partner in which a motor vehicle is registered is not relevant for the purpose of claiming depreciation on the vehicle. The ITAT ruled that the important factor is that the vehicle is purchased with the funds of the partnership firm and is used exclusively for the business purposes of the firm.

The Tribunal observed that the treatment provided by the partnership firm to the new motor vehicle acquired as well as the old motor vehicle sold plainly demonstrated that the partnership firm’s finances were utilized for the acquisition of the aforementioned motor vehicle and the car was only ever utilized for the partnership firm’s commercial purposes.

A Single Bench Member Suchitra Kamble (Judicial Member) allowed the appeal of the assessee and restored the claim of depreciation on the vehicle. The Tribunal held that the mere fact that the vehicle was registered in the name of the partner did not deny the partnership firm the depreciation on the said vehicle.

Charitable Activities of trust not to be confined to particular caste: ITAT directs Readjudication Mar Baselius Orthodox Syrian Church vs The CIT(Exemption) CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1855

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Surat bench held that charitable activities of trust should not be confined to a particular caste. The trust has two types of objects, one exclusively for assessee caste and second ‘other objects’ which are for the benefit of the public in general, that is open for all sections of society. Thus for verifying this the bench directs readjudication.

The tribunal observed that the argument of assessee that school is run by assessee- trust, which is open for all sections of the society/caste, this fact has not been examined by CIT(E), as there is no reference in the entire order of CIT(E), hence it is a fresh argument which needs examination by CIT(E). The assessee-trusts have other objects like: to help the poor, to give medical aid and to help the public in general, in case of fire, flood and earthquake.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Dr. A. L. Saini, (Accountant Member) and Pawan Singh (Judicial Member) remit the issue back to the file of the CIT(E), to adjudicate the afresh regarding the objects of assessee.

Failure by Authorities to provide necessary Documents Results in Denial of Justice: ITAT directs AO to provide Requisite Documents to Assessee for Reasonable Opportunity Ankush Ramrao Shinde vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1852

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) restored the file back to the Assessing Officer (AO) with the direction to provide the requisite documents as asked for the Assessee and a reasonable opportunity to the Assessee to substantiate its case.

After hearing both the parties, the tribunal observed that it was clear that the Assessee had specifically requested for the details or copy of any incriminating documents found against the Assessee as alleged during the search of Cosmos Group or Concorde Developers qua booking of flat. The Assessee had also claimed that no enquiries were made with the Assessee or no such information was gathered by the AO during the search proceedings of Cosmos Group however both the authorities below failed to provide the requisite documents.

The two member bench consisting of B R Baskaran (Accountant member) and N.K Chodhry (Judicial member) ordered to remand the instant case to the file of the Assessing Officer with the direction to provide the requisite documents as asked for the Assessee and a reasonable opportunity to the Assessee to substantiate its case. Thus the appeal was allowed.

Indexation Benefit against Cost of Acquisition shall be Available based on the Index of the Year in which Payments Actually Made: ITAT Bushra Javed vs ACIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1854

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the indexation benefit against cost of acquisition should be available based on the index of the year in which payments actually had been made.

The two-member Bench of G.S. Pannu, (President) and Astha Chandra, (Judicial Member) the observation of assessee referring the tripartite agreement and the sale deed, that the ownership of the property got transferred from the builder to joint owners in the F.Y. 2003-04 itself. The total cost of acquisition was also paid in F.Y. 2004-05 which had not been disputed by the AO. If that be so, the AO was not justified in disallowing indexation of the cost of acquisition from F.Y. 2004-05. The Bench allowed the appeal filed by the assessee holding that, “The judicial consensus is that indexation benefit against cost of acquisition shall be available to the assessee on the basis of index of the year in which the payments were actually made.”

Further the AO was directed to compute the long-term capital gain keeping in view the facts of the assessee’s case, in the light of the definition of “indexed cost of acquisition” and “indexed cost of any improvement” contained in Explanation (iii) and (iv) to Section 48 of the Income Tax Act.

Relief to Ford India: CESTAT Quashes Demand of Service Tax of Approx.3.89 Crores on Service of Repairs of Vehicles on Ground of Limitation M/s. Ford India Pvt. Ltd vs Commissioner of Customs CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (CESTAT) 961

The Chennai bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) quashed the demand for service tax of approximately 3.5 crores which was imposed on the services of maintenance and repair of vehicles on the ground of limitation. The Bench granted relief to Ford India Private Limited by quashing the demand for service tax.

The Bench observed that after the insertion of section 65B(54) in the Finance Act from 01.07.2012 onwards, the definition of ‘works contract’ was expanded to include repair and maintenance services of movable properties also and the composite contracts for repair and maintenance of motor vehicles are leviable to service tax from 01.07.2012 onwards and the demand for service tax was time-barred.

The two-member bench comprising P. Dinesha (Judicial) and Ajit Kumar (Technical) quashed the demand for service tax and penalty imposed on the assessee while allowing the appeal filed by the assessee.

Debts Claim Allowable Only if Nexus with Carrying on of Business or Trade is Established: ITAT Directs CIT(A) Re-adjudication DCIT vs Centum Learning Ltd. CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1857

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has directed Commissioner of Income Tax Appeals (CIT(A)) re-adjudication holding that the debts claimed would be allowable only if nexus with carrying on of business or trade was established.

The two-member Bench of Chandra Mohan Garg, (Judicial Member) and Pradip Kumar Kedia, (Accountant Member) noted that the assessee despite opportunities given by the authorities below did not file details regarding its claim of bad debts on account of non-recovery of amounts due from left employees on account of notice period not served by them. The Bench held that for claiming bad debts the debt should be related to the business of assessee. The debts claim should have direct nexus with the carrying on of business or trade of assessee and it should be incidental to it. The Bench held that factual position the claim of assessee seems to be allowable but the revenue authority should be allowed to verify and examine the details of claim of assessee restored to the file of ld. CIT(A) to adjudicate the same after allowing due opportunity of hearing to the assessee.

Reassessment order passed on basis of invalid assumption of Jurisdiction cannot be Revised u/s 263 of Income Tax Act: ITAT Smt. Aruna Tiwari vs The Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1856

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Raipur bench held that reassessment order passed on the basis of invalid assumption of jurisdiction could not be revised under Section 263 of Income Tax Act, 1961. The bench observed that the assessment order was null and void as it was based on a non-est return, therefore, the Commissioner could not have exercised his jurisdiction under section 263 of the Income-Tax Act.

It was observed by the tribunal that jurisdiction over assessee case at the stage of issuance of notice under Section 143(2) of the Income-Tax Act was admittedly vested with the ITO, Ward-4(1), Raipur, therefore, in absence of any notice issued by the letter under Section 143(2) of the Income-Tax Act , the assessment framed by him vide his order passed under Section 143(3) of the Income-Tax Act could not be sustained and is liable to be struck down on the said count itself. Therefore, if the original re-assessment order itself was not validly passed, the subsequent revisional order by the PCIT was required to be held invalid.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Arun Khodpia,(Accountant Member ) and Ravish Sood,( Judicial Member) quashed the order passed by the Pr. CIT under Sec. 263 of the Act on account of invalid assumption of jurisdiction by Pr. CIT . Thus the bench allowed the appeal filed by the assessee.

Leave Encashment of Employees Working in Department of Telecommunication Exempted u/s 10(10AA) Income Tax Act: ITAT deletes Disallowance Pradipkumar Bhogilal Modi vs ADIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1858

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Ahmedabad bench held that leave encashment of employees working in the department of telecommunication exempted under Section 10(10AA) of Income Tax Act,1961, .The period for leave encashment was calculated in respect of assessee’s working in the Department of Telecommunication and the same is fully exempted under Income Tax Act.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the single member bench of Suchitra Kamble, ( Judicial Member) allowed the appeal filed by the assessee Thus the bench decided the issue in favour of the assessee.

No Reassessment of Income if Incriminating Articles Against Any “Other Person” is Found During Search Other Than Person Being Searched: ITAT Narendra Kumar vs ITO CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1872

Quashing the Income Tax addition, the Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), held that no reassessment of income under Section 147 of the Income Tax Act 1961 can be allowed if incriminating articles against any “other person” is found during search other than person being searched under Section 153C of Income Tax Act.

The Bench held that the incriminating material was found and seized during the search carried out of ‘some other person’ that a sum of Rs. 7,00,000/- had been paid by the assessee during the Financial Year 2011-12 to Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad, and since the assessee was not assessed under Section 153C of Income Tax Act, which provision specifically exclude the operation under Section 147 of Income Tax Act, the A.O erred in invoking provision to Section 147 of Income Tax Act instead of those of Section 153C of Income Tax Act.

Hence, ground of the assessee that person relating to whom some material is found in the search of some ‘other person’, should be assessed under Section 153C of the Income Tax Act and not under Section 147 of Income Tax Act was allowed and consequently assessment order and the order of the CIT (A) were quashed.

No Addition towards Unsecured Loan can be Made by AO in Absence of Incriminating Materials found during Search and Seizure: ITAT Mr.Ritesh Rai vs The Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1871

The Chennai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), held that no addition can be made by the AO in absence of any incriminating material found during the course of search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act,1961.

The Bench comprising of V. Durga Rao, Judicial Member and Manjunatha. G, Accountant Member, relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of PCIT v. Abhisar Buildwell (P) Ltd. where it was held that in respect of completed assessment/unabated assessment, no addition can be made by the AO in absence of any incriminating material found during the course of search under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, or requisition made under Section 132A of the Income Tax Act. Thus the Bench set aside the issue of addition made towards unsecured loans for to the file of the AO and direct the AO to re-examine the claim of the assessee.

ITAT dismisses Assessment Order passed u/s 153 of Income Tax Act without recording proper satisfaction M/s. Macro Properties Pvt. Ltd vs DCIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1859

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Jaipur bench dismissed the assessment order passed under Section 153 of the Income Tax Act , 1961 without recording proper satisfaction. As per Section 153C of the Income Tax Act, it would also be appropriate to understand that before issuing notice, the TO (Tax Officer) of the searched person must be ‘’satisfied’’ that inter alia, any document seized or requisitioned ‘’belongs to‘’ a person other than the searched person.

After reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Rathod Kamlesh Jayantbhai, (Accountant Member ) and S. Seethalakshmi ( Judicial Member) held notice issued under Section 153C of the Income Tax Act as bad in law and consequently whole proceedings including the assessment order passed under Section 143(3) r.w.s. 153C of the Income Tax Act void ab initio.

No disallowance on Account of Bonus outstanding paid before due date of filing of Return: ITAT DCIT vs M/s Medica Hospitals Pvt. Ltd CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1860

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Kolkata Bench held that there was no disallowance on account of the bonus outstanding paid before the due date of filing of return. As per the audit report it was concluded by the bench that the assessee was paid the amount before the due date of filing of return of income.

The tribunal after reviewing the Tax audit report , other evidences and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Rajesh Kumar,(Accountant Member ) and Sonjoy Sarmal,(Judicial Member) observed that outstanding amount of bonus was paid after 29.09.2018 but on or before 29.10.2018. Thus the bonus was paid before the due date of filing of return . Therefore the bench upholds the outstanding bonus amount paid before the due date of filing of return should not be disallowed .

Revenue Expenditure incurred for Scientific Research allowable as deduction u/s 37 of Income Tax Act: ITAT M/s. BEML Limited vs Deputy Commissioner of Income tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1861

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bangalore bench held that revenue expenditure incurred for the scientific research is allowed as deduction under Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.The bench determined that even if it was not certified by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research the expenditure would be considered for deduction. The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Chandra Poojari (Accountant Member ) and Beena Pillai (Judicial Member) held that revenue expenditure incurred for the scientific research is allowed as deduction under Section 37 of the Income Tax Act. Therefore the bench dismissed the appeal of revenue.

Interest Income earned from Deposits made on other Cooperatives Banks are eligible for deduction u/s 80P(2)(d) of Income Tax Act: ITAT BEE Co-op Credit Society Ltd vs The Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1862

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bangalore Bench held that Interest income earned from deposits made on other cooperative banks are eligible for deduction under section 80(2)(d) of Income Tax Act, 1961.

It was observed by the tribunal that co-operative society is a broad and larger umbrella under which the co-operative banks do perform. Section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act, allows whole deduction of an income by way of interest or dividends derived by the co-operative society from its investment with any other co-operative society.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties,the two member bench of Chandra Poojari,(Accountant Member ) and Beena Pillai,(Judicial Member) observed that assessee is eligible for deduction under section 80P(2)(d) in respect of interest earned from deposits made on other Cooperative banks, Therefore the bench allowed the appeal of the assessee.

Penalty u/s 271D of Income Tax Act for Exceeding Cash Transaction Limit shall not be imposed on loan taken from through Account Payee Cheques: ITAT DCIT vs Sanjaykumar Haribhai Patel CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1863

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Ahmedabad bench held that the penalty under Section 271D of Income Tax Act for exceeding cash transactions limit should not be imposed on loans taken from through account payee cheques. It was observed that all the amounts were received by way of account payee cheques and the amounts so received were deposited in the bank account of the assessee.

It was observed by the tribunal that no amount was received by the assessee otherwise than by way of account payee cheques. The only ground/basis for imposing penalty under section 271D of the Income Tax Act, was that both the accounts of the lender and his proprietorship concern were merged, leading to violation of the provisions of section 269SS of the Income Tax Act.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Waseem Ahmed,(Accountant Member ) and Siddhartha Nautiyal,(Judicial Member) held that no amount otherwise than by way of account payee cheques was received by the assessee.

No scope for Reassessment on issue which is Subject Matter of Appeal before Appellate Authority: ITAT M/s. Carborundum Universal Limited vs The Assistant Commissioner of Income-tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1865

The Chennai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that as per provisions of 3rd proviso to Section 147 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the Assessing Officer (AO) may assessee or reassess such income, other than the income involving matters which are the subject matters of any appeal, reference or revision, which is chargeable to tax and has escaped assessment.

The two bench members consisting of V. Durga Rao (Judicial member) and Majunatha G (Accountant member) held that it is very clear that the issue on which the assessment has been re-opened was subject matter of appeal and thus, in the bench’s view as per 3rd proviso to Section 147 of the Income Tax Act, re-opening of assessment and consequent assessment order passed by the Assessing Officer was bad in law and liable to be quashed. Thus, the bench quashed the reassessment order passed by the Assessing Officer under section. 144 read with Section 147 of the Income Tax Act dated 21.09.2021. And the appeal was allowed

No TDS on Pre-paid Sim Card Sold on Discount charges u/s 40(a)(ia) if Relation between Assessee and Distributor is Principal to Principal: ITAT Asst. CIT vs M/s. Bharti Haxacom Ltd. CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1866

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the Assessing Officer (AO) providing to treat the discount charges on prepaid SIM Card as not allowable in terms of Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is not allowable since no tax was deducted on the said transaction.

The two-member bench consisting of Anubhav Sharma (Judicial member) and M. Balaganesh (Accountant member) upheld the order of CIT(A) as the issue was covered in assessee’s own case by the decision of the Tribunal in assessment year 2015-16.

Non-Response to Notices u/s 142(1): ITAT Imposes Cost of Rs. 10,000 on Foreign Portfolio Investor Hunt International Investments LLC vs DCIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1867

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) recently upheld the imposition of a cost of Rs. 10,000 on a foreign portfolio investor (FPI) for failing to respond to notices issued under section 142(1) of the Income Tax Act and found that the FPI’s non-response to the notices had prevented the assessing officer (AO) from conducting a proper assessment of the FPI’s income.

The Tribunal observed that the AO did not provide the assessee with a fair opportunity to submit, and the assessee was not negligent in not responding to notices. The ITAT also found that the assessee provided the correct email address but the notices were not sent to it. Additionally, the assessee was not informed about the assessment order’s pendency.

The Two Bench Members comprising Vikas Awasthy (Judicial Member) and Padmavathy S (Accountant Member) ruled that the taxpayer failed to respond to multiple show-cause notices issued by the Assessing Officer. The ITAT imposed a cost of Rs. 10,000 on the taxpayer, directing them to pay within three weeks. The ITAT allowed the taxpayer’s appeal for statistical purposes and set aside the impugned order, requiring proof of deposit and correct email address.

ITAT deletes addition made on account of Trading Loss on Sale of Tools and dies used for Car Manufacturing G-Tekt India Pvt. Ltd vs DCIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1868

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi bench deleted additions made on account of trading loss on sale of tools and dies for car manufacturing.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of N.K.Billaiya , (Accountant Member ) and Anubhav Sharma,(Judicial Member) observed that the Tax Authorities had failed to take into consideration the business prudence of the assessee for incurring certain losses in initial year for a sustainable and longer partnership with HCIL and which has given rise to generation of profits in subsequent years and which have been tendered for taxation. Thus the bench determined that there is substance in the contention of Counsel that the major purchase of dies were from Tri Inter Thailand and not from Honda Trading Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.

Sale Proceeds of Shares Credited in Bank Account Entered in Book of Accounts cannot be Treated as Unexplained Cash Credit u/s 68 of Income Tax Act: ITAT Income Tax Officer vs M/s Finwiz Capital Services Pvt. Ltd. CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1869

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi bench held that the sale proceeds of shares credited in bank accounts entered in the book of accounts could not be treated as unexplained cash credit under Section 68 of Income Tax Act, 1961.All the sale transaction has been recorded in the assessee companies books of account.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Waseem Ahmed,(Accountant Member) and Siddhartha Nautiyal, (Judicial Member) observed that credit found in the books of assessee company were only towards sale of shares and that they are neither loan, deposit nor share capital/ share application money, is found to be correct. Therefore sale proceeds of shares credited in bank accounts entered in the book of accounts cannot be treated as unexplained cash credit under Section 68 of Income Tax Act.

Mere Mistake in Form 35 does not result in Deficient Appeal: ITAT grants another Opportunity to rectify Mistake Vijesh Samule vs ITO CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1870

The Indore bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the mere mistake in form 35 does not result in a deficient appeal hence allowed one more opportunity to the assessee to rectify the mistake in form 35.

The Two-bench member comprising of Vijay Pal Rao (Judicial member) and B.M. Biyani (Accountant member) set aside the impugned order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) and remanded the matter to the record of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) to grant one more opportunity to the assessee to rectify the mistake in form 35 and then decide the appeal of the assessee on merits. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed for statistical purposes.

ITAT Quashes TPO order Passed u/s 92CA(3) of Income Tax Act against Frost & Sullivan on the Ground of Limitation M/s. Frost & Sullivan (India)Private Limited vs Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1873

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed the order passed by Transfer Pricing Officer (TPO) under Section 92CA(3) of the Income Tax Act against Frost and Sullivan on the ground of limitation.

The two-member Bench of Amit Shukla, (Judicial Member) and Gagan Goyal, (Accountant Member) observed that the order under Section 92CA(3) of the Income Tax Act had been passed by the TPO on 30/01/2014 in view of Section 92CA(3) of the Income Tax Act , the time limit to pass the order was 29/01/2014 which was evident from the aforesaid chronology of events. The AO was required to pass final order on or before 31/03/2014 which here in this case it was passed on 31/12/2014.

Referring to the decision of Madras High Court in Pfizer Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd which held that, “TPO order has been passed on 30/01/2014 which is clearly barred by limitation by one day by virtue of time limit provided u/s.92CA (3) and consequently, the same has to be treated as bad in law and the same is hereby quashed. Thus, in such a situation, if there is no TPO order, consequently the entire transfer pricing adjustment proposed by the ld. TPO in international transactions becomes non-est and to be quashed and being barred by limitation.” The Bench quashed the final assessment order being barred by period of limitation under Section 92CA (3) of the Income Tax Act 1961.

Assessment Order in Name of Non-existing Entity is Void: ITAT Siemens Limited vs ACIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1874

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled that an assessment order in the name of a non-existent entity is void ab initio, meaning the assessment order is invalid from the beginning and cannot be upheld by the court.

The Tribunal observed that the assessee company ceased to exist on October 1, 2009, due to amalgamation. The AO was aware of the amalgamation but still passed assessment orders in the assessee company’s name. The ITAT ruled that the assessee’s participation in the proceedings did not invalidate the validity of the assessment orders.

The Two Bench Members comprising Kavitha Rajagopal (Judicial Member) and B.R. Baskaran (Accountant Member) quashed the assessment orders, stating they were invalid as they were passed in the name of a non-existent entity. The Tribunal also ruled that the assessee’s participation in the proceedings did not constitute an estoppel against challenging the order’s validity.

Quantum of Disallowance made by AO Excessive and unreasonably High: ITAT Reduces Disallowance M/s Metal Cans and Closures Pvt Ltd vs A.C.I.T CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1875

The Lucknow Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has reduced the disallowance as the quantum of disallowance made by the Assessing Officer (AO) was excessive and unreasonably high.

The two-member Bench of Sudhanshu Srivastava, (Judicial Member) and Anadee Nath Misshra, (Accountant Member) partly allowed the appeal filed by the assessee holding that some disallowance out of assessee’s claim of expenses was justified. What remained to be seen was whether the quantum of disallowance made by the Assessing Officer was excessive or unreasonably high having regard to facts and circumstances of the present case it was noted that the Assessing Officer and CIT(A) had not pointed out any specific item of expenditure which were to be disallowed.

Foreign Tax Credit cannot be Denied for Technicality of not Filing Form 67 within Due Date of Return u/s 139(1) of Income Tax Act: ITAT Mahua Bagchi vs ACIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1876

The Kolkata Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the foreign tax credit could not be denied for technicality of not filing form 67 within the due date of return under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act 1961.

The two-member Bench of Yadav, (Vice President) and Rajesh Kumar, (Accountant Member) noted the assessee served abroad and some foreign tax to some was deducted in United Kingdom under DTAA between India and UK and provision of Section 90(2) of the Act. We also note that Rule 128 sub-Rule 9 provides that Form- 67 should be filed on or before the due date of filing the return of income The Bench allowed the appeal filed by the assessee the credit in respect of foreign tax cannot be denied to the assessee for the technicality of not filing the form 67 within the due date of return under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act.

Donation received for Capital Projects of Trust are Corpus Donations: ITAT directs re-adjudication Ayyappa Seva Samgham Bombay vs CIT(A) CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1877

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Mumbai bench held that donations received for capital projects of trust are corpus donations.

It was observed by the tribunal that donation received for capital projects are Corpus donations. When the wording of “CHF” is stated in the receipt, it can safely be presumed that the said wording has been mentioned as per the direction of the donor.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of B.R. Baskaran, (Accountant Member ) and Narendra Kumar Choudhary, (Judicial Member) held that donations given for capital projects should be considered as Corpus donations, which are not liable to be taxed. However copies of receipts/details of corpus donations have not been examined by the tax authorities. Thus the bench directed to restore the matter to the file of AO for examining sample copies of receipts and compute Corpus donations and allowed exemption.

Addition u/s 69 of Income Tax Act shall not be made on basis of ledger account seized from third party on absence of clinching Evidence of Cash Payments towards Purchase of Flat: ITAT Shri Mahendra Lalka vs Dy.C.I.T. CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1878

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Lucknow bench held that addition under Section 69 of Income Tax Act should not be made on the basis of a ledger account seized from the third party in the absence of clinching evidence of cash payments towards purchase of flat.

The tribunal reviewed the facts and submissions of the both parties and the single member bench of Saktijit Dey, ( Vice President ) held that the addition was made on the cash payments on purchase of flat in absence of clinching evidence.

ITAT upholds addition made u/s 69C of Income Tax Act on Payment Received from sale of shares of paper company barred by SEBI Meenu Ajay Pathak vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1864

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Mumbai bench upheld the addition made under Section 69 of Income Tax Act on payment received from sale of shares of paper companies barred by Stock Exchange Board of India(SEBI).

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Om Prakash Kant,(Accountant Member ) and Sandeep Singh Karhaill,(Judicial Member) held that upheld the addition made on the payment payment received from sale of shares of paper companies barred by Stock Exchange Board of India.

Receipts from sale of offshore supply of train not Taxable in India as transfer of title over Goods taken place outside India: ITAT Bombardier Transportation GmbH vs DCIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1879

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi bench held that receipts from sale of offshore supply of trains are not taxable in India as transfer of title over the goods taken place outside India. According to offshore supply the project office of the assessee in India not constitutes a fixed place PE in India in terms of Article 5(1) of India – Germany DTAA.

It was observed by the tribunal that the DMRC executed a single contract with the Consortium partners, however, the scope of work to be performed by each Consortium partner has been well defined and demarcated.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of G.S. Pannub.R. Baskaran ,(President ) and Saktijit Dey ,(Vice President ) held that receipts from offshore supply of rolling stock could not be taxable in India as the transfer of title over the goods has taken place outside India.

Purchases reflected in Book of Accounts cannot be treated as Unexplained Investment: ITAT sets aside Order of CIT(A) Vimal Kishor Shah vs ITO CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1880

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the purchases reflected in the books of accounts cannot be treated as unexplained investments.

The Two-bench member comprising of B.R. Baskaran (Accountant member) and Narender Kumar Choudhry (Judicial member) held that there is no scope for treating the above said purchases as unexplained investment warranting addition of under Section 69 of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the order passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeal) was set aside and the Assessing Officer was directed to delete the disallowance under Section 69 of the Income Tax Act. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Income Tax Deduction can’t be Denied on ground of Return filed Belatedly u/s 139(4) of IT Act: ITAT Sahakari Ganna Vikas Samiti vs ITO CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1881

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the Income Tax deduction cannot be denied on the ground of a return filed belatedly under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The Two-bench member comprising of Kul Bharat (Judicial member) and Pradip Kumar Kedia (Accountant member) held that Central Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru has committed prima facie error in making adjustments to the returned income on account of deduction claimed under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act while drawing intimation under Section 143(1) of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeal) was set aside and the designated authority/CPC, Bengaluru was directed to restore the deduction claimed under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act. Thus, the appeal of the assessee was allowed.

Fee for providing Supervisory Service for manufacturing of linear polyethylene under Composite Contract are FTS under UK and India DTAA: ITAT upholds Revision Order Ineos Commercial Services UK Limited vs Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1882

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Kolkata bench held that Fee for providing supervisory services for manufacturing of linear polyethylene under composite contract are Fee For Technical Service (FTS) under UK and India Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Thus the bench upheld the revision order Asseesee entered into a composite contract, which could not be segregated in parts and, therefore, rightly found the assessment order as erroneous.

The tribunal after reviewing the facts and submissions of the both parties, the two member bench of Rajesh Kumar ,(Accountant Member ) and Rajpal Yadav, (Vice-President) observed that Fee for providing supervisory services for manufacturing of linear polyethylene under composite contract are Fee For Technical Service (FTS) under Uk and India Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

No Power to Review by Reopening Assessment under Section 147 of Income Tax Act if no Addition made by AO During Original Assessment : ITAT Murlimanohar Ramkishan Mundhra vs Income Tax Officer CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1883

The Surat Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that Assessing Officer has no power to review by reopening assessment under Section 147 of the Income Tax Act,1961 if no addition is made by AO during original assessment.

The single Bench comprising of Pawan Singh, Judicial Member held that Section 147 of the Income Tax Act does not allow the re-assessment of an income merely because of the fact that the assessing officer has a change of opinion with regard to the interpretation of law differently on the facts that were well within his knowledge even at the time of assessment. Further it was held that reopening under Section 147 of the Income Tax Act is nothing but based on changed of opinion on same set of facts, which is not valid. Thus, the action of reopening of assessment is set aside.

Issuance of Notice for Reopening Income Tax Assessment by ITO not having Territorial jurisdiction is invalid: ITAT Pritthvi Global Ventures Pvt. Limited vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1884

The Bangalore Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that reopening of the assessment recorded by an Authority, who does not having territorial jurisdiction over the assessee is bad in the eyes of law and consequently the assessment order is not sustainable.

ITAT Annual DigestThe Bench comprising of Rajpal Yadav, Vice-President Girish Agrawal, Accountant Member relied on the case of Ashok Devichand Jain v. Union of India, where it was held that if an Officer, who has issued notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act was not having jurisdiction over the assessee, then, subsequent assessment order upon the assessee by the Officer, who is having territorial jurisdiction will not be valid. Hence the reopening is bad in the eyes of law and consequently the assessment order is not sustainable. Accordingly the Tribunal allowed the appeal of the assessee and quashed the orders of both the Revenue Authorities.

Income Tax Not Leviable if no Right over Income Accrues upon Transfer of Development Rights: ITAT I.T.O vs M/s. Pacifica Developers Pvt. Ltd. CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1885

The Ahemdabad Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that assessee did not get the right over the income as per accrual accounting system as provided under the provisions of section 145 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Therefore, the assessee cannot be made subject to tax on the reasoning that the income has accrued to it upon the transfer of development rights.

Thus it is drawn from the facts of the case that the assessee did not get the right over the income as per accrual accounting system as provided under the provisions of section 145 of the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the assessee cannot be made subject to tax on the reasoning that the income has accrued to it upon the transfer of development rights in the given set of facts and circumstances. Hence upheld the decision of CIT(A) and dismissed the appeal of Revenue.

Provision of Section 69A of IT Act cannot be applied to Cash Deposits duly recorded in Books of Account: ITAT Income Tax Officer vs M/s Zee Bangles Pvt. Ltd CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1886

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the provisions of Section 69A of the Income Tax Act cannot be applied to the cash deposits which have been duly recorded in the books of account.

The Two-bench member comprising of Amarjit Singh (Accountant member) and Sandeep Singh Karhail (Judicial member) held that the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has correctly held that the provision of Section 69A of the Income Tax Act cannot be applied in respect of cash deposited which have been duly recorded in the books of account and had already been declared income in the return of income filed by the assessee. Therefore, the grounds of appeal of the revenue was dismissed.

No Addition u/s 68 if Identity and Genuineness of Transaction of Lender is Proved beyond Doubt: ITAT M/s Birla TransasiaCarpets Ltd vs Dy. CIT CITATION: 2023 TAXSCAN (ITAT) 1888

The Delhi bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that all the three necessary ingredients of Section 68 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 having been been proved in respect of the loan transaction, the loan received from M/s Godavari Pvt. Ltd. is to be treated as genuine.

The two-member bench consisting of Chandra Mohan Garg (Judicial member) and M. Balaganesh (Accountant member) held that lender company had supplied Carpets and Wools to the assessee company and the said trading liability together with sundry expenses of Rs.2670 has been converted into loan by the assessee company. Hence, identity of the lender, creditworthiness of the lender, and genuineness of the transactions are proved beyond doubt and hence no addition could be made for the same under Section 68 of the Income Tax Act. Thus, the appeal was dismissed.

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