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INTERMEDIATE : paper - 7

DIRECT TAXATION INtERMEDiATE

study notes

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India


CMA Bhawan, 12, Sudder Street, Kolkata - 700 016
First Edition : August 2016

Published by :
Directorate of Studies
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI)
CMA Bhawan, 12, Sudder Street, Kolkata - 700 016
www.icmai.in

Copyright of these Study Notes is reserved by the Insitute of Cost


Accountants of India and prior permission from the Institute is necessary
for reproduction of the whole or any part thereof.
Syllabus
Paper 7: DIRECT TAXATION

Syllabus Structure
A Income Tax Act Basics 10%
B Heads of Income and Computation of Total Income and Tax Liability 70%
C Administrative Procedures and ICDS 20%

C
20%

A
10%

B
70%

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
There will be written examination paper of three hours.

OBJECTIVES
To provide an in depth knowledge of the detailed procedures and documentation involved in cost ascertainment systems.
To understand the concepts of Financial Management and its application for managerial decision making.

Learning Aims
The syllabus aims to test the student’s ability to:
 nderstand the cost and management accounting techniques for evaluation, analysis and application in managerial
U
decision making;
 Compare and contrast marginal and absorption costing methods in respect of profit reporting;
 Apply marginal and absorption costing approaches in job, batch and process environments;
 Prepare and interpret budgets and standard costs and variance statements;
 Identify and apply the concepts of Financial Management


Skill sets required


Level B: Requiring the skill levels of knowledge, comprehension, application and analysis.
Note: Subjects related to applicable statutes shall be read with amendments made from time to time.
Section A : Income Tax Act Basics 10%
1. Introduction to Income Tax Act, 1961
2. Income which do not form part of Total Income (Section 10, 11 to 13A)
Section B: Heads of Income and Computation of Total Income and Tax Liability 70%
3. Heads of Income and Computation of Total Income under various heads
4. Clubbing Provisions, Set off and Carry forward of Losses, Deductions
5. Assessment of Income of different persons
6. Corporate Taxation
7. TDS, TCS and Advance Tax
Section C: Administrative Procedures and ICDS 20%
8. Administrative Procedures
9. Income computation and disclosure standards - Basic Concepts only
Section A: Income TAx Act basics [10 marks]
1. Introduction to Income Tax Act, 1961:
(a) Basic Concepts and definitions
(b) Background, concepts, definitions
(c) Capital and revenue - receipts, expenditures
(d) Basis of charge and scope of total income
(e) Residential Status and Incidence of Tax
2. Incomes which do not form part of Total Income [Sec. 10 and 11 to 13A]

Section B: heads of income and computation of total income and tax liability [70 marks]
3. Heads of Income and Computation of Total Income under various heads
(a) Income from salaries
(b) Income from House property
(c) Profits and gains from Business or Profession
(d) Capital gains
(e) Income from other sources
4. Clubbing Provisions, set off and carry forward of Losses, deductions
(a) Income of other persons included in Assessee’s Total Income
(b) Aggregation of Income and Set off or Carry Forward of Losses
(c) Deductions in computing Total Income
(d) Rebates & Reliefs
(e) Applicable Rates of Tax and Tax Liability
5. Assessment of Income of different persons
(a) Taxation of Individuals including Non-residents
(b) Hindu Undivided Family
(c) Firms, LLP, Association of Persons
(d) Co-operative societies
(e) Trusts, Charitable and Religious Institutions
6. Corporate Taxation
(a) Classification, tax incidence, computation of taxable income and assessment of tax liability
(b) Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT)
(c) Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)
(d) Other special provisions relating to companies
7. TDS, TCS and Advance Tax
(a) Tax Deduction at Source
(b) Tax Collection at Source
(c) Advance Tax

Section C: administrative procedure and icds [20 marks]
8. Administrative Procedures
(a) Return Filling and Refund procedures
(b) Demand, Recovery, Assessm,ent, Appeal, Revision and Settlement
(c) Special Procedure for Assessment of search cases
(d) E-Commerce Trandaction and libaility in special cases
(e) Penalties, fines and prosecution
9. 
Income Computation and Disclosure Standards - Basic Concepts only
Contents
SECTION A - income tax act basics
Study Note 1 : Basic Concepts
1.1 Meaning and Purpose of Tax 1
1.2 Constitutional Provisions 1
1.3 Tax Structures in India 2
1.4 The Sources of Income - Tax Law in India 2
1.5 Tax Planning, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion 3

Study Note 2 : Background, Concepts, Definitions


2.1 Some Important Definitions 4
2.2 Heads of Income 7
2.3 Concept of Agricultural Income and Tax issues in respect of Agricultural Income 8

Study Note 3 : Capital And revenue : Receipts and Expenditures

3.1 Distinction between capital and revenue receipts 13


3.2 Distinction between capital expenditures and revenue expenditures 14

Study Note 4 : Basis of Charge and Scope of Total Income

4.1 Computation of Total Income 15


4.2 Rates of Tax 16
4.3 Special Rates 17

Section
Study – A COST
Note 5 : Residential & MANAGEMENT
Status and Incidence of Tax
5.1 Introduction 18
5.2 Residential Status of an Individual 18
5.3 Residential Status of a Hindu undivided family 20
5.4 Residential Status of firm and association of persons 20
5.5 Residential Status of a Company 21
5.6 Residential Status of every other person 21
5.7 The Scope of Total Income or Incidence of tax of different types of assessees 21
5.8 Some Important Considerations 22
5.9 Residential Status and incidence of taxs at a glance 24
Study Note 6 : Income which do not form Part of Total Income [Section 10, 11 to 13A]

6.1 Incomes exempt from tax 29


6.2 Income of Trusts or Institutions from Contributions 34
6.3 Income of the Political Parties 36
SECTION B - HEADS OF INCOME AND COMPUTATION
OF TOTAL INCOME AND TAX LIABILITY

Study Note 7 : Income under the Head “Salaries”

7.1 Meaning of Salary 38


7.2 The Elements of Salary 40
7.3 Computation of Pension 43
7.4 Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity 43
7.5 Profit in lieu of Salary 45
7.6 Leave Salary 45
7.7 Retrenchment Compensation 47
7.8 Allowances 48
7.9 Perquisites 52
7.10 Tax Treatment of Various Perquisites 54
7.11 Valuation of Perquisites Taxable in the hands of Specified Employees 61
7.12 Deduction from Gross Salary 63
Study Note 8 : Income from House Property

8.1 Basis of change 75


8.2 Essential Conditions 75
8.3 Deemed Owner 75
8.4 House Property let out for purposes which is incidental to business 76
8.5 Property hend in as stock-in-trade 76
8.6 House Property situated abroad 76
8.7 Composite Rent 76
8.8 Annual Value of house property 77
8.9 Annual Value how determined 77
8.10 Deductions from annual value 80
8.11 Recovery of arrears of rent and unrealized rent 82
8.12 Treatment of Loss 82

Study Note 9 : Profits and Gains From Business or Profession [Sections 28-44]

9.1 Introduction 94
9.2 Basis of Charge 95
9.3 Business Income excluded from the purview of Sec. 28 95
9.4 General Principles of computation of business income 95
9.5 Method of Accounting 97
9.6 Specific deductions 97
9.7 Inventives for Investment in new plant and machinery 101
9.8 Investment allowance for notified backward areas 102
9.9 Tea development account, coffee development account or rubber
development account 102
9.10 Site restoration fund 103
9.11 Expenditure on scientific research 103
9.12 Expenditure for obtaining right to use spectrum for telecommunication services 105
9.13 Expenditure for obtaining licence to operate telecommunication services 106
9.14 Expenditure on eligible projects or schemes 106
9.15 Capital expendiure in respect of specified business 107
9.16 Expenditure on agrinultural extension projects 108
9.17 Expenditure on skill development projects 109
9.18 Amortation of Preliminary expenses 109
9.19 Amortisation of expenditure in case of amalgamation or demerger 110
9.20 Amortisation of expenditure incurred under voluntary retirement scheme 110
9.21 Other Deductions 111
9.22 General Deduction 114
9.23 Specific Disallowance 117
9.24 Deemed profits chargeable to tax 121
9.25 Deemed Income in respect of undisclosed income/investment, etc. 122
9.26 Compulsory maintenance of books by certain persons carrying on profession
or business 122
9.27 Compulsory tax audit of accounts of certain persons 123
9.28 Presumptive Incomes and special provisions for computation of income of the
resident assessees in certain cases 124
Study Note 10 : Capital Gains [Sections 45 - 55A]

10.1 Basis of Charges 138


10.2 Meaning of Capital Asset 138
10.3 Classification of Capital assets 140
10.4 Meaning of transfer of capital asset 140
10.5 Mode of computation of capital gains 144
10.6 Computation of capital gains under certain special circumstances 153
10.7 Capital gains exempt from tax 160

Study Note 11 : Income From Other Soruces [Section 56-59]

11.1 Chargeability 174


11.2 Method of Accunting 174
11.3 Incomes that are taxable under this head 174
11.4 Taxability of cash, Immovable property or other movable property
received without any consideration 175
11.5 Taxability of share premium in excess of the fair market value 177
11.6 Other Incomes which are chargeable under this head 178
11.7 Tax treatment of dividend 178
11.8 Tax treatment of winnings from lotteries, crossword puzzles, horseracing, etc. 179
11.9 Interest on securities 179
11.10 Family pensions 181
11.11 Deductions from Income under the head “Income from other sources” 181
11.12 Expenditure expressly disallowed 182
Study Note 12 : Income of Other Persons included in Assessee’s Total Income
12.1 Introduction 187
12.2 Transfer of Income without transfer of assets 187
12.3 Income of Individual to include income of sopuse, minor child, etc. 188
12.4 Income from assets transferred to spouse 190
12.5 Income from assets transferred to son’s wife 190
12.6 Clubbing of Income when transferred asset is invested in business 190
12.7 Income from assets transferred to other person or AOP for the benefit of spouse 190
12.8 Income from assets transfrred to other person or AOP for the benefit of son’s wife 191
12.9 Income from accretion to property transferred or accumulated income of such property 191
12.10 Clubbing of Income of minor child 191
12.11 Income from self-acquired property converted inot joint family property 192
12.12 Liability of a person in respect of income included in the income of another person 192

Study Note 13 : Set off and Carry Forward of Losses [Sections 70 - 80]

13.1 Introduction 197


13.2 Inter-source adjustments 197
13.3 Inter-head adjustments 198
13.4 Carry forward of loss 201
13.5 Carry forward and set off of loss and depreciation in the case of amalgamation
or demerger 203
13.6 Carry forward and set off of loss and depreciation in the case of demerger 203
13.7 Carry forward and set-off of accumulated loss and unabsorbed depreciation
allowance in case of amalgamation of banking company 203
13.8 Carry forward and set-off of accumulated loss and unabsorbed depreciation
allowance in business reorganization of co-operative banks 203
13.9 Losses of firms 204
13.10 Carry forward and set off of losses in case of change in constitution of firm
or on succession 204
13.11 Carry forward and set off of losses in the case of certain companies 204
13.12 Submission of return for losses 204

Study Note 14 : Deductions From Gross Total Income [Sections 80C - 80U]

14.1 Nature of Deduction 211


14.2 Deduction available to a Non-Corporate Assessee 211
14.3 Deduction for Specified Savings and Payments 213

Study Note 15 : Rates of Tax and Tax Liability, Rebates and Reliefs

15.1 Tax Rates for the Assessment Year 2017 - 2018 243
15.2 Relief 245

Study Note 16 : Assessment of Individuals (Including non-residents)


and Computation of Tax Liability

16.1 Introduction 250


16.2 Computation of Total Income 250
16.3 Computation of Gross Tax Liability 251
16.4 Tax Rebate 251
16.5 Surcharge 251
16.6 Education Cess 251
16.7 Relief 251
16.8 Special Provisions for Taxation of Non-Resident Individual Assessees 251

Study Note 17 : Assessment of Hindu Undivided Family

17.1 Meaning of Hindu Undivided Family 260


17.2 Assessment of Hindu Undivided Family 260
17.3 Computation of Income of the HUF 261
17.4 Computation of Tax Liability of a HUF 262
17.5 Assessment after Partition of Hindu Undivided Family 262

Study Note 18 : Assessment of Firms and Association of Persons

18.1 Meaning 265


18.2 Partnership Firms Assessed as Such [PFAS] 265
18.3 Partnership firms assessed as association of persons [PFAAOP] 271
18.4 Assessment of association of persons and body of Individuals 273

Study Note 19 : Assessment of Co-Operative Society

19.1 Introduction 276


19.2 Computation of total Income 276
19.3 Deduction under Section 80P 276
19.4 Tax Rates 277
Study Note 20 : Assessment of Trusts, Charitable and Religious Institutions

20.1 Introduction 278


20.2 Tax treatment of Income of trusts or institutions from contributions 278

Study Note 21 : Corporate Taxation

21.1 Some useful concepts 281


21.2 Computation of total Income of a company assessee 283
21.3 Computation of Tax Liability 283
21.4 Minimum Alternate Tax 284
21.5 Tax credit for MAT 285
21.6 Dividend distribution tax 286
21.7 Other provisions 287
Study Note 22 : Tax Deducted at Source and Tax Collected at Source

22.1 Introduction 290


22.2 Duty of the person deducting tax 296
22.3 Consequence of failure to deduct or pay tax 297
22.4 Common tax deduction and collection account number 298
22.5 Furnishing of statement of tax deducted 298
22.6 Collection of tax at source 298

Study Note 23 : Advance Payment of Tax [Sections 207-211, 218, 219]

23.1 Introduction 303


23.2 Liability for advnace payment of tax and its conditions 303
23.3 Computation of advance tax under different situations 303
23.4 Installments of advance tax and due dates 305
23.5 Assessee deemed to be in default 306
23.6 Credit for advance tax 306
23.7 Consequences of default in payment of advance tax 306

SECTION - C : ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE AND ICDS

Study Note 24 : Return Filing

24.1 Return of Income 311


24.2 Obligation for voluntary submission of returns 311
24.3 Due date for filling return of income 312
24.4 Forms for filling return 313
24.5 Mode of submission of return 314
24.6 Consequences of not filling return of Income or filling of return after the due date 315
24.7 Return of loss 315
24.8 Belated return 316
24.9 Revised return 316
24.10 Defective return 316
24.11 Return: By whom to be varified 317
24.12 Permanent account number 318

Study Note 25 : Refund of Tax [Sections 237 - 245]

25.1 Introduction 324


25.2 When claim for refund arises 324
25.3 When a person other than the assessee is entitled to refund 324
25.4 Form of claim and time limit for refund 324
25.5 Refund on appeal 326
25.6 Correctness of assessment not to be questioned 326
25.7 Interest on refunds 326
25.8 Set of for refunds aganist remaining payable 327

Study Note 26 : Assessment Procedure and Notice of Demand

26.1 Introduction 328


26.2 Enquiry before assessment 328
26.3 Summary assessment on the basis of return 329
26.4 Assessment in response to notice under section 143(2) 330
26.5 Best Judgment assessment 331
26.6 Assessment or reassessment of income escaping assessment 332
26.7 Assessment of scientific research association, news agency, etc. 333
26.8 Assessment in case of search or requisition 333
26.9 Rectification of mistake 334
26.10 Notice of demand 335
26.11 Intimation of loss 335

Study Note 27 : Appeal, Revision, Settlement and Demand and Recovery of Taxes

Part - A

27.1 Introduction 337


27.2 Appealable orders before the Commissioner (Appeals) 337
27.3 Appellate Tribunal 340
27.4 Appeal to High Court 342
27.5 Appeal to Supreme Court 342
27.6 Special provision for avoiding repetitive appeal 342
27.7 Revision of orders prejudicial to revenue 342
27.8 Revision of other orders 343
Part - B

27.9 Tax Demand 344


27.10 Certificate to tax recovery officer 345
27.11 Validity of certificate 345
27.12 Other modes of recovery 345

Study Note 28 : Penalties, Fines and Prosecution


28.1 Penalties and fines 347
28.2 Prosecution 352

Study Note 29 : E-Commerce Transaction and Liability in Special Cases


29.1 Introduction 356
29.2 What is E-Commerce? 356
29.3 Extent of Digital Economy in the World and its Growth in India 357
29.4 Challenges of Digital Economy 357
29.5 Impact of Taxation 357
29.6 Report of the Committee on Taxation to Examine the Business Models for E-Commerce 359
29.7 Provisions of Equalization levy as per the Finance Act 2016 359
29.8 Collection and Recovery of Levy 360
29.9 Furnishing of Statement 360
29.10 Processing of Statement 360
29.11 Rectification of Mistakes 361
29.12 Interest on Delayed Payment of Equalization Levy 361
29.13 Penalty for failure to Deduct or Pay Equalization Levy 361
29.14 Penalty for failure to furnish Statement 362
29.15 Punishment for False Statement 362
29.16 Application of Certain Provisions of Income-tax Act 362
29.17 Exemption for Equalization Levy 362

Study Note 30 : Income Computation and Disclosure Standards

30.1 Introduction 364


30.2 ICDS issued by Central Government 364
Section A
Income Tax Act Basics
(Syllabus - 2016)
SECTION A: INCOME-TAX ACT BASICS

INTRODUCTION TO INCOME-TAX ACT 1961

STUDY NOTE : 1
BASIC CONCEPTS

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


1.1 Meaning and Purpose of Tax
1.2 Constitutional Provision
1.3 Tax Structures in India
1.4 The Sources of Income-Tax law in India
1.5 Tax Planning, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion

1.1 MEANING AND PURPOSE OF TAX

Taxation is an indispensable part of the organized society so much so that the late U.S. President
Franklin D Roosevelt once famously remarked, ‗‗Taxes, after all, are the due we pay for the privileges of
membership in an organised society.‘‘

With the emergence of welfare states and constitutional governments in most part of the world, taxes
are seen as a major source of revenue for public expenditure, viz. building schools and hospitals,
paying the police and the soldiers, making provisions for critical infrastructure, etc. In public finance
theory this is known as ‗public provision of social goods‘.
In India, there are clear constitutional provisions regarding taxation. The importance of taxation can be
gauged from the recent Budget estimates for the financial year 2016-17, where 82.5% of the total
expenditure is expected to be financed by tax revenues.

1.2 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

At the very outset, it needs to be made clear that the Constitution of India is the supreme law of the
land and all other laws are subservient to it. The basic source of Income-tax law and power to tax,
therefore, emanates from the Constitution. Accordingly, in keeping with the federal character of the
State, the authority to legislate is divided between the Central Government and the State
Governments as under:

Seventh Schedule of Article


246 of the Constitution

List I List II List III


Central or Union List State List Concurrent List

Comprises of Entries over Comprises of entries Concurrent power of


which the Union or the over which the State legislation to the
Central Government has Government has Central and State
exclusive power to exclusive power to Governments
legislate legislate

DIRECT TAXATION 1
1.3 TAX STRUCTURES IN INDIA

Like many developed countries in the world, India has a well-developed and diversified tax structure,
with the authority to levy taxes divided between the Central Government and the State Governments.
The various types of taxes levied by these Governments are divided into two broad categories: Direct
and Indirect taxes.

Direct taxes are those, which are collected directly from the tax-payers through levies such as Income-
Tax and Wealth-Tax, whereas indirect taxes comprise excise duty, sales tax, customs duty, value added
tax, octroi, entry tax, service tax, expenditure tax, etc.

The table below gives a list of the major direct and indirect taxes in India and the authorities responsible
for administering these laws:

Nature of Tax Governing Act Act Authority


Direct Tax *
Income-Tax Income-tax Act, 1961 Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
Wealth-Tax Wealth-tax Act, 1957
Indirect Tax
Central Excise Central Excise Act, 1944 Central Board of Customs and Excise
Customs Customs Act, 1962 (CBEC)
Central Sales Tax Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 Central Government Sales Tax Act, 1956
State Sales Tax Respective State Sales Tax Acts/ Respective State Governments
Value Added Tax Acts.

* Gift tax and Estate duty – two other direct taxes – have been abolished in 1998 and in the late eighties
respectively.

1.4 SOURCES OF INCOME-TAX LAW IN INDIA

The laws relating to Income-tax in India can be found in the following:


a. The Income-tax Act, 1961: This Act contains the major provisions relating to Income-tax in India. The
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is responsible for the administration of this Act and it functions
as a part of the Finance Ministry of the Government of India. It enjoys certain powers of delegated
legislation and has the power to make Rules for carrying out the implementation of the direct tax
laws.
b. The Income-tax Rules, 1962: Under Section 295 of the Income-tax Act, the CBDT is empowered to
formulate Rules for implementing the provisions of the Act. Income-tax Rules are separate from the
Income-tax Act and for that reason the Rules can be amended easily by publishing notifications in
the Official Gazette of the Government of India. But, for amending the Income-tax Act, an
Amendment Bill has to be placed before Parliament and has to be passed there. However, in the
case of any conflict between the Act and the Rules, the provisions of the Act shall be applicable.
c. The Finance Act: The purpose of the Finance Act is mainly to prescribe the rate of tax that would
be applicable for a given assessment year. However, any desired change in the provisions of the
Income-tax Act can also be made by incorporating them in the Finance Bill presented every year
before the Parliament. When the Bill is passed, it becomes the Finance Act.
d. Circulars issued by the CBDT: The purpose of CBDT circulars is to provide guidance to the Income-
tax officers and the general public. These circulars are binding on the Income-tax officers.
e. Case laws and precedents: Case laws are the decisions of the Tax Tribunals or Courts on disputes
relating to any aspect of the Income-tax Law. These case laws serve as precedents. In cases of
similar disputes in the future, the decisions of the courts may be used to decide any later disputes.

DIRECT TAXATION 2
1.5 TAX PLANNING, TAX AVOIDANCE AND TAX EVASION

The issue involving the distinction among tax planning, tax avoidance and tax evasion is a contentious
one that has resulted into diverse legal judgments in the past. Accordingly, the Income-tax laws in India
and elsewhere have undergone many changes to tackle revenue losses for the government(s).

The income-tax law provides for a tax-payer to plan his taxes so that his tax liability is minimal. Thus,
when a person arranges his financial affairs within the scope of the law in a manner that would give
him the maximum benefit of the various exemptions, deductions, rebates and reliefs to reduce his tax
liability, it would be called tax planning.

Nevertheless, the distinction between tax planning and tax avoidance is extremely thin and can be
made only with respect to the intention of the tax-payer. Any device that twists the law or purports to
defeat the spirit of the law, may be called tax avoidance. Tax avoidance is illegal. Tax evasion, on the
other hand is taking resort to various means such as suppression of facts and figures, furnishing false
details, etc., with a clear intention to deceive. It is a crime against society and is punishable under the
law.

Multiple choice questions:

1. The first Income-tax Act was enacted in India in


A. 1960
B. 1860
C. 1760
D. None of these
Ans. (B) 1860.

2. The present Income-Tax Act became effective from :


A. 1-4-1961
B. 1-4-1962
C. 1-4- 1963
D. None of these
Ans. (B) 1-4-1962.

3. The number of direct taxes in India are now:


A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. None of these
Ans. (B) 2

4. The normal rates of income tax are mentioned in :


A. Income tax Act 1961
B. Finance Act
C. Income-tax Rules
D. None of these
Ans. (B) : Finance Act

5. The charging section of the Income-tax Act is :


A. Section 1
B. Section 2
C. Section 3
D. Section 4
Ans. (D) 4

DIRECT TAXATION 3
STUDY NOTE : 2
BACKGROUND, CONCEPTS, DEFINITIONS

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


2.1 Some important Definitions
2.2 Heads of Income [Section 14]
2.3 Concept of Agricultural Income and Tax issues in respect of Agricultural Income

2.1 SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

Assessee [Section 2(7)]:


An assessee is a person by whom any tax or any other sum of money is payable under the Income-tax
Act.

The term assessee also includes the following:


(a) every person in respect of whom any proceeding under the Income-tax Act has been initiated for
the assessment of his income or assessment of fringe benefits or loss or any amount of refund due to
him or for the assessment of income, loss or refund of any other person in respect of which he is
assessable.
(b) every person who is deemed to be an assessee under any provision of the Income-tax Act;
(c) every person who is deemed to be an assessee in default under any provision of the Income-tax
Act.

From the above definition, the following points emerge:


 An assessee is a person who is liable to pay tax on his own income.
 Even if the said person has no income during the year, he may be called an assessee in respect of
any loss that he has incurred or in respect of any amount of refund due from the income-tax
authorities.
 The said person can be an assessee in respect of income or loss of another person. Examples of this
type of assessees are the following:
(i) An agent of a non-resident person.
(ii) The guardian of a person suffering from incapacity to contract, e.g., a minor, a lunatic or an
idiot.
(iii) A person responsible for deduction of tax at source.
(iv) A trustee.

Person [Section 2(31)]:


According to the Income-tax Act, 1961, the definition of ―person‖ includes the following seven types of
units of assessment:
(a) an individual,
(b) a Hindu undivided family (HUF),
(c) a Company,
(d) a Firm,
(e) an association of persons or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not.
(f) a local authority, and
(g) every artificial juridical person, not falling within any of the above categories.

With effect from the assessment year 2002-2003, Finance Act, 2002 has inserted an explanation to the
existing provisions of Section 2(31). Accordingly, an association of persons or body of individuals or a
local authority or an artificial juridical person shall be deemed to be a person, whether or not such

DIRECT TAXATION 4
person or body or authority or juridical person was formed or established or incorporated with the
object of deriving income, profits or gains.

 Points to remember:
(a) The expression ―individual‖ shall mean only a natural person or human being.
(b) Hindu undivided family includes a Jain family and a Sikh family as well.
(c) The co-owners of a property, if their shares are not definite and ascertainable, shall be assessed as
an association of persons.
(d) The expression ―artificial juridical person‖ includes a statutory corporation, Bar Council, an idol or a
deity.

Examples of different types of persons:


(a) an individual: Shri G. Patel
(b) a Hindu undivided family: A joint family of Mr. K. Roy Chowdhury
(c) a company: Tata Motors Limited
(d) a firm: A partnership firm of which Amal, Bimal and Kamal are partners/ A Limited Liability
Partnership in which Bimal and Kamal are partners
(e) an association of persons or body of individuals: East Bengal Club/ Dum Dum Housing Co-
operative Society.
(f) a local authority: A municipality
(g) every artificial juridical person: A deity ( e.g. Lord Jagannath of Puri/ Tirupati ); a Bar Council ;
Calcutta University, etc.

Assessment year [Section 2(9)]:


―Assessment year‖ means the period of twelve months commencing on the 1st day of April every year
and ending on the 31st March of the following year.

The scheme of the Income-tax Act is to levy tax for each financial year beginning with the 1st day of
April at the rates prescribed in the Finance Act for the year. The year in which tax is paid is thus called
the assessment year or ‗Income-tax Year‘, while the year in respect of the income of which the tax is
paid is called the previous year or the accounting year. The concepts of assessment year and previous
year are thus interrelated.

Previous year [Section 3]:


―Previous year‖ means the financial year (1st day of April to 31st of March of following year)
immediately preceding the assessment year. However, in the case of a business or profession newly set
up, or a source of income newly coming into existence in the said financial year, the previous year shall
be the period beginning with the date of setting up of the business or profession or, as the case may
be, the date on which the new source of income comes into existence and ending with the said
financial year i.e. March 31, XXXX

For example, if an assessee starts his business on the 1st day of January, he has to close his books of
account on 31st March next following. In this case his first previous year for this business will be for a
period of three months only.

For example, as in above, the assessee having started his business on 1st of January, winds up his
business on the last day of February, his previous year in respect of this business will be for a period of
two months only.

Some important points regarding previous year:


● Income becoming chargeable to tax in the same previous year: The general rule is that income of
the previous year alone shall be charged to tax during the assessment year at the rates prescribed

DIRECT TAXATION 5
for that assessment year. There are however, five exceptions to this rule. In the following cases, the
Assessing Officer need not wait for the normal assessment year to begin:
First, in respect of the shipping business of non-residents [Section 172].
Second, in respect of the income of persons leaving India [Section 174].
Third, in respect of the income of an association of persons or a body of individuals or an artificial
juridical person, which is likely to be dissolved on completion of a particular event or purpose
[Section174A].
Fourth, persons likely to transfer property with a view to avoiding tax [Section 175].
Fifth, in respect of the income of discontinued business [Section 176].

Points to Note: In the cases of undisclosed incomes covered u/s 68, 69, 69A, 69B, 69C and 69D, the
previous year shall be the financial year in which these incomes are found.

Income 2(24):
The expression ―Income" is of utmost importance, because under the Income-tax Act, it is income for
which a person is to be charged to tax. Yet the term income has not been defined in the Income-tax
Act, except that Section 2(24) enumerates certain things to be considered as income. According to
the definition given by Section 2(24), income includes -
a. profits and gains of business or profession ;
b. dividend ;
c. voluntary contributions received by a Charitable Trust/Religious Trust or University/Educational
Institution or Hospital
d. the value of any perquisite of profit in lieu of salary taxable u/s 17 and any special allowance or
benefit, specifically granted either to meet personal expenses or for performance of duties of an
office or an employment of profit.
e. the value of any benefit or perquisite, whether convertible into money or not, received by a
director or any of his relatives including the sums paid by the company which otherwise would
have been payable by those persons;
f. the value of any benefit or perquisite, whether convertible into money or not, obtained by a
representative assessee or by any person on whose behalf or for whose benefit any income is
received by the representative assessee, including any sum paid by the representative assessee,
which would otherwise have been payable by the beneficiary;
g. any sum chargeable to income-tax under sub-clauses (ii), (iii), (iiia), (iiib), (iiic), (iv), (v), (va) of
Section 28, Section 41 or Section59 ;
h. any capital gains chargeable under Section 45 ;
i. the profits and gains of business of insurance carried on by a mutual insurance company or by a
co-operative society, computed in accordance with Section44 ;
j. The profits and gains of any business of banking (including providing credit facilities) carried on by
a co-operative society with its members;
k. any winnings from lotteries, crossword puzzles, races including horse races, card games and other
games of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature whatsoever ;
l. any sum received by the assessee from his employees towards welfare fund contributions such as
Provident Fund, Superannuation Fund etc.
m. any sum received under a Keyman insurance policy including the sum allocated by way of bonus
on such policy.
n. any sum referred to in clause (viia) or clause (viib) of Section 56(2).
o. any sum of money referred to in clause (ix) of sub-section (2) of section 56. Section 2(56)(2), as
inserted by the Finance Act 2014, relates to advance money forfeited when negotiations do not
result in transfer of capital assets.
p. assistance in the form of a subsidy or grant or cash incentive or duty drawback or waiver or
concession or reimbursement (by whatever name called) by the Central Government or a State
Government or any authority or body or agency in cash or kind to the assessee other than the

DIRECT TAXATION 6
subsidy or grant or reimbursement which is taken into account for determination of the actual cost
of the asset in accordance with the provisions of Explanation 10 to Section 43(1) (Inserted by the
Finance Act 2015,w.e.f. AY2016-17).

It may be noted that the above mentioned definition merely describes certain receipts as being
income. This does not define the term income itself. Judicial pronouncements, however, have held that
the term income is of widest connotation. Therefore, any other receipts that fall within the natural
meaning of the term may also be included for this purpose.

Some general considerations regarding the concept of income:


The following points are worth noting:
 Regular and definite source: Income generally denotes monetary return coming in from a source
which is regular or expected to be regular. However, regularity and definite source are not the
defining characteristics of income. Even a casual and non-recurring receipt like income from
lottery may be income
 Form of income: Income may be received in cash as well as in kind
 Legality of income: Income, even if it is illegal, is taxable under the Income-tax Act
 Lump sum receipt: Lump sums received may also be treated as income.
 Outside source: Income should be received from outside. A person cannot make a profit or
income by dealing with himself.
 Nature at the time of receipt: If an amount is not income at the time of receipt, it cannot be
treated as income subsequently due to changed circumstances.
 Revenue receipt and capital receipt: See unit III.
 Dispute as regards title to income: Where title to income is in dispute, the recipient of the income
shall be charged to tax although he may have to return the income to the contending party
 Personal gifts: Gifts which are purely of a personal nature are not income.
 Pin money: Money received by a wife from her husband to meet her personal expenses is not
income.

Assessing Officer [Section 2(7A)]:


Assessing Officer means the Assistant Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Director or
Deputy Director or the Income-tax Officer who is vested with the relevant jurisdiction by virtue of
directions or orders issued under Section 120(1) or 120(2) or any other provision of this Act, and the
Additional Commissioner or Additional Joint Director or Joint Commissioner or Joint Director who is
directed under Section 120(4)(b) of that section to exercise or perform all or any of the powers and
functions conferred on, or assigned to, an Assessing Officer under this Act.

Gross total income [Section 80B(5)] :


The total income of an assessee before making any deduction under Sections 80C to 80U is called
Gross Total Income. In other words, it is the aggregate of income under the five heads of income
mentioned under Section 14 of the Act.

Total income [Section 2(45)]:


Total income is the back-bone of the Income-tax Act, 1961. It is this income on which an assessee pays
tax at the rates prescribed by the Finance Act. Under the Act, it is the gross total income as reduced by
permissible deductions under Sections 80C to 80U.

2.2 Heads of income [Section 14]

According to Section 14 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, for the purpose of computation of total income,
all income of an assessee shall be classified under the following five heads:
(a) Income under the head ―Salaries‖.
(b) Income from house property.

DIRECT TAXATION 7
(c) Profits and gains of business or profession.
(d) Capital gains.
(e) Income from other sources.

Important considerations:
 Under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the aforesaid heads of income are exhaustive. There cannot be
any other heads.
 Section 14 of the Income-tax Act merely classifies income of an assessee under the aforesaid
heads. But Sections 15 to 59 of the Act lay down the procedure for computation of income
under these heads as follows:
(a) Salaries: Sections 15 to 17
(b) Income from house property: Sections 22 to 27.
(c) Profits and gains of business or profession: Sections 28 to 44.
(d) Capital gains: Sections 45 to 55, and
(e) Income from other sources: Sections 56 to 59.
 Since the Income-tax Act lays down a specific head for specific income, it must be maintained.
For example, rental income from house property held as trading assets cannot be brought under
the head profits and gains of business or profession; it must be brought under the head income
from house property.

2.3 Concept of Agricultural Income and Tax issues in respect of Agricultural Income

While Section 2(1A) defines agricultural income, Section 10(1) provides that agricultural income is
exempt from tax. Agricultural income is exempt from income-tax because under the Constitution,
Parliament has no power to impose tax on agricultural income. By virtue of the provisions contained in
entry # 46 of List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, only the State Legislature is
entitled to impose tax on agriculture.

However, in terms of the special provisions made by the Finance Act 1973, agricultural income is to be
aggregated with the non-agricultural incomes.

This aggregation is only for the purpose of determining the rate of tax that would apply to non-
agricultural income.

Definition of agricultural income [Section 2(1A)]: The definition of agricultural income given under the
Act is broad enough. Under Section 2(1A), the following are treated as agricultural income:

(A)Agricultural rent or revenue [Section 2(1A) (a)]: Any rent or revenue derived from land which is
situated in India and is used for agricultural purposes.

Under clause (a) of Section 2(1A), in order to be called agricultural income, the following conditions
should be satisfied:

(a) The rent or revenue should be derived from land:


The following are held to be agricultural income:
 Compensation for acquisition of land which is used by the assessee for carrying on agricultural
operations has been held to be agricultural income [CIT vs. All India Tea & Trading Co. Ltd.219 ITR
544 (SC).].
 Compensation from the insurance company for loss to the assessee‘s tea garden by hail storm
would be assessable as agricultural income [CIT vs. B. Gupta (Tea) (P.) Ltd. [1969] 74 ITR 337
(Cal.)].

DIRECT TAXATION 8
 Income from lease of estate is agricultural income [CIT vs. Haroocharai Tea Co. (1978) 111 ITR 495
(Gauhati)].
 Where salary was paid to a partner of a firm which grew and sold tea, the salary to the extent of
60 per cent was treated as agricultural income and the remaining 40 per cent alone was
taxable in the partner‘s hands [CIT vs. R.M. Chidambaram Pillai (1977) 106 ITR 292 (SC)].

The following are held to be on-agricultural income:


 Interest on arrears of rent payable in respect of land used for agricultural purposes is not
agricultural income [CIT vs. Raja Bahadur Kamakhya Narayan Singh (1948) 16 ITR 325 (PC)].
 Dividend received from company having only agricultural income is not ‗revenue derived from
land‘[Mrs. Bacha F. Guzdarvs. CIT (1955) 27 ITR 1 (SC)].
 Annuity received in exchange of agricultural lands is not ‗rent or revenue derived from land‘
[Maharajkumar Gopal Saran Narain Singh vs. CIT (1935) 3 ITR 237 (PC).].
 Income from letting of garden for film shooting is not agricultural income [B. NagiReddi vs. CIT
(2002) 258 ITR 719].
 Replanting subsidy received from Rubber Board is not agricultural income [CIT vs. Malayalam
Plantations (India) Ltd. (1993) 204 ITR 735 (Ker.)].

(b) The land should be situated in India:


(c) The land should be used for any agricultural purpose:

(B) Income from agricultural produce and from marketing process [Section 2(1A) (b)]: Agricultural
income may also be resulting in any income derived from land situated in India by:
(a) agriculture; or
(b) the performance of any process employed by a cultivator or the receiver of rent-in-kind to
render the produce raised by him fit to be taken to market; or
(c) the sale of the produce raised or received by a cultivator or the receiver of rent-in-kind in
respect of which no process [other than the one mentioned in (b) above] has been
performed.

(C) Income from farm buildings [Section 2(1A)(c)]:


Any income from farm buildings which satisfies the following conditions shall be agricultural income:
(a) the building is on or in the immediate vicinity of the agricultural land ;
(b) it is owned or occupied by the receiver of rent or revenue of any such land or occupied by the
cultivator or the receiver of rent-in-kind of any and with respect to which, or the produce of which,
any process mentioned in para 2.2 above is carried on ;
(c) the receiver of rent or revenue, or the cultivator, or the receiver of rent-in-kind should, by reason of
his connection with land, require it as a dwelling house or as a store house or other out-building.

In addition to the above three conditions, any one of the following conditions should also be satisfied:
(a) the land should either be assessed to land revenue in India or subject to a local rate assessed and
collected by the officers of the Government as such, or
(b) where the land is not so assessed to land revenue in India or subjected to a local rate, it is not
situated:

(A) within the jurisdiction of a municipality, municipal corporation or cantonment board having a
population of not less than ten thousand or
(B) in any area within such distance, to be measured aerially, which is not:
(i) more than 2 km from the local limits of a municipality or cantonment board as aforesaid, which
has a population of more than 10,000 but not exceeding 1 lakh ;
(ii) more than 6 km from the local limits of a municipality or cantonment board as aforesaid, which
has a population of more than 1lakh but not exceeding 10 lakh;

DIRECT TAXATION 9
(iii) more than 8 km from the local limits of a municipality or cantonment board as aforesaid, which
has a population exceeding 10 lakhs.

With effect from the assessment year 2001-2002, Explanation 2 to Section 2(1A) has made it clear that, if
the building or land referred to in para 2.3 above, is used for any purpose other than agriculture (e.g.,
letting out for residential or business purposes), the income shall not be agricultural income.

Instances of agricultural income: The following are some examples of incomes which have been held
to be agricultural income:
 Income from use of land for grazing of cattle required for agricultural pursuit.[CIT vs. Rai
Shamsherjung Bahadur (1953) 24 1TR (All)].
 Profit on sale of crops after harvest, made by cultivator or receiver of rent-in-kind.
 Compensation received from insurance company for damage caused to the crops by hailstorm or
flood. [CIT vs. B. Gupta (Tea) P. Ltd. (1969) 74 1TR 337].
 Salary, interest on capital, share of profits, etc., received by a partner of a firm having agricultural
income. [CIT vs. R.M. Chidambaram Pillai (1977) 106 1TR 292 (SC)].
 Income from running a dairy which is purely incidental to agriculture.[CIT vs. Kokine Dairy Rangoon
(1938) 6 ITR 502],
 Income from growing flowers and creepers.
 Income from saplings and seedlings grown in nursery [Explanation 3 to Section 2(1 A) ]

Instances of non-agricultural income: The following are some examples of incomes which have been
held to be non-agricultural income:
 Income from sale of trees, flowers and fruits growing spontaneously in forests.
[Rani Tara Kumari Devi vs. CIT (1946) 14 ITR 787].
 Profits arising from purchase and sale of standing crops. [CIT vs. Maddi 20 ITR 151].
 Remuneration received by a manager as a percentage of profit from a firm having agricultural
income. [E.C. Danby vs. CIT [1944] 12 ITR 351 (Pat.)].
 Dividends paid by a company from its agricultural incomes.
[Bacha F. Guzdar vs. CIT (1955) 27 ITR 1 (S.C.)].
 Income from fisheries. [Raja DurgaNarain vs. CIT (1947) 15 ITR 235].
 Royalty income from mines. [Shiblal vs. CIT 2 ITC 425].
 Poultry farming. [State of Orissa vs. Ram Chandra Choudhury [1962] 46 ITR 246 (Ori)].
 Annuity received for transfer of agricultural land.[Gopal vs. CIT 3 ITR 237 (PC)].
 Interest on arrears of rent payable in respect of agricultural land. [CIT vs. Raja Bahadur Kamakhya
Narayan Singh [1948] 16 ITR 325 (PC)].
 Interest received by a money lender in the form of crops. [Cassim vs. CIT 6 ITC 41]

Integration of agricultural income with non-agricultural income:


Although agricultural income is exempt u/s 10(1), Finance Act, 1973 provided that in the case of
individuals, Hindu undivided families, or other associations of persons or bodies of individuals and
artificial juridical persons, the net agricultural income would be taken into account for determining the
rate of income-tax to be applied to the total income.

The provision of such partial integration of agricultural income with non-agricultural income will be
applicable if:
(a) the net agricultural income of the assessee exceeds ` 5,000 ; and
(b) the non-agricultural income of the assessee exceeds ` 2,50,000 (` 3,00,000 for senior citizens below
the age of 80 and ` 5,00,000 for senior citizens of the age of 80 or more).

 Computation of tax :

DIRECT TAXATION 10
If both the conditions specified above are fulfilled, the agricultural income shall be integrated with non-
agricultural income for the purpose of charging income-tax in respect of the total income as under:

Step I: The total income and the net agricultural income shall be aggregated and the amount of
income tax shall be determined in respect of the aggregate income at the rates specified in para 11.1
of Unit I, Chapter 1

Step II: The net agricultural income shall be increased by a sum of ` 2,50,000 (` 3,00,000 for senior
citizens below the age of 80 and ` 5,00,000 for senior citizens of the age of 80 or more), and the amount
of income-tax shall be determined in respect of the net agricultural income as so increased at the rates
specified in para 11.1 of Unit I, Chapter 1

Step III: The amount of income-tax determined in accordance with Step I shall be reduced by the
amount of income-tax determined in accordance with Step II and the sum so arrived at shall be the
income-tax in respect of the total income (i.e., non-agricultural income).

Step IV: The amount of tax as in Step III is to be increased by surcharge or decreased by tax rebate as
applicable under Section 87A

Step V: The amount as in Step IV is to be increased by Education cess@2% and Secondary and higher
Education Cess @ 1% to arrive at the amount of tax payable.

Example 1: The gross total income of a resident individual, aged about 45, for the financial year 2016-
2017 is ` 5,00,000. Compute the amount of tax payable during the assessment year 2017-2018 he has
also agricultural income of: ` 5,000; (b) ` 1,50,000.

Computation of tax payable for the assessment year 2017-2018


Case (a) ` Case (a) `
Gross total income 5,00,000 5,00,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C-80U Nil Nil
Total income 5,00,000 5,00,000
Computation of tax liability:
(i) Tax liability on ` 5,00,000/6,50,000 (Total income + Agricultural 25,000 55,000
income)
(ii) Tax on ` 2,50,000/4,00,000 (Agricultural income + exemption limit) Nil 15,000
(iii) Tax attributable to non-agricultural income (i- ii) 25,000 40,000
Less: Tax Rebate u/s 87A 5,000 5,000
Tax after rebate 20,000 35,000
Add: Education cess + SHE (2 +1%) 600 1,050
Tax payable 20,600 36,050

DIRECT TAXATION 11
Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The term Assessee has been defined in the section:


(A) Section 2(5) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(B) Section 2(6) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(C) Section 2(7) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(D) Section 2(8) of Income Tax Act, 1961
Ans: (C) Section 2(7) of Income Tax Act, 1961

2. The term person has been defined in:


(A) Section 2(31) of Income tax Act, 1961
(B) Section 2(32) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(C) Section 2(33) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(D) Section 2(34) of Income Tax Act, 1961
Ans: (A) Section 2(31) of Income tax Act, 1961

3. The number of identities included in the definition of persons is:


(A) Five
(B) Six
(C) Seven
(D) Eight
Ans: (C) Seven

4. The term income has been defined in:


(A) 2(22) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(B) 2(23) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(C) 2(24) of Income Tax Act, 1961
(D) 2(25) of Income Tax Act, 1961
Ans: (C) 2(24) of Income Tax Act, 1961

5. The number of heads of Income under Income Tax Act, 1961 are:
(A) Five
(B) Six
(C) Seven
(D) None of these.
Ans: (A) Five.

6. Agricultural Income will be integrated with non- agricultural Income if:


(A) Agricultural income exceeds ` 5,000.
(B) Non- agricultural income exceeds maximum non-taxable income.
(C) Agricultural income exceeds ` 5,000 as well as non- agricultural income exceeds maximum
amount which is not taxable.
(D) None of these.
Ans: (C) Agricultural income exceeds ` 5,000 as well as non- agricultural income exceeds maximum
amount which is not taxable.

7. Dividend received by a shareholder from a company whose entire income is agricultural Income is
taxable as:
(A) Agricultural income
(B) Partly agricultural income
(C) Business income
(D) Income from other sources.
Ans: (D) Income from other sources.

DIRECT TAXATION 12
STUDY NOTE : 3
CAPITAL AND REVENUE: RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


3.1 Distinction between capital and revenue receipts
3.2 Distinction between capital expenditures and revenue expenditures

3.1 DISTINCTION BETWEEN CAPITAL AND REVENUE RECEIPTS

Since the subject matter of income-tax is ―income‖, as a matter of general rule and except for those
which are specifically exempt under the Income-tax Act, all revenue receipts are taxable. A capital
receipt is taxable, subject to the other provisions of the Act, if it falls within the purview of Section 45.

Although the distinction between capital and income is of fundamental importance in accounting, in
the absence of an exhaustive definition of income under the Income-tax Act, such distinction is not
easily made. However, based on a number of judicial pronouncements, the following general
principles may be relied upon while making a distinction between capital and revenue receipts:
(a) Disintegration of single sum into capital and income: Where a composite sum is received, it should
be apportioned and the part which is revenue in nature should be charged to tax.
(b) Lump sum and periodic sum: An income need not be recurring one. Similarly, a capital receipt
need not be a single receipt. In a number of cases it has been held that a single or occasional
receipt may be an item of income and an annual receipt recurring over a number of years may be
capital receipt.
(c) Magnitude of receipt: The magnitude of receipt is not material for deciding its nature.
(d) Accounting treatments: The name given to the transaction by the parties involved or its treatment
in the books of account may not alter its character as capital or revenue. For example, if a receipt
is a trading receipt, its treatment in the books of account otherwise will not prevent the assessing
authority from treating it as trading receipt.
(e) Income from wasting assets: Profits from capital which is consumed and exhausted in the process
of realization, e.g. royalties from mines and quarries, is taxable as income regardless of the
consumption of capital involved in the process.
(f) Receipt from fixed capital: A receipt is not taxable when it is referable as fixed capital. However,
what is capital asset in the hands of one person may be trading asset in the hands of another
person and accordingly, the incidence of tax may vary according to the nature of the trade in
connection with which it arises.
(g) Capital sale and business sale: While a transaction entered into in the ordinary course of business is
revenue receipt, profits accruing from the sale of any assets are capital receipt.
(h) Transactions in the ordinary course of business: A transaction carried out in the ordinary course of
business is normally in the nature of trade. However, there can be a situation when transaction in
the ordinary course of business may be regarded as capital in nature. For example, when a money-
lender takes over a land from his debtor in satisfaction of a debt and subsequently sells it, it may be
regarded as sale of capital investment. However, whether a transaction is in the course of business
or an isolated transaction, the onus is on the Income-tax Department to prove it.
(i) Shares and securities: The profit or loss on sale of shares held by an ordinary investor would be
capital in nature, but when such shares are held as part of the business of the assessee, such profits
and losses would be revenue in nature.
Instances of transactions which are capital in nature but specifically taxable:
1. Capital gains arising from sale of capital assets defined in section 2(14). [Section 45]
2. Compensation for termination of service or modification in the terms of service [Section 17(3)]
3. Compensation or other payments due to or received by the persons specified u/s 28(ii)/ u/s
28(va).

DIRECT TAXATION 13
3.2 DISTINCTION BETWEEN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE EXPENDITURES

As with capital receipts and revenue receipts, the distinction between capital expenditure and
revenue expenditure is of utmost importance, because the Income-tax Act normally allows revenue
expenditure, while capital expenditures are by and large disallowed.
The general principles for distinction between capital expenditure and revenue expenditure are more
or less the same as those discussed above. For example, lump sum and periodic payment or the
magnitude of payment or treatment in the books of account is not the material consideration for
distinguishing between capital and revenue expenditures. Similarly, in distinguishing between capital
and revenue expenditures, it does not matter whether the amount is paid voluntarily or involuntarily.
While we discuss this issue elaborately in Chapter 3 (under the head Profits and gains of business or
profession), a few distinguishing tests for capital and revenue expenditures are discussed below:
(a) Acquiring asset or advantage of enduring nature: When a expenditure is made for the purpose of
bringing into existence an asset or an advantages of enduring nature, such expenditure is to be
regarded as capital expenditure.
(b) Capital assets belonging to third parties: Even though a expenditure results in the creation of a
capital asset, if the capital asset belongs to a third party, such expenses will be treated as revenue
expenditure.
(c) Expenditure which facilitates assessee‘s business: If a expenditure facilitates the assessee‘s trading
operations or helps the assessee to carry out business more efficiently, then irrespective of the
consideration that the benefit may be of enduring nature, it will be treated as revenue
expenditure.
(d) Expenditure related to fixed capital and circulating capital: Any expenditure in relation to fixed
capital or capital asset is capital expenditure. Expenditure related to stock-in-trade or circulating
capital is revenue in character.
(e) Initial expenditure: Expenditure connected with the basic framework of business, or incurred in
connection with the extension of business or for substantial replacement of equipment are capital
in nature.
(f) Expenditure for goodwill, route permits, etc.: Expenditure incurred for acquiring goodwill is capital
expenditure. Similarly, amount paid by a transport operator for route permit is also capital
expenditure.
(g) Payment for know-how, patents and trademarks: On several occasions, the Supreme Court has
held that payments made for acquisition of know-how, trademarks and patents to be revenue
expenditures.
(h) Buying off competition: Any payment made to a competitor so as to prevent them to compete, is
a benefit of enduring nature. It is, therefore, capital expenditure.
(i) Legal expenses for maintenance of asset: Expenditure incurred by the assessee to maintain the
asset in good conditions or legal expenses incurred to defend assessee‘s title to the assets is held to
be revenue expenditure.
Example 1: B. Ltd., a cement manufacturing company, entered into an agreement with a supplier for
purchase of additional cement plant. One of the conditions in the agreement was that if the supplier
failed to supply the machinery within the stipulated time, the company would be compensated at 5%
of the price of the respective portion of the machinery without proof of actual loss. The company
received ` 8.50 lakhs from the supplier by way of liquidated damages on account of his failure to
supply the machinery within the stipulated time. What is the nature of liquidated damages received by
B Ltd. from the supplier of plant for failure to supply machinery to the company within the stipulated
time – a capital receipt or a revenue receipt? [CMA-Inter Dec. 2011]

Answer:
In terms of the Supreme Court decision in CIT v. Saurashtra Cement Ltd. [325 ITR 422 (SC)], liquidated
damages received from a supplier of capital assists in the course of acquisition of a capital asset is a
capital receipt.

DIRECT TAXATION 14
STUDY NOTE : 4
BASIS OF CHARGE AND SCOPE OF TOTAL INCOME

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


4.1 Computation of Total Income
4.2 Rates of Tax
4.3 Special Rates

All though Section 14 of the Income-tax Act classifies income under five distinct heads, tax is not
imposed on each of the heads separately. Under Section 4, which is the charging section and the
backbone of the Act, the charge is on a single tax base called ―total income‖. Section 4 thus provides
that:
(a) the charge of tax shall arise in respect of the total income of every person defined in Section 2(31);
(b) the subject matter of tax is the total income of the previous year;
(c) the tax is to be charged at the rate or rates in force;
(d) the provisions of section 4 are subject to the other provisions of the Act.

4.1 COMPUTATION OF TOTAL INCOME

Sections 15 to 59 of the Act lay down the procedure of computation of income under all the five heads
mentioned in section 14. The sum total of income under all the five heads is known as Gross Total
Income. Total income is obtained after subtracting from the GTI the permissible deductions under
Chapter VI-A of the Act (Sections 80C -80U).

Computation of total income


1. Income under the head "Salaries":
Various components of salary defined u/s 17(1)
 Pay, wages, pension, annuity, etc.
 Taxable allowances
 Perquisites
 Profits in lieu of salary Gross salary
Less : Deductions u/s 16 :
 Deduction for entertainment allowance
 Deduction for professional tax Taxable salary
2. Income from house property:
Gross annual value:
Less: Municipal tax Net annual value
Less: Deduction u/s 24
 Standard deduction u/s 24 (a)
 Interest on borrowed capital u/s 24 (b)
Income from house property
3. Profits and gains from business or profession:
Net profit as per Profit and Loss Account
Add: Inadmissible expenses
Less: Income credited to the Profit and Loss Account but not taxable under the head
or exempt from tax Income from business or profession
4. Capital gains:
• Short-term capital gains:
Consideration received on transfer of short-term capital asset
Less: Expenses incidental to transfer
Less : Cost of acquisition/improvement of capital asset

DIRECT TAXATION 15
Less: Exemptions u/ss 54B, 54D, 54G, 54GA (A)
• Long-term capital gains:
Consideration received on transfer of long-term capital asset
Less: Expenses incidental to transfer
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition/improvement of capital asset
Less: Exemption u/ss 54,54B, 54D, 54EC, 54F, 54C, 54CA and 54GB (B)
Taxable capital gains [A + B]
5. Income from other sources:
Gross income
Less: Deductions for incidental expenses u/s 57
Income from other sources
Gross total income
Less : Deduction u/ss 80C - 80U
Total income or taxable income
Computation of tax liability:
Tax on total income [Total income x Rate of tax]
Less: Rebate u/s 87A
Total tax after rebate
Add: Surcharge
Tax and surcharge payable
Add: Education Cess on income-tax @ 2% of tax and surcharge
Add: Secondary and higher education Cess @ 1 % of tax and surcharge
Less: Tax relief
Tax payable

Income of the previous year: The general rule is that only income of the previous year shall be liable to
tax during the assessment year. However, there are five exceptions to this general rule which are
discussed in para 4, Unit II.

4.2 RATES OF TAX

The charge of tax under Section 4 is at the rate or rates in force for the time being. The income tax is
charged at the rate or rates prescribed by the Finance Act for that assessment year. The rates
mentioned in the Finance Act are the normal rates of tax.

The rates of tax are mentioned in the First Schedule of the Finance Act. For example, Finance Act 2016
contains the normal rates of tax in three parts. Part I of the First Schedule contains the normal rates of
tax as applicable to the assessment year 2016-17. Part II of the First Schedule contains the normal rates
of tax to be deducted at source on certain incomes for the financial year 2016-2017. Part III contains
the rates of tax for deducting income tax from income under the head salaries and computing
advance tax. The rates mentioned in part III will be same as the rate to be mentioned in Part I of the
First Schedule of the Finance Act 2017 and will be applicable for the assessment year 2017-18.

Part IV contains the rules for computation of net agricultural income.


It is to be noted that, if on the 1 st April every year the new Finance Bill is not placed in the statute book,
the provision in force in the preceding year or the provisions proposed in the new Finance Bill,
whichever is beneficial to the assessee, shall be applicable until the new provisions become effective
(Section 294).

The following general rules should be kept in mind:


(i) The law to be applied is that is in force in the Assessment Year.
(ii) Although tax is paid in respect of the income of the previous year, the tax rate to be applied is
that is in force in the assessment year.

DIRECT TAXATION 16
(iii) The Income-tax Act as it stands amended on 1 st April of a financial year must apply to the
assessment for that year.
(iv) Any amendment that comes into force after 1 st April of the financial year, would not apply to
the assessment for that year, even if the assessment is made after the amendments come into
force.

4.3 SPECIAL RATES

Special rates are the rates which are mentioned in the Income-tax Act itself. Chapter XII (Sections 110-
115BBE) of the Income-tax Act contains the special rates of tax to be applicable in certain cases. For
example, u/s 111A, short-term capital gains from securities is to be charged to tax @15%; long-term
capital gains are to be charged u/s 112 @20% and lottery income is to be charged u/s 115BB @ 30%.

DIRECT TAXATION 17
STUDY NOTE : 5
RESIDENTIAL STATUS AND INCIDENCE OF TAX

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


5.1 Introduction
5.2 Residential status of an individual [Section 6(1) and 6(6)(a)]
5.3 Residential status of a Hindu undivided family [Sections 6(2) and 6(6)(b)]
5.4 Residential status of firm and association of persons [Section 6(2)]
5.5 Residential status of a company [Section 6(3)]
5.6 Residential status of every other person [Section 6(4)]
5.7 The Scope of Total Income or Incidence of tax of different types of assessees [Section 5]
5.8 Some important considerations
5.9 Residential status and incidence of tax at a glance

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Section 4 of the Income-tax Act imposes a charge upon the total income of all assessable entities
described in Section 2(31), while section 5 defines the scope of such total income based on the
residential status of the assessee described in section 6.

Different types of residential status: Based on their presence in India, Section 6 contemplates three
different types of assessees as under:

Residential Status

Resident Non-resident

Resident and Resident but not


ordinarily ordinarily
resident resident
General considerations: The residential status of an assessee is subject to the following considerations:
 Residential status for each previous year: Residential status of an assessee shall be determined for
each of the previous years. Accordingly, an assessee may be resident in India in one previous year
and non-resident in another previous year.
 Same residential status for all sources of income:As provided in Section 6(5), if a person is resident in
India in a previous year in respect of one source of income, he shall be deemed to be resident in
India in that previous year in respect of his all other sources of income.
 Citizenship and residential status and: Citizenship determines a person‘s political domicile.
Residential status is necessary for the purpose of determination of the scope of total income only.
 Different taxable entities for the purpose of residential status: Under section 6, residential status is
determined for the following types of entities:
(a) an individual, (b) a Hindu undivided family, (c) a firm or other association of persons, (d) a
company, and (e) every other person.

Determination of Residential Status of different types of assessees: The rules for determination of
residential status of different types of assessees are as follows:

5.2 RESIDENTIAL STATUS OF AN INDIVIDUAL [SECTION 6(1) AND 6(6)(a)]

For any assessment year an individual may enjoy any of the following residential status:
(a) Resident and ordinarily resident in India
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(b) Resident but not ordinarily resident in India
(c) Non-resident in India.

(a) Resident and ordinarily resident: An individual is said to be resident in India when he fulfils any one of
the basic conditions mentioned under section 6(1). However, in order to be resident and ordinarily
resident, one must also fulfill both the additional conditions mentioned under section 6(6)(a).

 Basic conditions [Section 6(1)]:An individual is said to be a resident in India in any previous year, if
he:
(a) is in India in that year for a period or periods amounting in all to 182 days or more [Section
6(1)(a)], or
(b) is in India for a period of 365 days or more during the four years preceding the previous year
and is also present in India for a period of 60 days or more during the relevant previous
year.[Section 6(1)(c)].

Exceptions: In the case of Indian citizens, the aforesaid rules are subject to the following exceptions:

(i) an Indian citizen who leaves India in any previous year as a member of the crew of an Indian ship
or for the purposes of employment outside India, the period of 60 days mentioned in (b) above
shall be taken to be 182 days [Explanation (a) to Section 6(1)]; and
(ii) an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin, who being outside India, comes on a visit to India in
any previous year, the period of 60 days mentioned in (b) above shall be taken to be 182
days[Explanation (b) to Section 6(1)]. Simply stated, in the circumstances mentioned in (i) and (ii)
above, an Indian citizen shall not be treated as resident in India unless he or she stays in India for a
minimum period of 182 days during the previous year.

Special rule for the members of the crews of an Indian ship: With effect from the assessment year
2016-17, the Finance Act 2015 has inserted Explanation 2 to Section 6(1) to provide that in the case
of an individual, being a citizen of India and a member of the crew of a foreign bound ship leaving
India, the period or periods of stay in India shall, in respect of such voyage, be determined in the
manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed. Accordingly, Income-tax Rule 126 has
been inserted [vide the Income-tax (Twelfth Amendment) Rules, 2015, w.e.f. 1-4-2015]to provide that
the period or periods of stay in India shall, in respect of an eligible voyage, not include the period
beginning on the date entered into the Continuous Discharge Certificate in respect of joining the
ship by the said individual for the eligible voyage and ending on the date entered into the
Continuous Discharge Certificate in respect of signing off by that individual from the ship in respect
of such voyage. In simple words, in the Continuous Discharge Certificate the date of joining is
recorded as 1st January 2016 and the date of ending the voyage is recorded as 31st January 2016,
then the entire period of 31 days shall be excluded from his stay in India.

(a) Meaning of Continuous Discharge Certificate: Continuous Discharge Certificate" shall have the
meaning assigned to it in the Merchant Shipping (Continuous Discharge Certificate-cum-
Seafarer's Identity Document) Rules, 2001 made under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
(b) Meaning of eligible voyage: "Eligible voyage‖ shall mean a voyage undertaken by a ship
engaged in the carriage of passengers or freight in international traffic where—
(i) for the voyage having originated from any port in India, has as its destination any port
outside India; and
(ii) for the voyage having originated from any port outside India, has as its destination any port
in India.]

 Additional Conditions [Section 6(6)(a)]: The additional conditions mentioned under section 6(6)(a)
are:

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(a) the assessee has been a resident in India in at least 2 out of 10 previous years preceding the
relevant previous year; and
(b) he or she has been in India for a period or periods amounting in all to 730 days or more during
the 7 years preceding the relevant previous year.

(b) Resident but not ordinarily resident: When an individual fulfils any one of the basic conditions but
does not satisfy both the additional conditions, he is said to be a resident but not ordinarily resident.

(c) Resident but not ordinarily resident: An individual will be treated as non-resident if he fails to satisfy
any one of the basic conditions. Fulfillment of additional conditions is not necessary in this case.

Points to note:
(a) The assessee need not stay in India at a stretch. It is also not necessary that the stay be in the
same place.
(b) In computing the assessee‘s stay in India, both the days of entry in, and departure out of, India
should be considered.
(c) According to the Explanation to Section 115C(e), a person shall be deemed to be of Indian
origin if he, or either of his parents or any of his grandparents, were born in undivided India.

5.3 RESIDENTIAL STATUS OF A HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY [SECTIONS 6(2) and 6(6)(b)]

The residential status for a Hindu undivided family, are as under:


(1) a resident and ordinarily resident, (2) a resident but not ordinarily resident, and (3) non-resident.

(1) Resident and ordinarily resident: According to Section 6(2), a Hindu undivided family shall be called
a resident in India in any previous year if the control and management of its affairs is wholly or partly
situated in India. A Hindu undivided family shall be called a resident and ordinarily resident in India if the
manager or karta of the family fulfils the following two additional conditions mentioned under Section
6(6)(b) :
(a) the manager or karta has been resident in India at least in 2 out of 10 previous years preceding the
relevant previous year, and
(b) the manager or karta has been in India for a period of 730 days or more during the 7 previous years
preceding the relevant previous year.

(2) Resident but not ordinarily resident: A Hindu undivided family is said to be resident but not ordinarily
resident in India if the control and management of its affairs during the previous year is wholly or partly
situated in India, but the manager or karta of the family does not satisfy both the additional conditions
mentioned under Section 6(6)(b).

(3) Non-resident: According to Section 6(2), a Hindu undivided family is said to be non-resident in India
in any previous year if the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly outside India.

5.4 RESIDENTIAL STATUS OF FIRM AND ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS [SECTION 6(2)]

A firm or an association of person can be either a resident or non-resident. There cannot be residential
status like ―ordinary‖ or ―not ordinarily resident‖.

(a) Resident: According to Section 6(2), a firm or an association of persons is said to be resident in India
if during the previous year the control and management of affairs of the firm or association of persons is
wholly or partly situated in India.

(b) Non-resident: According to Section 6(2), a firm or an association of persons is said to be non-
resident in India if during the previous year the control and management of their affairs are situated
wholly outside India.

DIRECT TAXATION 20
5.5 RESIDENTIAL STATUS OF A COMPANY [SECTION 6(3)]

A company is either a resident or a non-resident. Companies cannot be ―ordinarily‖ or ―not ordinarily‖


residents.

(a) Resident: According to Section 6(3), a company is said to be resident in India in any previous year if:
(i) it is an Indian company; or,
(ii) its place of effective management, in that previous year, is in India.

‗Place of effective management‘ here means a place where key management and commercial
decisions that are necessary for the conduct of the business of an entity as a whole are, in substance
made [Explanation to Section 6(3),

(b) Non-resident: An Indian company shall always be a resident in India. Only a foreign company shall
be treated as a non-resident in India, if during the previous year the control and management of its
affairs is either wholly or partly situated outside India.

5.6 RESIDENTIAL STATUS OF EVERY OTHER PERSON [SECTION 6(4)]

Like a company, firm or association of persons, this type of assessee cannot be ―ordinarily resident‖ or
―not ordinarily resident‖. They are either resident or non-resident.

(a) Resident: According to Section 6(4), every other person is said to be resident in India if during the
previous year the control and management of his affairs is wholly or partly situated in India.

(b) Non-resident: According to Section 6(4), every other person is a non-resident, if during the previous
year the control and management of his affairs are situated wholly outside India.

5.7 THE SCOPE OF TOTAL INCOME OR INCIDENCE OF TAX


OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSEES [SECTION 5]

Section 5 of the Income-tax Act provides the meaning of the term total income with reference to the
residential status of an assessee. Accordingly, the scope of total income of different types of assessees
will be as under:

Scope of total income of resident and ordinarily resident assessee [Section 5(1)]:
The incidence of tax or the scope of total income of any previous year of an assessee who is resident
and ordinarily resident would, under Section 5(1), consist of:
(a) income received or deemed to be received in India during the previous year by or on behalf of
such person, or
(b) income which accrues or arises or is deemed to accrue or arise to him in India during the previous
year, or
(c) income which accrues or arises to him outside India during the previous year.

Scope of total income of resident but not ordinarily resident assessee [Section 5(1)]:
The incidence of tax or the scope of total income of any previous year of an assessee who is resident
but not ordinarily resident would, under proviso to Section 5(1), consist of :
(a) income received or deemed to be received in India during the previous year by or on behalf of
such person ; or
(b) income which accrues or arises or is deemed to accrue or arise to him in India during the previous
year ; or

DIRECT TAXATION 21
(c) income which accrues or arises to him during the previous year outside India from a business
controlled in or profession set up in India.

Scope of total income of non-resident assessee [Section 5(2)]:


The incidence of tax or scope of total income of an assessee who is a non-resident, would, under
Section5(2), consist of:
(a) income which is received or is deemed to be received in India during the previous year by or on
behalf of such person ; or
(b) income which accrues or arises or is deemed to accrue or arise to him in India during the previous
year.

5.8 SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Receipt v Remittance: The term ―receipt‖ of income refers to the first occasion when the recipient gets
the money under his own control. Once an amount is received as income, any subsequent remittance
to another place does not result in ―receipt‖.

Deemed receipt: It is not always essential that the income should be actually received by the assessee
in India. In the following cases the Income-tax Act contemplates incomes deemed to be received in
India, therefore, it needs to be included in the total income of the assessee:
(a) annual accretion in the previous year to the balance at the credit of an employee participating in
are cognised provident fund, to the extent provided in Rule 6 of part A of the Fourth Schedule
[Section 7(i)] ;
(b) the transferred balance in a recognised provident fund, to the extent provided in sub-rule 4 of rule
11 of part A of the Fourth Schedule [Section 7(ii)] ;
(c) the contribution made by the Central Government or any other employer in the previous year to
the account of an employee under a pension scheme referred to in Section 80CCD [Section 7(iii)] ;
(d) deemed profits under Section 44 [Section 41 (4)] ;
(e) income from undisclosed sources like cash credits/unexplained investments/unexplained
money/amount of investment not fully disclosed/unexplained expenditure/amount borrowed in
hundi [Section 68, 69, 69A, 69B, 69C and 69D].

Income accruing or arising:


The words ―accruing‖ and ―arising‖ are almost undistinguishable terms and as such connote the right to
receive income. For example, interest on Government Securities is ordinarily payable on specified
dates, say on 1st January and 1st July. In all these cases the interest will be said to accrue from 1st July
to 31stDecember, though it falls due for payment only on 1 stJanuary. Similarly, salary which is payable
on the last day of the month would be said to accrue from the beginning of the month, although it
becomes due on the last date when it is to be paid. The term ―accrue‖ thus refers to the right to
receive the income while ―due‖ refers to the right to enforce payment of the same. However, it should
be noted that income can be said to accrue or arise only in case where the accrual of income is
certain and the amount in question is easily determinable. If there is uncertainty in regard to the
quantum of income or the assessee‘s right to claim it, income cannot be said to accrue to the assessee
and consequently the liability to pay tax on accrual basis does not arise.

Income deemed to accrue or arise in India [Section 9]: Under Section 9, certain incomes are deemed
to accrue or arise in India, although within its natural meaning the income does not accrue or arise in
India. The categories of income which are deemed to accrue or arise in India are as under:

DIRECT TAXATION 22
Income from business connection, property, etc. [Section 9(1)(i)] :In the following cases, any income
accruing or arising to an assessee whether directly or indirectly, shall be deemed to arise or accrue in
India :
(i) income from any business connection in India ; or
(ii) income from any property situated in India ; or
(iii) income from any asset or source of income in India ; or
(iv) income from transfer of any capital asset situated in India.

Under the Explanations that follow Section 9(1)(i), in the following cases the income shall not be
deemed to arise or accrue in India :
(i) In the case of a business where all operations are not carried out in India, only such part of the
income as is reasonably attributed to the operations in India shall be deemed to arise or accrue in
India [Explanation 1(a)].
(ii) In the case of a non-resident, income from operations confined to the purchase of goods for the
purpose of export shall not be deemed to arise or accrue in India [Explanation 1(b)].
(iii) In the case of a non-resident, who is engaged in the business of running a news agency or
publishing newspapers or journals, income from activities which are confined to the collection of
news and views in India for transmission out of India shall not be deemed to arise or accrue in India
[Explanation 1(c)].
(iv) Income arising to a non-resident (an individual who is not a citizen of India, or a firm where none of
the partners are citizen of India or resident in India, or a company where none of the shareholders
are citizen of India or resident in India), income from operations as is confined to the shooting of
cinematograph film in India shall not be deemed to arise or accrue in India [Explanation 1(d)].
(v) in the case of a foreign company engaged in the business of mining of diamonds, no income shall
be deemed to accrue or arise in India to it through or from the activities which are confined to the
display of uncut and unassorted diamond in any special zone notified by the Central Government
in the Official Gazette in this behalf. [Explanation 1(e), inserted by the Finance Act 2016, w.e.f. the
assessment year 2016-17].
(vi) With retrospective effect from the assessment year 1962-63, Finance Act 2012 has amended
Section 9(1) (i) to widen the meaning and scope of business connection and property by inserting
two new Explanations to clarify that the expression ―through‖ as used in that section shall mean
and include ―by means of‖, ―in consequence of‖ or ―by reason of‖ [Explanation 3] and that an
asset or a capital asset being any share or interest in a company or entity registered or
incorporated outside India shall be deemed to be and shall always be deemed to have been
situated in India if the share or interest derives, directly or indirectly, its value substantially from the
assets located in India [Explanation 4].
(vii) Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 9(1), in the case of an eligible investment fund, the
fund management activity carried out through an eligible fund manager acting on behalf of such
fund shall not constitute business connection in India of the said fund. [Section9A, Inserted by the
Finance Act2015].

Income from salaries [Section 9(1)(ii)] :Income under the head ―Salaries‖, which is earned in India shall
be deemed to arise or accrue in India. For the purpose of this section salaries payable for services
rendered in India and for the leave period, which is preceded and succeeded by services rendered in
India, shall also be treated as income earned in India.

Salaries payable by the Government [Section 9(1)(iii)] : Salaries payable by the Government of India to
an Indian citizen for services rendered outside India shall be deemed to arise or accrue in India.

Dividends [Section 9(1)(iv)] :Dividends paid by an Indian company outside India shall be deemed to
arise or accrue in India.

DIRECT TAXATION 23
Interest income [Section 9(1)(v)] :In the following cases interest income shall be treated as deemed to
accrue or arise in India :
(i) it is payable by the Government; or
(ii) it is payable by a resident in India, except where it is payable in respect of any debt incurred or
moneys borrowed and used for the purpose of a business or profession carried on by such person
outside India or for the purpose of earning income from any source outside India; or
(iii) it is payable by a non-resident, where the interest is payable in respect of any debt incurred or
moneys borrowed and used for the purpose of a business or profession by such person in India.

Royalty income [Section 9(1)(vi)] :In the following cases royalty income shall be treated as deemed to
accrue or arise in India:
(i) it is payable by the Government; or
(ii) it is payable by a resident in India, except where it is payable in respect of any right, property or
information used or services utilised for the purpose of a business or profession carried on by such
person outside India or for the purpose of earning income from any source outside India ; or it is
payable by a non-resident, where the royalty is payable in respect of any right, property or
information used or services utilised for the purpose of a business or profession carried on by such
person in India or for the purpose of earning income from any source in India.

Fees for technical services [Section 9(1)(vii)]: In the following cases income by way of fees for technical
services shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India:
(i) it is payable by the Government; or
(ii) it is payable by a person who is resident, except where it is payable in respect of services utilised in
a business or profession carried on by such person outside India or for the purposes of making or
earning any income from any source outside India; or
(iii) it is payable by a person who is non-resident, except where it is payable in respect of services
utilised in a business or profession carried on by such person in India or for the purposes of making or
earning any income from any source in India.

5.9 RESIDENTIAL STATUS AND INCIDENCE OF TAX AT A GLANCE

Income Resident and Resident but Non-


ordinarily not ordinarily Resident
resident resident
Income received in India or deemed to be received in Taxable Taxable Taxable
India — whether accrued in India or accrued outside India.
Income accruing or arising in India or deemed to arise or Taxable Taxable Taxable
accrue in India — whether received in India or received
outside India.
Income accruing or arising outside India from a business or Taxable Taxable Not
profession set up in or controlled from India. taxable
Income accruing or arising outside India from a business Taxable Not taxable Not
controlled from outside India or a profession set up outside taxable
India.
Income received outside India and subsequently remitted Not taxable Non-taxable Not
to India — whether taxable at the time of remittance. taxable

Examples on residential status:

Example No. 1: B, an engineering graduate, born and brought up in India, got employment in USA on
1st August, 2016. By what date he should leave India, in order to become a non-resident? By that, what
tax advantage he will get? [CMA- Inter, June 2015 (Adapted)]

DIRECT TAXATION 24
Answer:
In order to be a non-resident in India during the financial year 201-17, B has to stay in India for 181 days
or less. As till 1st August 2016 he was in India for a total of 123 Days [ April = 30 days + May 31 days+ June
30 +July 31 days + August 1 day = 92 days], he can stay in India for a maximum of 58 days [ August 30 +
September 28] , after which he must leave India. In other words, to be a non-resident, he has to leave
India by September 28.

Example No. 2: Ms. B, a non-resident, residing in New York since 1992, came back to India on 19-2-2015
for living in India permanently. Explain the residential status of Ms B for the assessment year 2017-18.
[CMA- Inter, May 2015 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Since B came to India permanently during the financial year 2014-15, his presence in India till the
previous year 2016-17 are as under:

Financial year Financial year Financial year


2016-17 = 365 days 2012-13 = 0 days 2008-09 = 0 days
2015-16 = 365 2011-12 = 0 days 2007-08 = 0 days
2014-15 = 10 2010-11 = 0 days 2006-07 = 0 days
2013-14 = 0 days 2009-10 = 0 days

As is evident from the table above, for the current previous year 2016-17, B was present in India for 365
days or more. So, he fulfils one of the basic conditions mentioned under section 6(1). However, he fails
to satisfy both the additional conditions mentioned under section 6(6)(a), i.e. resident in 2 out of the 10
previous years preceding the financial year 2016-17, and presence in India for 730 days during 7 years
preceding the previous year 2016-17. For the assessment year 2017-18, B is therefore, a resident but not,
ordinarily resident in India.

Example No. 3: X, a foreign national, comes to India for the first time on June15,2011. During the
financial years 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 he stays in India for
120 days, 115 days, 15 days, 191 days, 124 days and 80 days respectively. Determine his residential
status for the assessmentyear2017-2018.

Answer:
During the relevant previous year 2016-17 X was present in India for 80 days, and as shown below,
during the 4 years preceding the previous year 2016-17 he was present in India for 445 days. Therefore,
he fulfils one of the basic conditions mentioned in section 6(1).

2012-2013 115 days


2013-2014 15 days
2014-2015 191 days
2015-2016 124 days
Total 445 days

However, a perusal of his presence in India during the 10 years preceding the previous year 2016-17
shows that he was not resident in India for 2 years. Further, he was not resident in India for 730 days or
more in aggregate during the 7 years preceding the previous year 2016-17. Therefore, for the
assessment year 2017-18 he is a resident but not ordinarily resident in India.

Example No. 4: D an Indian citizen, left India on appointment by the Government of Kenya for the first
time on September12, 2015 to join his duty. During the financial year 2016-2017 he came to India and
stayed for 80 days. State the residential status of D for the assessment years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.

Answer:
For the assessment years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, the relevant previous years are the financial years
2015-2016 and 2016-2017 respectively.
DIRECT TAXATION 25
During these two previous years D was present in India as under:
 Previous year 2015-2016: From 1st April, 2015 to 12th September 2015=165days.
 Previous year 2016-2017: 80 days (as given).

Since in none of the previous years he was in India for 182 days or more, he fails to satisfy the basic
condition required to be fulfilled by an Indian citizen going abroad for the purposes of employment,
vide Explanation (a) to Section 6(1). D is, therefore, a non-resident for both the assessment years 2016-
2017 and 2017-2018.

Example 5. Mr. David, a citizen of Spain came to India for the first time in previous year 2012-13 and
stayed for 100 days in that year. During the previous years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 he
stayed in India for 120 days, 110 days, 80 days and 90 days respectively. What is the residential status of
Mr. David for the Assessment Year 2017-18? [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2015 (Adapted)].

Answer:
Mr. David was present in India for 90 days during the previous year 2016-17 and 410 days during the four
years preceding the relevant previous year [ 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16: 100 + 120 + 110 +80
days]. He therefore fulfils one of the basic conditions mentioned u/s 6(1). However, being in India for the
first time in 2012-13, he is unable to satisfy both the additional conditions mentioned u/s 6(6)(a). For the
assessment year 2017-18, he is therefore a resident but not ordinarily resident in India.

Example 6. D is the karta of a Hindu undivided family, and the control and management of the family is
wholly situated in India. On 30th April, 2016 D went to Bangladesh for business purposes and did not
return till 31st March, 2017. D did not go out of India any time before. What would be the residential
status of the Hindu undivided family for the assessment year 2017-2018?

Answer:
A Hindu undivided family, as provided under section 6(2), is said to be a resident in India if the control
and management of its affairs are wholly or partly situated in India.

Further, according to Section 6(6)(b), a Hindu undivided family will be ordinarily resident in India if the
karta is resident in India in at least 2 out of 10 previous years preceding the relevant previous year and
the karta is present in India for a period of 730 days or more during 7 previous years preceding the
relevant previous year.

In the present case the Hindu undivided family and its karta are able to fulfill all the conditions
mentioned under Sections 6(2) and 6(6)(b). Therefore, for the assessmentyear2017-2018 the Hindu
undivided family is a resident and ordinarily resident in India.

Example 7. X. Limited is an Indian company. However, it carries on business in USA. All the shareholders
are residents of USA. The Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings are held outside India. What is
the residential status of X. Limited? [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2015 (Adapted)].

Answer:
With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, a company shall be resident in Indian in any previous
year if:
(i) It is an Indian company; or
(ii) Its place of effective management for that year is in India. [Section 6(3)].

Now, in the present case, it appears that the place of effective control is outside India. However, since
it fulfils one of the conditions mentioned in clause (i) the company shall be a resident in India for the
assessment year 2017-18.

DIRECT TAXATION 26
Example 8. Y, a foreign citizen (not being the person of Indian origin), comes to India, for the first time in
the last thirty years on March 20, 2016. On September 1, 2016, he leaves India for Nepal on a business
trip. He comes back on February 26, 2017. Determine his residential status under the Income-tax Act,
1961 for the assessment year 2017-18. [CMA- Inter, Dec 2006 (Adapted)]

Answer:
During the previous year 2016-17, Y was present in India for 185 days as calculated below:
April 2016 30 days July 2016 31
May 2016 31 days August 2016 31
June 2016 30 days September 2016 01
February 2017 03
March 2017 31
Total 185 days

Since Y was present in India for more than 182 days during the previous year, he is able to satisfy one of
the basic conditions mentioned u/s 6(1). However, being in India for the first time in 2016, it is also not
possible for him to satisfy the additional conditions mentioned u/s 6(6) (a). Therefore, Y is a resident but
not ordinarily resident in India for the assessment year 2017-18.

Example 9. K was working as a crew member on an India ship plying in foreign waters. During the year
ended 31st March 2017, the ship did not touch the Indian coast, except for 180 days. State the
residential status of K for the assessment year 2017-18.

Answer:
During the previous year 2016-17, K was present in India for less than 182 days. Under the Explanation
1(a) to Section 6(1), an individual, being an Indian citizen, who leaves India in any previous year as a
member of the crew of an Indian ship, or for the purpose of employment outside India, shall not be
treated as resident unless he has stayed in India for 182 days or more. In view of this, for the assessment
year 2017-18 K will be a non-resident in India.

Example10. Following is the details of income of Mr. S for the financial year 2016-17:
Income from property in Sri Lanka remitted by the tenant to the assessee in India ` 2,10,000
through SBI
Profit from business in India ` 1,00,000
Loss from business in Sri Lanka (whose control and management of business wholly ` 80,000
remained in India)
Dividend received from shares in foreign companies received outside India ` 60,000
Interest on deposits in Indian companies ` 1,20,000

Determine the total income in terms of the Income- tax Act, 1961 in the following situations:
(i) Resident and ordinarily resident of India;
(ii) Resident but not ordinarily resident of India;
(iii) Non-resident. [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2010 (adapted)]

Answer:
Computation of total income of S for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17:
Resident and Resident but Non-
Particulars ordinarily not ordinarily resident
resident (`) resident (`) (`)
Income from property in Sri Lanka remitted by the 2,10,000 2,10,000 2,10,000
tenant to the assessee in India through SBI
Profit from business in India 1,00,000 1,00,000 1,00,000
Loss from business in Sri Lanka (whose control and (-) 80,000 (-) 80,000 -
management of business wholly remained in India)
Dividend received from shares in foreign companies 60,000 - -

DIRECT TAXATION 27
received outside India
Interest on deposits in Indian companies 1,20,000 1,20,000 1,20,000
Total 4,10,000 3,50,000 4,30,000

Example11. Following details are furnished by Mr. A for the year ended 31.03.2016
Profit on sale of shares in Indian company, sold in India but proceeds received in ` 30,000
France
Dividend from a Korean company received in France ` 50,000
Rent from property in Sri Lanka deposited in Sri Lanka but latter remitted to India ` 1,00,000
through approved banking channel – Gross
Dividend from ABC (P) Ltd. ` 20,000
Income from nursery in Gujarat ` 40,000

Compute the total income of Mr. A if he is


(i) Resident and ordinarily resident;
(ii) Resident but not ordinarily resident;
(iii) Non- resident. [CMA- Inter, June. 2012 (adapted)]

Answer:
Computation of total income of A for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17:

Particulars Resident and Resident but not Non-


ordinarily ordinarily resident resident
resident
` ` `
Profit on sale of shares in Indian company, 30,000 30,000 30,000
sold in India but proceeds received in France
Dividend from a Korean company received in France 50,000 - -
Rent from property in Sri Lanka deposited in Sri Lanka 70,000 - -
but latter remitted to India through approved banking
channel – Gross (note 1)
Dividend from ABC (P) Ltd. [Exempt u/s 10 (34)] - - -
Income from nursery in Gujarat [Agricultural income, - - -
exempt us 10(1)]
1,50,000 30,000 30,000

DIRECT TAXATION 28
STUDY NOTE : 6
INCOME WHICH DO NOT FORM PART OF TOTAL INCOME (SECTION 10, 11 TO13A)

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


6.1 Incomes exempt from tax
6.2 Income of Trusts or Institutions from Contributions [Section 11-13]
6.3 Incomes of the Political Parties [Section 13A]

6.1 INCOMES EXEMPT FROM TAX

Section 4 of the Income-tax Act imposes a charge upon the total income of all assessable entities
described in Section 2(31), while section 5 defines the scope

Chapter III of the Income-tax Act excludes a number of incomes from the ambit of tax. These are
known as exempted incomes. Some of the important items for which exception is granted as under:

Nature of Income Exemption limit


10(1) Agricultural income Fully exempt. When non-agricultural income exceeds the
maximum amount which is not taxable (See Appendix to
Unit II) and agricultural income exceeds ` 5,000, it is
integrated with non-agricultural income for the purpose of
rate of tax that will apply on that non-agricultural income.
10(2) Share from income of HUF Fully exempt
10(2A) Share of profit from firm Fully exempt.
10(5) Leave travel concession Subject to the conditions laid down under Rule 2B, actual
fare is exempt in respect of two journeys performed in a
block of four calendar years.
10(7) Allowances and perquisites Fully exempt.
received outside India by a
government employee who
is also an Indian citizen
10(10) Death-cum-retirement (i) In case of Government employee: Fully exempt; (ii) In
other cases: when covered by the Payment of Gratuity
Act: subject to a maximum of ` 10,00,000, lower of actual
gratuity received and 15 days‘ salary for each year of
completed service or part thereof; when not covered by
the Payment of Gratuity Act: subject to a maximum of `
10,00,000, lower of actual gratuity received or 1/2 month‘s
salary for each year of completed service. See chapter
on Salaries.
10(10A) Commutation of pension In case of Government employees: Fully exempt. In other
cases: 1/3 of commuted value when the employee is in
receipt of gratuity and 1/2 of commuted value when no
gratuity is received. See chapter on Salaries.
10(10AA) Leave salary at the time of In case of Government employees: Fully exempt. In other
retirement cases : Subject to a maximum of ` 3,00,000, lowest of 10
months‘ average salary, leave encashment actually
received and cash equivalent of leave calculated @ 30
days‘ leave for each year of completed service. [See
chapter on Salaries].
10(10B) Retrenchment Amount u/s 25F(b) of Industrial Dispute Act, 1947 or `

DIRECT TAXATION 29
compensation 5,00,000, whichever is less. See Para 20, Chapter 5.
10(10BB) Compensation received by Fully exempt.
the victims of Bhopal gas
leak disaster
10(10BC) Compensation for disaster Fully exempt.
10(10C) Compensation for voluntary. Maximum exemption ` 5,00,000. See chapter on Salaries
retirement
10(10CC) Tax on non-monetary Fully exempt.
perquisite paid by employer
10(10D) Sum received under life Any sum received under a life insurance policy, including
insurance policies the sum allocated by way of bonus on such policy, is
exempt from tax.
Exemption under this section does not include the
following :
● any sum received under Section 80DD(3) ;
● any sum received under a *Keyman insurance policy ;
and
● any sum received under an insurance policy issued on
or after 1st April, 2003 but on or before 31st March, 2012, in
respect of which the premium payable for any of the
years during the term of the policy exceeds 20% of the
actual capital sum assured.
● any sum received under an insurance policy issued on
or after 1st April, 2012 , in respect of which the premium
payable for any of the years during the term of the policy
does not exceed 10% of the actual capital sum assured.
● any sum received under an insurance policy issued on
or after 1st April , 2013 on the life of a person mentioned
below, in respect of which the premium payable for any
of the years during the term of the policy does not
exceed 15% of the actual capital sum assured:
(i) a person with disability or severe disability as mentioned
in Section 80U ;
(ii) a person who is suffering from any of the disease or
ailments specified in the rules made under Section 80 DDB
(Diseases mentioned in this section are : neurological
diseases; cancers; AIDS, Thalassemia, etc.).
However, in all the cases mentioned above, any sum
received on the death of a person shall remain exempt.
10(11) Amount received from Fully exempt.
statutory provident fund
10(12) Amount received from Fully exempt if certain conditions are fulfilled. See Chapter
recognized provident fund on Salaries
10(12A) Payment from the National 40% of the sum received on closure or opting out of the
Pension System Trust scheme is exempt
10(13) Amount received from Fully exempt.
approved superannuation
fund
10(13A) House rent allowance Least of the following is exempt: (i) Amount received; (ii)
Rent paid less 10% of salary; (iii) 50% of salary when rent is
paid in the four metropolises, otherwise 40% of salary. See
Chapter on Salaries

DIRECT TAXATION 30
10(14) Special allowances Exempt if specified conditions are fulfilled. See Chapter on
Salaries
10(15) Interests exempt from tax Interest, premium on redemption of notified bonds issued
by the Central Government are exempt, e.g., 12-year
National Savings Annuity Certificates, National Defence
Gold Bonds 1980, Special Bearer Bonds1991, 5-year Post
Office Cash Certificates, Post Office Savings Bank
Account, deposit certificates issued under the Gold
Monetisation Scheme, 2015 etc.
10(16) Scholarships Fully exempt.
10(17) Daily allowance of MP and Fully exempt.
MLA
10(17A) Awards Fully exempt.
10(18) Pension to gallantry award Fully exempt.
winners or pension received
by the family members of
such persons
10(19) Family pension to the widow Fully exempt
or children of member of
the armed force
10(19A) Annual value of one palace Fully exempt.
of an ex-Ruler
10(20) Income of a local authority Income from house property, Capital gains, Income from
other sources, including income from trade or business
carried on within the local limits are exempt.
10(21) Income of scientific Fully exempt.
research institution
10 (22B) Income of News Agency Income of Press Trust of India and United News India are
exempt.
10(23A) Income of professional Any income, other than income chargeable under the
institutions head Income from house property or any income
received for rendering any specific services or by way of
interests or dividends from investment, of any professional
institution established in India for the regulation, control or
encouragement of the profession of medicine, law,
accountancy engineering or architecture or such other
profession as the Central Government may notify in this
behalf, is exempt from tax.
10(23B) Income of charitable trust Fully exempt.
from khadi and village
industries
10(23BB) Income of Khadi and Village Fully exempt.
10(23BBA) Income of charitable trust Fully exempt.
10(23C) Income of certain Any income received by a person on behalf of the
educational institutions and following funds and institutions is exempt from tax :
hospitals (a) the Prime Minister‘s National Relief Fund ;
(b) the Prime Minister‘s Fund (Promotion of Folk Art) ;
(c) the Prime Minister‘s Aid to Students Fund ;
(d) the National Foundation for Communal Harmony ;
(e) the Swachh Bharat Kosh ;
(f) the Clean Ganga Fund , etc. are exempt.
10(23D) Income of Mutual Fund Fully exempt.

DIRECT TAXATION 31
10(23DA) Income of Securitization Fully exempt.
Fund
10(23ED) Contribution received by Fully exempt.
depository investor
protection Fund
10 (23FB) Income of venture capital Fully exempt
fund or venture capital
company
10 (23FBA) Income of investment fund Fully exempt

10(23FBB) Income of unit holder of Fully exempt


investment fund
10 (23FC) Income of business trust by Fully exempt
way of interest from a
special purpose vehicle
10(23FCA) Income of business trust With effect from the assessment year 2015-2016, a new
Section 10(23FD) has been inserted to provide that any
income received by a unit holder from the business trust
as referred to in Section 115UA, shall be exempt.
10(24) Income of trade unions Any income under the head ―Income from house
property‖ and ―Income from other sources‖ of a trade
union, which is registered under the Trade Unions Act,
1926, or an association of such registered unions is exempt
from tax.
10(26) Income of a member of a Fully exempt.
Scheduled Tribe
10(26A) Income of a resident of Fully exempt.
Ladakh
10(26AAA) Income of a resident of Fully exempt.
Sikkim
10(30) Subsidy received from Tea Fully exempt.
Board
10(31) In the case of rubber, Fully exempt.
coffee, cardamom or other
notified commodity,
subsidies received from the
concerned board.
10(32) Minor‘s income clubbed Exempt up to ` 1,500 for each such minor.
with individual‘s income
10(33) Capital gains on transfer of Fully exempt.
Unit 64
10(34) Dividends from Indian Fully exempt. With effect from the AY 2017-18, section
companies 10(34) is subject to the provisions of section 115BBDA.
Under the provisions of this section dividend received from
a domestic company by an Individual, HUF, or a firm (all
resident in India), shall be liable to pay tax @ 10% on
dividends received in excess of ` 10 lakh. Dividend for this
purpose shall not include deemed dividend u/ 2(22)(e).
10(35) Income from Units of Mutual Fully exempt.
Funds

DIRECT TAXATION 32
10(35A) Income received from Fully exempt. No exemption after 1st June 2016.
distributed income of
securitization Fund
10(36) Long-term capital gains Fully exempt if such shares are:(i) held for 12 months or
from transfer of equity more (ii) part of the BSE-500 Index of Mumbai Stock
shares purchased after 1st Exchange as on 1st March 2003; (iii) public issue made by
March, 2003 but before 1st a company on or after 1st March 2003; (iii) transacted in a
March 2004. recognised stock exchange in India.
10(37) Capital gains on compulsory Fully exempt if :(i) such land is used by the
acquisition of urban HUF/individual/parent of the individual during the 2 years
agricultural land immediately preceding the date of transfer and (ii)
compensation is received on or after 1st April, 2004.
10(38) Long-term capital gains on Exempt if such transactions are covered under securities
units of equity oriented fund transfer of equity shares or transaction tax. However, w.e.f.
or unit of a business trust AY 2017-18, for claiming exemption on a transaction
undertaken on a recognised stock exchange located in
any International Financial Services Centre where the
consideration for such transaction is paid in foreign
currency, no security transaction needs to be paid.
10(39) Income from an Exempt if more than two countries participate in the
international sporting event event.
10(40) Grant received from the Exempt if receipt of such income is for settlement of dues
parent company for in connection with reconstruction or revival of an existing
reconstruction or revival of business of power generation.
business of power
generation
10(41) Capital gains of power Any income arising from transfer of a capital asset, being
sector undertaking an asset of an undertaking engaged in the business of
generation or transmission or distribution of power shall be
exempt from tax, provided that such transfer is effected
on or before the 31st March, 2006, to the Indian company
notified under Section 80-IA (4)(v)(a).
10(42) Income of a specified body Exempt if it is established or constituted not for the
constituted as a result of purposes of profit and it is notified by the Central
treaty or agreement Government in the Official Gazette for the purposes of this
between the Central clause.
Government and two or
more countries
10(43) Loan received in a Fully exempt.
transaction of reverse
mortgage
10(44) Income of the New Pension Fully exempt.
System Trust
10(45) Allowance and perquisite to Fully exempt.
the Chairman or member of
the Union Public Service
Commission
10(46) Specified income of any Fully exempt.
Body, Board, Authority, Trust
or Commission
10 (47) Notified income of Fully exempt.
infrastructure debt fund

DIRECT TAXATION 33
10(48) Income received by the Fully exempt, if the receipt of money is the only activity
notified foreign companies carried out by such companies in India.
for selling crude oil in India
10(48A) Income of foreign company Any income accruing or arising to a foreign company on
from storage in India account of storage of crude oil in a facility in India and
sale of crude oil therefrom to any person resident in India
is exempt from tax, provided that such income arises
pursuant to an agreement or an arrangement entered
into by the Central Government or approved by the
Central Government.
10(49) Income of National Finance Fully exempt.
Holdings Company Limited
10(50) Income arising from Fully Exempt
specified services
(Equalization Levy)

6.2 INCOME OF TRUSTS OR INSTITUTIONS FROM CONTRIBUTIONS [SECTIONS 11-13]

Subject to the provisions of sections 60 to 63, the following incomes of the trusts and charitable
institutions shall be exempt:
(a) Income from property held under trust wholly for charitable or religious purposes [Section 11(1)(a)]:
Income from property received by such a trust shall be exempt to the extent to which it is spent in
India. Where any such income is accumulated or set apart for application in India, then such
income shall also be exempt if such accumulation is not in excess of 15% of the income of such
property.
(b) Income from property held under trust in part which is applied only for religious or charitable
purposes [Section 11(1)(b)]: Income derived from property held under trust in part only for such
purposes shall be exempt to the extent it is applied to such purposes in India, provided that the trust
is created before1st April, 1962. Where any such income is set apart for application to such
purposes in India, exemption shall not be denied, provided that the income so set apart is not in
excess of 15% of the income from such property.
(c) Income from property held under trust which is applied for charitable purposes outside India
[Section 11(1)(c)]: Income derived from property held under trust:
(i) created on or after 1st April, 1952 for charitable purpose to promote international welfare in
which India is interested, and
(ii) created on or after 1st April, 1952 for charitable or religious purposes, shall be exempt to the
extent to which such income is applied to such purposes outside India.

In both the cases mentioned above, the Board shall, by general or special order, direct that it shall
not be included in the total income of the person who is in receipt of the income.
(d) Voluntary contribution forming part of the corpus [Section 11(1)(d)]: Income in the form of voluntary
contributions made with specific direction that they shall form part of the corpus of the trust or
institution shall be fully exempt. Such contributions need not be applied to charitable purposes but
may be retained as the corpus of the trust without attracting tax liability. Under Section 2(24)(iia),
such income is also exempt from tax.

Conditions for exemption: In order to claim exemption under Section 11, the following conditions
should be satisfied:
(i) The property from which the income is derived should be held under a trust or other legal
obligations (Explanation 1 to section 13).

DIRECT TAXATION 34
(ii) The property should be so held for charitable or religious purposes, which come into existence
for the benefit of the public. Under Section 2(15), ―charitable purpose‖ includes relief of the
poor, education, medical relief, and the advancement of any other object of general public
utility.
(iii) The exemption is confined to such portion of the income of the trust or institution as is applied
to charitable or religious purposes. Where any such income is accumulated for application to
later time, such accumulation does not exceed the limit specified in clause (a) or clause (b) or
clause (c) of Section 11(1) or Section 11(2).
(iv) Except for the cases mentioned under Section 11(1)(c), no part of the income shall be applied
or accumulated for application outside India.
(v) Where the property of the trust consists of a business undertaking, the conditions of Sections
11(4) and 11(4A) should be satisfied.
(vi) An application for registration of the trust or institution in Form No. 10A to the Commissioner
before the 1st day of July, 1973, or before the expiry of a period of one year from the date of
the creation of the trust or the establishment of the institution, whichever is later and such trust
or institution is registered under section 12AA. However, with effect from 1st June, 2007, the
restriction of getting the trust or institution registered within one year shall not be applicable. It is
also provided that where an application for registration of the trust or institution is made on or
after 1st June, 2007, the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 shall apply in relation to the income of
the trust or institution from the assessment year immediately following the financial year in
which such application is made.
(e) Where the total income of the trust or institution as computed under this Act without giving effect
to the provisions of Section 11 and Section 12 exceeds the maximum amount which is not taxable
in any previous year, the accounts of the trust or institution for that year should be audited and the
audit report should be furnished along with the return of income.
(f) The funds of the trust should be invested or deposited in one or more of the forms and modes
specified in Section 11(5).

Example 1: S Charitable Trust registered under section 12AA of the Income Tax Act is engaged in
providing medical assistance to the physically challenged persons. The trust has furnished the following
details relating to previous year 2016-17;

Particulars
Net income from the properties held under trust 16,50,000
Voluntary Contribution (including donation ` 1,50,000 received with direction 5,00,000
from the donor that it would form part of corpus)
Financial assistance to physically challenged persons 9,50,000
Purchase of Land for construction of office of the trust 4,00,000

Compute tax payable, if any, by the trust for the Assessment Year 2017 – 18. [CMA-Inter June 2013]

Answer:

` `
Income from properties held under trust 16,50,000
Voluntary Contribution 5,00,000
Voluntary contribution received with specific direction that it would form 1,50,000 3,50,000
part of corpus (corpus donation) exempted under section 11 (1) (d)
Total 20,00,000
Amount set apart for future (15%) 3,00,000
Amount available for application for charitable purposes 17,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 35
Less: Amount applied for charitable purposes:
Financial assistance to physically challenged 9,50,000
Purchase of land for construction of office 4,00,000 13,50,000
Total income 3,50,000
Tax on total income (` 3,50,000- 2,50,000) x 10% 10,,000
Add: Education cess and SHEC (2+1%) 300 10,300

6.3 INCOMES OF POLITICAL PARTIES [SECTION 13A]

Under section 13A, the following incomes of a political party are exempt from tax:
(a) Income from house property;
(b) Income from other sources;
(c) Capital gains;
(d) Any income by way of voluntary contributions received by a political party from any person.

Conditions for exemption:


(a) Such political party keeps and maintains such books of account and other documents as would
enable the Assessing Officer to properly deduce its income therefrom.
(b) In respect of each such voluntary contribution in excess of `20,000, such political party keeps and
maintains a record of such contribution and the name and address of the person who has made
such contribution; and
(c) The accounts of such political party are audited by a chartered accountant.

Meaning of political party: ―Political party‖ means an association or body of individual citizens of
India registered with the Election Commission of India as a political party under paragraph 3 of the
Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, and includes a political party deemed to
be registered with that Commission under the proviso to sub-paragraph (2) of that paragraph [
Explanation to section 13A]

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. A registered charitable trust meant for educational purpose has annual aggregate receipt of `
80,00,000. Its income after expenses is ` 20,00,000. The income liable to income-tax would be
(A) ` 80,00,000
(B) ` 60,00,000
(C) ‗Nil‘
(D) ` 30,00,000
2. Jayant working in a college received ` 2,000 per month as research allowance for pursuing
research. The taxable portion of allowance would be
(A) ` 2,000 pm.
(B) ` ‗Nil‘
(C) ` 1,000 p.m.
(D) ` ‗Nil‘ fully exempt
3. Children education allowance received by a salaried employee is exempt up to a maximum of
two children of:
(A) ` 100 p.m. per child
(B) ` 300 p.m. per child
(C) ` 500 p.m. per child
(D) Fully exempt without limit

DIRECT TAXATION 36
4. Income of minor child includible in the income of his/her parents exempt to the extent such income
does not exceed the following amount for each minor child – `
(A) 500
(B) 1,000
(C) 1,500
(D) 2,000
5. A trust shall not be considered as charitable trust when the commercial activities in the previous
year exceed ` …………………………..
(A) 10 lakhs
(B) 25lakhs
(C) 15lakhs
(D) 30lakhs
7. Income of securitization trust from the activity of securitization is
(A)Exempt
(B)Taxable at 20%
(C)Taxable at 5%
(D)Taxable at the regular rates
8. Amount is received under the notified reverse mortgage scheme is
A. Taxable as ‗Income from other sources‘
B. Exempt from tax
C.50% taxable
D. Taxable as capital
9. Azhar, being an employee in a transport company, received ` 10,000 per month by way of
allowance to meet his personal expenses in the course of running such transport system from one
place to another. The amount chargeable to tax is:
A. ` 3,000
(B) ` 10,000
(C) Nil
(D) None of these
10. A religious trust registered under section 12AA received ` 2,00,000 by way of anonymous donation.
The total amount of donation received during the year was ` 15,00,000. The amount of
anonymous donation chargeable to tax is
(A) ` 2,00,000
(B) ` 1,00,000
(C) ` 75,000
(D) Nil. Not taxable

DIRECT TAXATION 37
Section B
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RI7RWDO,QFRPHDQG7D[/LDELOLW\
(Syllabus - 2016)
SECTION B:
HEADS OF INCOME AND COMPUTATION OF INCOME UNDER VARIOUS HEADS
STUDY NOTE : 7
INCOME UNDER THE HEAD ―SALARIES‖

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


7.1 Meaning of Salary
7.2 The elements of Salary [Section 17(1)
7.3 Commutation of pension [Section 10(10A)]
7.4 Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity
7.5 Profit in lieu of Salary [Section 17(3)]
7.6 Leave Salary
7.7 Retrenchment Compensation
7.8 Allowances
7.9 Perquisites
7.10 Tax treatment of various Perquisites
7.11 Valuation of Perquisites taxable in the hands of Specified employees
7.12 Deduction from Gross Salary

7.1 MEANING OF SALARY

Sections 15 to 17 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 lay down the procedure for computation of Income
under the head "Salaries". The term ―Salary‖ has not been defined in the Act, except that section 15
identifies it broadly with certain types of receipt from the employer. Under the Act salary is a generic
term which includes wages and all payments received from the employer — past or present. It even
includes any amount received from a prospective employer before joining any employment with that
person.

Point to note:
In this unit we shall use the expressions ―Salaries‖ and Income under the head ―Salaries‖
interchangeably.

1. Employer-employee relationship:
No payment can be charged to tax under the head "Salaries" unless the relationship of employer and
employee exists between the payer and the payee. The relationship of employer and employee or
master and servant is, therefore, the primary basis of charge for income under this head.

 Contract of service v. contract for service: It is necessary to make a distinction between income
from employment which is taxable under section 15 and income from an office not amounting to
employment which is taxable under other sources. In case of income under the head Salaries,
there is a ‗contract of service‘ involving an employer-employee relationship, while in case of a
‗contract for service‘ there is a contractor/ service provider – client relationship.

Points to Note: The following are the examples of contract for service. These incomes are be
charged as Income from other source, not under the head ―Salaries‖:
 Monthly amount received by a person from a company as retainer (e.g., a chartered
accountant, a tax consultant, or a doctor) when he is not an employee of the company.
 Fees received by a director when he is not an employee of the company.
 Salary (bonus, commission or whatever) received by a partner from the firm, as these are nothing
but part of the total profit of the firm shared under different names.
 Remuneration received by a college teacher from the universities (if not his employer) for setting
papers or evaluation of answer papers.
 Salaries and allowances received by Members of Parliament or State Legislative Assembly, since
they are not Government employees.

DIRECT TAXATION 38
2. Salary from more than one source: Income-tax Act does not distinguish between part-time salary and
full-time salary. In fact, a person can have more than one employer and, therefore, may have more
than one source of income under this head. For example, a full-time teacher may have part-time
employment in another institution. In this case salary received from both places shall be taxable under
the head ''Salaries".

3. Foregoing or surrender of salary:


When a person voluntarily foregoes a part of his salary, it will not be excluded from his income.
However, salaries surrendered or foregone under the provisions of Voluntary Surrender of Salaries
(Exemption from Taxation) Act, 1962, shall be excluded from his income.

Points to note: The distinction between foregoing and surrender of salary should be noted. Foregoing
of salary is an application of income, while salary surrendered under the foresaid Act is exempt.
However, salary foregone before it became due cannot be taxable [ CIT v. Mehar Sing (90 ITR 219)]

4. Voluntary payments and personal gifts:


Income-tax Act does not make distinction between voluntary payment and contractual payment.
Unless otherwise specified in the Act, all perquisites or any other payments made by the employer to
the employee voluntarily shall be taxable.

Basis of charge [Section 15]:


According to Section 15, the charge under the head "Salaries" arises in respect of:
(a) any salary due from an employer or a former employer to an assessee in the previous year, whether
paid or not;
(b) any salary paid or allowed to him in the previous year by or on behalf of an employer or a former
employer though not due or before it became due to him;
(c) any arrears of salary paid or allowed to him in the previous year by or on behalf of an employer or
a former employer, if not charged to income-tax for any earlier previous year.

(b) Section 15 contemplates a tax on salaries at the earliest point of time, which is:
 in case of (a) above, the date when salaries accrue or become due (even though it is not
paid); and
 in the case of (b) above, the time of receipt (even though it is not due).
 In the case of (c) above, any arrears of salary become taxable on the basis of receipt, if it was
not charged to tax in any earlier previous year on accrual basis.

Points to note:
(i) Where any salary paid in advance is taxed in the year of receipt, it cannot be charged to tax
again when it becomes due [Explanation 1 to Section 15].
(ii) When any arrears of salary have been taxed on "due" basis, they cannot be taxed again when
paid [Explanation 2 to Section 5],
(iii) Any salary, bonus, commission or remuneration, by whatever name called, due to, or received
by, a partner of a firm from the firm shall not be regarded as "salary" for the purposes of this
section [Explanation 2 to Section 15].
(iv) Salary in lieu of notice period is taxable in the year of receipt [V. D. Talwarvs. C1T (1963) 49ITR122
SC].
(v) Bonus is taxable in the year in which it is received.

5. Place of accrual of salary:


The general rule is that salary is deemed to arise or accrue at the place where the service is rendered.
Therefore, salary and pension paid outside India in connection with the service in India shall be
deemed to accrue in India. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule:
(i) Under Section 9(l)(iii), salary paid to Government servants who are also Indian citizens, for services
rendered outside India, shall be deemed to arise or accrue in India. Allowances and perquisites
paid to such employees outside India are, by virtue of Section 10(7), exempt from tax.

DIRECT TAXATION 39
(ii) Under Section 9(2), pensions payable outside India to certain categories of Government
employees and Judges who permanently reside outside India, shall not be deemed to arise or
accrue in India.

Example 1: X, an officer in the Indian Embassy in the USA receives $1,00,000 p.a. as salary and the value
of perquisite provided by the Government of India amounts to $50,000 p.a. X is an Indian citizen and
during the previous year he did not visit India at all.
Discuss the taxability of his income.

Answer:
X is a non-resident for the relevant assessment year and as such income earned by a non-resident from
sources outside India is not taxable. However, u/s 9(1)(iii), salary paid to Government servants who are
also Indian citizens, for services rendered outside India, shall be deemed to arise or accrue in India.
Accordingly, such income shall be taxable in India. However, allowances and perquisites paid to such
an employee is exempt u/s 10(7).

7.2 ELEMENTS OF SALARY [SECTION 17(1)]

Although the term ―Salary‖ has not been exhaustively defined in the Act, the statutory definition of the
term under section 17(1) includes the following elements:
a. wages;
b. any annuity or pension;
c. any gratuity;
d. any fees, commissions, perquisites or profits in lieu of or in addition to any salary or wages;
e. any advance of salary;
f. any payment received by an employee in respect of any period of leave not availed of by him;
g. the annual accretion to the balance at the credit of an employee participating in a recognized
provident fund, to the extent to which it is chargeable to tax under Rule 6 of part A of the Fourth
Schedule;
h. the aggregate of all sums that are comprised in the transferred balance as referred to in sub-Rule
(2) of rule 11 of part A of the Fourth Schedule of an employee participating in a recognized
provident fund, to the extent to which it is chargeable to tax under sub-rule (4) thereof;
i. Contribution made by the Central Government or any other employer in the previous year to the
account of an employee under a pension scheme referred to in Section 80CCD.

Perquisites

Allowaces

Retirement/
terminal
Pay and benefits
incentives

A
Comprehensive view of Salary: Broadly speaking, whatever is received in exercise of an employment
comes within the purview of salary. For the ease of computation, the various elements of salaries may
be classified as under:
1. Pay and incentives: The following payments may be classified under this category:
(a) Basic salary or basic pay: Basic salary or basic pay: It is the amount attached to a post and
received by an employee irrespective of any other consideration. This is fully taxable.

DIRECT TAXATION 40
(b) Advance salary: This is the portion of salary becoming due in the following previous year, but
received in the current previous year. This is fully taxable on receipt basis.
(c) Arrears of salary: This is the portion of salary due in one or more earlier previous years (which
could not be charged for the reason of uncertainty or otherwise) but received during the
current previous year. This is fully taxable. For both advance salary and arrears of salary which is
included in the current year's income, an assessee can claim relief from income-tax under
Section 89.
(d) Pensions: Pension is a periodic (usually monthly) payment received by a person from his former
employer in consideration of past services. It is fully taxable under the head "Salaries". Family
pension received by the widow or the legal heirs of the deceased employee is taxable under
Section 56 as " Income from other sources.
(e) Annuity: Like pension, an annuity is a periodic payment for some past considerations. Annuity
received from present or past employer is fully taxable under the head "Salaries".
(f) Bonus, commission, fees, etc.: Bonus, commission, fees, etc., are part of the salary or wages
and are normally given as incentive to the employees. These are fully taxable.

2. Retirement or terminal benefits: The benefits in this category usually include the following:
 Employer‘s contribution to provident funds
 Interest credited to the Provident Fund
 Receipt from provident fund
 Commutation of pensions
 Death-cum-retirement gratuity
 Profits in lieu of salary
 Leave salary
 Compensation for voluntary retirement.

a. Tax treatment of employer‘s contribution to provident fund:


A provident fund is a kind of savings tor future benefit of the employee. Contribution to such a fund
may be made both by the employee and the employer. When the employee contributes to this fund
out of his taxable income, no additional benefit accrues to him. Therefore, nothing is taxable in this
respect. The taxability of the employer's contribution to the provident fund, however, depends on the
type of provident fund. A provident fund, depending on the types of administration of the fund, may
be classified into the following categories:
 Statutory provident fund: This is a provident fund to which the Provident Fund Act of 1925 applies.
Employees of the Central and State Governments, semi-Government organizations, local
authorities, universities, etc. are members of this fund. Employer's contribution to this fund is not
taxable.
 Recognized provident fund: This is a provident fund which is constituted under the Employees
Provident Fund Act of 1952 and which is as such approved by the Commissioner of Income-tax.
Employer's contribution to the fund is exempt up to 12% of salary. Any contribution by the employer
in excess of 12% of salary is taxable.

Salary for this purpose means basic salary and also includes dearness allowance, if such allowance is
given under the terms of employment. As per the decision in Gestetner Duplicators (P) Ltd. v.
CIT117ITR 1 (SC), commission based on fixed percentage of turnover achieved by the employee
shall also be included within salary.

 Unrecognized provident fund: A provident fund which is neither a statutory provident fund nor a
recognized provident fund is known as unrecognized provident fund. Employer's contribution to this
provident fund is not taxable [See para 15 for further details],
 Approved superannuation fund: An approved superannuation fund means a superannuation fund
which is approved by the Chief Commissioner or Commissioner of Income-tax in accordance with
the rules contained in part B of the Fourth Schedule to the Income-tax Act, 1961. Contributions to

DIRECT TAXATION 41
this fund can be made by the employee as well as the employer. Employer's contribution to this
fund is not taxable.

With effect from the assessment year 2017-2018, employer's contribution to this fund in excess of `
1,50,000 shall be treated as a perquisite which is taxable at the hands of the employee.
• Public provident fund: This is a provident fund to which any individual - whether salaried or not - can
contribute. Such contribution can be made in multiples of ` 5, subject to a minimum of ` 100 but
not exceeding ` 1,50,000 per annum. Employers generally do not contribute to this fund. The
question of taxability on account of employer's contribution, therefore, does not arise.

b. Interest credited to the provident fund:


The accumulated balance in the provident fund earns some interest on its yearly balance, the benefit
of which goes to the employee. Taxability of such interest on the yearly balance is as follows:
 Interest credited to statutory provident fund: It is totally exempt from tax.
 Interest credited to the recognized provident fund: Interest credited to recognized provident fund is
exempt up to 9-5% of the accumulated balance. Any interest in excess of 9-5% is taxable.
 Interest credited to the unrecognized provident fund: Yearly interest on the accumulated balance
in the unrecognized provident fund is not taxable.
 Interest credited to the approved superannuation fund: Yearly interest on the accumulated
balance in such fund is exempt from tax.
 Interest credited to the public provident fund: Yearly interest on the accumulated balance in the
public provident fund is totally exempt from tax.

c. Lump sum received from the provident fund:


The tax treatment of a lump sum received from the provident fund is as follows:
 In the case of statutory provident fund: Lump sum received from the statutory provident fund time
of retirement or termination of service is exempt from tax [Section 10(11)].
 In the case of recognized provident fund: Amount received from the recognized provident fund at
the time of retirement or termination of service is exempt from tax [u/s 10(12)], provided the
following conditions are satisfied:
a. the employee has rendered continuous service with his employer for a minimum period of 5
years, or
b. in case of a shorter period, he has resigned or his services have been terminated due to illness
or any other reason beyond his control, or
c. on the cessation of employment, the employee has obtained employment with another
employer and the accumulated balance of the provident fund in his individual account is
transferred to any recognized provident fund maintained by such employer.
 In the case of unrecognized provident fund: Lump sum received from the provident fund
representing employer's contribution and interest thereon is taxable under the head salaries as
"profits in lieu of salary" u/s 17(3). Amount representing interest on employee's contribution is taxable
under the head "Income from other sources" and so much of the amount as representing
employee's own contribution is, however, not taxable.
 In the case of balance of unrecognized provident fund transferred to a recognized provident fund:
Subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, the Commissioner of Income-tax may accord
recognition to an unrecognized provident fund. The accumulated balance in the unrecognized
provident fund in such a case may be either withdrawn by the employee or it may be transferred
to the recognized provident fund.

 In the ease of approved superannuation fund: Amount received from the approved
superannuation fund is exempt from tax [u/s 10(13)], provided that conditions laid down under Rule
2, Part B of Schedule IV of the Income-tax Act are fulfilled.
 In the case of public provident fund: Amount received from the public provident fund is fully
exempt.

DIRECT TAXATION 42
Example 2: X is a member of an unrecognized provident fund to which he and his employers
contributes equally. At the time of his retirement, he receives from the provident fund a sum of `
1,50,000, out of which ` 30,000 is accounted for the interest. Discuss the taxability of the receipt at the
hands of X.

Answer:
Since the contribution is made equally by the employer and the employee, the principal amount of
contribution by the employer and the employee shall be `60,000 each [`(150,000 – 30,000)/2 = `
60,000]. Similarly, the interest on employer‘s contribution and the employee‘s contribution are in equal
portion i.e. ` 30,000/ 2 = ` 15,000 each.
Under section 17(3), employer‘s contribution plus interest thereon (` 60,000 + 15,000) shall be taxable
under the head ―Salaries‖ as profits in-lieu of salary, while the interest on employee‘s contribution (`
15,000) shall be taxable as Income from other sources. Employee‘s contribution is not taxable as it was
paid out of his taxable income.

7.3 COMMUTATION OF PENSION [SECTION 10(10A)]

While monthly pension is fully taxable, the commuted value of pension (lump sum payment in lieu of
monthly pension) is exempt u/s 10(10A), subject to the following conditions:
• In the case of Government employee: Commuted value of pension received by a Government
employee is fully exempt u/s 10(10A) (i).
• In the case of non-government employees: Under Section 10(10A) (ii), commuted value of pension
received by any non-Government employee is exempt subject to the following:
(i) When a non-Government employee also receives gratuity: When in addition to the commuted
pension the non-Government employee also received gratuity, l/3rd of the full commuted
value of pension is exempt from tax.
(ii) When a non-Government employee does not receive gratuity: A non-Government employee
who does not receive any gratuity is eligible to claim 1/2 of the commuted value of pension as
exemption.

Example 3.
B is an employee of BPC P Ltd. On 1st May 2017, he retired from service with a monthly pension of
`20,000. He commuted 60% of the pension and received `12, 40,000. He was not in receipt of any
gratuity. Determine the amount which is taxable for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of taxable amount of commuted value of pension for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017
` `
Amount received on commutation of pension 12,40,000
Less: Exempt u/s 10(10A)(ii): one-half of the full Commuted value of pension (Note) 10,33,333
Amount taxable 2,06,667

Notes:
Full commuted value of pension `=12,40,000 x100/60 ` =20,66,667
Therefore, one-half of the full commuted value is = `20,66,667 x ½ = ` 10,33,333

7.4 DEATH-CUM-RETIREMENT GRATUITY

Gratuity is a retirement benefit given by the employer to the employee in consideration of past
services. Gratuity received while in service is fully taxable under the head ―Salaries‖. Gratuity received
by the employee at the time of retirement is also taxable under the head "Salaries". However, section
10(10) provides for certain exemptions to the employees or the legal heirs of the employees as under.

DIRECT TAXATION 43
1. Gratuity received by Government employees:
Gratuity received by the employees of the Central Government or State Governments or local
authorities is, by virtue of Section 10(10) (i), fully exempt.

2. Gratuity received by the employees who are covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972:
Under Section 10(10) (ii), gratuity received by an employee who is covered under the Payment of
Gratuity Act, 1972, is exempt to the extent of the least of the following:
(a) (a)Amount actually received as gratuity;
(b) based on last drawn salary, 15 days salary for each year of completed service or part thereof in
excess of 6 months;
(c) Statutory limit: ` 10,00,000

Meaning of salary: Salary for this purpose means Basic + D.A. and 15 days salary shall he computed
by taking 26 days as the maximum number of days in a month.
In the case of a seasonal establishment, 15 days as mentioned in (b) above shall be taken to be 7
days.

3. Gratuity received by other employees:


Under Section 10(10) (iii), gratuity received by the other employees (i.e. a person who is neither a
Government employee nor covered by the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972.) is exempt to the extent of
the least of the following:
(a) Amount actually received as gratuity;
(b) One-half month's average salary for each year of completed service (any fraction of service
period being ignored);
(c) Statutory limit: ` 10,00,000.

Meaning of salary: Salary for this purpose means Basic + D.A. (if terms of employment so provide) +
commission based on fixed percentage of turnover.
Average salary for this purpose means average salary for the last 10 months preceding the month of
retirement.

Points to note:
1. In the event of death of the employee it is given to the legal heirs of the deceased employee.
Gratuity received by the legal heirs of the deceased employee is taxable under the head
"Income from other sources".
2. In case the employee receives gratuity from two or more employers, the sum total of exemption
shall not exceed ` 10,00,000.
3. Where total income of an employee includes gratuity in respect of which no exemption has been
given, the employee is entitled to claim relief u/s 89.

Example 4: Gratuity of ` 1,20,000 is received in August, 2016 by M, a legal heir of R aged 45 who died
on June 28, 2016. Is it taxable? [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2008]

Answer:
Gratuity received by the legal heirs of a deceased employee is taxable as Income from other sources.

Example 5: V retires on 1st Feb., 2017 after serving for 30 years and 5 months. He gets ` 10, 70,000 as
gratuity. His salary details are as under:
FY 2016-17 salary `1,00,000 p.m. D.A. 50% of salary. 50% thereof taken for retirement benefits.
FY 2015-16 Salary `90,000 p.m. D.A. 50% of salary. 50% thereof forms part of retirement benefits.
Compute the taxable amount of gratuity in his hands in the following situations:
(i) She retires from government service;
(ii) She retires from a private sector company to which the Payment of Gratuity Act does not apply;
(iii) She retires from seasonal factory in a private sector, covered under Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.
[CMA-Inter, June 2011 (Adapted)]

DIRECT TAXATION 44
Answer:
Computation of taxable amount of gratuity for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous
year 2016-17
Case (i) Case (ii) Case (iii)
Gratuity received 10,70,000 10, 70,000 10,70,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(10) [See notes] 10,70,000 10,00,000 10,00,000
Taxable gratuity Nil 70,000 70,000

Note 1: U/s 10(10)(i), in the case of Government employees, the exemption for gratuity is 100%.
Note 2: U/s 10(10)(iii), exemption in case of case (ii) when the employee is not covered by the Payment
Gratuity Act, 1972, being the least of the following:
`
(a) Amount actually received 10,70,000
(b) One-half month‘s salary for each year of completed service 18,75,000
(c) Statutory limit 10,00,000

[Salary from April 2016 to January 2017 being 10 months‘ salary preceding the month of retirement =
(Basic + portion of DA that goes into retirement benefit= ` 1,00,000 + (1,00,000 x 50%x ½)= ` 1,25,000.
Therefore, one- half months salary for each year of completed service = ` 1,25,000 x ½ x 30 = ` 18,75,000

Note 3: U/s 10(10)(ii), exemption in case of case (iii) when the employee is covered by the Payment
Gratuity Act, 1972, being the least of the following:
`
(a) Amount actually received 10,70,000
(b) 7 days‘ salary for each year of completed service 12,11,538
(c) Statutory limit 10,00,000

7 days‘ salary (Basic + DA) for each year of completed service or part thereof in excess of 6 months: `
1,50,000 x 7/26 x 30 = ` 12,11,538.

Profits in lieu ofIN


7.5 PROFITS salary
LIEU OF SALARY

Under Section 17(3), profits in lieu of salary is taxable and includes the following:
a. Any compensation received or due to be received from the employer or any former employer in
connection with termination of service.
b. Any compensation received or due to be received from the employer or any former employer in
connection with modification of terms of employment.
c. Any payment due or received from the employer except those which are specifically exempt
under any clause of Section 10.
d. Payment from any unrecognized provident fund to the extent it does not consist of employee's
own contribution and interest thereon.
e. Any sum received under any Keyman insurance policy.

"Keyman insurance policy" means a life insurance policy taken by a person on the life of another
person who is or was the employee of the first-mentioned person or is or was connected in any
manner whatsoever with the business of the first-mentioned person [Explanation to Section 10(10D)].

7.6 LEAVE SALARY

Leave salary is the cash equivalent received by an employee for leave not availed of. While
encashment of leave during continuation of service is fully taxable, exemption u/s 10 (10AA) is
available in respect leave salary received at the time of retirement as under:

DIRECT TAXATION 45
1. Encashment of leave salary by Government employees: Leave encashment by the employees of the
Central Government or the State Governments at the time of retirement is fully exempt u/s 10(10AA) (i).

2. Encashment of leave salary by non-Government employees U/s 10(10AA) (ii): leave encashment by
the non-Government employees (including employees of local authority or public sector undertakings)
at the time of retirement are exempt to the extent of the least of the following:
(a) Cash equivalent of leave salary in respect of accumulated leave to the credit of the employee;
such leave entitlement shall not exceed 30 days for each year of completed service.

• Meaning of salary?
Meaning of salary: "Salary" means basic salary and includes dearness allowance if terms of
employment so provide. It also includes commission based on turnover achieved by an employee as
per terms of contract of employment, but excludes all other allowances and perquisites.

(b) 10 months average salary.


(c) Leave encashment actually received.
(d) Statutory limit: ` 3,00,000.

Meaning of Salary: For this purpose, Salary means Basic pay + D.A (if given as per the terms of
employment) + Commission based on fixed percentage of turnover achieved by the employee
during the previous year. Further, 10 months average salary shall be computed on the basis of
average salary during the 10 months preceding his retirement. For example, if the employee retires
on 15th June, 2016, 10 months average salary shall be computed on the basis of salary drawn from
14th September, 2015 to 15th June, 2016.

Points to note:
1. In the case of an employee who receives leave salary from more than one employer, exemption
u/s 10(l0AA) (ii) for the subsequent time shall not exceed the overall limit of ` 3,00,000.
2. Where the total income of an employee includes leave salary for which no exemption has been
enjoyed, the employee can claim relief u/s 89.
3. Leave salary received by the members of the family of the Government employee, who dies in
harness, is not taxable in the hands of the recipient [Circular No. 309 dated 3.7.1981].
4. Leave salary paid to the legal heirs of the deceased employee in respect of privilege leave
standing to the credit of such employee at the time of his/her death is not taxable as salary. It is
an ex gratia payment on compassionate grounds in the nature of gift [Letter: No. 35/1/65-IT (B),
dated 5.11.1965].

Example 6: S, an employee of XY Ltd., received ` 8 lakhs as leave salary on his retirement on 28.02.2016.
Average salary drawn during last 10 months was ` 35,000. Last drawn salary is ` 40,000. He rendered
service of 24 years and 7 months. Leave taken while in service was 9 months. Leave entitlement as per
employer‘s rules is 1.5 months for each completed year of service. Calculate the taxable leave salary
for the assessment year 2016-17. [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2015]

Answer:
Computation of taxable amount of gratuity for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous
year 2016-17
` `
Leave salary received 8,00,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10 (10AA) (ii) 3,00,000
Taxable leave salary 5,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 46
Exemption u/s 10(10AA) (ii) being least of the following:
(i) Amount of leave salary actually received ` 8,00,000
(ii) Cash equivalent of leave salary in respect of accumulated Leave to the credit of ` 6,30,000
the employee [Maximum 30 days for each year of completed service]
(iii) 10 months' average salary ` 3,50,000
(iv) Statutory limit ` 3,00,000

[Leave entitlement @ 30 days = 24 months; Less, leave taken 9 months; Leave to the credit = 15 months:
@ `35,000 p.m. = `5,25,000. 10 months‘ average salary = 10 x 35000 = `3,50,000]

7.7 RETRENCHMENT COMPENSATION

Under section 10(10B), retrenchment compensation given to a workman (workman as defined in the
Industrial Disputes Act, 1947) is exempt to the extent of the least of the following:
(a) Amount calculated u/s 25F(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1974, (which shall not exceed 15 days
average pay for each year of completed service or part thereof in excess of six months).
(b) Amount actually received as compensation.
(c) ` 5,00,000.

Example 7: M was retrenched from service of ABC Limited. He received retrenchment compensation
amounting to ` 8,80,000. Amount of compensation determined under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1948 is
` 4, 80,000. The scheme of retrenchment is not approved by the Central Government. Compute the
taxable retrenchment compensation. [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2014 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Where the retrenchment is not in accordance with any scheme approved by the Central Government,
then, under section 10 (10B), the exemption for retrenchment compensation shall be lower of the
following:
(a) Amount calculated u/s 25F(b) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1974
(b) Amount actually received
(c) Statutory limit ` 5,00,000

In the present case the amount of exemption shall be ` 4,80,000 being the amount determined under
the Industrial Disputes Act.

Compensation received at the time of voluntary retirement


Subject to the conditions laid down under Rule 2BA, Section 10(10C) grants exemption on lump sum
payments received or receivable by an employee of specified institutions at the time of his voluntary
retirement or termination of service.

 Conditions specified under Rule 2BA:


Exemption under Section 10(10C) is available only if the payments are received by employees at the
time of their voluntary retirement/ separation from service in accordance with a scheme or schemes of
voluntary retirement/separation, and such a scheme or schemes must have been framed by the
employers in accordance with the prescribed guidelines (including inter alia the criterion of economic
viability). The guidelines laid down in Rule 2BA stipulates that the scheme framed by the employer
should be in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) It applies to an employee who has completed 10 years of service or completed 40 years of age.
[This condition is not applicable in the case of amount received by an employee of a public sector
company under a scheme of voluntary separation framed by such public sector company].
(ii) Excepting the directors of a company or of a co-operative society, it applies to all employees (by
whatever name called), including workers and executives.

DIRECT TAXATION 47
(iii) The scheme of voluntary retirement or voluntary separation has been drawn to result in overall
reduction in the existing strength of the employees.
(iv) The vacancy caused by voluntary retirement or voluntary separation is not to be filled up.
(v) The retiring employee is not to be employed in another company or concern belonging to the
same management.
(vi) The amount receivable on account of voluntary retirement/separation of the employees does not
exceed the amount equivalent to three months' salary for each completed year of service or
salary at the time of retirement multiplied by the balance months of service left before the date of
his retirement on superannuation.

The maximum amount, however, shall not exceed ` 5 lakhs in case of each employee.

Example 8: H, working in a public sector company, opted for voluntary retirement scheme and
received ` 7 lakh as VRS compensation. She claimed ` 5 lakhs as exemption under section 10(10C) and
in respect of the balance amount of ` 2 lakh, he claimed relief under section 89. Advise H as to the
correctness of the aforesaid tax treatment. [CMA-Inter, June 2010 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Amount received under an approved voluntary retirement scheme is eligible for exemption under
section 10(10C) to the extent of ` 5,00,000. However, exemption under section 10(10C) and relief under
section 89 are mutually exclusive. As a result, if H avails of the benefit of section 10(10C), he will not be
eligible to claim relief under section 89. Alternatively, he can claim relief under section 89, but in that
case he has to forgo the benefit of section 10(10C).

7.8 ALLOWANCES

Allowances are monetary benefits, usually payable in cash, to meet specific expenses of the
employees. Some common examples of allowances are:
Examples of allowances Examples of allowances
 Dearness allowance/ dearness pay  Servant allowance
 House rent allowance  Lunch and Tiffin allowance
 Medical allowance  Car allowance
 City compensatory allowance  Transport allowance
 Children education allowance  Entertainment allowance
 Hostel allowance  Any other allowance

Tax treatment of various allowances


While allowances paid to an employee wholly and exclusively for performing official duties are exempt
from tax, other allowances are generally taxable unless specific exemption is provided under any
provision of the Act.

a. Allowances which are fully taxable: The following allowances are fully taxable:
1. Dearness allowance/ Dearness pay: Dearness allowance is an allowance which is given to an
employee to meet extra cost of living due to price level change. It is fully taxable. Sometimes,
employees are also given dearness pay (D.P). D.P. is similar to D.A. and is fully taxable. When D.A. or
D.P. is given as per the terms of employment or is taken into computation of retirement benefit of the
employee, it takes on the character of pay and, therefore, has to be considered for computation of
the value of other allowances or perquisites given at a certain percentage of salary.
2. Medical allowance: Fixed medical allowance given to the employees is, irrespective of the actual
amount spent, fully taxable.
3. City compensatory allowance: City compensatory allowance is given to the employees to meet
the increased cost of living in a particular city. For example, Mumbai is a costlier place than Kolkata.
Therefore, if an employee is transferred from Kolkata to Mumbai, he may be compensated by city

DIRECT TAXATION 48
compensatory allowance for such increased cost of living. City compensatory allowance is fully
taxable.
4. Servant allowance: Fully taxable
5. Lunch and Tiffin allowance: Fully taxable
6. Miscellaneous taxable allowances:
Examples of such allowances which are fully taxable include: Marriage allowance, project
allowance, overtime allowance, warden allowance, family allowance on-practicing allowance,
winter allowance, etc.

b. Allowances which are exempt from tax: The following allowances are either partially exempt or fully
exempt:

House rent allowance: House rent allowance is given to an employee to meet his expenses in
connection with the rented accommodation of the employee.
Under Section 10(13A) and Rule 2A, house rent allowance is exempt to the extent of the least of the
following:
(a) actual amount received as house rent allowance in respect of the period during which the rented
accommodation is occupied by the employee, or
(b) the excess of house rent actually paid over 10% of salary during the relevant period, or
(c) 50% of salary in case the rented accommodation is situated at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi or Chennai
and 40% of salary where the rented accommodation is situated at other places.

Meaning of salary: For this purpose, salary means basic salary and includes D.A. or D.P. if given as
per terms of employment. As per the decision in Gestetner Duplicators Pvt. Ltd. vs. CIT [117 ITR 1
(SC)], it also includes commission based on fixed percentage of turnover achieved by the
employee.

Points to note:
 No deduction u/s 10(13A) shall be allowed if the accommodation occupied by the assessee is
owned by him or the assessee has not actually paid any rent for the accommodation
[Explanation to Section 10(13A)].
 Where the rented accommodation is occupied by the assessee for part of the year, the
exemption shall be based on salary of this period only. For example, if the assessee lives in a
rented accommodation for six months and thereafter lives in his own house or in a rent-free
accommodation provided by the employer, exemption u/s 10(13A) shall be based on salary of
the period during which the assessee stays in the rented accommodation.

Example 9: X, a resident of Bengaluru, receives ` 20,00,000 as basic salary. In addition, he gets ` 6 lakhs
as dearness allowance (forming part of basic salary), 3.5% commission on sales made by him (sale
made by X during the previous year in ` 80,00,000); ` 2,40,000 is paid to him as house rent allowance.
He however pays ` 2,80,000 as house rent. Determine the quantum of HRA exempt from tax as well as
the amount taxable. [CMA-Inter, June 2013]

Answer:

Computation of exemption u/s 10(13A), Rule 2A for the assessment year 2017-18
` `
Amount received as HRA 2,40,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A) , Rule 2A being the least of the following:
(a) Amount received as HRA 2,40,000
(b) Rent paid Less 10% of salary [ ` 2,80,000 –2,85,000] Nil
(c) 40% of Salary 11,40,000
Nil

DIRECT TAXATION 49
Note: Salary for the purpose of section 10(13A), Rule 2A= Basic + DA (if given under the terms of
employment) + Commission given as a fixed percentage of salary [ 20,00,000 + 6,00,000 + 2,80,000 = `
28,50,000]

Example 10.
X, who resides in Kanpur, receives ` 78,000 as basic pay during the financial year 2015-16. He stays in his
father‘s house up to August 31, 2015 for which he does not pay any rent, and thereafter in an
accommodation taken on monthly rent of ` 3,000. The employer, however, pays ` 700 per month as
house rent allowance throughout the previous year. Calculate the HRA taxable in hands of X for the
assessment year 2016-17. [CMA-Inter, Dec.2007]

Answer:
Computation of taxable amount of house rent allowance for the assessment year 2016-17 relating to
the previous year 2015-16
` `
House rent allowance received [ `700 x 12] 8,400
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A), Rule 2A being the least of the following:
(a) HRA received [` 700 x 12] 8,400
(b) Rent paid less 10% of salary of the relevant period (Note) 2,800
(c) 40% of salary [ ` 21,000 x 40%] 8,400 2,800
Taxable HRA 5,600

Note: Since the assessee lives in rented house for 7 months, exemption for HRA shall be available for
that period only. Salary for that period is: ` 78,000 x 7/12 = 45,500. Rent paid for 7 months = ` 3,000 x 7 = `
21,000. Therefore, rent paid less 10% of salary = (` 700 x 7) ` 4,900 – (` 21,000 x 10%)= ` 2,800

Special Allowances which are exempt u/s 10(14):


Section 10(14) specifies certain allowances, which are exempt from tax. These allowances may be
categorized under the following two groups:
(i) Allowances which are exempt up to the amount actually spent.
(ii) Allowances which are exempt up to the prescribed amount.

 Allowances which are exempt up to the amount actually spent [Section 10(14)(i), Rule 2BB(1)] :
Under Section 10(14(i), exemption is granted in respect of allowances which are prescribed in Rule 2BB
(1), and which are :
(i) not in the nature of perquisite within the meaning of Section 17(2);
(ii) granted to the employee to meet his expenses, which are spent wholly and exclusively in the
performance of official duties.

Rule 2BB (1) specifies the following special allowances, which are exempt to the extent they are
actually spent for the specified purposes:

1. Transfer allowance: Any allowance granted to meet the cost of travel on tour or transfer, including
any sum paid in connection with transfer, packing and transportation of personal effects on such
transfer is exempt to the extent of allowance received or amount actually spent, whichever is lower.
2. Daily allowance:
Daily allowance received on tour or for the period of journey in connection with transfer is exempt to
the extent the amount is actually spent for the purpose.
3. Conveyance allowance:

DIRECT TAXATION 50
Any conveyance allowance received by the employee, which is actually spent for the performance of
official duties, is exempt. No exemption shall be granted if the employer provides free conveyance.
4. Helper allowance:
Any allowance granted to meet the expenditure incurred on a helper, where such helper is engaged
for the performance of official duties, is exempt.
5. Academic allowance:
Any allowance granted for encouraging the academic, research and training pursuits in educational
and research institutions is exempt.
6. Uniform allowance:
Any allowance granted to meet expenditure incurred on the purchase or maintenance of uniform for
official purposes is exempt.

 Allowances which are exempt up to the prescribed amount [Section 10(14)(ii), Rule2BB(2)] :
Section 10(14)(ii) covers the prescribed allowances, which are granted to the employee either to meet
his personal expenses at the place where the duties of his office or employment of profit are ordinarily
performed by him or at the place where he ordinarily resides, or to compensate him for the increased
cost of living. Such allowances, which are prescribed in Rule 2BB (2), are exempt to the extent specified
in that rule. The provisions of Rule 2BB (2) are broadly as under:
7. Children education allowance:
Any allowance received by an employee to meet the cost of education on his children is exempt up to
` 100 p.m. per child or the actual amount received, whichever is lower. Such exemption is available up
to a maximum of two children.
8. Hostel allowance:
Any allowance received by the employee to meet the hostel expenditure on his children is exempt up
to ` 300 p.m. or the actual amount received, whichever is lower. Such exemption is granted up to a
maximum of two children.
9. Transport allowance:
Transport allowance received by an employee to meet his expenditure for the purpose of commuting
between his residence and place of duty is exempt up to ` 1,600 p.m. (Vide I.T. 6th Amdt.) Rules 2015,
w.e.f. with retrospective effect from the 2015-2016) or the actual amount of allowance received,
whichever is lower.
In the case of an employee, who is blind or physically handicapped, the exemption shall be to the
extent of ` 3,200 p.m. (Vide I.T. 6th Amdt.) Rules 2015, w.r.e.f. 2015-16). or the actual amount of
allowance received, whichever is lower.
10. Allowance received by transport employees:
Allowance received by an employee, who is working in any transport system, to meet his personal
expenditure during his duty performed in the course of running of such transport from one place to
another is exempt to the extent of 70% of such allowance or ` 10,000 p.m., whichever is lower [vide
IT(Eighth Amdt.) Rules 2010]. Such exemption can be claimed only if the employee is not in receipt of
daily allowance.
11. Hill area or high altitude or uncongenial climate allowance:
Exemption for such allowances varies between ` 300 and ` 800 p.m. In the case of Siachen area of
Jammu and Kashmir, the exemption is limited to ` 7,000 p.m. [See Appendix IV].
12. Border Area Allowance or Remote Locality Allowance or Difficult Area Allowance or Disturbed Area
Allowance:
Exemption for such allowances varies between `200 p.m. and `1,300 p.m. [See Appendix IV].
13. Tribal area allowance:
Any special compensatory allowance in the nature of Tribal areas/Scheduled areas/Agency areas
allowance in the State of Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, West
Bengal, Bihar and Orissa is exempt to the extent of ` 200 p.m. or the amount of allowance received,
whichever is lower.
14. Compensatory field area allowance:

DIRECT TAXATION 51
Any compensatory field area allowance granted in the specified areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and throughout Manipur and Nagaland is
exempt to the extent of ` 2,600 p.m. or the amount of allowance received, whichever is lower.
15. Compensatory modified field area allowance:
Compensatory modified field area allowance in the specified areas of Punjab and Rajasthan, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Sikkim and West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and
Kashmir and throughout Mizoram and Tripura is exempt to the extent of ` 1,000 p.m. or the amount of
allowance received, whichever is lower [See Appendix IV].
16 Counter-insurgency allowance:
Counter-insurgency allowance granted to the members of the armed forces operating in areas away
from their permanent locations for a period of more than 30 days is exempt to the extent of ` 3,900 p.m.
or the amount of allowance received, whichever is lower.
17. Underground allowance:
Underground allowance granted to an employee who is working in uncongenial, unnatural climate in
underground coal mines is exempt to the extent of ` 800 p.m. or the amount of allowance received,
whichever is lower.
18. High altitude allowance:
High altitude (uncongenial climate) allowance granted to the member of the armed forces operating
in high areas is exempt to the extent of ` 1,060 p.m. for an area situated in the altitude of 9000 - 15000
feet,
` 1,600 for an area situated in the altitude above 15000 feet, or the amount of allowance received,
whichever is lower.
19. Special compensatory highly active field area allowance:
Such an allowance granted to the members of the armed forces is exempt to the extent of ` 4,200 p.m.
or the amount of allowance received, whichever is lower.
20. Island allowance:
Any special allowance granted to the members of the armed forces in the nature of Island (duty)
allowance in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep group of Islands is exempt to the extent of `3,250
p.m. or the amount of allowance received, whichever is lower.
Other exempted allowances:
 Allowances to Government employees paid outside India: Allowances paid to a Government
employee, who is an Indian citizen, for services rendered outside India are exempt from tax.
 Allowances to High Court Judges: Allowances paid to High Court judges under Section 22A (2) of
the High Court Judges (Consolidation of Service) Act, 1954 are exempt from tax.
 Sumptuary allowances: Sumptuary allowance to the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
is exempt from tax.
 Allowances from UNO: Allowances received from the United Nations Organisation are exempt from
tax vide Section 2 of UN (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1974.

7.9 PERQUISITES

The term perquisite has been defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as ‗any casual emolument, fee or
profit, attached to an office or position in addition to salary or wages. Perquisites, being personal
benefits attached to a post, may be given in cash or in kind. The legal definition of perquisites u/s 17(2)
includes the following:
(i) the value of rent-free accommodation provided to the assessee by the employer [Section 17(2)(i)];
(ii) the value of any concession in the matter of rent respecting any accommodation provided to the
assessee by the employer [Section 17(2)(ii)];
(iii) the value of any benefit or amenity granted or provided free of cost or at a concessional rate in
any one of the following cases [Section 17(2)(iii)]:
(a) by a company to an employee who is a director;
(b) by a company to an employee who has substantial interest in the company;

DIRECT TAXATION 52
(c) by any employer (including a company) to an employee (other than employees mentioned in
(a) and (b) above whose income under the head ―Salaries‖ exclusive of the value of all
benefits or amenities not provided by way of monetary payment exceeds fifty thousand
rupees;
(i) any sum paid by the employer in respect of any obligation which, but for such payment, would
have been payable by the assessee [Section 17(2)(iv)];
(ii) any sum payable by the employer whether directly or through a fund, other than recognised
provident fund or an approved superannuation fund or deposit linked insurance fund, to effect an
insurance on the life of the assessee or to effect a contract for an annuity [Section 17(2)(v)];and
(iii) the value of any specified security or sweat equity shares allotted or transferred, directly or
indirectly, by the employer, or former employer, free of cost or at concessional rate to the assessee
[Section17(2)(vi)];
(iv) the amount of any contribution to an approved superannuation fund by the employer in respect of
the assessee, to the extent it exceeds one lakh rupees [Section 17(2)(vii)]; and
(v) the value of any other fringe benefit or amenity as may be prescribed [Section 17(2)(viii)].

 When perquisites become taxable:


The year of taxability of perquisites is as under:
Description of Year of taxability
perquisites
Sections: 17(2)(i); Perquisites which are provided or granted to the employee are taxable in the
17(2)(ii); 17(2)(iii) year in which the provisions are made provision is made
Section 17(2)(iv) Taxable in the previous year in which the payment is actually made.
Section :17(2)(v) Taxable in the previous year in which payment falls due.

 Examples of perquisites: As shown below, all the perquisites u/s 17(2) may be classified as under:

Perquisites

Taxable Tax-free

Taxable to all employees Taxable at the hands of specified employees

Perquisites at a glance
Taxable perquisites Tax-free perquisites
(A) Taxable in all cases: 1. Accommodation in remote areas
1. Rent-free accommodation u/s 17(2) (i) 2. Accommodation on transfer of employees
2. Accommodation provided at concessional 3. Reimbursement of car expenses when
rent u/s 17(2)(ii) employee owns the car
3. Obligations of the employee met by the 4. Educational facilities for employee's
employer which otherwise would have been children up to ` 1,000 p.m. per child, when
payable by him u/s 17(2)(iv), e.g.: school is owned or maintained by the
(a) payment of employee's loan employer
(b) payment of personal gas and electricity bill 5. Interest-free loan up to ` 20,000
(c) Income-tax and profession tax paid by the 6. Loan for medical treatment
employer 7. Tea and snacks provided during office
(d) domestic servant paid by the employer hours or meals during the office hours at
when such servants are appointed by the office premise or through non- transferable

DIRECT TAXATION 53
employee paid vouchers usable at outside eating
(e) payment of education bill of the joints up to ` 50 per meal
employee's children by the employer, 8. Gift or gift voucher up to ` 5,000 during the
including reimbursement of fees year
4. Life insurance premium or deferred insurance 9. Club facility enjoyed under corporate
premium of the employee paid by the membership
employer, u/s 17(2)(v) 10. Free telephone including mobile phone
5. Specified security or sweat equity u/s 17(2) (vi) 11. Medical facilities
6. Employer's contribution to the approved 12. Health club, sports and similar facilities
superannuation fund in excess of ` one lakh u/s provided uniformly to all employees
17(2) (vii) 13. Laptops and computers provided by
7. Other fringe benefit or amenity u/s 17(2) (viii) employer
e.g., 14. Car facilities between residence and
(a) Interest-free loan or loan at concessional office or workplace
rate 15. Amount spent on training or refreshers
(b) Travelling, tour, holiday home at the cost course for employees
of the employer 16. Perquisites to an Indian citizen who is a
(c) Free meals Government servant and rendering service
(d) Gift or gift voucher in lieu of gifts outside India
(e) Credit card facility 17. Rent-free residence to Judges of High
(f) Club facility Court and Supreme Court
(g) Use of any movable assets (other than 18. Rent-free official residence to an official of
laptop and computers) Parliament or Union Minister or Leader of
(h) Benefits arising from transfer of other the Opposition in Parliament
movable assets of the employer 19. Leave travel concessions
(i) Any other benefit or amenity, service, right 20. Tax on non-monetary perquisites paid by
or privilege but excluding telephones the employer
facilities 21. Provision of personal/private journey free of
cost or at concessional fare by the
B. Taxable in the hands of specified employees employer to the employees of an airline or
[Section 17(2)(iii)]: the Railways
(1) Free service of sweeper, gardener, watchman,
etc.
(2) Free educational facility at employer's school
(3) Provision of personal journey by employer
engaged in carrying passengers or goods

7.10 TAX TREATMENT OF VARIOUS PERQUISITES

1. Valuation of rent-free accommodation or accommodation provided at concessional rent [Rule 3 (1)


and Explanations 1 and 2 to Section 17(2)(ii)]: The value of rent-free accommodation provided to the
Government as well as the non-government employees shall be as under:
a. Accommodation provided to Government employees:

For the purpose of Rule 3(1), Government employee means an employee of the State Government or
the Central Government only.

An employee serving with any undertaking of the State or Central Government on deputation, or
semi-Government employees or employees of a foreign Government do not fall within the category
of Government employees; They are to be treated as non-government employees.

DIRECT TAXATION 54
The value of rent-free accommodation provided to a Government employee as aforesaid shall be
determined as under:
 If the accommodation is unfurnished: The value of accommodation shall be equal to the licence
fee determined by the Central or State Government in accordance with the Service Rules.
 If the accommodation is furnished: With the amount determined as above for unfurnished
accommodation, 10% p.a. of the cost of furniture (including television, radio, refrigerators, other
household appliances, air conditioning plant or equipment) is to be added. If, however, such
furniture is hired by the employer from a third party, the actual hiring charges payable for the same
is to be added.
 If the accommodation is provided at concessional rate: With the amount determined for furnished
or unfurnished accommodation as above, the amount actually payable by the employee in
respect of accommodation or furniture, as the case may be, shall be deducted. [Explanations 1
and 2 to Section 17(2)(ii)].

b. Accommodation provided to non-Government employees:


The value of accommodation provided to non-Government employees shall be determined as under:
 If the accommodation is unfurnished: The value of an unfurnished accommodation shall be as
under:
Location Valuation
Where the accommodation is owned by the 15% of salary in respect of the period during
employer and it is: which the accommodation is occupied by the
 situated in a city having population employee.
exceeding 25 lakhs as per 2001 census 10% of salary in respect of the period during
 situated in a city having population which the accommodation is occupied by the
exceeding 10 lakhs but not exceeding 25 employee.
lakhs as per 2001 census 7·5% of salary in respect of the period during
 situated in any other cities which the accommodation is occupied by the
employee.
Where the accommodation is taken by the Actual rent paid by the employer or 15% of
employer on rent or lease and it is: salary, whichever is lower.
situated anywhere in India

 If the accommodation is furnished: With the amount determined as above for unfurnished
accommodation, 10% of the cost of furniture (including radio, television, and all other household
appliances) shall be added. But if furniture is hired by the employer from third party, the actual
hiring charges are to be added.
 If the accommodation is provided at concessional rate: With the amount determined as above for
furnished or unfurnished accommodation, the amount actually payable by the employee in
respect of either accommodation or furniture, or both, shall be deducted. [Explanations 1 and 2 to
Section17(2)(ii)].
 Accommodation provided in a hotel: The value of accommodation provided in a hotel to a
Government employee or non-Government employee shall be determined as follows:
(i) When the accommodation is provided in a hotel on the transfer of the employee from one
place to another and the period of stay in the hotel does not exceed 15 days, the value of
accommodation shall be nil.
(ii) When accommodation in the hotel exceeds 15 days, the value of the accommodation shall
be 24% of salary for the period for which accommodation in hotel is provided or the actual
hotel charge, whichever is lower.
 Employee retaining more than one accommodation:
When on account of transfer from one place to another, the employee is provided with
accommodation at the new place of posting while retaining the accommodation at the other
place, then for a period not exceeding 90 days the value of the perquisite shall be determined with

DIRECT TAXATION 55
reference to only one such accommodation which has the lower value. Beyond 90 days the value
of the perquisite shall be charged for both such accommodations.

 Temporary accommodation or accommodation at a remote area:


Where the accommodation is provided to an employee working at a mining site or an off-shore oil
exploration site or a dam site or a power generation site or an off-shore site, the value of the
accommodation shall be nil, if either of the following conditions are fulfilled:
(i) the accommodation is located in a remote area; or
(ii) where it is not located in a ―remote area‖, the accommodation should be of a temporary
nature having plinth area of not more than 800 square feet and should not be located within 8
kilometres of the local limits of any municipality or cantonment board.

A ―project execution site‖ for the aforesaid purposes means a site of project up to the stage of its
commissioning. A "remote area" means an area located at least 40 kilometres away from a town
having a population not exceeding 20,000 as per the latest published all-India census. Off-shore sites of
similar nature do not have to meet any requirement of distance.

Meaning of salary for valuation of rent-free accommodation:


For the purpose of valuation of perquisite in respect of accommodation, the term salary includes the
following:
(i) Basic; (ii) Dearness allowance, if paid in terms of employment; (iii) Bonus; (iv) Commission; (v) Fees
(vi) All other taxable allowances; (vii) Any other monetary payment (by whatever name called).
Salary for this purpose does not include the following:
(a) Dearness allowance, if terms of employment do not provide for it.
(b) Employer‘s contribution to the provident fund.
(c) Allowances which are exempt from tax.
(d) Value of perquisite specified in Section 17(2).

Example 11: S is offered an employment by B. Co Ltd., Chennai on a basic salary of ` 20,000 p.m. Other
allowances are: Dearness allowance not forming part of salary for retirement benefits ` 8,000 p.m.,
medical allowance ` 800 p.m. and bonus equal to one month‘s basic salary. The company gives an
option to S either to take a rent-free accommodation in Chennai of the fair rental value of ` 8,000p.m.
or to accept a cash house rent allowance and take a house in Chennai at a rent of ` 8,000 p.m. Which
offer is beneficial to S?

Answer:
Comparative analyses between House rent allowance and rent free accommodation
`
(a) When house rent allowance is accepted:
House rent allowance received 96,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A), Rule 2A being least of the following
1. House rent allowance received 96,000
2. Rent paid less 10% of salary (` 96,000 -24,000) 72,000
3. 50% of salary 1,20,000 72,000
Taxable amount of house rent allowance 24,000
(b) When rent-free accommodation is accepted:
Value of rent-free accommodation which is taxable as perquisite [u/s 17(2)(i), Rule 40,440
3(1)]: 15% of salary, as the house is owned by the employer and it is situated at a
place having more than 25 lakhs population as per 2001 census

Since the taxable amount when HRA is accepted is lower, it is beneficial for S.

Note: Meaning of salary

DIRECT TAXATION 56
Particulars For the purpose of exemption from For the purpose of rent-
house rent allowance u/s 10(13A) freeaccommodation.
Basic salary (20,000 X 12) 2,40,000 2,40,000
D. A (not forming part of Nil Nil
retirement benefit)
Medical allowance Nil 9,600
Bonus Nil 20,000
Total 2,40,000 2,69,600

Example 12: Mrs. Anjum, an employee of BKC Ltd., has been transferred from Mumbai office to
Chennai and was provided rent-free accommodation in a hotel for one month. Hotel bill of ` 23,000
was paid by his employer. During the previous year 2016-2017 Mrs. Anjum drew cash emoluments of ` 3,
30,000. You are required to determine the value of perquisite in respect of the accommodation.

Answer:
Computation of value of perquisite in respect of accommodation in hotel of Mrs Anjum, a resident
individual, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-2017.

Under Rule 3(1), the value of perquisite in respect of accommodation in hotel for a
period exceeding 15 days shall be the lower of the following:
(a) Amount paid by the employer as hotel charge for 15 days ` 33,000 x 1/2 16,500
(b) 24% of salary for the relevant period (` 3,30,000 x 15/365x 24/100] 3,255
Value of perquisite [alternative (b) being lower] 3,255

Example13: Smt. M is a non-Government employee. He furnishes the following particulars of her


income during the previous year 2016-2017:
(a) Basic salary @ ` 15,000 p.m.
(b) Dearness allowance as per terms of employment @ 25%.
(c) Special allowance for performing official duties @ 1,000 p.m.

His employer also provides her the following benefits:


(i) Rent-free furnished accommodation at New Delhi. The house is owned by the employer and
furniture provided was worth ` 1,00,000.
(ii) Electricity bill for her house ` 1,000 p.m. on average.
(iii) A motor car with driver, for both personal and official purposes.
(iv) Free education facility for her son in a school maintained by the employer. Cost of education in
similar institution comes to around ` 1,000 p.m.
(v) Compute gross salary of M for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:

Computation of gross salary of M for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017:
` `
Basic salary 1,80,000
Add : Dearness allowance 45,000 2,25,000
Special allowance 12,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14), Rule 2BB (1) 12,000 Nil
Add: Perquisites u/s 17(2):
Rent-free furnished accommodation (Note 1) [u/s 17(2)(i), Rule 3(1)] 43,750
Personal electricity bill [u/s 17(2)(iv), Rule 3(4)] 12,000
Motor car [u/s 17(2)(iii), Rule 3(2) (Note 2)] 32,400
Free education facility [u/s 17(2)(iii), proviso to) Rule 3(5)] Nil
Gross salary (Subject to deduction u/s 16) 313,150

DIRECT TAXATION 57
Notes:
1. Valuation of rent-free accommodation: `
Value of rent-free accommodation [15% of ` Basic+ DA] 33,750
Add: 10% of the cost of furniture 10,000
Total 43,750
2. Assumed that for motor car all expenses including the cost of driver are paid by the employer.

2. Valuation of perquisite in respect of obligation of the employee paid by the Employer [Section 17 (2)
(iv)]:
The value of perquisite in respect of the personal obligation of the employee paid by the employer
[See Table for examples] shall be the actual amount paid by the employer for this purpose. These
perquisites will be taxable in the hands of all employees.

3. Valuation of perquisite in respect of life insurance premium or deferred annuity premium paid by the
employer [Section 17(2)(v)]: The value of the perquisite is the actual amount payable by the employer.

4. Specified security or sweat equity [Section 17(2) (vi), Rules 3(8), 3(9)]:
The value of any specified security or sweat equity shares allotted or transferred, directly or indirectly,
by the employer, or former employer, free of cost or at concessional rate to the assessee shall be
treated as taxable perquisite at the hands of all employees.

The value of the aforesaid specified security or sweat equity shares shall be the fair market value of the
specified security or sweat equity shares, as the case may be, on the date on which the option is
exercised by the assessee as reduced by the amount actually paid by, or recovered from the assessee
in respect of such security or shares.

Example 14: X Ltd. allotted 150 sweat equities of ` 10 each to M. The fair market value of the shares
computed in accordance with the Income-tax Act was ` 500 per share, whereas it as allotted at ` 300
per share. What is the perquisite value of sweat equity shares allotted to M?
In case M transfers these shares subsequently, what would be their cost of acquisition for the purpose of
determination of capital gains? [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2012 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Under the Explanation (c) to Section 17(2)(vi), the perquisite value of any sweat equity issued to an
employee shall be the fair market value of those shares on the date on which the option is exercised by
the assessee as reduced by the mount actually paid or recovered from the employee in respect of
those shares. In the present case, therefore, the value of perquisite shall be ` 30,000 as computed
below:
(a) Computation of value of perquisite in respect of sweat equities
` `
Fair market value [ 150 x ` 500] 75,000
Less: Amount recovered [ 150 x ` 300] 45,000
Value of perquisite u/s 17(2)(vi) 30,000

(b) If the equities are transferred, depending on the period of holding these shares by the assessee, it
will be treated as short-term or long-term capital gains and for that purpose the cost of the shares
shall be, in accordance with section 49(2AA), shall be the value that was taken for the purpose of
determination of the value off perquisite under section 17(2)(vi), i.e. ` ` 45,000.

5. Contribution to an approved superannuation fund by the employer [Section 17(2)(vii)]:


Any contribution to an approved superannuation fund by the employer in respect of the assessee, to
the extent it exceeds ` 1,00,000, shall be treated as a perquisite, which is taxable at the hands of all
employees.

DIRECT TAXATION 58
6. Valuation of perquisite in respect of fringe benefits [Section 17(2)(viii), Rule 3(7)] : The value of the
fringe benefits shall be as under:
a. Interest-free loan or loan at a concessional rate [Rule 3(7)(i)] : The value of interest-free loan or loan
given at a concessional rate to an employee shall be as follows :
(i) For any loan not exceeding ` 20,000, the perquisite value is nil.
(ii) In respect of any loan taken for medical treatment of diseases specified in Rule 3A, the perquisite
value shall be nil. However, where the benefit relates to the loans made available for medical
treatment referred to above, the exemption so provided shall not apply to so much of the loan as
has been reimbursed to the employee under any medical insurance scheme.
(iii) In respect of the loan taken for any other purposes, the value of the perquisite shall be determined
as the sum equal to the interest computed at the rate charged per annum by the State Bank of
India as on the first day of the previous year in respect of the loan for the same purposes advanced
by it. The amount of interest shall be calculated on the maximum outstanding monthly balance.
Any amount recovered by the employer in respect of interest shall be deducted to arrive at the net
value of perquisite in respect of such interest.

SBI Interest Rate as on 1st April 2016 (Assessment year 2017-2018)


Purpose Amount Type of assessee Rate of Interest (p.a.)
Housing loan Any amount Women 9.40%
Others 9.45%
Education loan Up to ` 75 lakh (0.50 lower for 11.20%
Above 75 lakhs girls) 10.90%
Car loan Any amount Women 9.75%
Others 9.80%
Loan for Scooter/Two-wheeler Any amount - 12.20%
Personal loan (Saral) Any amount 17.70%
Gold loan Any amount 16.50%

b. Value of travelling, touring, accommodation and other expenses [Rule 3(7)(ii)]:


The perquisite value in respect of any travelling, touring, accommodation for any holiday (other than
those covered under Rule 2B in respect of leave travel concession) availed of by the employee or any
member of his household shall be determined as follows:
(i) Where such facilities are not maintained by the employer, the value of the perquisite shall be the
actual amount incurred by the employer.
(ii) Where such a facility is maintained by the employer, and it is not available uniformly to all
employees, the value of the perquisite will be equal to such amount as other agencies charge to
the public.
(iii) Where the employee is on official tour and expenses are incurred for any member of the household
accompanying him, the actual amount of expenditure incurred in respect of any member of the
household shall be the value of the perquisite.
(iv) Where any official tour is extended as a vacation, the value of the perquisite shall be limited to the
expenses incurred in relation to such extended period of vacation.
In all cases mentioned above, the value of the perquisite so determined shall be reduced by the sum, if
any, recovered from the employee.

c. Free meals, tea, snacks, etc., [Rule 3(7)(iii)]:


The value of perquisite in respect of free meals, tea, snacks, etc. shall be determined as follows:
Condition Value of perquisite
(i) Tea or snacks provided during office hours. Nil
(ii) Free meals provided during office hours in remote Nil
area or on offshore installation.
(iii) Free meals provided during office hours either at Nil, if value per meal in either case does not
office premises or through non-transferable paid exceed ` 50.

DIRECT TAXATION 59
vouchers and usable only at eating joints.
(iv) In other cases Actual amount incurred or paid by the
employer as reduced by the amount
recovered from the employee.

d. Gift or gift voucher in lieu of gift [Rule 3(7)(iv)] :


The value of perquisite in respect of any gift voucher or token in lieu of gifts received by the employee
or any member of his household on ceremonial occasions or otherwise shall be determined as the sum
equal to the amount of such gift. However, in respect of any gift, the value of which does not exceed `
5,000 in aggregate during the previous year, the value of perquisite shall be nil.

e. Credit card facilities [Rule 3(7)(v)]:


Where the expenses are incurred wholly and exclusively for official purposes, the value of the perquisite
in respect of the credit card shall be nil. Expenses incurred for personal purposes shall be valued at
actual cost.

f. Club facilities [Rule 3(7)(vi)]:The value of perquisite in respect of club facilities paid or reimbursed to
the employee or to any member of his household shall be determined as follows:
(i) Where expenses are incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes or where the facility
relates to the use of health club, sports and similar facilities provided uniformly to all employees by
the employer or where the initial fee of corporate membership paid by the employer: The value of
the perquisite shall be nil.
(ii) In any other cases: The value of the perquisite shall be taken at actual cost of the employer.

g. Use of any movable assets [Rule 3(7)(vii)] : The value of a perquisite in respect of use by the
employee or any member of his household of any movable assets (other than laptops and computers)
belonging to the employer or hired by him, shall be determined at 10% p.a. of the actual cost of such
assets or the amount of rent paid or payable by the employer. The value of perquisite so determined
shall be reduced by the amount, if any, recovered from the employee for such use.

h. Transfer of any movable assets [Rule 3(7)(viii)]:

The value of a perquisite in respect of transfer of any movable assets belonging to the employer
directly or indirectly to the employee or any member of his household shall be determined as follows:

Name of assets Value of perquisite


(i) Computers Actual cost of asset to the employer as reduced by normal wear and tear @ 50%
and electronic (on reducing balance method) of the cost of the asset for each completed year
items during which the asset was put to use by the employer, and further reduced by
any amount recovered from the employee as consideration for such transfer.
(ii) Motor car Same as above, except that depreciation rate will be @ 20% on reducing balance
method.
(iii) Any other Same as (i) above except that depreciation rate will be @ 10% on straight line
asset method.

i. Any other benefit or amenity, service, right or privilege but excluding telephone [Rule 3(7)(ix)]:In
addition to those mentioned above, the value of any other perquisites shall be taken at the market
value or the actual cost incurred by the employers. Any amount recovered from the employee shall be
deducted from the aforesaid amount.

Example 16:
From the following particulars find out the taxable value of perquisite in the case of X to whom the
following assets held by the company were sold on 13th June 2016:

DIRECT TAXATION 60
Car Laptop Furniture
` ` `
Cost of purchase on May 2014 8,72,000 1,22,500 35,000
Sales 5,15,000 25,000 10,000

The assets were put to use by the company from the day these were purchased.

Answer:
Computation of taxable value of perquisite for the assessment year 2017-18
Car Laptop Furniture
Cost of the asset on May 2014 8,72,000 1,22,500 35.000
Less : Cost of normal wear and tear for the year ending on May 1,74,400 61,250 3,500
2015 [@ 20%, 50% and 10% respectively]
Balance at the beginning of the second year 6,97,600 61,250 31,500
Less : Cost of normal wear and tear for the year ending on May 1,39,520 30,625 3,500
2016
Book value of asset transferred 5,58,080 30,625 28,000
Less : Amount recovered from the employee 5,15,000 25,000 10,000
Value of perquisite taxable in the hands of X 43,080 5,625 18,000

7.11 VALUATION OF PERQUISITES WHICH ARE TAXABLE IN THE HANDS OF SPECIFIED EMPLOYEES

Under Section 17(2)(iii), the term specified employee includes the following :
(a) an employee who is a director of the company;
(b) an employee who has substantial interest in the company.

According to Section 2(32), a person is said to have substantial interest in a company when he is the
beneficial owner of shares, not being shares entitled to a fixed rate of dividend whether with or
without a right to participate in profits, carrying not less than 20% of the voting rights;

(c) an employee whose income under the head ―Salaries‖ (whether due from, or paid or allowed by,
one or more employers), exclusive of the value of all benefits or amenities not provided for by way of
monetary payment, exceeds ` 50,000.

The aforesaid limit of ` 50,000 shall be computed excluding the value of all non-monetary benefits or
perquisites.
It shall also exclude/deduct the following:
(a) Entertainment allowance to the extent deductible u/s 16(ii).
(b) Professional tax u/s 16 (iii).
The following perquisites are taxable at the hands of the specified employees:

1. Motor car and other vehicle [Rule 3(2)] :


The valuation of perquisites in respect of motor car is subject to the following conditions:
 Motor car and other vehicle provided by the employer is a perquisite which is taxable in the hands
of a specified employee.
 When the car is owned by the employee but the employer reimburses the expenses, it is a
perquisite taxable in the hands of all employees.

Conveyance facility provided to the employee for journey between employee‘s residence and office
or place of work is not a perquisite, therefore, not taxable.

DIRECT TAXATION 61
SL Circumstances When the cubic capacity of the When the cubic capacity of
No. car does not exceed 1.6 litres the car exceeds 1.6 litres
1. Where the motor car is owned
or hired by the employer and
(a) is used exclusively for official Not a perquisite Not a perquisite
purposes
(b) is used exclusively for Actual amount of expenditure Actual amount of expenditure
private or personal purposes incurred by the employer on incurred by the employer on
of the employee or any member running and maintenance running and maintenance
of his household and running plus cost of driver plus normal plus cost of driver plus normal
and maintenance expenses are wear and tear @ 10% of the wear and tear @ 10% of the
met or reimbursed by the actual cost of motor car less actual cost of motor car less
employer amount recovered from the amount recovered from the
employee. employee.
2. (c) is used partly for official
purposes and partly for private
purposes of employee or any
member of his household—
(i) if expenses are met or *` 1,800 (plus ` 900 for driver, if *` 2,400 (plus ` 900 for driver,
reimbursed by the employer provided by the employer) if provided by the employer)
ii) if expenses on running and ` 600 (plus ` 900 for driver, if ` 900 (plus ` 900 for driver, if
maintenance for such private provided by the employer) provided by the employer)
use is fully met by the
employee.
If employee owns the motor car,
but expenses for running and
maintenance are met or
reimbursed by the employer.
(i) if the reimbursement is wholly No value No value
and exclusively for official
purposes Actual amount of expenditure Actual amount of
(ii) if the reimbursement is both incurred by the employer less expenditure incurred by the
for official and private purposes. ` 1,800 (plus ` employer less ` 2,400 (plus `
3. Where the employee owns any 900 if driver is provided by the 900 if driver is provided by the
other automotive conveyance employer), subject to the employer), subject to the
but actual running and maintenance of proper maintenance of proper
maintenance expenses are paid documents regarding use of documents regarding use of
or reimbursed by the employer the car. the car.
and —
(i) if reimbursement is exclusively No Value
for official purposes. Actual amount of expenditure Not applicable
(ii) if reimbursement is both for incurred by the employer as
private and official purposes. reduced by ` 900.
* Amount recovered from the
employee is not deductible.

Where one or more motor cars are owned or hired by the employer and the employee or any
member of his family is allowed to use such motor cars (otherwise than wholly and exclusively for
official purposes), the value of the perquisite shall be the amount calculated in respect of one car in
accordance with item (1)(c)(i) [i.e., ` 1,800 p.m. or ` 2,400 p.m. as the case may be plus for driver, if
any, @ ` 900 p.m.] of the aforesaid table as if the employee had been provided one motor car both
for private and official purposes and the amount calculated in respect of the other car or cars in

DIRECT TAXATION 62
accordance with item (1)(b) of the aforesaid table as if he had been provided with such car or cars
exclusively for his private or personal purposes.

2. Valuation of perquisite in respect of sweeper, gardener, watchman or personal attendant [Rule 3(3)]:
When the employer appoints these servants and meets the expenses in respect of them, it is a
perquisite taxable in the hands of the specified employees only. Otherwise, it would be taxable in all
cases.
The value of the perquisite in both cases is the actual amount spent or incurred by the employer, as
reduced by the amount recovered from the employees for such services.

3. Valuation of perquisite in respect of supply of gas, electricity and water for household consumption
[Rule 3(4)]: When gas, electricity or water connection is in the name of the employer and the employer
bears the cost, it is a perquisite taxable in the hands of the specified employees. But if such connection
is in the name of the employee, but expenses are paid by the employer, it is a perquisite taxable in the
hands of all employees.

4. Valuation of perquisite in respect of educational facilities [Rule 3(5)]: Where educational facilities are
provided in the institution owned and maintained by the employer or such facilities are allowed in other
educational institutions by reason of his being in the employment of that employer, it is a perquisite
taxable in the hands of the specified employees.
The value of a perquisite in this case shall be equal to the cost of education in a similar institution, as
reduced by any amount recovered from the employee. However, the value of the perquisite in this
respect shall be taken to be nil if the cost of such education per child does not exceed ` 1,000 p.m.
When the cost of education in such institutions exceed ` 1,000 p.m. the entire sum will be taxable.

 The payment of education bill or any reimbursement is a perquisite which is taxable to all
employees.
 Exemption for education allowance u/s 10 (14) is available for the assessee‘s children only and
the maximum number of children for whom the exemption is available must not exceed two. But
the benefit under Rule 3(5) applies to any member of the assessee‘s household without any
restrictions as to their number.

5. Value of perquisite in respect of provision of personal journey by an undertaking engaged in carrying


passengers or goods [Rule 3(6)]: However, in the case of an employee of an airline or the Railways,
such benefits are tax-free. In any other case, the perquisite value of such benefits provided to the
employee or any member of his household shall be taken to be the value at which such benefit or
amenity is offered by such undertaking to the public, as reduced by any amount recovered from the
employee.

6. Valuation of perquisites in respect of medical facilities:


 Fixed medical allowance is taxable irrespective of actual expenditure incurred by the employee.
 Medical facility in the employer‘s hospital is exempt from tax.
 Reimbursement of medical expenses in Government hospital and cost of medical treatment of
prescribed diseases in approved hospitals/nursing homes are exempt from tax.
 Medical facility in private or unapproved hospital is exempt up to ` 15,000.
Medical treatment outside India, including cost of stay abroad is exempt up to an amount
approved by the RBI. Cost of travel of the employee or his member of family or attendant is
exempt if employee‘s gross total income does not exceed ` 2,00,000.

7.12 DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS SALARY

The sum total of the all taxable receipts from the employer is called gross salary. Income under the
head ―Salaries‖ is obtained only after deduction from the gross salary the following:

DIRECT TAXATION 63
1. Deduction for entertainment allowance [Section 16(ii)]: Entertainment allowance received by an
employee is to be first included in the gross salary. From the gross salary, deduction for entertainment
allowance shall be allowed to a Government employee only @20% of basic salary or ` 5,000, whichever
is lower.
2. Deduction for professional tax on employment [Section 16(iii)]: professional tax actually paid during
the previous year is fully deductible.

A standard pro forma for computation of income under the head ―Salaries‖

Basic salary
Advance salary
Arrears of salary
Bonus, commission or fees
Pension
Employer's contribution to RPF in excess of 12% of salary
Employer's contribution to pension fund specified u/s 80CCD
Interest credited to RPF in excess of 9-5% Commuted value of pension
Commuted value of pension
Less: Exemption u/s 10(10A)
Gratuity
Less: Exemption u/s 10(10A)

Leave salary
Less: Exemption u/s 10(10AA)

Any other receipts taxable as profits-in-lieu of salary u/s 17(3)

Add: Taxable allowances:


Dearness allowance/ Dearness pay
Medical allowances
House rent allowance
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A) Rule 2A
City compensatory allowance
Car allowance/ Transport allowance
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14)
Children education allowance/Hostel allowance
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14)
Lunch and Tiffin allowance
Entertainment allowance
Any other allowances
Add: Perquisites u/s 17(2):
A. Taxable in all cases :
Rent-free accommodation [u/s 17(2))]/Accommodation at concessional rent u/s 17(2)]
Any obligation of the employee met by the employer [u/s 17(2)(iv)]
Life insurance premium paid by the employer [u/s 17(2)(v)]
Specified security or sweat equity [u/s 17(2) (vi)]
Employer's contribution to approved superannuation fund in excess of ` 1 lakh [u/s 17(2) (vii)]
Any other fringe benefits or amenity [u/s 17(2)(viii)]
B. Taxable at the hands of specified employees:
Taxable in the hands of specified employees:

DIRECT TAXATION 64
Motor car/Any other vehicle Gas, electricity/ water Sweeper, gardener, watchman, etc.
Free educational facility for employee's children in a school run by the employer
Gross Salary
Less: (i) Deduction for entertainment allowance u/s 16(ii)
(iii) Deduction for professional tax u/s 16(iii
Income under the head "Salaries"

Example 17: A, finance manager in B. Ltd. gives you the following information:
(I) A rent-free accommodation is provided by the employer at Bangalore by taking the
accommodation on lease basis whose rent was ` 20,000 per month.
(II) He is provided with a motor car (cubic capacity of engine more than 1.6 litres) both for official and
personal use. The expenses on running and maintenance are met by the employee.

Assume annual salary for the purpose of perquisite valuation as ` 6,00,000. You are requested to
compute the perquisite value in the hands of A. [CMA-Inter, June 2015]

Computation of taxable value of perquisites for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous
year 2016-17
`
(a) Taxable value of rent-free accommodation [ Section 17(2)(i), Rule 3(1)]:
Since the accommodation is taken on lease by the employer, its value will be actual rent
paid or 15% of salary, whichever is lower 90,000
(b) Taxable value of motor car [ Section 17(2)(iii), Rule 3(2)]: Since the motor car is used both
for private and personal use and expenses of running and maintaining the car is fully met by
the employee, the value of perquisite shall be ` 900 p.m. 10,800
Total taxable value of perquisite 1,00,200

Example 18. H, who is employed in G Ltd., furnishes you the following information for the year ended
31.03.2017:
(i) Basic salary up to 31.12.2016 ` 60,000 per month.
(ii) Basic salary from 01.01.2017 ` 70,000 per month. (Note: Salary is due and paid on the last day of
every month.)
(iii) Dearness Allowance @40% of basic salary.
(iv) Bonus equal to one month‘s salary paid in February, 2017 on basic salary and D.A. applicable for
that month.
(v) Employer‘s contribution to provident Fund account of the employee at 15% of basic salary.
(vi) Profession tax paid ` 5,000 of which ` 2,000 was paid by employer.
(vii) Facility of laptop and computer was provided to H both for official and personal use. Cost of
laptop ` 35,000 and computer ` 25,000 acquired by the company on 01.01.2017
(viii) A motor car owned by the employer is provided to employee meant for both official and personal
use from 01.12.2016. Running expenses fully met by the employer which amounts to ` 35,000. The
motor car (cubic capacity of engine exceeds 1.6 litres) was self-driven by H
Compute the salary income chargeable to tax in the hands of H for the assessment year 2017-18.
[CMA-Inter, Dec. 2015 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Computation of Income under the head Salaries of H for the assessment year 2017-17 relating to the
previous year 2016-17

Basic salary [(` 60,000 x 9) + (` 70,000 x 3)] 7,50,000


Dearness allowance @40% of basic 3,00,000 10,50,000
Employer‘s contribution to RPF in excess of 12% of salary 31,500
Bonus [equivalent to the Basic + DA of February] 98,000

DIRECT TAXATION 65
Add: Perquisites:
(a) Professional tax paid by the employer 2,000
(b) Facility of laptop computer [Tax-free perquisite: Rule 3(7) (ii)] Nil
(c) Motor car for both private and official use [ ` 2,400 x 12] (Note) 28,800 30,800
Gross Salary 12,03,100
Less : Deduction u/s 16(iii) for professional tax paid 5,000
Income under the head Salaries 11,98,100

Note:
(1). Under Rule 3(2) the perquisite value of motor car used both for private and official purposes is fixed
at ` 2,400 pm, where expenses are paid by the employer and the cubic capacity of the engine of the
car is more than 1.6 litres. Further, amount recovered from the employee will not be deductible.
2. DA is assumed to be paid under the terms of employment.

Example 19: R joined a company at Chennai on 01.07.2016 and was paid the following emoluments:
1) Basic salary ` 50,000 per month
2) Dearness allowance 50% of basic salary (eligible for retirement benefits).
3) Furnished accommodation owned by company was provided at Chennai.
4) Value of furniture in the accommodation ` 2,00,000 (cost).
5) Motor car owned by the employer (with engine capacity less than 1.6 litres) given for exclusive
personal use. Self-driven by Raghu. Expenses incurred by employer on its running and maintenance
` 55,950.
6) Educational facility for two children provided free of cost. The school is owned by the company.
Tuition fee per month ` 600 and ` 1,200 respectively.
7) Annual membership fee for Gymkhana Club paid by the employer ` 20,000.
Compute the income from salary of Mr. Raghu for the assessment year 2016-17.
[CMA – Inter, June 2014 (Adapted)]

Ans. Computation of Income under the head Salaries of R for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to
the previous year 2016-17
` `
Basic salary [` 50,000 x 9] 4,50,000
Dearness allowance [@50% of basic] 2,25,000 6,75,000
Add: Perquisites:
(a) Rent-free furnished accommodation (See Note No. 1) 1,16,250
(b) Motor car for private uses 55,950
(c) Educational facility at the school of the employer (See Note No. 2) 10,800
(d) Club membership 20,000 2,03,000
Gross Salary 8,78,000
Less: Deduction u/s 16: Nil
Income under the head Salaries 8,78,000
Notes:
1. Value of rent-free furnished accommodation:
Since the accommodation is owned by the employers and it is situated at Chennai, the value of
the rent free unfurnished accommodation
shall be 15% of salary (basic + DA here) = ` 1,01,250
Add: 10% of the original cost of furniture for 9 months = ` 15,000
Total value of rent-free furnished accommodation = ` 1,16,250

2. Perquisite value of educational facility at the school of the employer: Under Rule 3(5), the value of
perquisite for educational facilities at the school of the employer is nil, if the cost of education does
not exceed ` 1,000 per child per month. However, where the cost exceeds ` 1,000 p.m., the entire
amount will be taxable. Such a conclusion follows form the language of Rule 3(5) as well as from a
number of judicial decisions.

DIRECT TAXATION 66
Example 20: D is an area manager of KYC Ltd. During the financial year 2016-17 he furnishes the
following particulars of his income and benefits:
(a) Basic salary: from 1.4. 2016 to 31.8.2016 @ ` 20,000 p.m.; from 1.9. 2016 onwards ` 25,000 p.m.
(b) Dearness allowance @40% paid under the terms of employment
(c) Transport allowance @ ` 2,500 p.m.
(d) Contribution to RPF @ 15% of basic plus D.A.
(e) Children education allowance @ ` 1,000 p.m. for 2 children
(f) City compensatory allowance @ ` 500 p.m.
(g) Hostel allowance @ 400 p.m. for each of the 2 children
(h) Tiffin allowance ` 5,000 p.m. (Actual allowance ` 4,000)
(i) Tax on employment paid by the employer ` 3,000.
Compute taxable salary of the assessee for the assessment year 2017-18.

Answer:
Computation of Income under the head Salaries of D for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 2016-17

Basic salary [ (` 20,000 x 5) + (` 25,000 x 7)] 2,75,000


Add: Dearness allowance @ 40% 1,10,000 3,85,000
Employer‘s contribution to RPF in excess 12% of salary 11,550
Add: Other allowances:
Transport allowances [ ` 2,500 x 12] 30,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10 (14), Rule 2BB (2) @ ` 1,600 p.m. 19,200 10,800
Children education allowance @ ` 1,000 p.m. x 12] 12,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14), Rule 2BB (2) [ ` 100 x 12x 2] 2,400 9,600
City compensatory allowance @ ` 500 p.m. 9,600
Hostel allowance @ 400 p.m. per child [ ` 400 x 12x2] 7,200
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14), Rule 2BB (2) @ ` 300 p.m. per child 6,000
Tiffin allowance 2,400
Add: Perquisites: 5,000
Professional tax paid by employer 3,000
Gross Salary 4,30,550
Less: Deduction u/s 16(iii) for professional tax paid 3,000
Income under the head Salaries 4,25,550

Example 21: As a placement officer of a private educational institution during the previous year ended
31st March, 2017, K received a consolidated pay of ` 24,000 p.m. He was, however, provided with the
following facilities free of cost:
(i) A rent-free furnished accommodation in Kolkata. The accommodation is owned by the employer
and cost of furniture supplied by the employer was ` 50,000.
(ii) Car facility for journey between home and place of work. Estimated cost of the employer for this
purpose was ` 8,000 p.a.
(iii) Service of a cook appointed by the company @ ` 1,000 p.m.
(iv) Free supply of gas worth ` 2000 p.a. The gas connection is in the name of K.
(v) Life insurance premium ` 2,000 p.a.
Compute gross salary of K for the assessment year 2017-2018

DIRECT TAXATION 67
Answer:

Computation of gross salary of K for the assessment year 2016-2017 relating to the previous year 2015-
2016:
` `
Consolidated pay [` 24,000 X 12] 2,88,000
Add: Perquisites u/s 17(2):
Rent-free furnished accommodation [u/s 17(2)(i), Rule 3(1)] (Note 1) Free service 48,200
of cook [u/s 17(2)(viii), Rule 3(7)(ix) 12,000
Free gas [u/s 17(2)(iv), Rule 3(4)] 2,000
Life insurance premium paid by employer [u/s 17(2)(v)] 2000
Gross salary [subject to deductions u/s 16] 3,50,200

Notes :
1. Value of rent-free furnished accommodation : `
15% of salary (as the house is in Kolkata) 43,200
Add : 10% of the cost of furniture 5,000
Total 48,200
2. Car facility between home and place of work is, however, tax-free in all cases.

Example 22: P is a regular employee of a Delhi-based private sector company where he was
appointed on 1.1.2015 in the scale of ` 20,000-1,500-30,000. Under the terms of employment, he is paid
10% of DA and also bonus equivalent to one month‘s pay as on the last month of the financial. His
employer and he himself contributes 15% of basic and DA towards recognized provident fund. He is
provided with free housing facility which has been taken on rent by the employer on rent for ` 10,000
p.m. Besides, he is provided with the following facilities:
(a) Facility of laptop costing ` 40,000;
(b) Company reimbursed the medical treatment bill of his brother for ` 25,000. The brother is
dependent on him.
(c) The monthly salary of ` 1,200 of a housekeeper is reimbursed by the company.
(d) A gift voucher of ` 10,000 on the occasion of his marriage anniversary.
(e) Conveyance allowance of ` 1,000 per month is given by the company towards actual
reimbursement.
(f) He is provided with a personal accident policy for which premium of ` 5,000 is paid by the
company.
(g) He is getting telephone allowance @` 500 p.m.
(h) The company pays medical insurance premium of his family of ` 10,000.

Compute the assessee‘s taxable income from Salaries for the assessment year 2017-18.

Answer:
Computation of Income under the head Salaries of D for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 2016-17
` `
Basic salary [ (` 21,500 x 9) + (` 23,000 x 3)] 2,62,500
Dearness allowance @10% of basic 26,250 2,88,750

DIRECT TAXATION 68
Employer‘s contribution to RPF in excess 12% of salary 8,663
Bonus [Equivalent basic + DA of March] 25,300
Add: Other allowances:
Conveyance allowance 12,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(14), Rule 2(BB)(1) 12,000 Nil
Telephone allowance [ ` 500 x 12] 6,000
Add: Perquisites:
(a) Rent-free accommodation (Note 1) 47,108
(b) Facility of using laptop (not a perquisite) -
(c) Reimbursement of medical bill for brother (Note 2) 10,000
(d) Reimbursement of salary of housekeeper 14,400
(e) Gift voucher [` 10,000- 5,000] 5,000
(f) Premium paid by the employer for personal accident policy ( not a
perquisite) Nil
(g) Medical insurance premium paid by the company See note) Nil
Gross Salary 4,05,221
Less: Deduction u/s 16(iii) : Nil
Income under the head Salaries 4,05,221

Notes:
1. Basic salary for the financial year 2016-17:
Basic as on 1. 1.2015 : ` 20,000
Basic as on 1.1.2016: ` 21,500
Basic as on 1.1.17 : ` 23,000

Therefore, Basic from 1.4.2016 to 31.12. 2016 = 21,500 x 9 = ` 1,93,500


Basic from 1.1.17 to 31.3.17 = 23,000 x 3 = ` 69,000

2. Valuation of rent-free accommodation: Since the accommodation is taken on rent by the employer,
the value of perquisite shall be actual rent paid (10,000 x 12 = 1,20,000) or 15% of salary (Basic+ DA+
Bonus = 3,14,050 x 15% = ` 47,108), whichever is lower.

2. Personal accident policy and medical insurance premium paid by the employer are not taxable
perquisite as these are neither covered u/s 17(2) (iv) or Section 17(2(v). These payments have been
held to be paid by the employer for his own interest [CIT v. Sridhar 84 ITR 192]

Example 23: P, an executive of ABS Ltd, Mumbai, furnishes the following particulars of his income for the
assessment year 2017-2018 :
(a) Basic salary @ ` 20,000 p.m.
(b) Dearness allowance @ 20% of basic salary.
(c) House rent allowance @ 20% of basic salary.
(d) Leave salary ` 10,000.

His employer also provides him the following benefits and amenities:
(i) Contribution to unrecognised provident fund @ 15%.
(ii) Mobile phone bill amounting ` 5,000 during the year.
(iii) Cost of medical treatment of his wife in a private nursing home, ` 12,000.
(iv) House building loan at a concessional rate of 6% p.a. ` 2,00,000 (Loan was taken on 1.4.2016 and is
repayable in 15 years).
(v) He was also provided free journey from office to house in the employer‘s car.
Approximate cost of such journey is ` 5,000 p.a.
P pays ` 4,000 for a rented house in Kolkata.
You are requested to compute gross salary of P for the assessment year 2017-2018.

DIRECT TAXATION 69
Answer:
Computation of gross salary of P, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017:
` ` `
Basic salary 2,40,000
Dearness allowance 48,000
Leave salary 10,000
House rent allowance 48,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A), Rule 2A being least of the following:
(a) House rent allowance received
(b)Rent paid less 10% of salary: ` (48,000-24,000) 48,000
(c) 50% of salary 24,000
Actual exemption [alternative (b) being least] 1,20,000
Add : Perquisites u/s 17(2): 24,000
Value of perquisite in respect of house building loan @ 9.45% of ` 18,900 24,000
2,00,000 [u/s I7(2)(viii), Rule 3(7)(i)] 12,000
Less: Amount charged by the employer @ 6% of `2,00,000 6,900
Gross salary [Subject to deductions u/s 16] 3,28,900
Notes:
1. Annual contribution by the employer to unrecognized provident fund is taxable when the amount
is received in hand.
2. It I assumed that D.A. does not enter into retirement benefit.
3. Mobile phone bill, cost of medical treatment in private nursing home up to ` 15,000 and free
journey between residence and office are tax-free perquisites in all cases.
4. The value of perquisite in respect of house building loan shall be the rate of interest charged by the
SBI for similar purpose. The interest rate of SBI for this purpose as on 1.4.2016 is 9.45%.

Example 24: Mr. X was employed in a Central Government concern and retired on 30th June, 2016. His
salary from 1st April, 2016 till retirement was ` 30,000 p.m. On his retirement he received ` 2, 80,000 from
the provident fund, ` 3, 00,000 from gratuity and ` 2, 40,000 towards encashment of his 8 months‘
earned leave. He received Pension @ ` 15,000 p.m. from 1st July, 2016.
Mr. X, after his retirement, joined a private company in Pune on and from 1st November, 2016 at a
salary of ` 18,000 p.m. He was provided with a rent-free unfurnished accommodation and a self-driven
car (1·6 litre engine capacity) for which all expenses are borne by the company. During the previous
year, Mr. X paid life insurance premium of ` 7,000 (on a policy of ` 50,000 in the name of his married
daughter). He earned accrued interest on NSC VIII Issue ` 6,000 and deposited ` 12,000 under Life
Insurance Corporation‘s Pension Fund. He also earned interest ` 5,000 from deposits with public limited
companies.
From the above particulars compute gross total income of Mr. X for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of total income of Mr. X‘ a resident individual, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating
to the previous year 2016-2017
` `
Salary from the Government [` 30,000 x 3] 90,000
Salary from private company [` 18,000 x 5] 90,000
Pension [July, 2016 to March, 2017 @ ` 15,000 p.m.] 1,35,000
Receipt from provident fund [Exempt u/s 10(11)] Nil
Gratuity [Exempt u/s 10(10) (i)] Nil
Leave encashment [Exempt u/s 10(AA)(i)] Nil
13,500

DIRECT TAXATION 70
Add: Perquisites u/s 17(2): 21,600
Rent-free unfurnished accommodation (Note 1) [u/s 27(2)(i), Rule 3(1)] 3,50,100
Motor car [` 1,800 x 12] Nil
Gross salary
Less: Deduction u/s 16: 3,50,100
Income under the head "Salaries" 11,000
Income from other sources: 3,61,100
Accrued interest on NSC VIII Issue Interest on deposit with public company
Gross total income

Note: Rent-free furnished accommodation: Assuming that the accommodation is owned by the
employer and it is situated in Pune, a place having more than 25 lakh population as per 2001 census,
the value of rent-free unfurnished accommodation shall be 15% of the salary of the relevant period, i.e.,
15% of ` 90,000 or ` 13,500.

Example 25: S aged 45 years, gives the following particulars of his income received from LS Ltd. for the
year ended 31st March. 2017:
1) Salary after deduction of income-tax at source and own
contribution to recognized provident fund ` 9,00,000
2) Income-tax deducted at source ` 80,000
3) Own contribution to recognized provident fund ` 1,45,000
4) Employer's contribution to the provident fund ` 1,40,000
5) Interest credited to provident fund @11% per annum ` 2,89,000
6) House rent allowance (actual rent paid by S for the house in Delhi was ` 1,08,000) in addition to
salary of ` 9,00,000 as given above ` 1,20,000

He is given free use of 1200 CC car by the employer for domestic as well as official purposes (with
effect from 1st November, 2016) and all expenses including driver's salary being met by the employer.
He is also provided free services of a watchman (with effect from 1 st May, 2016) and a sweeper (with
effect from 1st December, 2016). Salary (` 2,675 per month per person) is paid by the employer.
During the year S pays professional tax ` 3,000
Compute total income and tax liability of S for the assessment year 2017-18.

Answer:
Computation of Income under the head ―Salaries‖ of S for the assessment year 2017-18
` `
Net salary received 9,00,000
Add: Deductions from salary:
Own contribution to RPF 1,45,000
Income-tax deducted 80,000
Basic/ cash emoluments excluding allowances 11,25,000
Employer‘s contrition to RPF in excess of 12% of salary [` 1,40,000 – 12% of 11,25,000] 5,000
Interest credited to RPF in excess of 9.5% (2,89,000 ×1.5 ÷ 11)
Add: Allowances: 39,409
House rent allowance received 1,20,000 1,20,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(13A), Rule 2A (See Note) Nil 9,000
Add: Perquisites: 29,425
Motor car [ 5 x 1,800] 10,700
Watchman [ 11 x 2,675]
Sweeper [ 4 x 2,675]
Gross salary 13,38,534
Less: Deduction u/s 16(iii) for professional tax paid 3,000
Income under the head Salaries 13,35,534

DIRECT TAXATION 71
Note: Exemption for house rent allowance u/s 10(13A) Rule 2A being least of the following:
`
(a) HRA received 1,20,000
(b) Rent paid less 10% of salary [ ` 1,08,000- 1,12,500] Nil
(c) 50% of salary of ` 11,25,000 5,62,500

Example 26:
Q was an employee of a private sector organisation. The following particulars are available regarding
his income for the year ended on 31st March, 2017:
(a) Salary @ ` 32,000 p.m.
(b) Dearness allowance @ ` 8,000 p.m.
(c) He retired from service on 1.1.17 after 24 years of completed service and received a pension of `
16,000 p.m. and gratuity of ` 6,00,000 (He is covered under the payment of Gratuity Act).
(d) He also received ` 4,00,000 from the unrecognised provident fund (50% of this represents
employer‘s contribution and interest).
(e) He received ` 8,000 as passage money from his employer for proceeding to his home town.

You are required to compute Q‘s income under the head Salaries for the assessment year 2017- 2018.

Computation of income under the head ―Salaries‖ of P, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year 2016-2017.
` `
Salary (@ ` 32,000 p.m. for 9 months) 2,88,000
Dearness allowance (@ ` 8,000 p.m. for 9 months) 72,000
Pension @ ` 16,000 p.m. for 3 months) 48,000
Passage money 8,000
Less: Exemption u/s 10(5), Rule 2B 8,000
Gratuity
Less: Exemption u/s 10(10) (Note 1) Nil
Add: Profits in lieu of salary u/s 17(3): 6,00,000 46,154
Lump sum received from unrecognized provident fund (to the extent of 5,53,846
employer's contribution and interest thereon (Note 2) 2,00,000
Gross salary 6,54,154
Less: Deductions u/s 16: Nil
Income under the head "Salaries". 6,54,154

Notes:
1. Exemption for gratuity u/s 10(10)(ii) being least of the following : `
(a) Amount received 6,00,000
(b)15 days salary for each year of completed service (See below) 5,53,846
(c)Maximum amount specified under the Act 10,00,000
Actual exemption [alternative (b) being least] 5,53,846

15 days' salary has been calculated as follows:


(a) Last drawn pay + D.A. =` (32,000 + 8,000) 40,000
(b) 15 days‘ salary based on last drawn salary: 15/26 x ` 40,000 or ` 23,076.92 (approx.)
(maximum working days in a month being 26)
(c) 15 days' salary for each year of completed Service = 24 X ` 23,076.92 or ` 5,53,846

2. Out of the lump sum received from the unrecognized provident fund, only the sum representing
employer's contribution and interest thereon is taxable under the head "Salaries". Interest on employee's
contribution is taxable as income from other sources.

DIRECT TAXATION 72
Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Remuneration received by a teacher of a college from the University for checking answer scripts is
taxable as:
a) Salaries
b) Income from other sources
c) Profits or Gains of Business of Profession
d) Income from speculative business

2. Interest-free loan received from the employer is tax-free perquisite if the amount of loan does not
exceed :
a) ` 10,000
b) `15,000
c) ` 20,000
d) ` 25,000

3. Reimbursement of any medical bill for treatment is a private hospital is exempt up to----
a) ` 15000
b) ` 10000
c) ` 5000
d) None of these

4. The maximum amount of compensation received at the time of voluntary retirement exempt from
tax is:
a) ` 200000
b) ` 500000
c) ` 100000
d) The actual amount received as compensation

(5) Motor car with more than 1.6 litters cubic capacity is given to the employee both for official and
personal use with expenditure on running and maintenance met by the employer. The car was self
driven by the employee. The perquisite value shall be
A. `1,200 p.m. B.` 1,800 p.m.
C.` 2,400 p.m. D. Nil

(6) X received ` 100,000 from the prospective employer before joining duty in order to resign from the
present employer. Subsequently, he joined the new employer. The amount received is:
(a) Taxable as income from business (b) Taxable as salary income
(c) Exempt from tax u/s 10 (d) Exempt being capital receipt

(7) For non-Government employee governed by Payment to Gratuity Act, 1972, the monetary limit for
exemption is:
(a) ` 5,00,000 (b) ` 3,50,000 (c) ` 10,00,000 (d) Limitless

(8) Sums received as transport allowance is exempt up to:


(a) ` 1,000 p.m. (b) ` 200 p.m. (c) ` 1600 p.m. (d) ` ‗Nil‘ fully taxable

(9) A was provided accommodation in a hotel by the employer for 10 days consequent to his transfer
from Kolkata Hyderabad. The cost of accommodation was ` 30,000 to the employer. The value of
perquisite is
(a) ` Nil (b) ` 30,000 (c) ` 15,000 (d) ` 20,000

DIRECT TAXATION 73
(10) Payment received by employee in respect of encashment of earned leave during service is :
(A) Taxable as salary
(B) Taxable as income from other sources
(C) 50% is exempt and balance taxable as salary
(D) Fully exempt under section 10

(11) Commuted pension received by a State Government employee is exempt up to ` ……


(A) 3 lakhs
(B) 5 lakhs
(C) 10 lakhs
(D) Fully exempt

(12)The maximum amount of leave salary not chargeable to tax as specified by the Government in
case of a non-government employee is :
a) ` 75600
b) ` 80000
c) ` 2,40,000
d) ` 3, 00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 74
STUDY NOTE : 8
INCOME FROM HOUSE PROPERTY

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


8.1 Basis of charge [Section 22]
8.2 Essential Conditions
8.3 Deemed Owner
8.4 House Property let out for purposes which is incidental to business
8.5 Property held in as stock-in-trade
8.6 House Property situated abroad
8.7 Composite Rent
8.8 Annual Value of house property
8.9 Annual Value how determined [Section 23]
8.10 Deductions from annual value [Section 24]
8.11 Recovery of arrears of rent and unrealized rent [Section 25A]
8.12 Treatment of Loss

8.1 BASIS OF CHARGE [SECTION 22]

The charge under this head arises from the provisions contained in section 22, which provides that the
annual value of property consisting of any buildings or lands appurtenant thereto of which the assessee
is the owner and which is not used by the assessee for the purpose of any business or profession carried
on by the assessee, shall be chargeable to income-tax under the head ―Income from house property.‖
Thus, although rental income from properties is brought to tax under the head ―Income from house
property,‖ the basis of charge under Section 22 is not the rent itself, but the annual value of the
property.

8.2 ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS

The charge under section 22 is subject to the following essential conditions and propositions:
(a) The property should consist of buildings and lands appurtenant thereto. Income from vacant land
(where there is no building upon it) shall be charged as Income from other sources or as Profits and
gains of business or profession.
(b) The assessee should be the owner of such property. Ownership here means ownership of the
superstructure, and not necessarily ownership of the land.
(c) The property is not used by the owner for the purpose of any business or profession carried on by
him, the income of which is chargeable to tax.

8.3 DEEMED OWNER

In the following cases, the assessee, though not the legal owner of the property, is deemed to be the
owner under Section 27 of the Act:
(a) An individual who transfers otherwise than for adequate considerations any house property to his or
her spouse, not being a transfer in connection with an agreement to live apart, or to a minor child,
not being a married daughter, shall be deemed to be the owner of the house property.
(b) The holder of an imparitable estate shall be deemed to be the individual owner of the house
property so transferred.
(c) A member of a co-operative society, company or other association of persons to whom a building
or part thereof is allotted or leased under a house building scheme of the society, company or
association, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the owner of that building or part thereof.

DIRECT TAXATION 75
(d) A person who is allowed to take or retain possession of any building or part thereof in part
performance of a contract of the nature referred to in Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act,
1882, shall be deemed to be the owner of that building or part thereof.
(e) A person who acquires any rights by way of long-term lease of the property shall be deemed to be
the owner of the property. Under section 269UA(f), long-term lease means a lease for a period of
not less than 12 years.

8.4 HOUSE PROPERTY LET OUT FOR PURPOSES WHICH IS INCIDENTAL TO BUSINESS

As already mentioned, house property used for the purposes of the business of the owner is not taxable
under this head; it is altogether exempt. However, income from property let out by the assessee for
purposes which are incidental to or beneficial to the business, shall be charged under the head Profits
and gains of business or profession. Some instances of this type of letting are: residential quarters
constructed by the assessee for, and let out to, his employees; industrial sheds let out to manufacturers
components required for the assessee‘s business or premises let out to Government authorities for
providing accommodation for a branch of a nationalised bank, post office, police station, etc.

8.5 PROPERTY HELD IN AS STOCK-IN-TRADE

House owning, however profitable, is not a business within the meaning of the Income-tax act.
Therefore, even if a company is incorporated with the sole object of promoting and developing
markets, it‘s income will be assessable under the head Income from house property. Some examples
where business endeavour leading to ownership of house property has been charged to tax under
section 22 are:
(i) business of acquiring property and letting the further;
(ii) Income from property acquired in the course of money lending business;
(iii) Rental income of unsold apartments of a builder;
(iv) Income from a commercial complex let out for business.

8.6 HOUSE PROPERTY SITUATED ABROAD

Income from house property situated in a foreign country is taxable in the hands of a resident and
ordinarily resident in India. In the case of not ordinarily residents and non-residents, income from such
house property is taxable only if the income is received in India during the previous year. If income from
any such property becomes taxable in India, its annual value shall be computed as if the property is
situated in India.

8.7 COMPOSITE RENT

When the owner of a house property derives rent for use of the property as well as for other assets and
services made available to the tenants, such rent is called composite rent.
The tax-treatment of such composite rent shall be as follows:
(a) If the composite rent is received on account of rent of the property and for services like lift, water,
electricity, watchmen, air-conditioning, etc., the rent received for use of the house property shall
be separated from those received for other services. The rent attributable to the use of the house
property shall be charged to tax under the head Income from house property, while those
received for other services shall be charged to tax as Income from other sources or as Profits and
gains of business or profession, as the case may be [CIT vs. Kanak Investments P. Ltd. 95 ITR 419].

DIRECT TAXATION 76
(b) If the composite rent is received for the use of the house property as well as for the use of
machinery, plant, furniture, etc., and if the rent can be separated between use of house property
and other purposes, then the amount attributable to the use of the house property shall be
charged to tax under the head Income from house property and the remaining amount shall be
charged to tax as Profits and gains of business or profession or Income from other sources.
Where, however, the amount is inseparable, the entire rent would be brought under the head Profits
and gains of business or profession, or Income from other sources.

8.8 ANNUAL VALUE OF HOUSE PROPERTY

The basis of charge under Section 22 is not the rent, but the annual value of the property. The annual
value of a property under the Income-Tax Act is the sum for which the property might reasonably be
expected to let from year to year. It is the inherent capacity of a property to yield profit [Lallmal vs. CIT
4 ITR 250(FB)].

In determining this inherent capacity of the property to earn profit or income, several factors are to be
considered. These are:

(i) Rent received or receivable: For a property, which is actually let out, rent received by the owner
from the tenant serves as a good evidence to judge the earning potential of the property in question.
Rent received for this purpose means the de facto rent. Sometimes, the owner may receive a rent
which includes compensation for other services provided (e.g. electricity, water, watchman, etc.,
provided to the tenant). In such cases, the amount attributable to such services shall be deducted
from the amount of rent so received. Rent received from the tenant is, however, just a prima facie
evidence, not a conclusive proof of the earning potential of the property.
(ii) Municipal value: For the purpose of levying tax on the householders, the municipal authorities make
independent assessment to determine the letable value or municipal value of a house property, and
based on such assessment, they charge municipal taxes as a certain percentage of the letable value.
In some metropolis like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai the municipal authorities charge the tax
on property after allowing 10% rebate on the municipal value to provide for repairs and maintenance
of the property. For the purpose of income-tax, however, such rebates are to be added back to
determine the gross municipal value.
(iii) Fair rent: Fair rent is the rent which a similar property may fetch in a similar locality. The Income-tax
Department may in fact consider transactions entered into by other property holders to judge the
earning potential of a particular property [Lallmal vs. CIT 4 ITR 250].
(iv) Standard rent: In case a property is covered under the Rent Control Act, the reasonable rent that
an owner may get from the property cannot exceed the rent as determined under the Rent Control
Act [Sheila Kaushish vs. CIT 131 ITR 435]. It is the maximum amount that a landlord can legally get from
the tenant. The standard rent is, therefore, an important factor to determine the annual value of a
property.

8.9 ANNUAL VALUE HOW DETERMINED [SECTION 23]

Section 23 of the Income-tax Act lays down the procedure for determination of annual value of a
house Property. This section divides, and contemplates, determination of the annual value of house
properties as under:
Let-out house property Self-occupied house property
 Property which is let out throughout the  Self-occupied house property and used as
previous year such throughout the year
 House property which is let out but remains  Self-occupied house property which remains

DIRECT TAXATION 77
vacant for part of the year/whole of the year vacant whole of the year or part of the
previous year
 Let out for part of the year and self-occupied  More than one self-occupied property
for part of the year

1. Property which is let out throughout the previous year [Section 23(1(a); 23(1)b]:

 Computation of annual value when there is no unrealised rent :

Step1. Find out the reasonable expected rent of the property, according to Section 23(1)(a), which is
the higher of the following:
(a) Gross municipal value,
(b) Fair rent.

However, in case the property is covered under the Rent Control Act, the reasonable rent
determined in Step 1 cannot exceed the Standard rent under the Rent Control Act [Shiela Kaushish
vs. CIT (1981) 131 ITR. 589(SC)].

Step 2. Find out the rent received or receivable [Section 23(1)(b)].


The higher of the amounts in Step 1 and Step 2 shall be the gross annual value.

Step3. Deduct the municipal tax actually paid by the owner during the previous year.
The remaining amount shall be the net annual value of the let out property.

Municipal tax is generally charged on the gross municipal value. But in the big cities like Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi, such taxes are usually charged on the net municipal value or rateable
value, which is the amount remaining after allowing 10% rebate for repairs, and service taxes (e.g.,
water tax, sewerage taxes).
Therefore, when net municipal value or rateable value is given, this amount has to be increased by
1/9th to arrive at the figure for gross municipal value. When there are other service taxes like water tax
and sewerage tax, then the net municipal value has to be first increased by the amount of service
taxes and then 1/9th is to be added to arrive at the figure for gross municipal value.

 Computation of annual value when there is unrealised rent :


In the case of a property which is let out throughout the previous year and there is no vacancy, but
during the previous year the full rent could not be realised, then, subject to the conditions laid down
under Rule 4, the unrealised rent shall be excluded from the actual rent received or receivable under
Section 23(1)(b) or Section 23(1)(c). The annual value in such a case shall be determined as follows:

Step1. Find out the reasonable expected rent u/s 23(1)(a), which is the higher of gross municipal value
and fair rent, but subject to the maximum of the Standard rent.

Step2. Find out the rent received or receivable excluding the unrealised rent.
If Step 2 is higher than Step 1, then the amount determined in Step 2 shall be the gross annual
value. But if Step 2 is less than Step 1, the amount determined in Step 1 shall be the gross annual value.
In other words, unrealised rent cannot decrease the gross annual value determined in Step 1.

Step3. Deduct municipal tax actually paid by the owner during the previous year.
The remaining amount after Step 3 shall be taken to be the net annual value of the let out property.

DIRECT TAXATION 78
When unrealised rent is allowed to be deducted from the rent received or receivable [Rule 4]:
Under Rule 4, the unrealised rent for the current previous year shall be deducted from rent receivable
if the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) the tenancy is bona fide;
(b) the defaulting tenant has vacated or steps have been taken to compel him to vacate the
property;
(c) the defaulting tenant is not in occupation of any other property of the assessee;
(d) the assessee has taken all reasonable steps to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of the
unpaid rent or satisfies the Assessing Officer that legal proceedings would be useless

2. House property is let out, but it remains vacant for any part or whole of the previous year:
According to Section 23(1), the annual value of a property, which is let out but remains vacant for part
or whole of the previous years, shall be deemed to be:
(a) the expected reasonable rent of the property [u/s 23(1)(a)], or
(b) where the property or any part of the property is let and the actual rent received or receivable by
the owner in respect thereof is in excess of the sum referred to in Section 23(1)(a), the amount so
received or receivable [Section 23(1)(b)] ; or
(c) Where the property or any part of the property is let and was vacant during the whole or any part
of the previous year and owing to such vacancy the actual rent received or receivable by the
owner in respect thereof is less than the sum referred to Section 23(1)(a), the amount so received
[Section23(1)(c)].

To put it in other words, the gross annual value of house property is the higher of reasonable expected
rent u/s 23(1)(a) or rent received u/s 23(1)(b). But if owing to vacancy the actual rent received or
receivable is lower than the reasonable rent [under Section23(1)(a)], then actual rent received shall be
the gross annual value in terms of Section 23(1)(c).
In a practical situation one may face the following cases:
 Where rent received is higher than the reasonable expected rent:
 Where rent received is less than the reasonable expected rent:
 The property remains vacant for some time and there is unrealised rent

In a situation like this, the following general formula may be used:

Step1. Find out the reasonable expected rent (higher of municipal value and fair rent, but subject to a
maximum of Standard rent).

Step2. Find out the annual rent (i.e. if the property is let out throughout the previous year) excluding
unrealised rent, if any.

Step3. Select the higher of Step 1 and Step 2.

Step4. From the amount determined in Step 3, deduct rent for the vacancy period.
The amount so determined in Step 4 is the gross annual value of the property.

3. Computation of annual value of house property which is self-occupied but let out for part of the year
[Section 23(3)]:
Where a self-occupied house property is let out for any part of the year, its annual value shall be
determined under the provisions of Section 23(1) as if the property has been let out throughout the
previous year. In this case the reasonable expected rent under Section 23(1)(a) shall be computed as
usual, but rent received or receivable under Section 23(1)(b) shall be taken only for the period during
which the property is actually let out. The gross annual value will be the higher of reasonable expected
rent and rent actually received.

DIRECT TAXATION 79
4. Computation of annual value of self-occupied property which is used throughout the previous year
for residence of the owner [Section 23(2)(a)]:
Subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions, under Section 23 (2)(a), where the property consists
of one house or part of the house, which is in the occupation of the owner for his own residence, the
annual value in respect of this house or part thereof shall be nil:
(a) the property is not actually let during any part of the previous year; and
(b) no other benefit is derived from such house.

5. Computation of annual value of a self-occupied residential house which remains vacant during the
whole or any part of the previous year [Section 23(2)(b)]:
Where the property consists of one house or part thereof which is in the occupation of the owner for his
own residence but could not be occupied by him because of his employment, business or profession
carried on at any other place, and he has to reside at that other place in a house not belonging to
him, the annual value of such house or part of the house shall be taken to be nil. The owner of such
property should, however, satisfy the following conditions:
(a) The owner could not occupy the house due to his business or profession carried on in another
place.
(b) The house (or part of the house) remains vacant.
(c) No other benefits are derived from the house.

If the house remains vacant for purposes other than (a) above, the benefit under Section 23(2)(b)
cannot be claimed.

6. Computation of annual value in the case of more than one self-occupied residential house [Section
23(4)]:
When the owner occupies more than one house for his own residence, then at the option of the
assessee, the annual value of one such house only shall be taken as nil. The other houses shall be
deemed to be let out and the annual value of such houses shall be computed u/s 23(1)(a), as in para
9.1.

Points to note:
 Since the owner can exercise his option regarding choice of one self-occupied house, to reduce
his tax burden, he may choose the house property which has the maximum annual value.
 The option regarding choice of a self-occupied house may be changed from year to year.
 In the case of a self-occupied house property which has more than one unit and all the units are
occupied by the owner, the annual value of all these units shall be taken to be nil.

8.10 DEDUCTIONS FROM ANNUAL VALUE [SECTION 24]

The following deductions are available from the annual value of the house property:

1. Deductions from annual values in case of let out and deemed to be let out properties:
The following deductions are available from the annual value of the let out or deemed to be let out
properties:

1. Standard deduction [Section 24(a)]:30% of the net annual value is deductible. This deduction is fixed
and is allowed irrespective of actual expenditure incurred by the owner.

2. Interest on borrowed capital [Section 24(b)]: Where the property has been acquired, constructed,
repaired, renewed or reconstructed with borrowed capital, the amount of any interest payable on

DIRECT TAXATION 80
such capital is to be deducted. Interest on borrowed capital, which is utilised for any other purpose,
cannot be claimed as deduction.
 Interest on borrowed capital prior to completion or acquisition of property: Interest on borrowed
capital is generally allowed as deduction on accrual basis. But in case the money is borrowed earlier
and the acquisition or completion of the property takes place in a subsequent year, the assessee
cannot claim deduction on account of interest as and when it becomes payable. This is so because
the source of income (i.e., house property) is yet to come into existence.

By virtue of the Explanation to Section 24, the accumulated interest for such pre-construction period
can be deducted in five equal installments starting from the previous year in which the property has
been acquired or completed.

For this purpose, pre-construction period means the period beginning from the date on which the
money was borrowed and ending on 31st March immediately prior to the date of completion of
construction (or acquisition) of property or the date of repayment of loan, whichever is earlier.

Points to note:
 Since interest is allowed as deduction on an accrual basis, interest for the previous year can be
deducted even if it is not actually paid.
 Interest on unpaid interest is not deductible.
 Brokerage, commission, etc., paid for raising loan is not deductible.
 Where any interest is paid outside India for which no tax has been paid or deducted at source or
in respect of which there is no person in India who may be treated as an agent, cannot be
allowed as deduction (Section 25).
 Interest on fresh loan taken to repay the original loan is allowable as deduction
 Interest on loan is allowed as deduction only to the person who has
constructed/purchased/undertaken repairs with the borrowed fund. Such interest is not allowable
to the successor of the property, unless he has utilised the fund for the above purposes.
 An arrangement between the buyer and the seller to pay the purchase consideration of the
property in instalment shall be regarded as capital borrowed for the purpose of acquiring the
house, and interest thereon is allowable as deduction u/s 24.

2. Deduction u/s 24 in case of self-occupied property:


In the case of a house property, the annual value of which has been taken as nil under the provision of
Section 23(2)(a) or Section 23(2)(b), only interest on borrowed capital can be allowed as deduction
under the provision of Section 24(b).

The deduction of interest on borrowed capital is, however, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The amount of interest will include interest for the current previous year as well as 1/5th of the
accumulated interest for the pre-construction period.
(b) The maximum amount of interest which will be allowed as deduction is as follows:

Date of Purpose *Maximum amount


borrowing allowed
Before Any purpose related to the house, i.e., acquisition, construction, ` 30,000
1.4.1999 repairs, renewal, etc.
On or after  Repairs, renewal or re-construction ` 30,000
1.4.1999  Acquisition or construction ` 2,00,000
 Acquisition or construction but completion of acquisition or ` 30,000
construction takes more than 5 years from the end of the
financial year in which the fund is borrowed

DIRECT TAXATION 81
8.11 RECOVERY OF ARREARS OF RENT AND UNREALIZED RENT [SECTION 25A]

With effect from the assessment year 2017-2018, Sections 25A/ 25AA and 25B relating to unrealized rent
and arrears of rent respectively, have been merged into a new section 25A to provide as under:
(i) If any amount of arrears of rent received from a tenant or the unrealised rent is realized
subsequently from a tenant, it shall be deemed to be the income from house property in respect of
the financial year in which such rent is received or realised.
(ii) The amount so realized or recovered shall be included in the total income of the assessee under
the head ―Income from house property‖.
(iii) A sum equal to thirty per cent of the arrears of rent or the unrealised rent as mentioned above shall
be allowed as deduction.

8.12 TREATMENT OF LOSS

A loss under the head Income from house property may arise under the following cases:
(i) Owing to the deduction of interest a loss up to ` 2,00,000 may arise in respect of a self-occupied
property.
(ii) In the case of let out property or deemed to be let out property, it can show a loss if : (i) the
municipal tax paid during the year is more than the gross annual value and/or (ii) if the total
deductions under section 24 exceeds the net annual value.

Such loss may be set off, first, from the income against other houses and then against income under
other heads (not against lottery income) in the same previous year. The remaining loss not so set off,
shall be carried forward up to a maximum of eight assessment year and set off against Income from
house property only.

Example 1: A is the owner of a house in Chennai. He lets out this house to a tenant for ` 4,000 p.m. The
municipal value of the house is ` 40,000 p.a. During the year, he pays municipal tax of ` 4,000.
Find out the annual value of the house for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of the let out house property of A for the assessment year 2017-18
relating to the previous year 2016-2017.
` `
Gross annual value being the higher of :
(a) Gross municipal value [being reasonable expected rent u/s 23(l)(a)] 40,000
(b) Rent received [u/s 23(l)(b)] 48,000 48,000
Gross annual value [alternative (b) being higher] 4,000
Less : Municipal tax paid by the owner
Net Annual Value 44,000

Example 2: B is the owner of a house in Kolkata. He lets out the house to his cousin for ` 4,000 p.m.
similar house in the locality can fetch a rent of ` 5,000 p.m. and the net municipal value of the house is
` 36,000 p.a. Municipal tax paid during the year was 10%.
Compute the annual value of the house property for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of the let out house property of A for the assessment year 2017-18
relating to the previous year 2016-2017.

DIRECT TAXATION 82
` ` `
Step 1: Reasonable expected rent u/s 23(l)(a) being higher of the
following:
(a) Gross Municipal value [36,000 x 100/90] 40,000 60,000
(b) Fair Rent [` 5,000 X 12] 60,000 48,000 60,000
Step 2: Rent received [` 4,000 x 12] 3,600
Gross annual value [being higher of step 1 and 2]
Less : Municipal tax paid by the owner (Note 1)
Net Annual Value 56,400

Note: When net municipal value is given, municipal tax is to be computed on net municipal value.

Example 3: X is the owner of a house in Mumbai. The particulars regarding the house is as follows:
(a) Gross municipal value ` 3,00,000 p.a.
(b) Fair rent ` 3,50,000 p.a.
(c) Standard rent ` 2,80,000 p.a.
(d) Rent actually received ` 2,40,000.
(e)Municipal tax paid @ 10%.
Compute the annual value of the house for the assessment year 2016-2017.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of annual value for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous
year 2016-17

` `
Step 1. Reasonable expected rent u/s 23(l)(a) being the higher of Municipal
value and Fair rent, but subject to the maximum of Standard rent 2,80,000
Step 2. Actual rent received 2,40,000 2,80,000
Gross annual value being higher of the amount 27,000
in Step 1 and Step 2
2,53,000
Less : Municipal tax (Note 1)
Net Annual Value

In Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, municipal authorities usually allow 10% rebate on the gross
municipal value. Municipal tax therefore has to be charged on the net municipal value as under:
` 3,00,000 x 90/100 x 10/100 = ` 27,000

Alternatively,
Net Municipal Value = ` 3,00,000 x 90/100 = ` 2,70,000
Municipal tax= ` 2,70,000 x 10/100 = ` 27,000

Example 4: A is the owner of 5 houses in different parts of India. From the following particulars compute
the gross annual value of the houses:
House I House II House III House IV House V
` ` ` ` `
Municipal value (gross) 20,000 36,000 15,000 45,000 32,000
Rent received 24,000 27,000 18,000 48,000 40,000
Fair rent 23,000 30,000 16,000 42,000 44,000
Standard rent 22,000 33,000 20,000 N/A N/A

Answer:
Computation of Gross annual value for the assessment year

DIRECT TAXATION 83
Hi Hii Hiii Hiv Hv
Step I: ` ` ` ` `
Reasonable expected rent u/s 23(1)(a): Higher of
Gross municipal value and Fair rent, but subject
to the maximum of Standard rent 22,000 33,000 16,000 45,000 44,000
Step II:
Rent actually received:
Gross annual value being the higher of Step I 24,000 27,000 18,000 48,000 40,000
and Step II
24,000 33,000 18,000 48,000 44,000

Example 5:
K is the owner of a house in Hyderabad. The house is let out to a tenant for ` 1,20,000 p.a. The other
particulars regarding the house are as follows:
(a) Municipal value ` 80,000 p.a.
(b) Fair rent ` 1,20,000 p.a.
(c) Municipal tax 10%
(d) The tenant has left the house without paying the rent for February and March, 2017.
Compute annual value of the house property for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of let out house property for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year 2016-2017.

` `
Step 1. Reasonable expected rent being higher of Gross municipal value and 1,20,000
Fair rent
Step 2. Rent received excluding unrealized rent (` 1,20,000 x 10/12) Gross 1,00,000 1,20,000
annual value (since Step 1 is higher than Step 2)
Less: Municipal tax [10% of ` 80,000] 8,000
Net Annual Value 1,12,000

Example 6: A has a house in Bhubaneshwar, which is let out throughout the previous year for `1,60,000
p.a. The particulars regarding the house are as follows:
(a) Gross municipal value `1,00,000 p.a.
(b) Fair rent `1,10,000 p.a.
(c) Standard rent under the Rent Control Act, `1,20,000
(d) Total municipal tax during the year was `16,000, of which `16,000 was paid by the tenant and the
balance was paid by A.
(e) Two months‘ rent for the previous year could not be realised from the tenant. The tenant is
occupying another house of Shri Prasad for which he is paying the rent regularly. Shri Prasad has
not taken any legal steps against the tenant so far.
Compute the annual value of the house property for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of let out house property of Shri B. Prasad, a resident individual, for the
assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-2017

` `
Step 1. Reasonable expected rent being higher of Gross municipal value and 1,10,000
Fair rent (Not 1)
Step 2. Rent received (Note 2) 1,60,000

DIRECT TAXATION 84
Gross annual value (since Step 1 is higher than Step 2) 1,60,000
Less: Municipal tax paid by the owner 10,000
Net Annual Value 1,50,000

Note 1: Since Standard rent is higher than municipal value or fair rent, it has been ignored. In case
Standard rent is lower than municipal value or fair rent, it is to be considered.

Note 2: Since A does not fulfill the conditions laid down under Rule 4, unrealised rent cannot be
deducted from rent receivable.

Example 7: X is the owner of three houses in New Delhi, which are all let out and covered by the Rent
Control Act. From the following particulars find out the annual value of the properties:
H1 H2 H3
Municipal value 30,000 26,000 3,000
Annual rent 4,000 36,000 30,000
Fair rent 3,000 2, 000 30,000
Standard rent 30,000 35,000 36,000 2,500
Unrealized rent 7,000 9,000 3months 15%
Vacancy period 1 month 10% 2months 10%
Municipal tax paid

Compute annual value of the properties for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual values of let out house properties of X for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017
H1 H2 H3
Step 1. Reasonable expected rent(Higher of Gross municipal value and 30,000 28,000 35,000
Fair rent, but subject to a maximum of Standard rent)
Step 2. Annual rent excluding unrealized rent 35,000 27,000 27,500
Step 3. Higher of Step 1 and Step 2 35,000 28,000 35,000
Step 4. Step 3 minus rent for vacancy period (Note 1) Gross annual value 31,500 22,000 27,500
as in Step 4 31,500 22,000 27,500
Less: Municipal tax paid (Note 2) 2,700 2,340 4,725
Net Annual Value 28,800 19,660 22,775

Notes:
1. Step 3 minus rent for the vacancy period:
House 1: ` 35,000 – ` 42,000 x 1/12 = ` 31,500
House 2: ` 28,000 – ` 36,000 x 2/12 = ` 22,000
House 3: ` 35,000 – ` 30,000 x 3/12 = ` 27,500
2. Municipal tax: Since the properties are situated in Kolkata, municipal taxes have been calculated
on the ratable values as follows:
House 1: ` 30,000 X 90/100 x 10/100 = ` 2,700
House 2: ` 26,000 X 9/100 x 10/100 = ` 2,340
House 3: ` 35,000 X 90/100 x 15/100 = 4,725

Self-occupied house property let out for part of the year:

DIRECT TAXATION 85
Example 8:
S has a house property in Coimbatore which he uses for his own residence. But during the previous year
he was transferred to Chennai and for that reason he let out the house from 1st July, 2016 to a tenant
for ` 16,000 p.m.
The other particulars of the house are as follows :
Municipal value ` 80,000
Fair Rent ` 1,20,000
Standard rent under the Rent Control Act ` 1,00,000
During the year S pays ` 8,000 as municipal tax.
Compute annual value of the house for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of house property of S, for the assessment year
2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-2017
` `
Step 1. Reasonable expected rent being higher of the
following but not exceeding Standard rent: `
(a) Municipal value 80,000
(b) Fair rent 1,20,000
(c) Standard rent 1,00,000 1,00,000
Step 2. Rent received (` 16,000 x 9) 1,44,000
Gross annual value (being higher of Step 1 and Step 2) 1,44,000
Less: Municipal tax paid 8,000
Net Annual Value 1,36,000

Self-occupied property remained vacant for part of the year

Example 9: C is the owner of a house in North Delhi. He uses the house throughout the previous year for
his own residence. The gross municipal value of the house is ` 60,000 and C pays ` 5,000 as municipal
tax during the previous year. Compute annual value of the house property for the assessment year
2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of annual value of self-occupied residential house of C for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017
` `
u/s 23(2)(a) the annual value of one self-occupied residential house is nil. Nil
Less : Municipal tax Nil
Net Annual Value Nil

More than one self-occupied property

Example 10:
A is the owner of two houses. He uses both the houses for his residential purposes. The particulars
regarding the houses are as follows:
H1 H2
` `
Municipal value 80,000 1,20,000
Fair rent 90,000 1,40,000
Municipal tax paid 8,000 12,000
Compute annual value of the houses for the assessment year 2017-18.

DIRECT TAXATION 86
Answer:
Computation of annual value of self-occupied residential house of A, for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017
H1 Self-occupied H2: let out
Option A:
Gross annual value (For the let out house higher of Nil 1,40,000
municipal value and fair rent )
Less: Municipal tax Nil 12,000
Net Annual Value Nil 1,28,000
Option B: H1 let out H2 Self-occupied
Gross annual value (For the let out house higher of
municipal value and fair rent) 90,000 Nil
Less: Municipal tax paid 8,000 Nil
Net Annual Value 82,000 Nil

Net Annual Value:


Option A: ` Nil + ` 1,28,000 = ` 1,28,000
Option B: ` 82,000 + Nil = ` 82,000.
Since option B results into a lower net annual, house 1 should be treated as Let out and House 2 self-
occupied.

Example 11: B owns a house property which is let-out for ` 6,500 per month. The fair rent of the property
is ` 90,000. Municipal taxes paid during the year for each half-year is ` 3,200. The tenant has spent `
10,000 towards repairs of the property during the year. Compute the income from the house property
for the assessment year 2017-18. [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2008]

Answer:
Computation of annual value of self-occupied residential house of B, for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017

Gross annual value being higher of :


(a) Fair rent 90,000
(b) Rent received [` 6,500 x 12] 78,000 90,000
Less: Municipal tax paid [` 3,200 x2] 6,400
Net Annual Value 83,600

Example 12: X and Y are co-owners of two houses with equal share of both the houses. While the first
house is used by them for their residence, the second house is let to a tenant at a monthly rent of `
2,500. The other relevant particulars of the houses for the year 2016-17 are as follows:
First house Second house
Construction completed on 30.06.2005 31.03.2007
Municipal Tax @ 10% ` 2,000 ` 2,500
Insurance Premium ` 2,500 ` 2,500
Interest on loan ` 10,000 ` 9,000
Compute income from house property of X and Y for the relevant assessment year.
[CMA-Inter- Dec. 2009 (adapted)]

Answer:
Computation of annual value of house properties of A and B for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating
to the previous year 2016-2017

DIRECT TAXATION 87
First house (Self-occupied): Nil
Gross annual value Nil
Less: Municipal tax paid
Net Annual Value Nil
Less: Deduction u/s 24(b) for interest on loan 10,000 (-) 10,000
Income from self-occupied house
Second house (let out):
Gross annual value being higher of:
(a) Municipal value [ ` 2,500 x 100/10] 25,000
(b) Rent received [` 2,500 x 12] 30,000 30,000
Less: Municipal tax paid 2,500
Net Annual Value 27,500
Less: Deduction u/s 24: 8,250 10,250
(a) Standard deduction u/s 24(a)@ 30% 9,000 17,250
(b) Interest on loan u/s 24(b):
Income from let out property 250
Income from house property

Note: Under section 26, when the house property is owned by co-owners and the share of each of the
owners is ascertainable, the shares of such income shall be assessed at the hands of the respective
owners. Accordingly, the share of X and Y into the income from the property shall be ` 125 each.

Example 13: (a) K, owner of a property, gives it on a rent of ` 11,000 per month to a bank. Municipal
value of the property is ` 1,30,000, fair rent is ` 1,40,000 and standard rent is ` 1,34,000. Municipal tax
paid by K is ` 26,000 on March 3, 2016 and ` 30,000 on May 10, 2016. On May 1, 2016, the rent is
increased from ` 11,000 per month to ` 15,000 per month with retrospective effect from April 1, 2015.
Arrears of increased rent are paid on May 1, 2016. Find out the income chargeable to tax for the
assessment year 2017-18. [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2007 (adapted)].

Answer:
Computation of annual value of self-occupied residential house of K, for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017
` `
Gross annual value (being the higher of Municipal value and Fair
rent, but subject to the maximum of Standard rent 1,34,000
Rent received [ ` 15,000 x 12] 180,000 1,80,000
Less: Municipal tax actually paid during the year (Note) 30,000
Net Annual Value (NAV) 1,50,000
Less: Standard deduction u/s 24(a) @ 30 of NAV 45,000 1,05,000
Add: Arrears of rent for the financial year 2015-16 received during 48,000
the year [ ` 4,000 x 12]
Less: Standard deduction u/s 25A[ w.e.f. AY 2017-18] @30% 14,400 33,600
Income from house property 1,38,600

Notes: (1) Municipal tax is allowed to be deducted if it is actually paid during the year. Hence ` 26,000
paid on 3March shall be allowed as deduction during the previous year 2015-16.

(2) With effect from AY 2017-18, section 25A is inserted by the Finance Act 2016 to provide that arrears
of rent or unrealized rent as recovered subsequently shall be treated as income of the financial year
during which it is received. A deduction @30% of the amount received shall also be allowed.

Example 14: R owns a house in Hyderabad. Its Municipal valuation is ` 24,000. He incurred the following
expenditure in respect of the house property:

DIRECT TAXATION 88
(i) Municipal Tax at 20%;
(ii) Fire insurance premium ` 2,000; and
(iii) Land revenue ` 2,400.

He had taken bank loan of ` 25,000 at 16% per annum on April 1, 2014; the whole amount is still unpaid.
The house was completed on April 1, 2016. Find the income from house property for the assessment
year 2017-18 for the following situations:
(i) If the assessee uses house for self-occupation throughout the previous year, and
(ii) If the house is let-out for residential purpose on monthly rent of ` 2,500 from April 1, 2016 to
December 31, 2016 and self-occupied for the remaining period. [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2010]

Answer:
Computation of Income from house property for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous
year 2016-2017
` `
Situation I: The house is self-occupied throughout the year:
Gross annual value Nil
Less: Municipal tax Nil
Net Annual Value Nil
Less: Deduction u/s 24(b) for interest on loan (See note) 5,600
Income from house property (-) 5,600
Situation II: The house is let out for part of the year:
Gross annual value u/s 23(3) being the higher of:
A. Reasonable expected rent u/ 23(1), which is higher of:
(a) Municipal value ` 24,000
(b) Annual rent [ ` 2,500 x 12] ` 30,000 30,000
B. Rent received [` 2,500 x 9] 22,500
Gross annual value [(A)being higher] 30,000
Less: Municipal tax paid @20% 4,800
Net Annual Value
Less: Deduction u/s 24: 25,200
(a) Standard deduction u/s 24(a) @ 30% of Net annual value 7,560
(b) Interest on loan 5,600 13,160
Income from house property 12,040

Note: Interest on borrowed capital:


(a) Interest during the pre-construction period: [ 1.4.2014 to 31.3.2016] @ 16% = ` 8,000
1/5th of the interest for the pre-construction period [ ` 8,000 x 1/5] = ` 1,600
Add: Interest for the current period = ` 4,000
Total interest allowable during the financial year 2016-17 ` 5,600

Example15: V commenced construction of house meant for residential purpose on 01.11.2014. She
raised a loan of ` 10 lakhs @ 11% per annum from a bank. Finding that there was over run in the cost of
construction, he raised a further loan of ` 5 lakhs from her friend at 15% rate of interest per annum on
1.10.2016. The construction was completed by February, 2017.

Compute the amount of interest allowable exemption under section 24 of the income-tax Act, 1961 in
the following cases:
(i) The house was meant for self-occupation from 01.03.2017
(ii) The house was to be let out from 01.03.2017

Is there any deduction available u/s 80C towards principal repayment in respect of above loans?
[CMA-Inter - June 2011]

Computation of interest allowable u/s 24

DIRECT TAXATION 89
`
(a) Preconstruction period: From 1.11.2014 to 31.3.2016 17 months
(b) Amount of loan eligible for deduction of interest: 10 lakhs
Total interest for 17 months ` 1,55,833
1/5th of the interest for pre-construction period = ` 31,167
(I) Interest allowable u/s 24(b) when the house is self-occupied:
i. Interest on loan from Bank for the current financial year
ii. Interest on loan from friend [ 1.10.2016 – 31.3.2017] ` 1,10,000
iii. 1/5th of interest for pre-construction period ` 37,500
Total ` 31,167 1,78,667
(I) Interest allowable u/s 24(b) when the house is let out: 1,78,667

Note: In the case of self-occupied property, maximum interest that can be allowed is ` 2,00,000

Example 15: N completed construction of a residential house on 01.04.2015.


Interest paid on loans borrowed for the purpose of construction during the 30 months prior to
completion was ` 60,000
The house was let-out on a monthly rent of ` 18,000.
Annual corporation tax paid is ` 35,000
Interest paid during the year is ` 25,000
Amount spent on repairs is ` 6,000.
Fire insurance premium paid ` 3,000 per annum
The property was vacant for 4 months.
Annual letting value as per municipal records is ` 1,50,000.
He had also received arrears of rent of ` 36,000 during the year, which had not been charged to tax in
the earlier year.
Compute the income under the head ―Income form house Property‖ for the assessment year 2017-18.
[CMA-Inter, Dec. 2012]

Answer:
Computation of Income from house property of N for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 2016-17
` `
Gross annual value :
Step 1: Reasonable expected rent (being higher of municipal value and fair
rent) 1,50,000
Step 2: Annual rent [ ` 18,000 x 12] 2,16,000
Step 3: Higher of step 1 and step 2: 2,16,000
Step 4: Deduct loss for vacancy [ ` 18,000 x4] 72,000
Gross annual value 1,44,000
Less: Municipal tax 35,000
Net Annual Value 1,09,000
Less: Deduction u/s 24:
(a)Standard deduction u/s 24(a) @30% of NAV 32,700 (-) 69,700
(b) Interest on borrowed capital (See Note) 37,000
Arrears of rent u/s 25A 36,000 25,200
Less: Standard deduction @30% 10,800
Income from house property 64,500

Note: Interest on borrowed capital: Current interest + 1//5th of interest for pre-construction period [`
25,000 + 1/5th of ` 60,000 ] = ` 37,000.

Example 16: S constructed his house on a plot of land acquired by him in Kolkata. The house has two
floors of equal size. He started construction of the house on 1st April, 2015 and completed construction

DIRECT TAXATION 90
on 30th June, 2016. He occupied the ground floor on 1 st July, 2016 and let out the first floor at a rent of `
20,000 per month on the same date. However, the tenant vacated the first floor on 31st January, 2017
and S occupied the entire house from 1st February, 2017 to 31st march, 2017.

Other information
Fair rent of each floor ` 1,20,000 per annum
Municipal value of each floor ` 80,000 per annum
Municipal tax paid ` 10,000
Repair expenses ` 5,000
S obtained a housing loan of ` 15 lacs at interest of 10% per annum on 1 st July 2015.He did not repay
any part of the loan till 31st March, 2017 [CMA-Inter , June 2013]

Answer:
Computation of Income from house property of S for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 2016-17
` `
Ground floor (Self-occupied):
Gross Annual Value Nil
Less: Municipal tax Nil
Net Annual Value Nil
Less: Deduction u/s 24(b) for interest on borrowed capital 86,250 (-)86,250
First floor (let out):
Gross annual value for 9 months:
Step 1: Reasonable expected rent being higher of : 60,000
(a) Municipal value for 9 months: [80,000 x 9/12] 90,000 90,000
(b) Fair rent for 9 months [ ` 1,20,000 x 9/12] 1,80,00
Step 2: Annual rent [20,000 x 9] 40,000 1,40,000
Less: Loss for vacancy [2 months x 20,000] 1,40,000
Gross annual value being higher of Step 1 and Step 2 5,000
Less : Municipal tax paid 1,35,000
Net Annul Value 40,500
Less: Deduction u/s 24: 86,250 1,26,750
(a) Standard deduction u/s 24(a)
(b) Interest on borrowed capital u/s 24(b) 8,250
Income from house property (loss) (-) 78,000

Note: Interest on borrowed capital:


(a) Interest for pre-construction period [1.7.2015 to 31.3.16 = 9months @10%] = 1,12,500
1/5th of the interest for pre-construction period ` 22,500
Add: Interest for the current year : ` 1,50,000
Total Interest allowable ` 1,72,500
Share of each floor (` 1,72,500/2) ` 86,250

Example 17: N owns two houses, both of which are occupied by him for residential purpose. The details
are given below:
House-I House-II
Fair rent ` 7,20,000 ` 6,30,000
Municipal value ` 5,00,000 ` 5,00,000
Standard rent ` 6,00,000 6,00,000
Date of completion 01.01.2002 01.07.2008
Municipal tax paid 10% 12%
Date of loan 01.07.1998 01.05.2005
Interest on loan for the financial year 2016-17 1,10,000 1,70,000

Compute his income from house property and advise which house should be opted by him as self-
occupied. [CMA-Inter, June 2014]

DIRECT TAXATION 91
Answer:
Under section 23(4), where both the houses are self-occupied, then, at the option of the assessee, any
one of the houses shall be treated as self-occupied and the other house/houses shall be deemed to be
let out. For the purpose of tax planning, the assessee should select the house as self-occupied in such a
way that it minimizes the tax burden of the assessee.
H1 Self-occupied H2: let out
Option A:
Gross annual value (For the let out house higher of municipal Nil 6,00,000
value and fair rent but not exceeding Standard rent) Nil 60,000
Less: Municipal tax
Net Annual Value Nil 5,40,000
Less: Deduction u/s 24:
(a) Standard deduction @ 30% Nil (-)1,62,000
(b) Interest on borrowed capital (Note 1) (-) 30,000 (-) 1,70,000
Income from house property (-) 30,000 (+)208,000
Option B:
Gross annual value (For the let out house higher of municipal H1 let out H2 Self-
value and fair rent but not exceeding Standard rent) occupied
Less: Municipal tax paid 6,00,000 Nil
Net Annual Value 50,000 Nil
Less: Deduction u/s 24:
(a) Standard deduction @ 30% 5,50,000 Nil
(b) Interest on borrowed capital (-) 1,65,000 Nil
Income from house property (-) 1,10,000 (-) 1,70,000
2,75,000 (-) 1,70,000

Income from house property:


Option A: [(-) 30,000 + 2,08,000] 1,78,000
Option B: [(+) 2,75,000 (-) 1,70,000] 1,05,000

Since option B results in a lower income from house property, it would also result in lower tax burden.
The assessee should therefore treat the first house as let out and the second house as self-occupied.

Objective questions:
1. Annual value of the house property located outside India is –
a) Taxable in hands of all assessee
b) Taxable in hands of non-resident assessee
c) Exempted from tax in India
d) Taxable in hands of resident and ordinarily resident assessee
Ans. (d) : Taxable in hands of resident and ordinarily resident assessee

2. Deduction u/s 24(a) is:


a) 30% of net annual value of the house property
b) 30% of gross annual value of house property
c) 30% of actual rent received
d) Actual interest incurred during the previous year
Ans. (a):30% of net annual value of the house property

3. Interest relating to pre-construction period is allowable-


a) In 5 equal installments from the year in which it was incurred
b) In the year in which it was incurred
c) In the year in which house property was constructed
d) In 5 equal installments from the year in which property is constructed
Ans. (d) In 5 equal installments from the year in which property is constructed

DIRECT TAXATION 92
4. For the purpose of claiming higher deduction u/s 24(b) while computing income of a self-occupied
property assessee is required to take—
a) Loan on or before 01-04-1999
b) Loan on or after 01-04-1999
c) Loan after 01-04-1999
d) Loan on 01-04-1999
e) Ans. (b)Loan on or after 01-04-1999

5. Deduction available under section 24(a) is ______________ of NAV


a) 30%
b) 50%
c) 15%
d) 70%
Ans. (a) 30%

(6) Unrealised rent of ` 50,000 was received in June, 2011. The property was sold before April,2011. How
much of unrealized rent is taxable?
(a) ` 50,000
(b) ` 35,000
(c) ` 30,000
(d) Not taxable
Ans. (b) ` 35,000

(7) Quantum of deduction by way of interest on moneys borrowed for construction of self-occupied
house property is
(a) ` 1,50,000
(b) ` 30,000
(c) `2,00,000
(d) ` 1,00,000
Ans. (c) ` 2,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 93
STUDY NOTE : 9
PROFITS AND GAINS FROM BUSINESS OR PROFESSION [SECTIONS 28-44]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


9.1 Introduction
9.2 Basis of Charge
9.3 Business income excluded from the purview of Sec. 28
9.4 General principles of computation of business income
9.5 Method of Accounting [Section 145]
9.6 Specific deductions
9.7 Incentives for investment in new plant and machinery [Section 32AC]
9.8 Investment allowance for notified backward areas [Section 32AD]
9.9 Tea development account, coffee development account or rubber development account
[Section 33AB]
9.10 Site restoration fund [Section 33ABA]
9.11 Expenditure on scientific research [Section 35]
9.12 Expenditure for obtaining right to use spectrum for telecommunication services [ Section 35ABA]
9.13 Expenditure for obtaining licence to operate telecommunication services [Section 35ABB]
9.14 Expenditure on eligible projects or schemes [Section 35AC]
9.15 Capital expenditure in respect of specified business [Section 35AD]
9.16 Expenditure on agricultural extension project [Section 35CCC]
9.17 Expenditure on skill development projects [Section 35CCD]
9.18 Amortisation of preliminary expenses (Sec. 35D)
9.19 Amortisation of expenditure in case of amalgamation or demerger [Section 35DD]
9.20 Amortisation of expenditure incurred under voluntary retirement scheme [Section 35DDA]
9.21 Other deductions u/s 36
9.22 General deduction (Sec. 37)
9.23 Specific disallowance
9.24 Deemed profits chargeable to tax [Section 41]
9.25 Deemed income in respect of undisclosed income/ investment, etc.
9.26 Compulsory maintenance of books by certain persons carrying on profession or business [Section
44AA; Rule 6F]
9.27 Compulsory tax audit of accounts of certain persons [Section 44AB]
9.28 Presumptive incomes and special provisions for computation of income of the resident assessees
in certain cases [Sections 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE, 44B12423434]

9.1 INTRODUCTION

With the four distinct elements – Business‖, ―Profession‖, ―Profits‖ and ―Gains ―– the ambit of this head of
income is broad enough to subsume a large number of things under one head, i.e. Profits and gains of
business or profession.
Section 2(13) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, defines business as including ―any trade, commerce,
manufacture or any adventure or concern in the nature of trade, commerce or manufacture‘. The
term ―profession‖ has not been defined in the Income-tax Act, except that Section 2(36) defines
―profession‖ as including vocation. According to the Webster‘s Third International Dictionary, a
profession is ―a calling requiring specialised knowledge and often long and intensive preparation
including instruction in skills and methods as well as the scientific, historical, or scholarly principles
underlying such skills and methods.‖ Similarly, the terms ―profits‖ and ―gains‖ have also not been
defined exhaustively in the Act except that, u/s 2(24), income includes inter alia profits and gains. The
term ―gains‖ has been held to be equivalent to ―profits‖ [Mersey vs. Lucas 2 TC 25, 29 (HL)]. The profit of

DIRECT TAXATION 94
a business or trade is the excess of receipts from business or trade over the expenditure necessary for
the purpose of earning those receipts [Russel vs. Aberdeen Bank 2 TC 321, 327 (HL)].

9.2 BASIS OF CHARGE

According to Sec. 28, the following are to be charged to tax under this head:
 Profits and gains of any business or profession.
 Any compensation received or due to be received by persons specified u/s 28(i) or u/s 28(ii).
 Income of any trade or professional association from services rendered for its members.
 The value of any benefits or perquisites received in exercise of any profession.
 Export incentives granted to the exporters.
 Duty drawbacks.
 The value of any benefit or perquisite from the exercise of any business or profession.
 Interest, bonus, commission, salary received by the partners from the firm.
 Sums received under a Keyman insurance policy.
 Any sum, whether received in cash or kind under an agreement for not carrying out any activity in
relation to any business or profession or sharing any know-how, patent, copyright, trade-mark,
licence, franchise or any other business or commercial right of similar nature or information or
technique likely to assist in the manufacture or processing of goods or provision for services.
 Any sum, whether received or receivable, in cash or kind, on account of any capital asset (other
than land or goodwill or financial instrument) being demolished, destroyed, discarded or
transferred, if the whole of the expenditure on such capital asset has been allowed as a deduction
under Section 35AD.
 Profits and gains of managing agency.
 Income from any speculative transactions.

9.3 BUSINESS INCOME EXCLUDED FROM THE PURVIEW OF SEC. 28

In the following cases, even if the property or asset is held in as stock-in-trade, the income or profit shall
not be charged under this head:
 Rental income from house property is charged to tax under the head Income from house property.
However, where, such letting is incidental or subservient to business, e.g., residential quarters let out
to the employees or house property let out to post office, bank, Railways on the ground of business
expediency, it shall be charged under this head.
 Dividends on shares.
 Winnings from lotteries.
 Interest earned before setting up of business.
 Income from leasing of commercial assets.

9.4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTATION OF BUSINESS INCOME

Sections 30-44 provide the mode of computation of income under this head. However, the following
general principles need to be taken into consideration:
(a) Legality of the business: Under the Income-tax law, legality of the income is not at all an important
factor for chargeability to tax; and as such, even the profits of illegal business shall also be charged
to tax. However, as regards the expenses of such business, only those expenses as would have
been necessary for legal business shall be allowed as deduction. Since infringement of law is
opposed to public policy, any penalty that might result from such breach of law, shall not be
allowed as deduction.

DIRECT TAXATION 95
(b) The scheme of deductions under this head involves those deductions, which are:
 Revenue in character,
 Relates to the previous year,
 In relation to the assessee‘s business carried on during the previous year,
 Does not relate to the expenditure incurred before the setting up of business.

General examples of losses / expenses deductible under this head:


 Loss of stock-in-trade:
(i) Loss of stock in transit
(ii) Loss of stock by fire
(iii) Loss of stock by ravages of white ants
(iv) Loss of stock by an act of God or enemy action during war
(v) Loss of stock due to theft or robbery
 Loss of cash:
(i) Loss of cash due to dishonesty or negligence of the employees
(ii) Loss of cash due to embezzlement by the assessee‘s employee or agent
(iii) Loss of cash from office premises after office hours, due to theft or burglary
(iv) Loss by a banking company due to deficit of cash and securities after the banking hours
(v) Shortage in cash in a money lending business found on making up the accounts of the day
(vi) Loss of cash-in-transit through highway robbery
(vii) Loss due to confiscation of cash from a smuggler by the customs authorities
 Loss of securities /deposits:
(i) Loss due to forfeiture of security deposits given at the time of submitting tenders or for failure
to supply goods
(ii) Loss due to non-recovery of advances made in course of business
(iii) Loss due to sale of securities held in the ordinary course of business
(iv) Loss due to non-realisation of loan advanced to an importer
(v) Loss due to non-realisation of loan advanced to employees or agents
 Loss on currency exchange/devaluation:
(i) Loss due to exchange rate fluctuations of foreign currency held on revenue account
(ii) Loss due to devaluation of rupee
 Miscellaneous losses:
(i) Loss due to non-realisation of advances given to Employee‘s Welfare Co-operative Society
(ii) Loss due to assessee‘s failure to lift stipulated quota of liquor as per contract.
(iii) Loss due to breach of contract for delivery of goods
(iv) Loss of precious stones of a dealer while bringing them from business premises to his house
(v) Loss due to sale of bonds and securities which were purchased to secure an order
(vi) Loss due to guarantee entered into in the ordinary course of business or professional practice
 Instances of losses not deductible under this head:
(i) Loss due to advances made, which is not in the ordinary course of business of the assessee
(ii) Loss for providing guarantee in favour of another person, which is not in the course of business
(iii) Loss due to the non-recovery of tax paid by a commission agent on behalf of a non-resident
assessee
(iv) Loss due to purchase of shares in a company with a view to providing the company with
finances
(v) Loss from sale of land which was received in satisfaction of a loan kept for several years as
capital stock
(vi) Loss arising to a firm from non-recovery of debt due from a retired partner
(vii) Anticipated future loss
(viii) Loss due to devaluation or fluctuation in exchange rate, where such loss is incurred on capital
account, e.g., for paying purchase price of capital asset.

DIRECT TAXATION 96
9.5 METHOD OF ACCOUNTING [SECTION 145]

Income under this head can be computed either on cash basis or accrual basis. But, the chosen
method should be used consistently. However, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of
section 145 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the Central Government has notified [vide Notification No.
32/2015, F. No. 134/48/2010 TPL, dt. 31.3. 2015] the income computation and disclosure standards to be
followed by all assessees [Discussed in separate chapter]

9.6 SPECIFIC DEDUCTIONS

Sec. 30 to 37 deals with the deductions of expenses and losses, which are expressly allowed in
computing income under this head.
1. Rent, rates, taxes, repairs and insurance for buildings, which are used for the purpose of business
(Sec. 30): Expenses which are allowable, includes:
(a) Where the premises are occupied by the assessee —
(i) as a tenant, the rent paid for such premises and if he has undertaken to bear the cost of
repairs to the premises, the amount paid for such repairs;
(ii) if the assessee is not a tenant, the amount paid by him on account of current repairs to the
premises.
(b) Any sum paid on account of land revenue, local rates or municipal taxes;
(c) The amount of any premium paid in respect of insurance against risk of damage or destruction of
the premises.
2. Repairs and insurance of machinery, plant and furniture (31): In respect of the plant, machinery or
furniture used for the purpose of the business, the following are deductible:
(a) the amount paid on account of current repairs ;
(b) the amount of any premium paid in respect of insurance against risk of damage or destruction.
3. Depreciation (Sec. 32):
a. General conditions:
Depreciation is allowed on tangible assets such as building, machinery, plant (which also covers ships,
vehicles and books) or furniture.

Depreciation on intangible assets, e.g., know-how, trademarks, licence, franchise, etc. which are
acquired after 31st March 1998 are also allowed.
 Depreciation shall be allowed on eligible assets, which are owned by the assessee and are used at
least for some time during the previous year for the purpose of the business. If in the year of
acquisition, the asset is used for less than 180days, depreciation shall be allowed @ 50% of the
normal depreciation. In the subsequent year the assessee can, however, claim full depreciation,
even though the asset is used for less than 180 days.

Provision illustrated
Year of Year in which No. of days for which Eligibility for depreciation
acquisition put to use asset is used in that year
2016-17 2016-17 180 days or more Depreciation at full rate in the year 2016-17
2016-17 2016-17 Less than 180 days Depreciation eligible in 2016-17 @50% of the
prescribed rate
2016-17 2017-18 Less than 180 days No depreciation in 2016-17; Full depreciation in
2017-18

DIRECT TAXATION 97
 Additional depreciation:
Subject to the fulfillment of the conditions below additional depreciation @ 20% of the actual cost of
the eligible assets shall be allowed. However, where an assessee sets up an undertaking or enterprise
on or after the 1st day of April, 2015 in any backward area notified by the Central Government in this
behalf, in the State of Andhra Pradesh or in the State of Bihar or in the State of Telangana or in the State
of West Bengal, the rate of additional depreciation shall be @35%.
Where the asset is acquired during the previous year and is put to use for the purpose of business or
profession of the assessee for less than 180 days in that previous year, additional depreciation shall be
allowed @ 50% of the aforesaid rate, i.e., 10% (17.5% in the case of backward areas) of the actual cost
of the asset. Deduction for the balance fifty per cent of the amount shall be allowed in the
immediately succeeding previous year in respect of such asset [Third proviso, w.e.f. A.Y. 2016-17].

Conditions for additional depreciation: Additional depreciation at the prescribed rate shall be allowed
if the following conditions are satisfied: (a) The assessee is engaged in the business of manufacture or
production of any article or thing or in the business of generation or distribution of power. (b) The
assessee has acquired and installed after 31st March 2005 any new machinery or plant (other than
ships or aircraft). Where the undertaking is set up in the aforesaid backward area, such assets are
acquired and installed in between 1st April 2015 and 31st March 2020.

Assets eligible for additional depreciation:


For the purpose of additional depreciation, eligible assets mean new machinery and plant which
satisfies the following conditions:
a. such machinery or plant, before its installation by the assessee, was not used either in India or
outside India by any other person; or
b. such machinery or plant is not installed in any office premises or any residential accommodation or
a guest house; or
c. it is not an office appliance or road transport vehicles; or
the whole of such plant or machinery or plant is not allowed as a deduction (by way of
depreciation or otherwise) in computing the income chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains
of business or profession‖ of any previous year.

Points to note:
(a) Additional depreciation is allowed in the previous year in which the machinery or plant is first put
to use. Where the additional depreciation is not claimed in its entirety, the balance of the
additional depreciation may be claimed in the immediately succeeding previous year.
(b) Additional depreciation is allowed on the actual cost of the asset, not on the written down
value. However, where the written down value of the machinery or plant is nil, no additional
depreciation shall be allowed.

● Depreciation on assets not owned by the assessee: A lessee of a building can charge depreciation
on the capital expenditure of any construction or renovation of the property. For assets purchased on
hire-purchase basis, depreciation shall be allowed on the cash down price of the assets.

b. Method of computation of depreciation: Sec. 32 makes depreciation a function of the block of


assets, the actual cost of the assets and the written down value (WDV) of the assets.
 Block of assets: Unlike the accounting procedure, depreciation under the income-tax law is
computed not in respect of each and every piece of assets separately, but with respect to a
group of assets, called the Block of assets. u/s 2(11) Block of assets means a group of assets
with in a class of assets comprising:
 tangible assets, being buildings, machinery, plant or furniture,
 intangible assets, being know-how, patents, copyrights, trademarks, license, franchise or similar
assets, in respect of which the same rate of depreciation has been prescribed.

DIRECT TAXATION 98
 Actual cost: u/s 43(1) actual cost means capital cost of assets minus any cash subsidy or grants
received from the government in respect of the assets.
 The WDV of the asset as on the last day of the previous year: It will be computed as follows:
Step 1: Find out the WDV of the asset as on the beginning of the previous year. In case ***
of newly acquired block of asset, its actual cost is to be taken.
Step 2: Add: cost of assets falling within the block of asset acquired during the year. ***
Step 3: Deduct: money received during the previous year in respect of asset, which is
sold, discarded or demolished together with the scrap value, if any. ***
The balance (if positive) is the WDV of the block of asset, on which depreciation at
the prescribed rate shall be allowed. ***

The following points, however, deserve special consideration:


 Depreciation shall be allowed if no asset is sold during the previous year and the block has a WDV
or,
 As a result of sale the block does not become empty and it has a WDV.
 If as a result of sale the block becomes empty or it has no WDV, the difference between Step 2 and
Step 3 shall be either short-term capital loss or short-term capital gains.

To sum up:
 If the block is not empty and the beginning WDV + addition are > sales price, depreciation shall be
allowed on the balance at the prescribed rates.
 If the block is not empty and the beginning WDV + additions are < sales price, no depreciation is
allowed, the balance is short-term capital gain u/s 50(1)
If the block is empty and the beginning, WDV + additions are > sales price, no depreciation is
allowed, the balance is short term capital loss.
 If the block is empty and the beginning WDV + additions are < sales price, no depreciation is
allowed, the balance is short-term capital gains.

Example 1: Depreciated value of the:


`
Block of assets (consisting of plants A, B and C) on 1st April, 2016 29,60,000
Additions of plant D made on September 1, 2016 (it is put to use on September 8, 2016) 3,20,000
Cost of plant E purchased on December 24, 2016 6,20,000
Sale proceeds of plant A (sold on March 3, 2017 and was originally purchased on 1st 32,60,000
April, 2012 for ` 240,000)

Assuming that the rate of depreciation is 30%, find out the admissibility of depreciation for the
assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:

Computation of depreciation allowance for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous
year 2016-2017.
` `
Plant (Block 1, Rate of Depreciation 30%):
W.D.V. of plants A, B and C on 1.4.2016 29,60,000
Add: Cost of plant D (put to use on 8.9.2016) 3,20,000
Add: Cost of plant E (put to use on 24.12.2016) 6,20,000
39,00,000
Less: Sale Proceeds of plant A 32,60,000
W.D.V. of the block of plants 6,40,000

DIRECT TAXATION 99
Depreciation allowance:
Plant E (used for less than 180 days during the previous year) [`6,20,000 ×
30/100x1/2] 93,000
Remaining W.D.V. of block of assets i.e., ` (6,40,000 - 6,20,000) or ` 20,000 @ 30% 3,000
Total depreciation for the previous year 2016-2017 99,000

Example 2: V Ltd., engaged in manufacture of PVC pipes, purchased a machinery on 25.09.2016 for `
2,00,000 and put it to use after two weeks. There is no other asset in the block. What is the WDV of the
block as on 31.03.2017. The normal rate of depreciation may be assumed to be 15%.
[CMA-Inter, Dec. 2008]

Answer:

Computation of written down for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17
` `
Plant (Block 1, Rate of depreciation 15%) Nil
WDV as on 1.4. 216
Add: Cost of plant acquired on 25.9.2016 2,00,000
Total 2,00,000
Less: Normal depreciation [` 2,00,000 x 15%x1/2] 15,000
Less: Additional depreciation @20% [2,00,000 x 20% x ½] 20,000 35,000
WDV as on 1.4. 2017 1,65,000

No mention of additional depreciation in the question.

Note: Since the plant was used for less than 180 days during the previous year, normal depreciation
and additional depreciation shall be allowed at half the eligible rates.

Example 3: N Textiles Ltd. purchased a machinery from Germany for Euro 1,00,000 on 3.09.2015 through
a term loan from Fortune Bank Ltd. The exchange rate on the date of acquisition was `65. The assessee
took a forward exchange rate on 05.10.2016 when the rate specified in the contract was `67 per Euro.
Compute depreciation for the assessment years 2016-17 and 2017-18. Ignore additional depreciation
and assume normal depreciation @15%. [CMA-Inter- Dec. 2010]

Answer:
Computation of depreciation for the assessment years 2016-17 and 2017-18

` Deprecation `
Assessment year 2016-17:
Cost of the asset [€1,00,000 x ` 65] 65,00,000
Less: Depreciation @15% 9,75,000 9,75,000
WDV as on 1.4.2016 55,25,000
Add: Exchange rate difference u/s 43A [€1,00,000 x ` 2] 2,00,000
WDV as on 31.3.1016 57,25,000
Depreciation @15% 8,58,750 8,58,750
WDV as on 1.4.2017 48,66,250

Example 4: X is a manufacturer of plastic goods in India. The following particulars are available in
respect of his business:
(a) Written down of plant and machinery as on 1st April, 2016 `8,00,000
(b) Additions to plant and machinery during the previous
year 2016-2017 `1,00,000
(c) One machine was destroyed in an accident for which compensation received from
the insurance company `40,000

DIRECT TAXATION 100


(d) During the year X sold some machinery
Find out the depreciation allowance or capital gains for the assessment year 2017-2018, if the sale price
of the machinery is (i) `5,00,000 (ii) `9,00,000. Rate of depreciation in respect of all the machines is 30%.

Answer:

Computation of depreciation and capital gains for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017.
Case(i) ` Case(ii) `
Plant and machinery:
(Block1,Rate of depreciation 30%): W.D.V.of the block of plant and machinery as 8,00,000 8,00,000
on 1st April, 2016 1,00,000 1,00,000
Add: Purchase during the year 9,00,000 9,00,000
Less: Moneys payable in respect of machinery sold, destroyed or demolished 5,40,000 9,0,000
during the year 3,60,000 Nil
W.D.V.of the block of plant and machinery as on 31st March, 2017 1,28,000 Nil
Depreciation allowance(Note1) Nil 40,000
Short-term capital gains

Notes :
(1) Depreciation has been worked out as under :
Normal depreciation : @ 30% of ` 3,60,000 `1,08,000
Additional depreciation : @ 20% of ` 1,00,000 `20,000
Total `1,28,000

(2) In the case of (ii), moneys payable in respect of assets sold and destroyed being higher than the
W.D.V. of the block of assets, neither normal depreciation nor additional depreciation has been
allowed. On the other hand, the excess of the sale proceeds over the W.D.V. has been treated as
short-term capital gains u/s 50(1).
(3) `40,000, being insurance claim received, has been added in both cases with the sale proceeds of
machines.

9.7 INCENTIVES FOR INVESTMENT IN NEW PLANT AND MACHINERY [SECTION 32AC]

Effective from the assessment year 2014-15, deduction under this section is available to a corporate
assessee who invested a minimum of `100 crores during the period beginning from 1st April 2013 and
ending on 31st March 2015. The quantum of deduction was 15% of the actual cost of new assets
acquired and installed during the said financial years. (2013-14 -and 2014-15).
However, in consequence of amendment of this section, [vide clause (1A)], for the assessment year
2016-17 and 2017-18, the same deduction will be continued, subject to the fulfilment of the following
conditions:
(a) the cost of the new plant and machinery acquired is more than `100 crores;
(b) the installation of such plant and machinery is completed on or before 31 st March 2017.
(c) The deduction will be available in the year of acquisition of new plant and machinery.
(d) where the installation of the new plant and machinery is in a year other than the year of
acquisition, the deduction under this section will be allowed in the year in which the new plant and
machinery is installed.

DIRECT TAXATION 101


9.8 INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE FOR NOTIFIED BACKWARD AREAS [SECTION 32AD]

Section 32AD accords additional investment allowance amount equal to 15% of the cost of new asset
acquired on or after 1st April 2015.
The deduction under this section is subject to the flowing conditions:
(a) the assessee sets up an undertaking or enterprise for manufacture or production of any article or
thing on or after 1st April, 2015 in any notified backward areas in the State of Andhra Pradesh and
the State of Telangana; and
(b) the new assets are acquired and installed for the purposes of the said undertaking or enterprise
during the period beginning from the 1st April, 2015 to 31st March, 2020.

Meaning of new assets: For this purpose, ―new asset‖ means any new plant or machinery (other than
a ship or aircraft) but does not include:
(a) any plant or machinery, which before its installation by the assessee, was used either within or
outside India by any other person;
(b) any plant or machinery installed in any office premises or any residential accommodation,
including accommodation in the nature of a guest house;
(c) any office appliances including computers or computer software;
(d) any vehicle; or
(e) any plant or machinery, the whole of the actual cost of which is allowed as deduction (whether
by way of depreciation or otherwise) in computing the income chargeable under the head
―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ of any previous year.

Consequence of disposal of the new assets : If any new asset acquired and installed by the assessee is
sold or otherwise transferred, except in connection with the amalgamation or demerger or re-
organization of business referred to in Section 47, within a period of five years from the date of its
installation then , in addition to taxability of capital gains, the amount of deduction allowed under in
respect of such new asset shall be deemed to be the income of the assessee chargeable under the
head "Profits and gains of business or profession" of the previous year in which such new asset is sold or
otherwise transferred.

9.9 TEA DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT, COFFEE DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT OR


RUBBER DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT [SECTION 33AB]

Deduction under this section is allowed to an assessee who is carrying on the business of growing and
manufacturing tea or coffee or rubber in India, can claim deduction under this section in respect of:
(a) any amount deposited in the special account of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) maintained by the assessee in accordance with a scheme approved by
the Tea Board or the Coffee Board or the Rubber Board, or
(b) any amount deposited in the Deposit Account opened in accordance with a scheme approved
by the Tea Board or the Coffee Board or the Rubber Board, as the case may be, with the previous
approval of the Central Government.
Such amount is to be deposited before the expiry of six months from the end of the previous year or
before the due date of furnishing return of income, whichever is earlier.

Actual deduction: If the specified conditions are fulfilled, the amount of deduction will be the lower of
the following sum:
(i) The aggregate of the amounts deposited under (a) and (b) above,
(ii) 40% of profits of such business before making any deduction under this section and before making
any adjustment of brought forward loss.

DIRECT TAXATION 102


9.10 SITE RESTORATION FUND [SECTION 33ABA]

An assessee who is carrying on business consisting of the prospecting for, or extraction or production of
petroleum or natural gas, or both in India pursuant to an agreement with the Central Government for
such business, can claim deduction under this section in respect of:
(a) Any amount deposited with the SBI to a special account in accordance with the scheme
approved by the Central Government, or
(b) Any amount deposited to the Site Restoration Account in accordance with the scheme approved
by the Central Government.
The amount shall be deposited before the end of the relevant previous year.

Amount of deduction: Subject to the fulfillment of the specified conditions, the amount of deduction
shall be the lower of the following amount:
(i) The aggregate of amount deposited under (a) and (b) above,
(ii) 20% of the profits of such business before making any deduction under this section and any
adjustment for brought forward loss of earlier years.

9.11 EXPENDITURE ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH [SECTION 35]

Under section 35, deduction for expenditure on scientific research is allowed in respect of expenditure
incurred by the assessee as well as contributions made to the outsiders for purposes that may or may
not be related to the business of the assessee.

1. Expenditure on in-house research:


The following expenses incurred by an assessee on in-house research are allowed as a deduction:
(i) Revenue expenses: Any revenue expenses incurred on scientific research and related to the
business of the assessee are allowed as deduction. [Section 35(1)(i)].

Points to note: Revenue expenditure incurred by the assessee after 31st March, 1973 on salary
(exclusive of perquisites) to an employee engaged in scientific research on purchase of
materials used in scientific research within the three years immediately preceding
commencement of business shall, to the extent certified by the prescribed authority, also be
allowed as deduction in the year in which the business is commenced [Explanation to Section
35(1)(i)].

(ii) Capital expenditure: Capital expenditure incurred by the assessee after 31st March, 1967, shall be
deducted in full in the previous year in which the expenditure is incurred [Section 35(2)(ia)]. Capital
expenditure incurred within three years immediately preceding the commencement of business
shall also be deductible in the year in which the business is commenced [Explanation 1 to
Section35(2)(ia)]. But capital expenditure incurred on acquisition of land after 29th February, 1984 is
not allowed to be deducted [Proviso to Section 35(2)(ia)]. Depreciation in respect of capital asset
used for scientific research is not allowed.
 Sale of assets used for scientific research: When assets used for the purpose of scientific
research are sold, the consequences would be as follows :
(a) When the asset is sold without being used for any other purposes: When an assets used for
scientific research is sold without being used for any other purposes, then the net sale
proceeds or the cost of the asset, which was earlier allowed as deduction under Section
35, whichever is less, shall be chargeable to tax as the income of the business or profession
of the previous year in which the sale took place [Section 41(3)]. Any excess of the sale
price over the cost of the asset, however, shall be charged as short-term capital gains
under Section 45.

DIRECT TAXATION 103


(b) When the asset sold is used for business purposes: When an asset, after it ceases to be
used for scientific research and is used for other purposes, it shall be included in the
relevant block of assets. The actual cost of such asset, however, shall be nil, since full
amount of the cost of the asset has been allowed as deduction under Section 35.
The sale proceeds of such an asset shall be deducted from the block of assets to arrive at the
written down value of such block.
(iii) Deduction for in-house research in the case of corporate assessee: When a company engaged in
the business of bio-technology or any business of manufacture or production of any article or thing,
not being an article or thing specified in the list of the Eleventh Schedule, incurs any expenditure
(both revenue and capital expenditure but excluding cost of land and buildings) then a weighted
deduction equal to twice the expenditure shall be allowed [Section 35(2AB)(1) as amended by the
Finance Act 2016].
2. Contributions to outside agencies:
Any contribution for scientific research to the following agencies for purposes related or unrelated to
the business of the assessee shall be allowed a weighted deduction equal to:
(a) one and three-fourth times the actual contribution where it relates to any research association
which has as its objective the undertaking of scientific research or a university or a college or any
other institution which is approved in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Central
Government and such association, university, college or other institution are specified by the
Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette. [Section 35(1)(ii)] ;
(b) one and one-fourth times the actual contribution where it relates to any research association
which has as its main object the undertaking of research in social science or statistical research or
to a university, college or other institution to be used for research in social science or statistical
research, provided that such institutions are approved for the purpose by the Central Government
[Section 35(1)(iii)];
(c) two times the actual contribution where it relates to a National Laboratory or a university or an
Indian Institute of Technology or a specified person with a specific direction that the said sum shall
be used for scientific research undertaken under a programme approved by the prescribed
authority [Section 35(2AA)].

3. Contribution to a company for the purpose of scientific research:


With a view to encouraging outsourcing of scientific research, particularly by small companies which
are not capable of building in-house scientific facilities, with effect from the assessment year 2009-2010,
a new clause (iia) in Section 35(1) is inserted to allow a weighted deduction of one and one-fourth
times the amount paid by a person to a company to be used for scientific research, if such company:
(i) is registered in India ;
(ii) has as its main object the scientific research and development ;
(iii) is for the time being approved by the prescribed authority in the prescribed manner ; and
(iv) fulfils such other conditions as may be prescribed.

Summary of deductions u/s 35 and phasing out of weighted deduction introduced by the Finance Act
2016
Section Deduction up to Deduction from AY 2018-19
AY 2017-18
35(1(ii): Contribution to an approved 175% of actual 150% of the actual amount for the
research association, university, etc. contribution assessment year 2018-19 to 2020-21;
100% thereafter.
35(1) (iia): Contribution to an approved 125% of actual 100% actual contribution from the
Indian scientific company contribution AY 2018-19
35(1)(iii): Contribution to universities etc. 125% of actual 100% actual contribution from the
for research in social science or contribution AY 2018-19
statistical research
35(2AA): Contribution to an approved 200% of actual 150% of the actual amount for the

DIRECT TAXATION 104


National Laboratory, university, etc. contribution assessment year 2018-19 to 2020-21;
100% thereafter.
35(2AB): Expenditure by a company on 200% of the actual 150% of the actual amount for the
an approved in-house research contribution assessment year 2018-19 to 2020-21;
100% thereafter.

Example 5: P furnished the following particulars relating to the payments made for scientific research for
the year ended 31.3.2017:
`(Lakh)
(i) Payments made to URC Ltd. 40
(ii) Payment to made to MM College 30
(iii) Payment made to CPC College 20
(iv) Payment to National Laboratory 16
(v) Machinery purchased for in-house scientific research 50
(vi) Salaries to research staff engaged in in-house scientific research 24
Compute the amount of deduction available under section 35 of the Income-tax Act 1961.

Answer:

Computation of deduction u/s 35 for scientific research for the assessment year 2017-18
Particulars Amount Section Rate Deduction
`(Lakh) `(lakh)
(i) Payments made to URC Ltd. 40 35(1)(ii) 175% 70.00
(ii)Payment to made to MM College 30 35(1)(ii) 175% 52.50
(iii)
Payment made to CPC College 20 NA Nil Nil
(iv)Payment to National Laboratory 16 35(2AA) 200% 32.00
(v) Machinery purchased for in-house scientific research 50 35(2)(ia) 100% 50.00
(vi)Salaries to research staff engaged in in-house scientific
research 24 35(1)(i) 100% 24.00
Total 228.50

Note: Since the amount paid to CPC college is not used for the purpose of scientific research, no
deduction shall be available for it.

4. Carry forward and set-off of unabsorbed capital expenditure on scientific research:


Where, due to the absence or insufficiency of profits of the business, any capital expenditure for
scientific research cannot be deducted either partially or in full, such unabsorbed capital expenditure
shall be allowed to be carried forward without any time limit and shall be set off in any subsequent
assessment year. However, when there is any brought forward business loss, in the matter of set off, such
business loss shall have priority over the unabsorbed capital expenditure on scientific research.

9.12 EXPENDITURE FOR OBTAINING RIGHT TO USE SPECTRUM


FOR TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES [SECTION 35ABA]

With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, section 35ABA is inserted to provide deduction in respect
of any capital expenditure incurred for acquiring any right to use spectrum for telecommunication
services either before the commencement of the business or thereafter at any time during any previous
year and for which payment has actually been made to obtain a right to use spectrum. The deduction
shall be given in equal installments over the period starting from the year in which such payment has
been made and ending in the year in which the useful life of spectrum comes to an end.

DIRECT TAXATION 105


There shall, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this section, be allowed for each of the
relevant previous years, a deduction equal to the appropriate fraction of the amount of such
expenditure.

9.13 EXPENDITURE FOR OBTAINING LICENCE TO OPERATE


TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES [SECTION 35ABB]

Deduction under this section is allowed in respect of capital expenditure for acquiring any right to
operate telecommunication services. For this purpose, the expenditure may be incurred either before
the commencement of business to operate such services or at any time thereafter. But deduction is
allowed only in respect of the payment which has been actually made to obtain the licence.

Amount of deduction: Sums actually paid shall be allowed to be deducted in equal installments over
the tenure of the licence, beginning with the year in which the payment is made. Where, the payment
is made before the commencement of such business, it is to be deducted from the previous year in
which the business has actually commenced.

Example 6: S Ltd. which followed mercantile system of accounting, obtained licence on 1.6.2015 from
the Department of Telecommunications for a period of 10 years. The total license fee payable is `
36,00,000, payable as under:

Year ended 31st March Licence fee payable for the year Payments made on Amount
2016 20,00,000 30.3.2016 7,40,000
- - 15.5.2016 12,60,000
2017 16,00,000 28.2.2017 10,80,000

The balance of ` 5,20,000 is pending as on 31.3.2017. Compute the amount of available u/s 35ABB for
the assessment year 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Ans.: As provided u/s 35ABB, the amount actually paid for obtaining licence shall be deducted in equal
installments over the tenure of the licence, beginning with the year in which the amount is paid.
Accordingly, the deduction for assessment years 2016-17 and 2017-18 shall be as under:

Financial year in which Assessment year in which deduction Amount`


payment is made claimed/ Remaining years
2015-16 `7,40,000 2016-17/ 10 years 1/10 x 7,40,000 = `74,000
2016-17 `23,40,000 2017-18/ 9 years (1/9 x 23,40,000)+ 74,000= `3,34,000

9.14 EXPENDITURE ON ELIGIBLE PROJECTS OR SCHEMES [SECTION 35AC]

Deduction under this section is available to the corporate as well as non-corporate assessees on the
expenditure by way of payment of any amount to a public sector company or a local authority or to
an association or institution approved by the National Committee for carrying out any eligible project
or scheme. A corporate assessee can also claim deduction under this section for expenditure incurred
directly by it on the eligible projects or schemes. For this purpose, ―eligible project or scheme‖ means
such project or scheme for promoting social and economic welfare and upliftment of the public as the
Central Government may specify by notification in the Official Gazette. However, no deduction under
this section shall be available from the assessment year 2018-19.

DIRECT TAXATION 106


Conditions:
1. In order to claim deduction under this section the assessee shall, along with the return of income,
furnish a certificate in the prescribed form as under:
(i) where the payment is made to a public sector company or a local authority or to an
approved institution, a certificate from the donee-organisation in Form No. 58A ;
(ii) where the assessee himself incurs the expenditure, a certificate from a chartered accountant
in Form No. 58B.
2. Where in any previous year a deduction has been allowed under this section, no deduction for the
same shall be allowed under any other section.

Amount of deduction: 100% of the expenditure incurred during the previous year for the aforesaid
purposes is allowed as deduction.

9.15 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN RESPECT OF SPECIFIED BUSINESS [SECTION 35AD]

This section provides 100% deduction for any expenditure of capital nature (excluding expenditure
incurred on the acquisition of any land or goodwill or financial instrument) incurred, wholly and
exclusively, during the previous year for the following specified businesses:
(i) *setting up and operating a cold chain facility (defined to mean a chain of facilities for storage or
transportation of agricultural and forest produce, meat and meat products, poultry, marine and
dairy products, products of horticulture, floriculture and apiculture and processed food items under
scientifically controlled conditions including refrigeration and other facilities necessary for the
preservation of such produce) on or after 1st April 2009;
(ii) *setting up and operating a warehousing facility for storage of agricultural produce on or after 1st
April 2009;
(iii) laying and operating a cross-country natural gas or crude or petroleum oil pipeline network for
distribution, including storage on or after 1st April 2007. (The existing scheme of deduction u/s 80-
IA(4)(vi) is to be discontinued from the assessment year 2010-11).
(iv) building and operating a new hotel of two-star or above category on or after 1st April 2010 ;
(v) *building and operating a new hospital with at least one hundred beds for patients on or after 1st
April 2010;
(vi) building a housing project under a scheme for slum development or rehabilitation framed by the
Central Government or a Statement, as the case may be, on or after 1st April 2010 ;
(vii) *developing and building a housing project under a scheme for affordable housing framed by the
Central Government or a Statement Government on or after 1st April, 2011;
(viii) *a new plant or in a newly installed capacity in an existing plant for production of fertilizers on or 1 st
April, 2011.
(ix) setting up and operating on or after 1st April 2012 an inland container depot or a container freight
station notified or approved under the Customs Act, 1962.
(x) Bee-keeping and production of honey and beeswax commenced on or after 1st April 2012.
(xi) Setting up and operating a warehousing facility for storage of sugar on or after 1st April 2012.
(xii) Laying and operating a slurry pope line for the transportation of an iron ore;
(xiii) Setting up and operating a semi-conductor wafer fabrication manufacturing unit and
(xiv) Developing or maintaining and operating or developing, maintaining and operating a new
infrastructure facility on or after 1st April 2017 (defined as: [W.e.f. AY 2018-19].

The term infrastructure facility has been defined as:


(i) a road including toll road, a bridge or a rail system;
(ii) a highway project including housing or other activities being an integral part of the highway
project;
(iii) a water supply project, water treatment system, irrigation project, sanitation and sewerage
system or solid waste management system;
(iv) a port, airport, inland waterway, inland port or navigational channel in the sea;

DIRECT TAXATION 107


 Weighted deduction: With effect from the assessment year 2013-14, a weighted deduction equal
to one and one-half times of the expenditure shall be allowed in respect of the business specified in
*(i), *(ii), *(v),* (vii) and *(viii)above. [ *With effect from the AY 2018-19 no weighted deduction shall
be allowed under these clauses]

Example 7: C Ltd. commenced the business of operating a three-star hotel in Tirupati on 01.04.2016. It
furnishes you the following information:
`
Cost of land (acquired in June 2014) 60 lakhs
Cost of construction of hotel building
Financial year 2014-15 30 lakhs
Financial year 2015-16 150 lakhs
Plant and Machineries (all new) acquired during financial year 2015-16 30 lakhs
[All the above expenditures were capitalized in the books of the company]
Net profit before depreciation for the financial year 2016-17 ` 80 lakhs. Determine the amount eligible
for deduction under section 35AD of the Income-tax Act, 1961, for the assessment year 2017-18.
[CMA-Inter_ Dec. 2011]

Answer:
Under section 35AD, 100% of the capital expenditure incurred during the previous year, wholly and
exclusively for the specified business, which includes the business of building and operating a hotel of
two-star or above category anywhere in India which commences its operations on or after1.4.2010,
would be allowed as deduction from the business income. However, expenditure incurred on
acquisition of any land, goodwill or financial instrument would not be eligible for deduction.
Further, the expenditure incurred, wholly and exclusively, for the purpose of specified business prior to
commencement of operation would be allowed as deduction during the previous year in which the
assessee commences operation of his specified business. A condition has been inserted that such
amount incurred prior to commencement should be capitalized in the books of account of the
assessee on the date of commencement of its operations.
Accordingly, the deduction under section 35AD for the A. Y. 2017-18 in the case of C Ltd. would be
calculated as follows, assuming that the expenditures were capitalised in the books of the company
on1.4.2016, being the date of commencement of operations—

Particulars `(in lakhs)


Cost of land (not eligible for deduction under section 35 AD) Nil
Cost of construction of hotel building (`30Iakhs+`150lakhs) 180
Cost of plant and machinery 30
Deduction under section 35AD 210

Note:
For A.Y.2017-18, the loss from specified business of operating a three-star hotel would be `130lakhs (i.e.
`210 lakhs- 80lakhs). As per section 73A, any loss computed in respect of the specified business referred
to in section 35 AD shall be set off only against profits and gains, if any, of any other specified business.
The unabsorbed loss, if any, will be carried forward for set off against profits and gains of any specified
business in the following assessment year.

9.16 EXPENDITURE ON AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROJECT [SECTION 35CCC]

Deduction under this section is allowed to an assessee for an amount equal to one and one-half times
of the actual amount incurred on agricultural extension project notified by the Board in this behalf in
accordance with the guidelines as may be prescribed. [No weighted deduction shall be allowed from
the assessment year 2021-22].

DIRECT TAXATION 108


However, an assessee who is allowed a deduction under this deduction shall not be allowed in respect
of such expenditure under any other provisions of this Act for the same or any other assessment year.

9.17 EXPENDITURE ON SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS [SECTION 35CCD]

Where a company incurs any expenditure (not being expenditure in the nature of cost of any land or
building) on any skill development project notified by the Board in this behalf in accordance with the
guidelines as may be prescribed, then, there shall be allowed a deduction of a sum equal to 150% of
such expenditure [No weighted deduction shall be allowed from the assessment year 2021-22]. An
assessee who is allowed a deduction under this deduction shall not be allowed in respect of such
expenditure under any other provisions of this Act for the same or any other assessment year.

9.18 Amortisation of preliminary expenses (Sec. 35D)

Preliminary expenses incurred by a company or any other resident assessee (a) before the
commencement of the business for setting up of business, or(b) after the commencement of business
for extension of any unit or setting up of any new unit, are eligible for deduction under this section.

Qualifying expenditure:
The expenditure which qualifies for deduction are:
(a) Expenditure in connection with preparation of feasibility report, preparation of project report,
conducting market survey or any other survey and engineering survey relating to the business.
(b) Legal charges for drafting any agreement between the assessee and any other person for the
purpose of setting up or conduct of business of the assessee.
(c) In the case of a company, expenditure for legal charges for drafting the Memorandum and
Articles of Association, fees for registration of the company under the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956 or underwriting commission, brokerage and charges for drafting, typing, printing and
advertisement of the prospectus in connection with the public issue of shares and debentures.

The aggregate amount as mentioned above shall not exceed 2 1/2% of:
(i) cost of the project, or
(ii) at the option of corporate assessee, the capital employed in the business.
However, where the expenditure is incurred after 31st March, 1998, the aggregate amount which
qualifies for deduction shall not exceed 5% of the cost of the project or as the case may be, 5% of
capital employed by a corporate assessee.

Actual deduction:
One-fifth of the qualifying expenditure for each of the five successive previous years (one-tenth for
each of the ten successive years, if the expenditure is incurred before 1st April, 1998) beginning with the
previous year in which the business is commenced or, as the case may be, the previous year in which
the extension of the industrial undertaking is completed or the new industrial unit commences
production or operation

Example 8: V Ltd. Is an existing Indian Company which sets up a new industrial unit. It incurs the
following expenditure in connection with the setting up of a new industrial unit:

`
Preparation of project report 4,00,000
Feasibility report expenses ` 6,00,000
Expenses for raising additional capital required for the new unit 3,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 109


The following additional data are given:
Factory construction cost 12,00,000
Cost of project (including construction of factory) 40,00,000
Capital employed in the new unit 30,00,000
Compute the deduction admissible to the company under section 35D of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for
the assessment year 2017-18. [CMA- Inter, June 2012 (adapted)]

Answer:

Computation of deduction u/s 35D for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-
17
` `
A. Qualifying expenditure:
Preparation of project report 4,00,000
Feasibility report expenses ` 6,00,000
Expenses for raising additional capital required for the new unit 3,00,000
Total 13,00,000
B. Cost of the project: 40,00,000
C. Capital employed 30,00,000
D. Qualifying amount: 13,00,000
Actual expenditure
but subject to the maximum of the following:
(i) 5% of the cost of the project 2,00,000
(ii) 5% of capital employed 1,50,000
Amount to be amortized during the year [ 1/5 th x `2,00,000] 40,000

9.19 AMORTISATION OF EXPENDITURE IN CASE OF AMALGAMATION OR DEMERGER [SECTION 35DD]

An Indian company which incurs any expenditure wholly exclusively for the purposes of amalgamation
or demerger of an undertaking on or after 1st April, 1999, can claim deduction under this section.
The amount of deduction is one-fifth of such expenditure for each of the five successive previous years
beginning with the previous year in which the amalgamation or demerger takes place. When
deduction under this section is allowed, no deduction for the same can be claimed under any other
provision of the Act.

9.20 AMORTISATION OF EXPENDITURE INCURRED UNDER


VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME [SECTION 35DDA]

Under this section deduction is allowed for any payment made to an employee at the time of his
voluntary retirement in accordance with any scheme or schemes of voluntary retirement. The amount
of deduction is one-fifth of the amount so paid for each of the five successive previous years beginning
with the year in which the payment is made.
Section 35DDDA has been amended by the Finance Act, 2005, [w.r.e.f. the assessment year 2004-2005]
to provide that the deduction shall be available for any such payment made in connection with the
retirement of the employee. As a result, not only payments made to the employees at the time of
retirement shall be deductible in five equal installments, but also the amount paid after the date of
retirement shall be eligible for deduction in five equal installments reckoned from the year in which the
amounts are actually paid.

DIRECT TAXATION 110


Example 9:
X Ltd. made the following payments to one of its employees on account of voluntary retirement:
Previous year: `
2015-16 `3,00,000
2016-17 `3,00,000
Show how deduction u/s 35DDA shall be claimed in different assessment years.

Answer:
Computation of deduction u/s 35DDA
AY (2016-17) AY 2017-18 AY 2018-19 AY 2019-20 AY 2020-21 AY 2021-22
PY 2015-16 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 -
PY 2016-17 - 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000
Total 60,000 1,20,000 1,20,000 1,20,000 1,20,000 60,000

9.21 OTHER DEDUCTIONS U/S 36

1. Insurance premium [Sec. 36(1)(i)]: against destruction or damage of stock-in-trade is deductible.


2. Insurance premium paid by a federal milk co-operative society [Section 36(1)(ia)] :
Insurance premium paid by a federal milk co-operative society on the lives of the cattle owned by the
member of a primary co-operative supplying milk to the federal co-operative society is allowed as
deduction.
3. Insurance premium on the health of employees [Sec.36(1) (ib)]: If paid by cheque, it will qualify for
deduction.
4. Bonus or commission to employees [Sec.36(1)(ii)]:is deductible on payment basis only if they are not
payable as profit
or dividend. Deduction on accrual basis is allowed if it is paid on or before the due date of submission
of returns u/s 39(1).
5. Interest on borrowed capital [Sec.36(1)(iii)]: Interest on capital is deductible subject to the following:
 money has been utilised for the purpose of the business;
 borrowed money can be utilised both for capital and revenue expenditure purpose;
 interest paid by firm to the partners is deductible subject to a maximum of 12% p.a.;
 even if the asset purchased with the borrowed money is not used during the previous year, interest
is deductible;
 interest paid before the commencement of business is not deductible, it is to be capitalised ;
 with effect from the assessment year 2004-2005, interest paid by an existing concern up to a period
when the asset is first put to use shall be capitalised.
 The interest must be paid or payable and claimed as deduction : Except for the cases mentioned
under Section 43B, interest on borrowed fund is deductible if it is either paid or payable during the
previous year. If the assessee maintains his books of accounts under ―cash basis‖ interest is
deductible only when it is paid. Where the interest is paid outside India, no deduction can be
claimed unless tax on such interest is paid or deducted at source [Section 40(a) (i)]. Brokerage and
any other expenses paid in connection with raising the loan is not deductible under this section but
under Section 37(1).
 A few instances of interests on borrowed capital which are deductible :
(i) Interest paid on capital borrowed for purchasing shares for the purpose of business is allowable
even though dividend on shares is assessable under Section 56.
(ii) Interest on money borrowed is allowed in full although a part of the borrowed fund is used for
the purpose of earning non-assessable income.
(iii) Interest paid to Government on funds borrowed for payment of purchase tax is deductible.
(iv) Interest paid by a firm to the partners in terms of the provisions of the partnership deed is
allowable to the extent of 12% p.a.
 A few instances of interests on borrowed capital which are not deductible :

DIRECT TAXATION 111


(i) Interests on funds borrowed and subsequently lent to the partners without interest for their
personal purposes, or interest on loan borrowed by the parent company and re-lent to the
subsidiary company without interest is not allowable.
(ii) Interest on funds borrowed for the purpose of business which is not assessable, is not deductible.
(iii) Interest on funds borrowed for the purpose of business which is discontinued before the
commencement of the previous year, is not allowed, neither can the interest on borrowed fund
for a discontinued business be allowed to be deducted nor set off against the profits of a
separate business.
(iv) Interest on funds borrowed for the purposes of business would be disallowed in the subsequent
years if such funds are used for non-business purposes in the subsequent years.
(v) Interest on loan paid prior to the commencement of business is not deductible. Interests payable
for such period on funds used for acquiring capital assets are to be capitalised.

6. Discount on zero coupon bond [Section 36(1)(iiia)] :Effective from the assessment year 2006-2007,
Finance Act 2005 has inserted a new clause (iiia) to Section 36(1) to provide deduction for the discount
on a zero coupon bonds. The deduction shall be allowed on a pro rata basis over the period of life of
such bond to be calculated in the manner as may be prescribed.
7. Employer‘s contribution to recognised provident fund or approved superannuation fund [Sec.
36(1)(iv)] : is allowed as deduction. Contribution to unrecognised fund is not deductible.
8. Employer‘s contribution to the New Pension Scheme [Sec. 36 (1)(iva)]: Employer‘s contribution to the
New pension Scheme referred to in Section 80CCD is allowed to be deducted to the extent of 10
percent of the salary of the employee.
9. Contribution to approved gratuity fund by the employer [Sec.36 (1)(v)] : is deductible, only if paid by
creating an irrevocable trust.
10. Employees‘ contribution towards staff welfare scheme [Sec.36(1)(va)] : is allowed if the sum is
credited to the employees‘ fund on or before the due date of crediting such amount.
11. Deduction in respect of animals [Section 36(1)(vi)]:
An assessee can claim deduction in respect of animals, not being stock-in-trade, which have been
used for the purposes of business or profession of the assessee and have died or have become
permanently useless for such purpose. The amount of deduction shall be the difference between the
actual cost of the animals to the assessee and the amount, if any, realised in respect of the carcasses
of animals.
12. Bad debts [Sec.36 (1)(vii)] : Bad debt is allowed as deduction subject to the following :
● The debt, in respect of which the claim is made, has been taken into account in computing income
of the concerned year.
● It is written off in the year in which deduction is claimed.
● Since bad debt is an estimate, the Assessing Officer may not allow the full amount as claimed.
● If in the subsequent year any final recovery is made, then if the sum total of recovery plus bad debt
earlier allowed over the original claim is negative then it is to be allowed as final deduction in this year.
On the other hand, if the difference is positive it is to be charged to tax in that year.
● In view of the newly introduced Income Computation and Disclosure Standards notified u/s 145(2),
where the amount of such debt or part thereof has been taken into account in computing the income
of the assessee of the previous year in which the amount of such debt or part thereof becomes
irrecoverable or of an earlier previous year without recording the same in the accounts, then, such
debt or part thereof shall be allowed in the previous year in which such debt or part thereof becomes
irrecoverable and it shall be deemed that such debt or part thereof has been written off as
irrecoverable in the accounts.

● Provision illustrated: In 2016-2017 bad debt claimed is `80,000, but the A.O. allows only `50,000. In
2017-18 `20,000 is finally recovered. In this case `10,000 will be allowed as deduction in 2017-18 [i.e.,
(50,000 + 20,000) – 80,000]. On the other hand, if recovery is ` 35,000, `5,000 will be charged to
income in 2017-18.
● Bad debts in respect of a discontinued business are not allowed.

DIRECT TAXATION 112


13. Bad debts in the case of banks and other financial institutions [Section 36(1)(viia)] :In the case of
specified banks and financial institutions, an assessee can claim deduction in respect of provision for
bad and doubtful debts to the extent of the following amount :
(i) In the case of a scheduled bank (not being a foreign bank) or a non-scheduled bank or a co-
operative bank (but not a primary agricultural credit society or a primary co-operative agricultural
and rural development bank), 7·5% of the total income computed before deduction under this
section and Sections 80C to 80U and 10% of the aggregate average advances made by the rural
branch of such banks.
(ii) In the case of a foreign bank or a public financial institution or a State Financial Corporation or a
State Industrial Investment Corporation, 5% of the total income computed before making
deduction under this Section and Sections 80C to 80U.
(iii) In the case of institutions mentioned in (i) and (ii) above, the deduction for bad debts u/s 36(1)(vii)
shall be limited to an amount by which such debts exceed the credit balance in the provision for
bad and doubtful debts. If the actual bad debt during the previous year is less or equal to the
provision for doubtful debts, no deduction for bad debt shall be allowed.
(iv) With effect from the assessment year 2004-2005, a scheduled bank or a non-scheduled bank shall,
at its option, be allowed a further deduction in excess of the aforesaid limits, for an amount
exceeding the income derived from redemption of securities in accordance with a scheme
framed by the Central Government. No deduction under this provision shall be allowed unless such
income has been disclosed in the return of income under the head ―Profits and gains of business or
profession‖.
(v) With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, in the case of a non-banking financial company, an
amount not exceeding five per cent of the total income (computed before making any deduction
under this clause and Chapter.

14. Deduction in respect of special reserve [Section 36(1)(viii)]:Under this section deduction is allowed in
respect of any special reserve created and maintained by a specified entity in respect of reserve
created from the specified business. The amount of deduction shall be least of the following:
(i) amount transferred to the reserve account during the previous year, or
(ii) 20% of the profits derived from the business of providing long-term finance, or
(iii) twice the amount of the paid-up share capital and the general reserve.

Meaning of specified entity and specified business:


Specified entity Specified business
A financial corporation specified in section 4A The business of providing long-term finance for
of the Companies Act, 1956 industrial or agricultural development or development
of infrastructure facility in India or development of
housing in India.
A financial corporation which is a public sector Same as above.
company
A banking company Same as above.
A co-operative bank other than a primary Same as above.
agricultural credit society or a primary co-
operative agricultural and rural development
bank
A housing finance company The business of providing long-term finance for the
construction or purchase of houses in India for
residential purposes.
Any other financial corporation including a The business of providing long-term finance for
public company development of infrastructure facility in India.

DIRECT TAXATION 113


15. Family planning expenditure [Sec.36(1)(ix)]:A corporate assessee is allowed 100% deduction if it is
revenue in nature and 1/5th of the expenses in each of the five years if it is capital in nature. A non-
corporate assessee can claim deduction for this purpose u/s 37(1).
Expenditure incurred by specified entities: [Section 36(1)(xii)]:
Any expenditure (not being in the nature of capital expenditure) incurred by a corporation or a body
corporate, by whatever name called, constituted or established by a Central, State or Provincial Act
for the objects and purposes referred to in the Act under which such corporation or body corporate
was constituted or established and is notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette, shall
be allowed as a deduction.
16. Deduction for baking transaction tax [ Section 36(1)(xiii)]:With effect from 1.4.2009, Banking
Transaction Tax is withdrawn.
17. Deduction for contribution to credit guarantee trust fund: [Section 36(1)(xiv)]:
Any contribution made by a public financial institution towards credit guarantee fund trust for small
industries as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf,
shall be allowed as a deduction.
18. Deduction for securities transaction tax [Section 36(1)(xv)]:Securities transaction tax paid by the
assessee during the year in respect of taxable securities transactions entered into in the course of
business shall be allowed as deduction under Section 36(1)(xv) subject to the condition that such
income from taxable securities transactions is included under the head ‗Profits and gains of business or
profession‘.
19. Deduction for commodities transaction tax [Section 36(1)(xvi)]:Commodities transaction tax paid by
the assessee in respect of the taxable commodities transactions entered into in the course of his
business during the previous year shall be allowable as deduction, if the income arising from such
taxable commodities transactions is included in the income computed under the head ―Profits and
gains of business or profession‖.
20. Deduction for expenditure for purchase of sugarcane by a co-operative society [Section
36(1)(xvii)]:With effect from the assessment year 2016-17, deduction under this section is allowed to a
co-operative society engaged in the manufacture of sugar on account of purchase of sugarcane at a
price which is equal to or less than the price fixed or approved by the Government.

9.22 GENERAL DEDUCTION (SEC. 37)

Section 37 deals with the residual category of deductions which are not claimed u/s 30-36. Deduction
under this section will be available if the expense in question:
 is not in the nature of capital expenditure;
 is incurred during the previous year; and
 is incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business.

CSR Expenditure not eligible for deduction: With effect from the assessment year 2015-16, an
Explanation has been inserted so as to provide that for the purposes of Section 37(1) any
expenditure incurred by an assessee on the activities relating to corporate social responsibility
referred to in Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 shall not be deemed to have been incurred
for the purpose of business and hence shall not be allowed as deduction under Section 37.
However, the CSR expenditure which is of the nature described in Section 30 to Section 36 of the Act
shall be allowed deduction under those sections subject to fulfilment of conditions, if any, specified
therein.

Example 10: [Zero coupon bond] section 36(1) (iiia)]


On 1.10.2016 An infrastructure financing company issued deep discount bond/ zero coupon bonds
aggregating ` 10,00,000. The maturity date and maturity value of the bonds are 30.11.2026 and `
20,80,000 respectively. Determine the amount of discount to be allowed as deduction for the
assessment year 2017-18 and 2018-19.

DIRECT TAXATION 114


Answer:
Computation of discount allowed for zero coupon bond
`
Discount on issue of Bond [ `20,80, 000 – `10,00,000] `10,80,000
Maturity period 120 months
Discount per month [`10,80,000/120] `9,000
Amount of discount allowable for the previous year 2016-17 [`9,000 x 6] 54,000
Amount of discount allowable for the previous year 2017-18 [`9,000 x 12] 1,08,000

EXPENSES ALLOWABE U/S 37(1)


Expenses Examples
Legal  Legal expenses incurred in the normal course of business
expenses  Legal expenses incurred for alleged breach of trading contract
 Legal expenses incurred to defend assessee‘s title to his assets
 Legal expenses incurred to protect assessee‘s business
 Legal expenses incurred for recovery of debt
 Legal expenses incurred for terminating disadvantageous trading relationship.
 Legal expenses on defending an employee against criminal prosecution in the
interest of business.
 Legal expenses incurred in successfully defending the assessee against alleged
infringement of patent rights
 Legal charges for obtaining loan from financial institutions
 Expenditure for income-tax proceedings
 Legal expenses to protect the assessee from being declared insolvent
Interests  Interest on loan taken to pay purchase tax
 Interest for delayed payment under the Employees‘ Provident Funds Act
 Interest on arrear tax payable under the Sales Tax Act
 Interest on funds borrowed to pay advance tax
 Interest on purchase consideration due or on unpaid purchase price of plant
and machinery
 Interest on borrowed funds to pay off trading loss
Brokerage and  Brokerage paid for sale of old plant
commission  Brokerage paid in connection with the lease of business premises
 Commission paid to bank in respect of guarantee for payment of purchase
consideration ofassets
 Commission paid for procuring business contracts
 Commission paid to selling agents
Fines, Penalties and fines for infringement or breach of law are not deductible. However,
penalties, the following are held to be deductible:
damages, Penalty for delay in payment of sales tax
compensation,  Demurrage paid to port or railway authorities for delay in clearing goods
etc.  Penalty for not producing or exporting a stipulated quantity of goods
 Penalty/compensation paid by building contractor for deviation from the
original building plan
 Penalties/compensation paid for delay in executing contracts
 Compensation for breach of contract
Compensation  Payment made to get rid of an employee
 Compensation paid to workers at the time of closure of some units
 Gratuity paid to the widow of a director in accordance with the company‘s
articles of association
 Ex gratia/pension paid to dependents of former employees
 Retrenchment compensation paid to employees on the ground of

DIRECT TAXATION 115


commercial expediency
Ceremonial Expenditure incurred on the inauguration ceremony of the factory

expenses, Expenditure on celebration of annual day

gifts, donations Gift made on the occasion of marriage of relatives of the employees

and Presentation of wrist watch to the employees as a gesture of goodwill

contributions Contributions to trade association with a view to preventing uneconomic

competition
Taxes  Tax on business or profession levied by local authority
 Profession tax levied by the State
 Purchase tax on goods
Expenses  Diwali and Mahurat expenses
allowed under  Civil defence expenses
specific  Advertisement expenses, other than those prohibited under Section 37(2B)
instructions of  Payment for telephone connection under OYT scheme and security deposit for
CBDT telex. Refund of deposit shall be taxable u/s 41 (1).
 Expenditure on replacement of fluorescent tubes.
Miscellaneous  Expenditure on propaganda to oppose nationalisation of business.
expenses  Compensation payable as a result of negligence of the assessee or his
employee in carrying on business
 Legal charges for amending memorandum and articles of association to
facilitate company‘s trading operations
 Expenditure incurred on stamp duty, registration fees, lawyer‘s fees, etc., for
issue of debentures
 Expenditure on payment of stamp duty, registration fees, legal costs, etc., in
connection with lease of property
 Commission paid to general manager as a percentage of net profit
 Expenditure on foreign trip by directors of a company for promotion of business
 Expenditure on registration of trademark
 Lump sum paid to an employee in commutation of annual pension
EXPENSES NOT ALLOWED U/S 37(1)
Legal  Legal expenses incurred by a partner in proceedings for dissolution of
expenses partnership and rendition of accounts
 Legal expenses incurred litigation in connection with acquisition of capital
assets
 Legal charges, brokerage, commission, etc., in connection with issue of
preference shares
 Legal expenses in connection with recovery of debt, which is not a trading
debt
 Legal expenses in defending the assessee from criminal prosecution
Interests  Interest paid for delay in payment of income-tax or delay in filing of income-
tax return
 Interest on funds borrowed for payment of income-tax
 Interest on overdraft for payment of income-tax
 Interest on borrowed fund which is utilised for personal purposes of the
assessee
 Interest on fund borrowed for donation
Brokerage and  Brokerage and commission in connection with the issue of preference shares
commission  Secret commission paid to promote business
Fines,  Fine paid for infringement under the Factories Act
penalties,  Fine paid for delay in payment of contribution to Employees‘ Provident Fund
damage,  Penalty or fine paid to the customs authorities in lieu of confiscation of goods
compensation imported without valid licence

DIRECT TAXATION 116


 Penalty paid for delay in filing sales tax return
 Compensation paid for cancellation of a contract
 Penalty paid for infraction of law., e.g., breaches of customs, excise or other
regulations
 Penalty for non-payment of sales tax within prescribed time
Compensation  Voluntary pension and lump sum payments made by a company to its
/payment to employees on its winding up
employees  Retrenchment compensation to the employees on transfer or closure of the
entire business
Ceremonial  Expenditure incurred for puja and dinner to workers on the last day of the
expenses, working session
gifts, donations  Donation for flood relief in areas where the assessee has its office
 Contribution made towards Water Treatment Plant Scheme of the
Government
Taxes  Income-tax and wealth-tax [Disallowed u/s 40(a)].
 Tax paid on behalf of a non-resident assessee, which ultimately could not be
recovered
Miscellaneous  Expenditure incurred in completing imperfect title to a capital asset
Expenses  Expenditure incurred to buy off competition or elimination of competition
 Premium paid by a leasee for the grant or renewal of a lease
 Payment to a tenant to induce him to vacate
 Expenses incurred for acquiring a concern or goodwill
 Fees paid for use of goodwill is however, deductible.
 Liability arising out of failure to deduct tax at source from the salary of the
employees
 Expenditure on shifting factory/registered office to new location due to
locational advantage
 Expenditure incurred to launch a new project

Advertisement to political parties [Section 37(2B)]:


Expenditure on advertisement is a normal business expense and is deductible under Section 37(1). But
under Section 37(2B), no deduction can be claimed for expenses on advertisement in any souvenir,
brochure, tract, pamphlet or the like published by a political party. However, donations to political
parties are now allowed under the provisions of Sections 80GGB and 80GGC.

9.23 SPECIFIC DISALLOWANCE

1. Amounts not deductible under section 40: The following expenses are specifically disallowed:
A. In the case of any assessee [Section 40 (a)]:
(i) Interest, royalty, fees, etc., payable outside India or in India to a non-resident : Any interest, royalty,
fees for technical services or other sums chargeable under the Act, which is payable :
(a) outside India, or
(b) in India to non-resident (not being a company) or to a foreign company, and in either case,
tax has not been deducted or, after deduction, has not been paid on or before the due date
specified in Section 139(1) [Section 40(a)(i)]. However, such sums shall be allowed as a
deduction in the previous year in which such sums have been paid.
(ii) Sums payable to a resident: Thirty percent of any sum payable to a resident on which tax has not
been deducted or after deduction has not been paid on or before the date of filing return u/s
139(1). However, if such tax has been deducted in any subsequent year, or has been deducted
during the previous year but paid after the due date specified in Section 139(1), thirty per cent of

DIRECT TAXATION 117


such sum shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the income of the previous year in which
such tax has been paid [Section 40(a)(ia].
(iii) Any consideration paid or payable to a non-resident for a specified service on which equalisation
levy is deductible under the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Finance Act, 2016, and such levy has
not been deducted or after deduction, has not been paid on or before the due date specified in
section 139(1). However, if such equalization levy has been deducted in any subsequent year, or
has been deducted during the previous year but paid after the due date specified in Section
139(1), it shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the income of the previous year in which
such levy has been paid [Section 40(a)(ia), with effect from AY 2017-18].
(iv) Tax: Any rate or tax (e.g., income-tax) levied on the profits and gains of business or profession
[Section 40(a)(ii)].
(v) Wealth-tax : Any sum paid on account of wealth-tax [Section 40(a)(iia)].
(vi) Certain fees, charges, etc. charged by the state government exclusively on its undertakings: Any
amount paid by way of royalty, licence fee, service fee, privilege fee, service charge or any other
fee or charge, by whatever name called which is levied on State Government undertaking by the
State Government shall not be allowed as deduction in computing the income chargeable under
the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ [Section 40(a)(iib), with effect from A.Y. 2014-
15].
(vii) Salaries payable outside India: Any payment which is chargeable under the head ―Salaries‖, if it is
paid outside India or to a non-resident and tax thereon has not been paid or deducted at source
[Section 40(a)(iii)].
(viii) Payment to provident fund: Any payment to provident fund or other funds established for the
benefit of the employees of the assessee, if effective arrangement for deduction of tax at source in
the event of payment from the fund is not made [Section 40(a)(iv)].
(ix) ax on perquisites: w.e.f. the assessment year 2003-2004, any tax on perquisite paid by the
employer, for which exemption u/s 10 (10CC) has been granted to the employee of the assessee,
shall not be allowed as deduction in computing profits and gains of business or profession[Section
40(a)(v)].

B. In the case of a firm assessed as such [Section 40(b)]: Discussed in the chapter on assessment of firms
and associations of persons.
● In the case of an association of persons or body of individuals [Section 40(ba)]: Discussed in the
chapter on assessment of firms and associations of persons.

2. Expenses and payments not deductible in certain circumstances [Section 40A]:


The expenses and payments covered under Section 40A, for which deductions are not allowed, are as
follows:
(a) Payment to specified persons which is excessive or unreasonable [Section 40A(2)(b)]:Any expenses
incurred by the assessee towards any payment to any person specified below, which in the opinion of
the Assessing Officer is excessive or unreasonable having regard to the fair value of the goods, services
or facilities for which the payment is made, shall be disallowed to the extent it is excessive or
unreasonable. The specified persons mentioned in this section are:
(i) In the case of an individual assessee: any relative of the assessee;
(ii) In the case of a company, firm, association of persons or Hindu undivided family: any director of
the company, partner of the firm, or member of the association or family, or any relative of such
director, partner or member;
(iii) Any individual who has substantial interest in the business or profession of the assessee, or any
relative of such individual.
(iv) A company, firm or association of persons or Hindu undivided family of which a director, partner or
member, as the case may be, has a substantial interest in the business or profession of the assessee,
or any director, partner or member of such company, firm, association or family or any relative of
such director, partner or member or any other company carrying on business or profession in which
the first mentioned company has substantial interest.

DIRECT TAXATION 118


(v) An individual or any relative of such an individual who has substantial interest in the business of the
assessee; and any person being a company, firm, association of persons or Hindu undivided family
or a director or partner or member thereof who has substantial interest in the business of the
assessee.
For the above purpose, a person is deemed to have substantial interest in the business or profession
when, in the case of a company, such person is the beneficial owner of shares carrying not less than
20% of the voting power, and in any other case, such a person is entitled to not less than 20% of the
profits of the business.

(b) Payments exceeding `20,000 made otherwise than by a crossed cheque or bank draft [Section
40A(3)] : Where a payment or aggregate of payments made to a person in a single day, otherwise
than by an account payee cheque drawn on a bank or account payee bank draft, exceeds `20,000,
the entire amount of such expenses shall be disallowed [Section 40A(3)].Section 40A(3A) also provides
for deeming a payment as profits and gains of business or profession of the subsequent year if the
expenditure is incurred in a particular year but the payment is made in any subsequent year in a sum
exceeding `20,000 in a single day otherwise than by an account payee cheque or by an account
payee bank draft. However, with effect from October 1, 2009, where the payment is made for plying,
hiring or leasing goods carriages, the aforesaid limit of `20,000 shall be taken to be `35,000 [Second
proviso to Section40A(3A) w.e.f. 1.10.2009].

Exceptions: Under Rule 6DD, in the following circumstances no disallowance shall be made even if the
payment made otherwise than by an account payee cheque drawn on a bank or account payee
bank draft exceeds `20,000:
(i) Payments are made to the RBI, SBI, any co-operative bank or land mortgage bank, Life Insurance
Corporation of India, any primary agricultural credit society or specified financial institutions. [Rule
6DD(a)].
(ii) Payment is made to the Government and, under the rules framed by it, such payment is required
to be made in legal tender. [Rule 6DD(b)].
(iii) Payment is made under any letter of credit arrangements through a bank, a mail or telegraphic
transfer through a bank or a book adjustment from any account in a bank to any other account in
that or any other bank or a bill of exchange or the use of electronic clearing system through a
bank account or a credit card or a debit card. [Rule 6 DD(c)].
(iv) Payment is made by way of adjustment against the amount of any liability for goods supplied or
services rendered. [Rule 6DD(d)].
(v) Payment is made to a producer for the purchase of agricultural or forest produce, produce of
animal husbandry, dairy or poultry farming, fish or fish products, products of horticulture or
apiculture. [Rule 6DD(e)].
(vi) Payment is made to a producer for the purchase of the products manufactured processed without
the aid of power in cottage industry. [Rule 6DD(f)].
(vii) Payment is made in a village or town not being served by any bank, or payment made to a person
who ordinarily resides or is carrying on business, profession or vocation in a village or town not being
served by any bank. [Rule 6DD(g)].
(viii) Payment is made for gratuity, retrenchment compensation or similar terminal benefit to an
employee or the legal heirs of such an employee where income of the employee chargeable
under the head salaries in the year of retirement, death, etc., or the immediately the preceding
financial year of such retirement, etc., does not exceed `50,000. [Rule 6DD(h].
(ix) Payment is made to an employee by way of salary after deduction of tax at source where the
employee is temporarily posted for a continuous period of 15 days or more in a ship or in a place
other than his place of normal duty, if the employee has no bank account in such ship or place.
[Rule 6DD(i)].
(x) Payment is made on a day on which banks are closed on account of holiday or strike. [Rule
6DD(k)].

DIRECT TAXATION 119


(xi) Payment is made by a person to his agent who is required to make payment in cash for goods or
services on behalf of such person. [Rule 6DD(k)].
(xii) Payment is made by an authorised dealer or money changer against purchase of foreign currency
or travellers cheque in the normal course of his business. [Rule 6DD(l)].

(c) Provision for gratuity [Section 40A (7)]: Apart from the provisions of Section 43B, gratuity is allowed to
be deducted where:
(i) it is paid or has become payable during the previous year; or
(ii) a contribution is made to an approved gratuity fund or a provision is made for the purpose of
payment by way of contribution to such an approved gratuity fund.

A mere provision made by the assessee for the payment of gratuity is not sufficient to claim deduction.
It is further provided that where any provision made by the assessee for the payment of gratuity has
been allowed as a deduction in any assessment year, any sum paid out of such provision by way of
contribution to an approved gratuity fund or by way of gratuity to an employee shall not be allowed as
deduction again [Explanation to Section 40A (7)].

(d) Contributions to any fund, trust, etc. [Sub-sections (9), (10), (11) to Section 40A]: Any contribution
made by the assessee as an employer towards setting up of, or as contribution to, any fund (not being
a recognised provident fund or an approved superannuation fund or an approved gratuity fund) trust,
company, association of persons, body of individuals, society or other institution for any purpose, shall
not be allowed as deduction.

3. Disallowance of unpaid liability (Sec. 43B):


● In order to be eligible for deduction for expenses in respect of tax, duty, cess or fees; contribution to
any approved provident fund or superannuation fund or gratuity fund; bonus or commission to the
employees for services rendered; or interest on borrowing from public financial institutions or any
scheduled bank or any sum payable by the assessee as an employer in lieu of leave to the credit of the
employees or any sum payable by the assessee to the Indian Railways for the use of railway assets [with
effect from AY 2017-18], are to be paid during the previous year or on or before the due date for
submission of return u/s 139(1).

Points to note: A liability incurred in the previous year, say, 2015-2016, for the aforesaid expenses can
be claimed in the previous year 2015-2016, if it is paid within the same previous year or it is paid
within the due date specified u/s 139(1) for furnishing return of income for the previous year 2015-
2016. But if the liability is paid after the end of the due date specified in Section 139(1), it can be
claimed as deduction only in the previous year 2016-2017. Once a liability is allowed as deduction
on accrual basis, it shall not be allowed again on payment basis.

Example 11:
The profit and Loss Account of a trader included the following payments during the financial year 2015-
16.
` `
Bonus to staff 1,00,000
Sales tax 1,00,000
Excise duty 1,20,000
Employer‘s contribution to RPF 60,000

On scrutiny it is found that the due date of filing the return of income was 31. 7.2016, but:
(a) bonus to staff was paid: `50,000 on 9.7.2016 and another `50,000 was paid 15.12.2016
(b) Sales tax `60,000 was paid on 16.7. 2016, and balance `40,000 was paid on 10.10. 2016
(c) Excise duty `80,000 was paid 10.7.2016, and balance `40,000 was paid on 9.9.2016.
(d) Employer‘s contribution to RPF was paid on 31.7.2016.
In which previous year can the above payments be claimed as deduction?

DIRECT TAXATION 120


Answer:
Computation of deduction for specified expenses

Expenses Date of payment Amount of payment Previous year for deduction


Bonus to staff 9.7. 2016 50,000 2015-16
15.12. 2016 50,000 2016-17
Sales tax 16.7. 2016 60,000 2015-16
10.10. 2016 40,000 2016-17
Excise duty 10.7. 2016 80,000
9.9. 2016 40,000
Employers ‗contribution to RPF 31.7.2016 60,000 2015-16

9.24 DEEMED PROFITS CHARGEABLE TO TAX [SECTION 41]

Under this section, the following receipts are chargeable to tax as profits and gains of business or
profession.
1. Recovery against any loss, expenditure or liability [Section 41(1)]:
Where any allowance is granted in any year in respect of any loss, expenditure or trading liability and
subsequently during any previous year the assessee receives, whether in cash or otherwise, any amount
in respect of such loss, expenditure or trading liability, or the assessee obtains any benefit due to the
remission or cessation of that liability, the amount so received or the liability so ceased is chargeable to
tax as the profit of the business for that previous year. The amount is chargeable to tax even if the
business or profession in respect of which the allowance or deduction has been made is not in
existence in that year.

2. Balancing charge [Section 41(2)]:


In the case of any building, machinery, plant or furniture owned by a power sector unit in respect of
which depreciation has been claimed under Section 32(1)(i) on the actual cost of such assets, is sold,
discarded, demolished or destroyed in the previous year, the following three situations may arise:
 Terminal depreciation [Section 32(1)(iii)] : The amount by which moneys payable in respect of such
building, machinery, plant or furniture, together with the amount of scrap value, if any, fall short of
the written down value of such assets, such shortfall shall be deemed to be terminal depreciation
and shall be allowed as a deduction.
 Balancing charge [Section 41(2)]: If in the aforesaid case the moneys payable together with the
scrap value, if any, exceeds the written down value of such assets, then such excess as does not
exceed the difference between the actual cost and the written down value of the asset shall be
chargeable to income-tax as income of the previous year in which the moneys payable for the
asset became due. If the asset is sold, discarded or demolished in the previous year in which it is first
put to use, there will be no balancing charge, but the surplus will be charged to tax under Section
45 as capital gains.
 Capital gains [Section 50A]: Section 50A makes a special provision in respect of assets of power unit
in respect of which a deduction has been allowed under Section 32(1)(i) in any previous year. In
this case, the provisions of Sections 48 and 49 shall apply, subject to the modification that the
written down value of the asset, as adjusted, shall be taken as the cost of acquisition of the asset.
3. Sale of capital assets used for scientific research [Section 41(3)]:
When any capital asset used for scientific research is sold without being used for any other purpose,
then the net sale proceeds or the cost of the asset, which was earlier allowed as deduction under
Section 35, whichever is less, shall be charged tax as income of the business of the previous year in
which the sale took.
4. Recovery of bad debts [Section 41(4)]:
The deduction for bad debts is ordinarily based upon estimate. Ultimately, the amount may be
recovered. If the amount ultimately recovered on any such debt or part of the debt is less than the
difference between the debt and the amount so deducted, the deficiency shall be deductible in the
previous year in which the ultimate recovery is made [Section 36(2)(ii)]. On the other hand, if the

DIRECT TAXATION 121


amount so recovered is more than the difference between the debt and the amount allowed as
deduction earlier, the excess shall be chargeable to tax u/s 41(4) as the income of the previous year in
which it is recovered. In other words, if the amount already allowed as bad debt plus the amount of
recovery is less than the amount claimed as bad debt, the difference is to be allowed as bad debt in
the year the amount is finally recovered. On the other hand, if the amount already allowed as bad
debt plus the amount of recovery is more than the amount claimed as bad debt, the difference shall
be chargeable to tax in the year the amount is finally recovered. [See para 21.12].

9.25 DEEMED INCOME IN RESPECT OF UNDISCLOSED INCOME/ INVESTMENT, ETC.

In the following cases when the assessee is unable to provide satisfactory explanation regarding the
nature and sources of the following, they will be charged to tax as income of the previous year:
(a) Cash credit [Section 68]: Where any sum is found credited in the books of an assessee during the
previous year and the assessee has no satisfactory explanation for the source of such cash credit;
(b) Unexplained investment [Section 69]: where during the financial year the assessee has made
investments which are not recorded in the books of the assessee and the assessee fails to offer
satisfactory explanation;
(c) Unexplained money, etc. [Section 69A]: Where in the financial year the assessee is found to be the
owner of any money, bullion, jewellery or other valuable article and the assessee is unable to offer
explanation;
(d) Undisclosed investment etc. not fully disclosed[Section 69B]: Where in the financial year the
assessee has made investments or is found to be the owner of any bullion, jewellery, etc. and the
amount spent on them are in excess of the amount recorded in the books of account and the
assessee offers no explanation about such excess amount;
(e) Unexplained expenditure, etc. [ Section 69C]: where in the financial year the assessee has incurred
any expenditure and he offers no explanation about the source of such expenditure;
(f) Amount borrowed or repaid by hundi [Section 69D]: Where any amount is borrowed on hundi from,
or any amount due thereon is repaid to, any person otherwise than through an account payee
cheque.

9.26 COMPULSORY MAINTENANCE OF BOOKS BY CERTAIN PERSONS


CARRYING ON PROFESSION OR BUSINESS [SECTION 44AA; RULE 6F]

The requirement of this section regarding maintenance of books of account by certain persons are
based on two criteria:
(a) Financial criteria; (b) Persons specified under Section 44AA(1). Accordingly, the requirement of
keeping books of account shall be as under:

Types of profession/ Financial criteria Books of account / documents


business to be maintained
Specified professions Total gross receipts exceed `1,50,000 in any Books and documents as
u/s 44AA (1). of the three years immediately preceding prescribed under Rule 6F (2).
the previous year or where the profession is
newly set up in the previous year, total gross
receipts are likely to exceed `1,50,000.
Specified professions Total gross receipt `1,50,000 or below in any Such books of account and
u/s 44AA (1). of the three years immediately preceding other documents as may
the previous year or total gross receipts not enable the Assessing Officer to
likely to exceed `1,50,000 in the previous compute his total income in
year, if the profession is newly set up. accordance with the provision
of the Act.
Other persons Income from business or profession exceeds Such books of account and

DIRECT TAXATION 122


`1,20,000 or total sales, turnover or gross other documents as may
receipts exceed `10 lakh in any of the three enable the Assessing Officer to
years preceding the previous year or in the compute his total income in
case of business or profession newly set up accordance with the provision
in the previous year income or sales, etc. as of the Act
mentioned above likely to exceed `10 lakh,
or where profits and gains from the business
are claimed to be lower than profits
computed under Section 44AD or 44AE or
44AF or 44BB or 44BBB.
Do Below the income criteria mentioned Not required to maintain any
above books of account.
Presumptive profits When the assessee claims his income to be Such books and other
and gains of business lower than the presumptive income documents as may enable the
coming within the mentioned under the section Assessing Officer to compute
purview of Section his total income in accordance
44AD with the provisions of the Act.

1. Persons specified u/s 44AA (1): Every person carrying on legal, medical, engineering or architectural
profession or the profession of accountancy or technical consultancy or interior decoration or
authorized representative or film artist.
2. Books and documents specified under Rule 6F: The books of account and other documents
prescribed under Rule 6F (2) are:
(i) a cash book;
(ii) a journal, if the accounts are maintained under mercantile system of accounting
(iii) a ledger;
(iv) for an amount exceeding `25, carbon copies of bills, whether machine numbered or otherwise
serially numbered, wherever such bills are issued by the assessee and carbon copies or counterfoils
of machine numbered or otherwise serially numbered receipts issued by him;
(v) original bills wherever issued to the assessee and receipts in respect of expenditure incurred by the
assessee or, where such bills and receipts are not issued and the expenditure incurred does not
exceed `50, payment vouchers prepared and signed by the assessee.
In cases where the cash book maintained by the assessee contains adequate particulars in respect of
the expenditure incurred by him, it would not be necessary to prepare and sign the payment voucher.

In addition to the above books of account and other documents, under Rules 6F(3) a person carrying
on medical profession shall also maintain the following :
(i) a daily case register in Form No. 3C;
(ii) an inventory under broad heads, as on the first and the last day of the previous year, of the stock of
drugs, medicines and other consumable accessories used for the purpose of his profession.
The books of account and other documents specified under Rule 6F (2) and 6F(3) shall be kept and
maintained for a period of 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year

9.27 COMPULSORY TAX AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS [SECTION 44AB]

Under the provisions of this section, the following persons shall compulsorily get their accounts audited
by a chartered accountant:
(a) A person carrying on business, if his total sales turnover or gross receipts in the business exceed ` 1
crore in any previous year.
(b) A person carrying on a profession, if his gross receipts in the profession exceed `50lakh in any
previous year.

DIRECT TAXATION 123


(c) A person carrying on a business, if the profits and gains from the business are deemed to be the
profits and gains of such person under Section 44AE / 44BB/ 44BBB and he has claimed his income
to be lower than the profits or gains so deemed to be the profits and gains of his business in any
previous year.
(d) An assessee carrying on profession who claims his income to be lower than the presumptive
income mentioned in section 44 ADA and his income exceeds the maximum amount which is not
chargeable to income-tax in any previous year.
(e) With effect from the AY 2017-18, in the case of an assessee, who is covered under the newly
inserted section 44ADA, the audit of books of account is required if he claims that the profits and
gains from the profession are lower than the profits and gains computed in accordance with the
provisions of sub-section (1) of the new section and if his income exceeds the maximum amount
which is not chargeable to income-tax.
Also include 44AD

9.28 PRESUMPTIVE INCOMES AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR COMPUTATION OF INCOME OF THE
RESIDENT ASSESSEES IN CERTAIN CASES [SECTIONS 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE]

In accordance with the provisions of these sections the income from the specified business shall be the
higher of the notional income specified in these sections or the actual income as claimed by the
assessee:

1.Presumptive incomes of persons specified in Section 44AD:


An eligible assessee can claim 8 percent of the total turnover or gross receipts from eligible business as
the presumptive income, if any higher sum is not claimed by the assessee.

Eligibility: The benefit of section 44AD can be availed of, if:


(i) the assessee is an individual, HUF, or a partnership firm (other than LLP);
(ii) the assessee does not avail of the benefits of section 10AA, 10B, 10BBA or deductions u/ss 80 80HH-
80RRB;
(iii) the assessee is not engaged in the business of plying, hiring or leasing goods carriage referred to in
section 44AE;
Other conditions: The deduction under this section is subject to the following further conditions:
(i) No deductions u/s 30-38 can be claimed;
(ii) Where the assessee claims his income lower than the presumptive income mentioned above, they
have to maintain adequate books of account specified under section 44AA and get them
audited.
(iii) In the case of a firm, partners are not eligible to claim salary and interests [w.e.f. AY 2017-18].
(iv) An assessee who claims benefit of this section has to offer his income to be taxed as such for five
consecutive years. Any break would entail ineligibility for the subsequent five years.

Example: For the assessment year 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, the assessee clams the benefit of
presumptive income u/s 44AD. For the assessment year 2020-21 he offers a lower income. In this
case, since the assessee has not offered his income in accordance with the provision of section
44AD for 5 consecutive assessment years, he will not be eligible to claim the benefit for the section
for the next five assessment years starting from 2021-22. Such assessees, if their income is above the
maximum amount which is not taxable, shall keep and maintain books of account as specified u/s
44AA and get them audited as provided in section 44AB.

2. Presumptive income of persons engaged in specified professions [Section 44ADA]: With effect from
the assessment year 2017-18, section 44ADA has been inserted by the Finance Act 2016 to provide that
persons specified in para 25.1 above can also avail of the benefit of presumptive tax if the gross
receipts from these professions are not more than `50 lakhs. The presumptive income in that case shall
be 50% of the gross receipts from the profession.

DIRECT TAXATION 124


Conditions:
(i) No further deduction u/s 30-38;
(ii) If the assessees claims a lower income, they shall keep and maintain books of account as specified
u/s 44AA and get them audited as provided in section 44AB.

3. Presumptive income in the case of business of plying, hiring and leasing of goods carriage [Section
44AE]: Subject to the fulfilment of the conditions mentioned below, an assessee can claim his
presumptive income to `7,500 per month or part thereof in respect of each goods carriage, if any
higher amount is not claimed by the assessee.
Conditions:
(i) No further deduction u/s 30-38. However, where the assessee is a firm, subject to the limitations of
section 40(b), salaries and interest paid to the partners shall be allowed as deduction.
(ii) If the assessees claims a lower income, they shall keep and maintain books of account as specified
u/s 44AA and get them audited as provided in section 44AB.

Example 12: An assessee owns a light commercial vehicle for 8 months and 3 days, a medium goods
vehicle for 11 months another medium goods vehicle for 12 months during the previous year. Compute
his profits from the three trucks in terms of Section 44AE. [CMA -Inter June 2013]

Answer:

Since the assessee does not own me than 10 vehicles at any time during the previous year, he is
entitled to the benefits of presumptive income u/s 44AE. Accordingly, his income shall be as under:
Type of Vehicles No of months Rate per month Amount
Light vehicle 9 7,500 67,500
Medium Vehicles 11 7,500 82,500
Another medium vehicle 12 7,500 90,000
Total income 2,40,000

Example 13: OPTIMA Ltd. is engaged in the business of plying goods carriages. On 1 st April, 2016, the
company owns 10 trucks (6 out of which are ―heavy goods vehicles‖). On May 2, 2016 one of the
heavy goods vehicles is sold by OPTIMA Ltd. To purchase a light goods vehicle on May 6, 2016, which is
put to use only from June 15, 2016. Find out the total income of OPTIMA Ltd. For the assessment year
2017-18 taking into consideration the following data gathered from its books:

`
Freight collected 8,90,000
Less: Operational expenses (6,40,000)
Depreciation as per Section 32 (1,90,000)
Other office expenses (15,000)
Net profit 45,000
Other non-business income 70,000
[CMA-Inter, June 2007]
Answer:
Under Section 44AE, an assessee who owns not more than 10 goods carriage at any time during the
previous year, shall be deemed to have earned a sum of `7,500 p.m. for each such vehicle. A lower
income may be claimed, under the provisions of section 44AE(7), only if the assessee keeps and
maintains such books of account as specified u/s 44AA (2) and the books are duly audited in
accordance with the provisions of section 44AB. Accordingly the income of the assessee shall be:
(A) When provisions of section 44AE(7) are complied with: As given in the problem, (` 45,000 + ` 70,000)
`1,15,000.
(B) When the provisions of section 44AE (7) are not complied with:

DIRECT TAXATION 125


Presumptive income from vehicles u/s 44AE
No. of Vehicles ` `
April 10 7,500 75,000
May 11 7,500 82,500
June 10 7,500 75,000
July 10 7,500 75,000
August 10 7,500 75,000
September 10 7,500 75,000
October 10 7,500 75,000
November 10 7,500 75,000
December 10 7,500 75,000
January 10 7,500 75,000
February 10 7,500 75,000
March 10 7,500 75,000
Total 9,07,500

Total income `
Presumptive income 9,07,500
Non-business income 70,000
Total taxable income 9,77,500

Example 14: T had 4 heavy goods vehicles as on 1.04.2015. He acquired 7 heavy goods vehicles on
27.6.2015. He sold 2 heavy goods vehicles on 31.05.2015. He has brought forward business loss of
`50,000 relating to assessment year 2012-13 of a discontinued business. Assuming that he opts for
presumptive taxation of income as per Section 44AE, compute his total income chargeable to tax for
the assessment year 2016-17. [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2011 (Adapted)]

Answer:

Computation of total income of P for the assessment year 2017-18


`
Presumptive business income under section 44AE
4 heavy goods vehicles for 2 months (4 x`7,500 x 2) 60,000
Balance 2 heavy goods vehicles for 10 months (2 x`7,500 x 10) 1,50,000
7 heavy goods vehicles for 10 months (7 x`7,500 x 10) 5,25,000
Business Income 7,35,000
Less; Brought forward business loss of discontinued business (-) 50,000
Total income 6,85,000

Example 15: P, engaged in retail trade, reports a turnover of ` 98,50,000 for the financial year 2016-17.
His income from the said business as per books of account is computed at ` 4,90,000. Retail trade is the
only source of his income:
(i) Is P eligible to opt for presumptive determination of his income chargeable to tax for the
assessment year 2017-18?
(ii) If so, determine his income from retail trade as per the applicable presumptive provision.
(iii) In case he does not opt for presumptive taxation of Income from retail trade, what are his
obligations under the Income tax- Act, 1961?
(iv) What is the due date for filing his return of income under both the options?
[CMA-Inter, Dec. 2011 (Adapted)].

DIRECT TAXATION 126


Answer:
(i) Yes. Since his total turnover for the financial year is below ` 1 crore, he is eligible to opt for
presumptive taxation scheme under section44AD in respect of his retail trade business.
(ii) His income from retail trade , applying the presumptive tax provisions under section 44AD, would be
`7,88,000, being 8% of `98,50,000.
(iii) In case he does not opt for the presumptive taxation scheme under section44AD, and claims that
his income is `4,90,000 (which is lower than the presumptive business income of `7,88,000), he has
to maintain books of account as required under section44AA (2) and also get them audited and
furnish a report of such audit under section 44 AB, since his total income exceeds the basic
exemption limit of `2,50,000.
(iv) In case he opts for the presumptive taxation scheme under section 44 AD, the due date would be
31st July, 2017.
In case he does not opt for the presumptive taxation scheme and claims that his income is
`4,90,000 as per books of account, then he has two options. If he chooses to file return without
audit, the due date is 31st July 2017. If he chooses to get his books audited u/s 44 AB then due date
is 30th September, 2017

Example 16: A partnership firm consisting of three partners P, Q and R is engaged in the business of
selling fast foods in a mall.
The turnover of the business for the previous year 2016-17 amounts to `90 lakhs. Expenses include
purchase of `30,000 for which payment was made in cash on a single day. As authorised by the
partnership deed the partners are entitled to interest at 13% per annum on their capital accounts
and the aggregate amount of such interest is `1.30 lakhs.
The firm did not opt for presumptive taxation under section 44AD for Assessment Year 2016-17. It had
business loss of `70,000 and unabsorbed depreciation of `80,000 carried forward from Assessment
Year 2016-17.
The firm opts for presumptive taxation under section 44AD for Assessment Year 2017-18.
(i) Compute business income of the firm for Assessment Year 2017-18.
(ii) Is the firm liable to advance tax in respect of Assessment Year 2017-18? [CMA-Inter, June, 2014]

Answer:
Computation of profits and gains of business or profession for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to
the previous year 2016-17
`
Presumptive income under section 44AD [ ` 90,00,000 x 8%] 7,20,000
Less: Interest to partners [See note] Nil
7,20,000
Less: Business loss brought forward u/s 72 70,000
Business Income 6,50,000

Notes:
(1) With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, due to the deletion of proviso to section 44AD(2),
interest to partners cannot be claimed as a deduction from presumptive income.
(2) Brought forward business loss is allowed to be set off
(3) u/s 44AD(4), no advance tax is required to be paid out of presumptive income.

Example 17: X, a retail trader of Mumbai gives the following Trading and Profit and loss Account for the
year ended 31st March, 2017

Trading and Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31.03.2017

DIRECT TAXATION 127


` `
To opening stock 86,000 By Sales 12,11,500
To Purchases 10,00,000 By Other business receipts 6,500
To Gross profits 3,06,000 By Income from UTI 2,400
By Closing Stock 1,71,600
13,92,000 13,92,000
To Salaries 60,000 By Goss Profit B/D 3,06,000
To Rent and rates 40,000
To Interest on loan 10,000
To Depreciation l 02,000
To Postage and Telegram 1,640
To Printing and Stationary 23,200
To Loss on sale of shares (Short term) 8,100
To General expenses 11, 060
To Net Profit 50,000
3,06,000 3,06,000

Additional Information:
Some stocks were found to be not included in both the opening and closing stock, the value of which
were: Opening Stock `12,000, Closing Stock `21,000.
Salary include `18,000 paid to his brother, which is unreasonable to the extent of `2,000.
The whole amount of Printing and Stationary was paid in cash.
Depreciation as per Income Tax rules is `66,000.
Rent and Rates includes Sales Tax Liability of `5,000 paid on April 4, 2017.
Other Business Receipts include `3,000 received as refund of Sales Tax relating to the year, 2015-16.
General expenses include `1,500 paid as donation to a Public Charitable Trust.
You are required to advise X whether he can offer his Business Income under sec. 44 AD, i.e.
Presumptive Taxation. [CMA-Inter- Dec. 2009]

(A) Computation of business income for the assessment year 2017-18


` `
Net profit as per P/L Account 50,000
Add: Expenses disallowed:
Loss on sales of shares 8,100
Net undervaluation of stock [ 21,000 -12,000] 9,000
Depreciation not allowed [ 1,02,000 -66,000] 36,000
Unreasonable salary to brother 2,000 (+) 55,100
Less: Items to be deducted:
Income from UTI (-) 2,400
Income from business 1,02,700

(B) Presumptive income u/s 44AD: Since the gross turnover or receipt from the eligible business does
not exceed `1 crore, the assessee may pay presumptive tax being 8% of the gross receipt or
`12,11,500 x 8% = ` 96,920.

Example 18: X ltd is a manufacturing company. The profit and loss Account of X Ltd. For the year
ending March 31, 2017 is given below:
` `
Sales tax 50,000 Sales 20,10,000
Other expenses 14,15,000
Net profit 5,45,000
Total 20,10,000 Total 20,10,000

DIRECT TAXATION 128


Other information:
1. Out of sales tax of `50,000 only `47,000 is paid, the payment is made as follows:
`40,000 on September 2, 2016; `4,000 on May 9, 2017; and `3,000 on November 1, 2017.
2. Return of income is submitted on November 10, 2017 and evidence of Sales tax payment as stated
in 1 (ii) and 1 (iii) above is submitted along with the return of income.
3. During the previous year 2016-17, the following payments are made in respect of expenses
pertaining to earlier years:
(i) Bonus to employees pertaining to the previous year 2016-17 paid on April 30, 2017 `15,000;
(ii) Customs duty pertaining to the previous year 2016-17 paid on May 3, 2016: `25,000;
(iii) Electricity bill payable to BSES pertaining to previous year 2016-17 paid on May 3, 2016: `35,000
(iv) Excise duty pertaining to the previous year 2016-17 paid on May 20, 2017: `40,000; and
(v) Leave salary payable to employees pertaining to the previous year 2016-17 paid on December
2, 2016: `45,000.
These payments do not pertain to the previous year 2016-17. Consequently, these are not recorded in
the Profit & Loss Account.
Find out the consequences on the net income of X Ltd. For the assessment year 2017-18, assuming that
there are on other adjustments. [CMA-Inter June 2006].

Answer:
Computation of Profits and gains of business or profession for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to
the previous year 2016-17.

` `
Net profit as per P/L Account 5,45,000
Add: Expenses disallowed u/s 43B:
Sales tax not yet paid but debited to the account 3,000
Sales tax paid after the due date of submission of return 3,000 6,000
Less: Expenses paid after the previous year but within the date specified u/s 43B:
Bonus to employees 15,000
Customs duty 25,000
Leave salary 45,000
Excise duty 40,000 1,25,000
Business income 4,26,000

Note: Under section 43B sales tax, bonus to employees, customs duty, and leave salary are to be
allowed on accrual basis if the expenses are paid within the due date of submission of return which is
30th September in the case of a company and the evidence of such payments are submitted along
with return. Accordingly, sales tax not paid and those paid after 30 th September 2017 are disallowed.
Similarly, although bonus, customs duty, excise duty and leave salary are not paid within the previous
year, these are allowed as deduction on accrual basis as they are paid within 30 th September 2017.
Since electricity bill is not covered under section 43B, it has been allowed on accrual basis.

Example 19: V Pharma Ltd. informs that it has net profit of `60 lakhs for the year ended 31st march, 2017.
It gives you the following further information:
(i) Depreciation as per books `3,50,000.
(ii) Bad debts written off in the books `5,00,000, which includes `1 lakh due from one customer who
has disputed the liability to pay but continues to have business relationship with the company.
(iii) Proposed dividend debited to profit and loss account `6 lakhs.
(iv) One machinery which has become useless has been written off in P & L Account, the amount
debited being `90,000.

DIRECT TAXATION 129


(v) Provident Fund collections from employees for the year `1,50,000 and company‘s own contribution
of `1,10,000 for the year have not been remitted. These amounts are shown as Sundry Liability in the
books. Assume it will be remitted after 31st December, 2017.
(vi) Income from agricultural lands surrounding the factory `50,000 credited to Profit and Loss account.
(vii) Bank term loan for purchases of machinery waived `2 lakhs is credited to capital reserve account.
(viii) The opening WDV of plant and machinery was `15,90,000. One machinery for 4,10,000 was
acquired on 01.06.2016 and was put to use immediately.
(ix) Provisions for taxation debited in the Profit and Loss Account amounts to `15 lakhs.
(x) You are required to compute the income of the company under the head ‗profits and gains of
business or profession‘ for the assessment year 2017-18 [CMA-Inter, June 2015]

Answer:

Computation of Profits and gains of business or profession for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to
the previous year 2016-17
` `
Net profit as per P/L Account 60,00,000
Add: Expenses disallowed:
Depreciation (treated separately) 3,50,000
Bad debt (Note 1) Nil
Proposed dividend 6,00,000
Machinery discarded (treated separately) 90,000
Provident fund collection from employees and own contribution not
deposited within due date 2,60,000
Provision for taxation 15,00,000 (+)28,00,000
Less: Incomes wrongly credited: 50,000
Agricultural income Nil
Bank loan credited to capital reserve (Note 2) 3,00,000
Less: Depreciation as per IT Act (Note 3) (-)3,50,000
Business income 84,50,000
Note:
(1) In TRF Ltd. V. CIT it has been held that it is not necessary to establish that the debt has become
irrecoverable; it is enough if bad debt is written off as irrecoverable in the accounts of the assessee.
(2) Recently, the Delhi High Court (High Court) in the case of Logitronics Pvt. Ltd.[ Logitronics Pvt. Ltd v.
CIT (ITA no. 1623 of 2010) & CIT v. Jubilant Securities Pvt. Ltd. (ITA No. 503 of 2010) it was held that in
the context of waiver of loan amount, taxability would depend upon the purpose for which the
loan was taken. Waiver of loan taken for acquiring a capital asset would not result in income
exigible to tax. However, waiver of loan availed for trading purpose, results in the income taxable
under the Income-tax Act, 1961(the Act).
(3) Depreciation as per IT Act:
WDV as on 1.4.2106 15,90,000
Add: New machinery purchased 4,10,000 4,10,000
Less: Money received in respect of machinery discarded or demolished Nil
WDV as on 31.3.2017 20,00,000
Depreciation @ 15% 3,00,000

Example 20: The statement of Profit and loss of XYZ Limited for the previous year 2016-17 shows a net
profit of `8,50,390 after debiting/crediting the following items:
Purchase of goods for `42,000 (market value `35,000) from one of the directors of the company.
Interest of `1,00,000 paid on loan taken from Mr. Ron of USA without deducting tax at source.
Advance of `90,000 paid in earlier year for purchase of machinery written off
Income tax on perquisites of employees paid by the company `20,000.
Recovery of bad debt of ` 30,000 which was disallowed in previous assessment of the company.

DIRECT TAXATION 130


Compute income of XYZ limited under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ for
Assessment Year 2017-18 indicating reasons for treatment of each item. [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2015]

Answer:

Computation of Profits and gains of business or profession for assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 201617
` `
Net profit as per P/L Account 8,50,000
Add: Expenses disallowed:
Amount paid to Director in excess of market value [Vide section 40A(2) 7,000
Interest paid to non-resident without deduction of tax at source [Vide section
40(a)(i)] 1,00,000
Advance paid for machinery written off (Capital loss) 90,000
Tax on non-monetary perquisite paid by the employers [vide section 40(a)(v) 20,000 (+)2,17,000
Less: Recovery of bad debt disallowed in earlier year (-) 30,000
Business Income 10,37,000

Example 21: Following is the Profit and Loss Account of A, a resident of India, for the year ended
31.03.2017:
` `
To Administrative Expenses 2,75,000 By Gross Profit 7,50,000
To Interest 55,000 By Agricultural income (net): from Lands in India
To Life Insurance Premium: from lands in Malaysia 25,000
Self 25,000 By Interest (PPF) 20,000
—daughter in law 15,000 By Dividend from listed Indian companies 31,200
To Depreciation 1,50,000 By Savings Bank Interest 12,000
To Net Profit 3,24,200 6,000
8,44,200 8,44,200

Other information:
(i) Depreciation allowable for the year under section 32 of the income-tax Act, 1961 amounts to
`1,75,000.
(ii) Administrative expenses include salary taken by Mr. Ashwin at `10,000 per month for 8 months.
(iii) Interest includes payment of `24,000 to daughter @36% per annum when the market rate of
interest is 15% per annum.
Compute the total income of A for the assessment year 2017-18.

Answer:

Computation of total income of A for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the assessment year
2016-17
` ` `
Profits and gains of business or profession:
Net profit as per P/L Account 3,24,200
Add: Expenses disallowed:
Life insurance premium of self and daughter-in-law (25,000 +15,000) 40,000
Interest in excess of the market rate [ 21/36]x 24,000] 14,000
Salary paid to self 80,000
Depreciation (treated separately) 1,50,00
Less: Expenses allowable:
Deprecation (+)2,84,000

DIRECT TAXATION 131


Less: Income not chargeable under the head:
Agricultural income in India 25,000 (-)1, 75,000
Agricultural income in Malaysia 20,000
Interest on PPF 31,200
Dividend from Indian companies 12,000
Savings Bank Interest 6,000
Business income (-) 94,200 3,39,000
Income from other sources:
Agricultural income from Malaysia 20000
Savings Bank Interest 6000 26,000
Gross Total Income:
Less: Deductions u/s 80C – 80U
(i) U/s 80C in respect of LIC premium on own life 25000
(ii) U/s 80TTA in respect of Savings Bank Interest 6000
Total income 31,000

Example 22:
Discuss the admissibility or otherwise of the following items in the computation of income under the
head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ for the assessment year 2016-2017:
(a) `14,000 paid to an income-tax adviser for conducting appeal before the Income-tax Appellate
Tribunal.
(b) `500 paid for raising loan of `20,000. The loan is repayable after five years.
(c) `2,000 paid for shifting the factory from one place to another for easier supply of raw materials.
(d) `3,000 paid to a trade association representing assessee‗s business for propaganda against the
move for nationalisation of his trade.
(e) Legal expenses amounting to `1,000 paid for defending assessee ‗s title to an asset.
(f) Paid `10,000 being cost of a machine purchased for scientific research relating to the business.
(g) `600 paid for legal charges for drafting a partnership deed.
(h) `700 was considered as bad debt. The debtors were declared insolvent having no asset. The
amount was, however, not written off as irrecoverable in the accounts of the assessee.
(i) Paid `40,000 as cost for growing agricultural raw materials in assessee‗s own land, the raw materials
being used in his production. The market price of the materials was `50,000.
(j) `20,000 paid to the customs authorities as penalty for importing prohibited goods which were
required for assessee‗s business and which yielded a large margin of profit. The profit, however, was
credited to assessee‗s profit and loss account.

Answer:
(a) `14,000 paid to an income-tax adviser for conducting an appeal before the Income-tax Appellate
Tribunal is allowed as deduction.
(b) `500 paid (as legal charges or brokerage, whatsoever) for raising loan of `20,000 is entirely
deductible during the previous year [Orissa Cement vs. CIT 73 ITR 14].
(c) `2,000 paid for shifting the factory from one place to another on the ground of easier supply of raw
materials is a capital expenditure, since it confers upon the assessee a benefit of an enduring
nature. It is, therefore, not deductible [Sitalpur Sugar Works Ltd. vs. CIT 49 ITR 160 (SC)].
(d) `3,000 paid to a trade association representing assessee‗s business for propaganda against the
move for nationalisation of his trade is allowable expenditure [Ambala Bus Syndicate vs. CIT 95 ITR
383].
(e) Legal expenses amounting to ` 1,000 paid for defending assessee‗s title to an asset is allowable
expenditure [Dalmia Jain & Co. Ltd. vs. CIT 81 ITR 745(SC)].
(f) Under Section 35(2)(ia), capital expenditure incurred by an assessee after 31st March,1967 for the
purpose of scientific research carried on by the assessee himself is allowed as deduction in full in
the previous year in which the expenditure is incurred.

DIRECT TAXATION 132


In view of the above provision `10,000 paid for purchase of machinery for scientific research
related to assessee‗s business is fully deductible. In this case, however, no depreciation on the asset
can be claimed.
(g) Legal charges for drafting partnership deed is a preliminary expense, which will be amortised u/s
35D in five equal installments beginning with the year in which the business has commenced.
However, legal charges for drafting partnership deed in relation to an existing business is a revenue
expense, therefore, allowed to be deducted in full in the year in which the expense is incurred.
(h) Under Section 36(1)(vii), bad debt can be claimed as deduction only if it is written off as
irrecoverable in books during the previous year. In the present case, since the amount has not
been written off in the books, it will not be allowed as deduction.
(i) In cases where the nature of the income is partly agricultural and partly non-agricultural, in
determining the non-agricultural income which is taxable, Rule 7 is applicable. According to this
Rule, the market value of the agricultural produce (which is `50,000 in the present case) which is
used as input for production, shall be deducted from the sale proceeds of the goods. In the case
of rubber, under Rule 7A, 35% of the income from the manufacture of rubber shall be taken to be
business income, while in the case of coffee and tea, under Rule 7B and 8 respectively, 40% of the
income shall be treated as business income.
(j) Penalty imposed by the customs authorities for illegal import of goods is not deductible [Haji Aziz &
Abdul Shakoor Brs vs. CIT 41 ITR 350 (SC)]. The profits of illegal business are, nonetheless, taxable.

Particulars Amount (`) Particulars Amount (`)


To Salaries 70,000 By Gross profit 2,31,000
" Travelling expenses 25,000 ―Dividend 7,500
" Rent and taxes 3,000 ―Discount 4,500
" Interest on capital 5,000
" Depreciation 25,000
" Income-tax 50,000
" Birthday gift to son 25,000
" Net profit 40,000
Total 2,43,000 Total 2,43,000

Example 23: X, a businessman submits the following profit and loss account for the year ended
31.3.2017:
The following additional information was available:
(a) Salaries include `15,000 paid to the proprietor's wife who was an engineer and before joining the
business of her husband was employed in a Government concern and was drawing a salary of
`10,000 p.m. She joined here on 15.2.2014.
(b) The proprietor went to foreign tour for business purposes and stayed there for 18 days, of which he
spent 3 days for sight-seeing. Total expenses incurred in foreign country was `18,000, which was
included in travelling expenses a/c.
(c) Depreciation as per IT Rules was `40,000.
(d) Birthday gift presented to son in cash was invested in a nationalized bank, interest on the same
accrued up to 31-3-2014 was `2,500. His son is a minor.
Compute X's taxable income from business for the assessment year 2017-2018.
Answer:

Computation of income under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession" of X, a resident
individual, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-2017.

Particulars ` `
Net profit as per Profit and Loss Account 40,000
Add: Expenses disallowed:

DIRECT TAXATION 133


Travelling expenses [personal expenses ` 18,000 X 3/l8] 3,000
Interest on capital 5,000
Depreciation (treated separately) 25,000
Income-tax 50,000
Birthday gift to son 25,000 1,08,000
1,48,000
Less: Expenses allowed under the Act:
Depreciation as per IT Rules 40,000
1,08,000
Less: Income not chargeable wider this heads:
Dividend 7,500
Business Income 1,00,500

Example 24:
H is the owner of a small scale industry. The following are the particulars of his business and other
related matters during the accounting year 2016-2017.
(a) Net Profit as per Profit and Loss Account `36,000.
(b) The Profit and Loss Account was debited for `1,200 as his interest on capital and for `2,400 as
remuneration to self.
(c) H has taken goods for his personal consumption valued `8,000. On this account sales account was
credited for `6,000 only.
(d) Opening and closing stock of finished goods are valued for `4,500 and `7,200 respectively which
were 10% below the cost of production.
(e) Profit and Loss Account is debited for `1,500 as rent for godown owned by H.
(f) Profit and Loss Account has been credited for `2,500 as interest on fixed deposit with Bank and for
`5,000 (Gross) as dividend from Indian company.
(g) Profit and Loss Account is excess debited by `2,500 on account of depreciation.
(h) Profit and Loss Account is debited for ` 4,000 as donation to National Defence Fund.
From the above particulars, compute the taxable income of H for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:

Computation of total income of H for the assessment year 2017-2018, relating to the previous year 2016-
2017
• Profits and gains of business or profession : ` ` `
Net profit as per Profit and Loss Account 36,000
Add : Expenses disallowed:
Interest on capital 1,200
Remuneration to self 2,400
Rent of self-owned godown 1,500
Excess depreciation 2,500
Donation to National Defence Fund 4,000 11,600
47,600
Add : Goods withdrawn by owner below cost
price (` 8,000 – ` 6,000) 2,000
Add: Net adjustment for undervaluation
of stocks [` (7,200 - 4,500) x 1/9] 300 2,300
49,900
Less: Incomes not taxable under this head:
Bank interests 2,500

DIRECT TAXATION 134


Dividend from Indian company 5,000 7,500 42,400
• Income from other sources:
Bank interest 2,500
Dividend from Indian companies
[Exempt u/s 10(34)) - 2,500
Gross total income 44,900
Less : Deductions u/ss 80C to 80U :
Deduction u/s 80G in respect of
donation to National Defence Fund 4,000
Total income 40,900

Objective questions:

The correct answer is marked in bold


1. Preliminary expenses are incurred in every business. What are the expenses that qualify for
deduction u/s.35D?
A. Expenses for drafting memorandum and articles of association
B. Payment of duty at the office of Registrar of companies
C. Expenditure incurred in preparation of project report
D. All of the above
2. The preliminary expenses that can be amortized under the Income Tax Act 1961 has to be
restricted to ______________ of the cost of project
A. 3%
B. 8%
C. 5%
D. 20%
Ans. C . 5%

3. Mr. A withdraws goods costing ` 100000 for personal use from his proprietorship concern at an
agreed value of ` 120000. Amount Taxable as profit is-
A. 100000
B. 20000
C. 120000
D. Nil
Ans. D Nil

4. Rate of depreciation charged on an intangible asset is-


A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 25%
D. 30%
Ans. C 25%

5. Unabsorbed depreciation can be carried forward for________-


A. 8 years
B. 4 Years
C. Any number of years even if the business is discontinued
D. Any number of years if the business is continued
Ans. C. Any number of years even if the business is discontinued

6. Zero Coupon Bonds can be issued by any of the following entities—


A. Scheduled bank
B. Public sector company

DIRECT TAXATION 135


C. Both (a) and (b)
D. None of these
Ans. C. Both (a) and (b)

7. Expenditure incurred for ready to use software is deductible at


(A) 15% as depreciation
(B) 30% as depreciation
(C) 60% as depreciation
(D) 100% as revenue expenditure
Ans. (D) 100% as revenue expenses

8. Expenditure incurred towards Corporate Social Responsibility in accordance with section 135 of the
Companies Act, 2013 is
(A) Expenditure deductible at 100%
(B) Expenditure deductible at 150%
(C)Inadmissible expenditure
(D) Expenditure deductible in five annual instalments
Ans. (C) Inadmissible expenditure

9. Investment allowance under section 32AC of the Income-tax Act, 1961, is applicable where the
investment in new plant and machinery exceeds
(A)` 25 Crores
(B) ` 50 Crores
(C) `100 Crores
(D) `40 Crores
Ans. (A) : ` 25 crores

10. A company engaged in eligible manufacturing activity acquires new Plant & Machinery (15%
block) costing `15 lacs on 30th June, 2016. Depreciation admissible on such new Plant & Machinery
in Assessment Year 2017-18 is:
(A) ` 5,25,000
(B) ` 4,50,000
(C) ` 5,00,000
(D) ` 2,25,000
Ans. (A) ` 5,25,000

(11) Audit of accounts u/s 44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961 is mandatory for a person carrying on
profession where his gross receipts exceed
(A) ` 50,00,000
(B) ` 60,00,000
(C) ` 20,00,000
(D) ` 25,00,000
Ans. (A) `50,00,000

(12) A & Co., a partnership firm, contributed ` 1,00,000 towards family planning programme among the
employees. The amount eligible for deduction would be
(A) ` 1,00,000
(B) ` 20,000
(C) ` 1,50,000
(D) ` ‗Nil‘ not eligible for deduction
Ans. A) ` 1,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 136


(13) A sum of ` 50,000 was written off as bad debt in the assessment year 2013-14 and was disallowed.
During financial year 2016-17 ` 20,000 was recovered. Out of the recovery how much is taxable?
(A) ` 20,000
(B) ‗Nil‘
(C) ` 30,000
(D) ` 70,000
Ans. (B) ‗Nil‘

(14) P Ltd. incurred ` 35,00,000 towards voluntary retirement compensation paid to its employees in the
financial year 2016-17. How much is deductible for the assessment year 2017-18 out of the said
payment?
(A) ` 7,00,000
(B) ` 5,00,000
(C) ` 35,00,000
(D) ` 3,50,000
Ans. (A) ` 7,00,000

(15) PREM BANSAL Ltd. makes a payment of ` 35,000 in cash to a transporter for plying of goods
carriages in a single day. The disallowance under section 40A(3) will be :
(A) ` 35,000
(B) ` 20,000
(C). ` 15,000
(D) Nil
Ans. (D) Nil

DIRECT TAXATION 137


STUDY NOTE : 10
CAPITAL GAINS [SECTIONS 45-55A]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


10.1 Basis of Charges [Section 45(1)]
10.2 Meaning of Capital asset [Section 2(14)]
10.3 Classification of capital assets
10.4 Meaning of transfer of capital asset [Section 2(47)]
10.5 Mode of computation of capital gains [Section 48]
10.6 Computation of capital gains under certain special circumstances
10.7 Capital gains exempt from tax

10.1 BASIS OF CHARGE [SECTION 45(1)]

Any profits or gains arising from the transfer of a capital asset effected in the previous year shall be
chargeable to income-tax under the head ―Capital gains‖ and shall be deemed to be the income of
the previous year in which such transfer took place, provided that such capital gains are not exempt
under Sections 54, 54B, 54D, 54E, 54EC,54EE, 54F, 54G, 54GA, 54GB and 54H.
Besides, as provided under section 45(1A), capital gains also arise on receipt of money or other assets
from an insurance company on account of damages or destruction to the capital assets belonging to
the assessee due to:
(i) flood, typhoon, hurricane, cyclone, earthquake or other convulsion of nature; or
(ii) riot or civil disturbance; or
(iii) accidental fire or explosion; or
(iv) action by an enemy or action taken in combating an enemy (whether with or without a
declaration of war).

The charge under this head, thus, depends on the fulfillment of the following conditions:
 There must be a capital asset.
 The capital asset must be transferred during the previous year or must have suffered any of the
damages mentioned u/s 54(1A).
 There must be profits or gains on transfer of the capital asset. For this purpose, the term ―profits and
gains‖ also includes any loss on transfer of any capital asset.
 Such capital gain is not exempt under Sections 54, 54B, 54D, 54E, 54F, 54G, and 54H.

10.2 MEANING OF CAPITAL ASSET [SECTION 2(14)]

―Capital asset‖ means property of any kind held by an assessee, whether or not connected with his
business or profession. The expression ―property‖ is wider enough and it includes any rights in or in
relation to an Indian company, including rights of management or control or any other rights
whatsoever [Explanation to Section 2 (14) inserted by the Finance Act 2012 w.e.f. assessment year 1962-
63].
With effect from the assessment year 2015-2016, Capital assets also include any securities held by a
Foreign Institutional Investor which has invested in such securities in accordance with the regulations
made under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 [As amended by the Finance (No. 2)
Act, 2014, w.e.f. A.Y.2015-16].
 Assets which are excluded from the definition of capital assets: Capital assets, however, does not
include the following:
(a) any stock-in-trade, consumable stores or raw materials held for the purposes of his business or
profession;

DIRECT TAXATION 138


(b) any personal effects, that is to say, movable property (including wearing apparel and furniture)
held for personal use by the assessee or any member of his family dependent on him.
Exceptions: when personal effects are treated as capital asset:
The following assets, which are in the nature of personal effects, shall be regarded as capital assets:
(a) jewellery;
(b) archaeological collections;
(c) drawings;
(d) paintings;
(e) sculptures; or
(f) any work of art.
For the aforesaid purpose, the expression ―jewellery‖ includes:
(i) ornaments made of gold, silver, platinum or any other precious metal or any alloy containing
one or more of such precious metals, whether or not containing any precious or semi-precious
stone, and whether or not worked or sewn into any wearing apparel;
(ii) precious or semi-precious stones, whether or not set in any furniture, utensil or other article or
worked or sewn into any wearing apparel.

(c) agricultural land in rural area in India


Rural area means:
Any area which is outside the jurisdiction of a municipality (whether known as municipality, municipal
corporation, notified area committee, town area committee, town committee, or by any other
name) or a cantonment board and which has a population of not less than ten thousand; or
It is not located within such distance of the said municipality or cantonment board as measured
aerially:
When population does not exceed 1,00,000 Within 2 km of from the local limits of the municipality
or the cantonment board
When population is more than 1,00,000 but Within 6 km of from the local limits of the municipality
does not exceed 10 lakh or the cantonment board
When population is more than 10 lakh Within 8 km of from the local limits of the municipality
or the cantonment board
(d) 61/2% Gold Bonds, 1977 or 7% Gold Bonds, 1980, National Defence Gold Bonds, 1980;
(e) Special Bearer Bonds, 1991;
(f) Gold Deposit Bonds issued under the Gold Deposit Scheme, 1999.
(g) Deposit Certificates issued under the Gold Monetisation Scheme 2015.

General instances of capital assets:


―Capital asset‖ as used in Section 2(14) is an expression of broad connotation and includes property
of any kind, except the six categories of assets mentioned in (a) to (g) above. The following are
some instances of properties held to be capital assets:
(i) Goodwill of a business, whether purchased or self-generated [With effect from the assessment
year 2017-2018, Section 55 has been amended to provide that in relation to the cost of
improvement of capital assets being goodwill of a business as well as profession shall be nil.
However, CBDT in its Circular No. 495, dated 22-9-1987 has clarified that section 55 does not
apply to goodwill of professional firms. In view of this, goodwill of a firm is not to be treated as
capital asset. In other words, the judgment in CIT v Srinivasa Setty is still applicable.
(ii) Foreign currency held on capital account.
(iii) A business undertaking.
(iv) A leasehold right or tenancy right.
(v) Right to subscribe for shares of a company.
(vi) A route permit.
(vii) A manufacturing license.
(viii) A partner‘s share in a firm
(ix) A leasehold right
(x) Bullion or coins which are meant to be used for puja or worship of deities on special occasions.

DIRECT TAXATION 139


10.3 CLASSIFICATION OF CAPITAL ASSETS

 Depending on the period of holding, capital assets are divided into two categories: long-term
capital asset and short-term capital asset.
 Short-term capital asset [Section 2(42A)]:―Short-term capital asset‖ means a capital asset held by
an assessee for not more than thirty-six months immediately preceding the date of its transfer.

Exceptions:
(1) In the case of a share held in a company or any other security listed in a stock exchange in India
or a unit of the Unit Trust of India or a unit of a Mutual Fund specified under Section 10(23D), or a
zero coupon bond the period of thirty-six months shall be taken to be twelve months. That is, if
these assets are held for not more than 12 months, they will be treated as short-term capital
assets;
(2) In the case of unlisted shares, they will be treated as short-term capital assets if the period of
holding is not more than 24 months.

 Long-term capital asset [Section 2(29A)]:―Long-term capital asset‖ means a capital asset which is
not a short-term capital asset.

Short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains:


Since there are two types of capital assets, there may be two types of capital gains. Capital gains on
transfer of short-term capital asset will be treated as short-term capital gain [Section 2(42B)], while
capital gain on transfer of long-term capital asset will be treated as long-term capital gains [Section
2(29B)]. The distinction between these two types of capital gains are material because short-term and
long-term capital gains are taxed at different rates.

10.4 MEANING OF TRANSFER OF CAPITAL ASSET [SECTION 2(47)]

‗Transfer‘ in relation to a capital asset includes:


(a) the sale, exchange or relinquishment of the asset; or
(b) the extinguishment of any rights therein; or
(c) the compulsory acquisition thereof under any law; or
(d) in case where the asset is converted by the owner thereof into, or is treated by him as, stock-in-
trade of a business carried on him, such conversion or treatment; or
(e) any transaction involving the allowing of the possession of any immovable property to be taken or
retained in part performance of a contract of the nature referred to in Section 53A of the Transfer
of Property Act, 1882; or
(f) the maturity or redemption of a zero coupon bond; or
(g) any transaction (whether by way of becoming a member of, or acquiring shares in a co-operative
society, company or other association of persons or by way of any agreement or any arrangement
or any immovable property. With retrospective effect from the assessment year 1962-63, a new
Explanation has been inserted to provide that ―transfer‖ includes and shall be deemed to have
always included disposing of or parting with an asset or any interest therein, or creating any interest
in any asset in any manner whatsoever, directly or indirectly, absolutely or conditionally, voluntarily
or involuntarily, by way of an agreement (whether entered into in India or outside India) or
otherwise, notwithstanding that such transfer of rights has been characterised as being effected or
dependent upon or flowing from the transfer of a share or shares of a company registered or
incorporated outside India [Explanation 2, inserted by the Finance Act 2012].

Besides, under Section 45(1A), any receipt of money or other assets under an insurance from an insurer
on account of damage to or destruction of any capital asset (due to natural calamities, riot or civil

DIRECT TAXATION 140


disturbances, accidental fire or enemy action) shall be regarded as transfer of capital asset and
consequently any profits or gains arising from such receipts shall be chargeable as capital gains.

General instances of transactions held to be transfer


(a) A lease of mines or transfer of land for a salami or premium.
(b) Reduction of share capital of a company entailing payment to the shareholders.
(c) Proprietary business taken over by a firm
(d) Transfer of capital asset by a person to a firm [Section 45(3)].
(e) Distribution of capital assets on dissolution of a firm [Section 45(4)].
(f) Repurchase of units of any Mutual Fund specified in Section 10 (23D) or units of the UTI [Section
45(6)].

Transactions not regarded as transfer [Sections 46 and 47]:


For the purpose of Section 45, the following transactions are not regarded as transfer:
(a) any distribution of assets by a company to its shareholders on liquidation [Section 46(1)];
(b) any distribution of capital assets on the total or partial portion of a Hindu undivided family
[Section47(i)] ;
(c) any transfer of a capital asset under a gift or will or an irrevocable trust [Section 47(iii)] ; [However,
with effect from the assessment year 2001-2002, transfer under a gift or an irrevocable trust of
capital asset being shares, debentures or warrants allotted by a company directly or indirectly to its
employees under any Employees‘ Stock Option Plan or Scheme of the company offered to such
employees in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government shall not be
treated as transfer within the meaning of Section 45] ;
(d) any transfer of capital asset by a company to its wholly owned Indian subsidiary company
[Section47(iv)] ;
(e) any transfer of capital asset by a wholly owned subsidiary company to the Indian holding
company [Section 47(v)].[However, Sections 47(iv) and 47(v) do not apply to any transfer of capital
asset made after 29th February, 1988, as stock-in-trade] ;
(f) any transfer, in a scheme of amalgamation, of a capital asset by the amalgamating company to
the amalgamated Indian company [Section 47(vi)] ;
(g) any transfer, in a scheme of amalgamation, of capital asset being a share or shares held in an
Indian company, by the amalgamating foreign company to the amalgamated foreign company,
if at least 25% of the shareholders of the amalgamating company continue to remain shareholders
of the amalgamated foreign company and such transfer does not attract capital gains in the
country in which the amalgamating company is incorporated [Section 47(via)];
(h) any transfer, in a scheme of amalgamation of a banking company with a banking institution
sanctioned and brought into force by the Central Government under Section 45(7) of the Banking
Regulation Act,1949, of a capital asset by the banking company to the banking institution [Section
47(viaa), inserted by the Finance Act,2005 w.e.f. A.Y. 2005-2006] ;
(i) any transfer, in a scheme of amalgamation, of a capital asset, being a share of a foreign
company, referred to in the Explanation 5 to Section 9(1)(i), which derives, directly or indirectly, its
value substantially from the share or shares of an Indian company, held by the amalgamating
foreign company to the amalgamated foreign company, if at least twenty-five per cent of the
shareholders of the amalgamating foreign company continue to remain shareholders of the
amalgamated foreign company; and such transfer does not attract tax on capital gains in the
country in which the amalgamating company is incorporated [Section 47(viab), inserted by the
Finance Act 2015 w.e.f. AY 2016-17].
(j) any transfer, in a demerger, of a capital asset by a demerged company to the resulting Indian
company [Section 47(vib)] ;
(k) any transfer, in a demerger, of a capital asset, being a share or shares held in an Indian company,
by the demerged foreign company to the resulting foreign company, if the shareholders holding
not less than three-fourths in value of the shares of the demerged foreign company continue to

DIRECT TAXATION 141


remain shareholders of the resulting foreign company and such transfer does not attract tax on
capital gains in the country in which the demerged foreign company is incorporated [Section
47(vic)];
(l) any transfer in a business reorganisation, of a capital asset by the predecessor co-operative bank
to the successor co-operative bank [Section 47 (vica), w.e.f. the assessment year 2008-2009] ;
(m) any transfer by a shareholder, in a business reorganisation, of a capital asset being a share or
shares held by him in the predecessor co-operative bank if the transfer is made in consideration of
the allotment to him of any share or shares in the successor co-operative bank[Section 47 (vicb),
w.e.f. the assessment year 2008-2009] ;
(n) any transfer in a demerger, of a capital asset, being a share of a foreign company, referred to in
the Explanation 5 to Section 9(1)(i), which derives, directly or indirectly, its value substantially from
the share or shares of an Indian company, held by the demerged foreign company to the resulting
foreign company, if the shareholders, holding not less than three-fourths in value of the shares of
the demerged foreign company, continue to remain shareholders of the resulting foreign
company; and such transfer does not attract tax on capital gains in the country in which the
demerged foreign company is incorporated. [Section 47(vicc), inserted by the Finance Act 2015
w.e.f. AY 2016-17].
(o) any transfer or issue of shares by the resulting company, in a scheme of demerger to the
shareholders of the demerged company, if the transfer of issue is made in consideration of
demerger of the undertaking. [Section 47(vid)];
(p) any transfer by a shareholder, in a scheme of amalgamation, of a capital asset being a share or
shares held by him in the amalgamating company, if the transfer is made in consideration of the
allotment to him of any share or shares in the amalgamated company and the amalgamated
Indian company [Section 47(vii)] ;
(q) any transfer of a capital asset, being bonds or Global Depository Receipts referred to in
Section115AC(1), made outside India by a non-resident to another non-resident [Section 47(viia)] ;
(r) any transfer of a capital asset, being a Government Security carrying a periodic payment of
interest, made outside India through an intermediary dealing in settlement of securities, by a non-
resident to another non-resident [Section 47(viib)].
(s) any transfer of agricultural land in India effected before 1st March, 1970 [Section 47(viii)];
(t) any transfer of a capital asset, being any work of art, archaeological, scientific or art collection,
book, manuscript, drawing, painting, photograph or paint, to the Government or a university or the
National Museum, National Art Gallery, National Archives or any such other public museum or
institution as may be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette to be of national
importance or to be of renown throughout any State or States [Section 47(ix)];
(u) any transfer by way of conversion of bonds or debentures, debenture-stock or deposit certificates
in any form, of a company into shares or debentures of that company [Section 47(x)] ;
(v) any transfer by way of conversion of bonds referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section
115AC into shares or debentures of any company [Section 47(Xa)].
(w) any transfer made on or before 31st December, 1998 by a person (other than a company) of a
capital asset being membership of a recognised stock exchange to a company in exchange of
shares allotted by that company to the transferor [Section 47(xi)] ;
(x) any transfer of a capital asset, being land of a sick industrial company, made under a scheme
prepared and sanctioned under Section 18 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions)
Act, 1985, where such sick industrial company is being managed by its workers‘ co-operative,
provided that such transfer is made during the period commencing from the previous year in which
the said company under Section 17(1) of that Act and ending with the previous year during which
the entire net worth of such company becomes equal to or exceeds the accumulated losses
[Section 47(xii)] ;
(y) any transfer of a capital asset, or intangible asset by a firm to a company as a result of succession
of the firm by a company in the business carried on by the firm, or any transfer of a capital asset to
a company in the course of demutualisation or corporatisation of a recognised stock exchange in

DIRECT TAXATION 142


India as a result of which an association of persons or body of individuals is succeeded by a
company, provided that the following conditions are satisfied :
(i) all the assets and liabilities of the firm or the association of persons or body of individuals
(ii) relating to the business immediately before the succession become the assets and liabilities of
the company ;
(iii) all the partners of the firm immediately before the succession became the shareholders of the
company in the same proportion in which their capital accounts stood in the books of the firm
on the date of the succession ;
(iv) the partners of the firm do not receive any consideration or benefit, directly or indirectly, in any
form or manner, other than by way of allotment of shares in the company ;
(v) the aggregate of shareholding in the company of the partners of the firm is not less than 50% of
the total voting power in the company and their shareholding continues to be such for a
period of five years from the date of succession ;
(vi) the corporatisation of a recognised stock exchange in India is carried out in accordance with
the scheme of demutualisation or corporatisation which is approved by the Securities and
Exchange Board of India established under Section 3 of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India Act, 1992 [Section 47(xiii)].
(z) any transfer of a capital asset being a membership right held by a member of a recognised stock
exchange in India for acquisition of shares and trading or clearing rights acquired by such member
in that recognised stock exchange in accordance with a scheme for demutualisation or
corporatisation which is approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India [Section 47(xiiia)];
(za) any transfer of capital asset or intangible asset on conversion of a private company or unlisted
public company into an Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in accordance with Section 56 and
Section 57 of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 shall not be regarded as a transfer for the
purposes of capital gains tax under Section 45, if the following conditions are fulfilled:
(i) the total sales, turnover or gross receipts in business of the company do not exceed sixty lakh
rupees in any of the three preceding previous years ;
(ii) the shareholders of the company become partners of the LLP in the same proportion as their
shareholding in the company ;
(iii) no consideration other than share in profit and capital contribution in the LLP arises to partners ;
(iv) the erstwhile shareholders of the company continue to be entitled to receive at least 50 per
cent of the profits of the LLP for a period of 5 years from the date of conversion;
(v) all assets and liabilities of the company become the assets and liabilities of the LLP ;
(vi) the total value of the assets as appearing in the books of account of the company in any of
the three previous years preceding the previous year in which the conversion takes place does
not exceed five crore rupees [ with effect from the assessment year 2017-18]; and
(vii) no amount is paid, either directly or indirectly, to any partner out of the accumulated profit of
the company for a period of 3 years from the date of conversion. [Section 47(xiiib) w.e.f.
assessment years 2011-12];
(zb) Where a sole proprietary concern is succeeded by a company in the business carried on by it as a
result of which the sole proprietary concern sells or otherwise transfers any capital asset or
intangible asset to the company, provided the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) all the assets and liabilities of the sole proprietary concern relating to the business immediately
before the succession become the assets and liabilities of the company;
(ii) the shareholding of the sole proprietor in the company is not less than 50% of the total voting
power in the company and his shareholding continues to remain as such for period of five
years from the date of the succession; and
(iii) the sole proprietor does not receive any consideration or benefit, directly or indirectly, in any
form or manner, other than by way of allotment of shares in the company [Section 47(xv)] ;
(zc) any transfer in a scheme for lending of any securities under an agreement or arrangement, which
the assessee has entered into with the borrower of such securities and which is subject to the
guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, established under Section 3 of

DIRECT TAXATION 143


the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 or the Reserve Bank of India in this regard
[Section 47(xv)].
(zd) any transfer of a capital asset in a transaction of reverse mortgage under a scheme made and
notified by the Central Government [Section 47(XVI)].
(ze) any transfer of capital asset, being a government security carrying periodic payment of interest,
made outside India through an intermediary dealing in settlement of securities, by a non-resident
to another non-resident [Section 47(viib)].
(zf) any transfer of a capital asset, being share of a special purpose vehicle to a business trust in
exchange of units allotted by that trust to the transferor [Section 47(xvii)]
(zg) any transfer by a unit holder of a capital asset, being a unit or units, held by him in the
consolidating scheme of a mutual fund, made in consideration of the allotment to him of a
capital asset, being a unit or units, in the consolidated scheme of the mutual fund Provided that
the consolidation is of two or more schemes of equity oriented fund or of two or more schemes of
a fund other than equity oriented fund. [Section 47(xviii), inserted by the Finance Act 2015 w.e.f.
AY 2016-17].

10.5 MODE OF COMPUTATION OF CAPITAL GAINS [SECTION 48]

As per Section 48, the computation of both short-term and long-term capital gains is to be made with
reference to:
(i) full value of consideration received or accruing as a result of transfer of capital asset ;
(ii) expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively in connection with such transfer ;
(iii) cost of acquisition of the asset transferred; and
(iv) cost of any improvement to such asset.

The above mode of computation of capital gains is, however, subject to the following further
considerations:

(i) Shares and debentures acquired by a non-resident through foreign currency : In the case of a non-
resident assessee, capital gains arising from the transfer of a capital asset being shares in, or debentures
of, an Indian company shall be computed by converting the cost of acquisition, expenditure incurred
wholly and exclusively in connection with such transfer and the full value of the consideration received
or accruing as a result of the transfer of the capital asset into the same foreign currency as was initially
utilised in the purchase of the shares or debentures, and the capital gains so computed in such foreign
currency shall be reconverted into Indian currency. This procedure shall be followed in respect of
capital gains accruing or arising from every reinvestment in shares and debentures in Indian companies
and their sale thereafter [First proviso to Section 48].

(ii) Indexation for certain long-term capital assets : Where long-term capital gain arises from the transfer
of a long-term capital asset (other than capital gain arising to a non-resident from the transfer of shares
in, or debentures of, an Indian company referred to in the first proviso to Section 48) then in place of
―cost of acquisition‖ and ―cost of improvement‖ ―indexed cost of acquisition‖ and ―indexed cost of
improvement‖ shall be taken into consideration [Second proviso to Section 48].

(iii) No indexation for bonds and debentures: Indexed cost of acquisition and indexed cost of
improvement as mentioned above in the second proviso, shall not, however, be applicable to the
long-term capital gain arising from the transfer of a long-term capital asset being bond or debenture
other than capital indexed bond issued by the Government [Third proviso to Section 48].

DIRECT TAXATION 144


(iv) No deduction for securities transaction tax: In computing income chargeable under the head
―Capital gains‖, no deduction shall be allowed in respect of any sum paid on account of securities
transaction tax [Fifth proviso, inserted by the Finance (No.2) Act, 2004, w.e.f. A.Y. 2005-2006].

1. Capital gains exempt under Section10:


In the following cases, any gain arising as a result of transfer of capital assets shall be exempt from tax:
A. Capital gain on transfer of units of US-64 [Section 10(33)]:
Study Note 6

B. Long-term capital gains on transfer of BSE-500 shares [Section 10(36)]:


Study Note 6

C. Capital gains arising from compulsory acquisition of urban agricultural land Section10(37)]:
With effect from the assessment year 2005-2006, any capital gain, whether short-term or long-term,
arising from transfer of urban agricultural land is exempt from tax, if the following conditions are fulfilled:
(i) The assessee is an individual or a Hindu undivided family.
(ii) The assessee owns agricultural land, which is situated in an urban area as described in Para 2
above. (rural area described in para 2)
(iii) During the period of two years immediately preceding the date of such transfer the land was being
used for agricultural purposes by the individual or his parents or the Hindu undivided family.
(iv) Such transfer is either by way of compulsory acquisition or being a transfer, the consideration of
which is determined/approved by the Central Government or the Reserve Bank of India.
(v) The compensation or consideration for the transfer of the land is received by the assessee on or
after 1st April, 2004.

D. Long-term capital gains on transfer of equity shares or units of equity oriented fund [Section 10(38)]:
See Study Note 6

E. Capital gains on transfer of capital assets of power sector undertakings [Section 10(41)]:
See Study Note 6.

2. Computation of short-term capital gain: Having determined the components of capital gain, the
short-term capital gain is to be computed as follows:

Computation of short-term capital gains


Step I: Find out the full value of consideration received or accruing on transfer of
short-term capital asset
Step II: Deduct the following:
(a) Expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively in connection with such transfer
(b) Cost of acquisition of capital asset
(c) Cost of improvement to capital asset
Balance
Step III: Deduct exemptions under Sections 54B, 54D, 54G and 54GA. The balance
is taxable short-term capital gain/loss.

Computation of long-term capital gain: The long-term capital gain is to be computed as follows:
Computation of long-term capital gain
Step I: Find out the full value of consideration received or accruing on transfer of
long-term capital asset
Step II: Deduct the following:
(a) Expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively in connection with such transfer
(b) Indexed cost of acquisition of long-term capital asset (where applicable)

DIRECT TAXATION 145


(c) Indexed cost of improvement to capital asset (where applicable)
Balance
Step II: Deduct exemptions under Sections 54, 54B, 54D 54EC, 54F, 54G, 54GA and
54GB.
The balance is the taxable long-term capital gain

3. Meaning of full value of consideration:


The expression ―full value of consideration‖ means what a person receives or is entitled to receive as a
result of transfer of capital asset. While determining full value of consideration, the following points need
to be considered:
 Full value of consideration includes not only the amount of money received or receivable, but also
includes any other asset received or to be received in consideration of sale, exchange,
relinquishment of the asset or extinguishment of rights to the asset transferred.
 If the consideration is received or to be received in installments, the sum total of all the installments
shall be taken to be the full consideration, even though the installments are spread over different
years.
 In the case of compulsory acquisition of asset by the Government, any ex gratia payment received
over and above the compensation shall be treated as part of the full consideration for transfer of
the asset [CIT vs. Subaida Beevi 160 ITR 557]. Compensation or consideration received for
compulsory acquisition of asset by the Government becomes taxable in the year in which it is
received. However, any subsequent enhancement of compensation or consideration under an
order of Court, Tribunal or any other authority, shall be deemed to be income chargeable under
the head ―Capital gains‖ of the previous year in which such amount is received by the assessee.
But if the compensation or consideration is reduced in any subsequent year by the aforesaid
authorities, the capital gain of this year shall be recomputed by taking such reduced
compensation or consideration [Section 45(5)].

Cases where full value of consideration is taken at deemed value:


SI. Mode of transfer Deemed full value of consideration Section
No.
(a) Insurance claim received as a Value of money or fair market value of other asset 45(1 A)
result of damage or destruction on the date of receipt.
of capital asset.
(b) Conversion or treatment of Fair market value of the capital asset on the date 45(2)
capital asset into stock-in-trade of of conversion or treatment into stock-in-trade.
business of the assessee.
(c) Transfer of capital asset to a firm/ Amount recorded in the books of account of the 45(3)
AOP/BOI by a partner/ member firm/AOP/BOI as the value of the capital asset.
as contribution of capital.
(d) Distribution of asset on dissolution Fair market value of the assets distributed on the 45(4)
of a firm AOP/BOI. date of distribution.
(e) Receipt by a shareholder on Fair market value of the asset on the date of 46(2)
liquidation of a company. distribution less amount assessed as deemed
dividend u/s
2(22Xc).
(f) Gift of shares, debentures, Market value on the date of gift. 4th proviso
warrants allotted under to Section
Employees' Stock Option Plan. 48
(g) Transfer of land or building or When actual consideration is less than the amount Section 50C
both. determined by the stamp valuation authority, then
amount so determined by such authority. When
reference is made to the valuation officer and the
value determined by the Valuation Officer is:
(i) More than the value assessed by the stamp
valuation authority, amount assessed or assessable
DIRECT TAXATION 146
by the stamp valuation authority;
(ii)Less than the value assessed or assessable by the
stamp valuation authority, the amount determined
by the valuation officer.
If value assessed or assessable by the stamp
valuation authority is revised in any appeal or
reference, such revised value.
Note: Where the date of agreement and the date
of registration are not the same, the value
adopted by the stamp valuation authority on the
date of agreement shall be considered as the full
value of consideration. In that case, the
consideration or part of it should be received by
account payee cheque/ ECS on or before the
date of agreement [W.e.f. AY 2017-18].

 Fair market value to be full value of consideration in certain cases [Section 50D]: Where the
consideration received or accruing as a result of the transfer of a capital asset by an assessee is not
ascertainable or cannot be determined, then, for the purpose of computing income chargeable
to tax as capital gains, the fair market value of the said asset on the date of transfer shall be
deemed to be the full value of the consideration received or accruing as a result of such transfer.

4. Meaning of expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively in connection with transfer: Other than the
statutory provisions, capital gains are to be computed on ordinary principles of commercial
accounting. Therefore, expenditures which are incidental to, and laid out wholly and exclusively in
connection with the transfer of capital asset, are to be allowed as deduction.
Examples of expenditures incurred in connection with transfer
 Brokerage, commission, legal fees, etc., in connection with transfer.
 Stamp duty and registration charges for transfer of capital asset.
 Expenses for preparing a layout and plotting out land for housing sites.
 Payment made to tenant for vacating property which has been agreed to be sold with vacant
possession.
 Payment made to mother of the assessee for relinquishing her right to residence in the property.
 Expenses incurred for settling compensation or claiming enhanced compensation for acquisition of
property.

5. Meaning of cost of acquisition of capital asset:


Cost of acquisition in relation to a capital asset means the price which is paid by the assessee. It also
includes the incidental expenses incurred by the assessee for this purpose. The following are the
instances of incidental expenses which have been held to be part of the cost of acquisition of capital
asset:
 Litigation expenses for getting shares registered in the name of the assessee with a view to gaining
better voting rights.
 Interest on fund borrowed for payment of the purchase price of the asset.
 (repeated)

6. Deemed cost of acquisition [Section 49]:


In the cases mentioned below, the cost of acquisition shall be taken as under:
SL Classes of assets and their mode of Deemed cost of acquisition Section
No. acquisition by the assessee
1.  Distribution of assets on the total or Cost for which the previous owner 49(1)
partial partition of HUF acquired the asset plus cost of any
 Gift or will improvement incurred by the previous
 Succession, inheritance or devolution owner or the assessee.
 Distribution of asset on dissolution of

DIRECT TAXATION 147


firm/BOI/AO
 Distribution of assets on liquidation of
a company
 Transfer to a revocable or irrevocable
trust
 Transfer by a company to its
subsidiary company, or transfer by a
subsidiary company to a holding
company, or transfer by an
amalgamating company to an
amalgamated company, or transfer
by an amalgamating foreign
company to an amalgamated
foreign company [cases covered
under clauses (iv), (v), (vi) and (via)
(viaa), (viab), (vib), (vica), (vicc) , (xiii)
, (xiiib) or (xiv) of Section 47].
 In the case of an assessee being a
HUF, by the mode referred to in
Section 64(2) [i.e., individual property
of a member converted into family
property after 31.12.1969
2. Where any share in an Indian company, Cost of acquisition of shares in the 49(2)
which became property of the assessee amalgamating company
pursuant to a scheme of amalgamation
3. Shares or debentures in a company in Part of the cost of debentures, debenture 49(2A)
consideration of conversion of bonds or stocks or deposit certificates in relation to
debentures or debenture stock or deposit which the shares or debentures are
certificates or the specified security or acquired by the assessee
sweat equity shares specified in Section
115AC
4. Specified security or sweat equity shares The fair market value which has been taken 49(2AA)
into account while computing the value of
perquisite u/s 17(2)(vi).
5. Where the capital asset, being share or The cost of acquisition of the share or 49(2ABB)
shares of a company, is acquired by a shares shall be the price of such share or
non-resident assessee on redemption of shares prevailing on any recognised stock
Global Depository Receipts referred to in exchange on the date on which a
Section 115AC (1)(b) held by such request for such redemption was made.
assessee
6. Capital asset being the unit of a business Cost of acquisition 49(2AC)
trust referred to the section 47(xvii)
7. Where the capital asset, being a unit or The cost of acquisition of the asset shall 49(2AD)
units in a consolidated scheme of a be deemed to be the cost of acquisition
mutual fund, became the property of the to him of the unit or units in the
assessee in consideration of a transfer consolidating scheme of the mutual fund.
referred to in clause (xviii) of section 47
8. Capital asset being rights of a partner Cost of acquisition of the shares in the 49(2AAA)
referred to in Section 42 of the LLP Act company immediately before its
conversion
9. Shares in the resulting company Net Book value 49(2C)
of assets
 Cost of  transferred
 Shares in the  on demerger
 demarged  ×
 company  Networth of the
  demerged company
immediately
before demerger
10. Original shares held in the demerged Cost of original shares less amount 49(2D)
company determined in (9) above.

DIRECT TAXATION 148


11. In the case of transfer of capital asset Cost for which the assets are acquired by 49(3)
acquired by a subsidiary company from the transferee company
the holding company and vice versa,
cost of acquisition to the transferee
company when the assets are
transferred by the transferred company
before the expiry of 8 years from the
date of acquisition
12. In the case of transfer of a property  In the case of immovable property: The 49(4)
acquired by an individual or HUF on or stamp duty value, if acquired without
after 1.10. 2009 in a mode specified in consideration; excess of the stamp duty
Section 56(2)(vii) or section 56(2)(viia). value over the consideration paid, if the
consideration paid falls short of the
stamp duty value by ` 50,000.
 In the case of any other property: When
acquired without consideration and the
fair market value exceeds ` 50,000, the
whole of the fair market value of the
property; when acquired for a
consideration which is less than the fair
market value by an amount exceeding
` 50,000, the excess of the fair market
value over consideration paid
13. Where capital gains arises from transfer Fair market value of the asset which have 49(5)
of an asset declared under the Income been taken into account for the purposes
Declaration Scheme 2016, and tax, of the Scheme.
surcharge and penalty have been paid
in accordance with the provisions of the
Scheme on the fair market value of the
assets as on the commencement of the
Scheme

7. When cost of acquisition is taken as the fair market value as on 1st April, 1981[Section 55(2)(b)]:
In the following circumstances, the assessee may, at his option, take either the actual cost or the fair
market value as on 1st April, 1981 to be the cost of acquisition of the capital asset:
(a) where the capital asset became the property of the assessee before 1st April, 1981;
(b) where the capital asset became the property of the assessee by any mode of acquisition specified
in Section 49(1) [e.g., distribution of assets on partition of HUF, gift or will, succession or inheritance,
dissolution of firm/AOP/BOI, liquidation of company, etc.] and the capital asset became the
property of the previous owner before 1st April, 1981.

 When option of fair market value as on 1st April, 1981 is not available:
The option of fair market value as on 1st April, 1981 is not available in the following cases:
(a) the option is not available in the case of depreciable assets;
(b) the option is not available in the case of goodwill (self-generated or purchased), tenancy rights,
stage carriage permits, patent rights and loom hours.

8. Cost of acquisition in certain other cases:


The cost of acquisition of certain other capital assets are as follows:
(a) Goodwill of a business, trade mark, brand name, right to manufacture or produce or process any
article or thing, right to carry on business, tenancy rights, stage carriage permits or loom hours.
[Section 55(2)(a)]:The cost of acquisition of these assets are as follows:
 when such assets are acquired by the assessee from the previous owner by purchase, the
amount of purchase price;
 when such assets are self-generated, Nil.

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(b) Allotment of additional financial assets [Sections 55 (2) (aa), 55(2)(b)]:
Where, by virtue of holding share or any other security, the assessee becomes entitled to subscribe,
additional financial assets or is allotted any additional asset without any payment, the cost of
acquisition in relation to such financial assets shall be as under:

(i) Bonus shares: In the case of bonus shares including the original shares, which are transferred after
31st March, 1995, the cost of acquisition shall be determined as follows:

Shares Cost of acquisition


Original shares and bonus shares (i) Original shares : Actual cost or fair market value as on 1st
acquired before 1st April, 1981. April, 1981, whichever is higher.
(ii) Bonus shares : Fair market value as on 1st April, 1981.
Original shares acquired before 1st (i) Original shares : Actual cost or fair market value as on 1st
April, 1981, but bonus shares allotted April, 1981, whichever is higher.
after 31st March, 1981. (ii) Bonus shares : Nil
Both original shares and bonus shares (i) Original shares : Actual cost
acquired after 31st March, 1981. (ii) Bonus shares : Nil

Note: Long-term capital gains on transfer of both bonus shares and original shares on or after 1st
October, 2004 shall be exempt from capital gains, provided that the transaction is subjected to
securities transaction tax.

(ii) Right share and right entitlement: The cost of acquisition of right share and right entitlement shall be
as follows:
Capital assets Cost of acquisition
Right entitlement which is renounced by the Nil
assessee in favour of another person.
Shares purchased in exercise of the right. Amount actually paid.
Right shares purchased by any person in Aggregate of the amount of the purchase price
whose favour the right has been renounced. paid by him to the person renouncing such right and
the amount paid by him to the company for
acquiring such right shares.

(c) Equity shares allotted to a shareholder of a recognised stock exchange under a scheme of
corporatisation of a recognised stock exchange in India [Section 55(2)(ab)] : The cost of acquisition of
the equity shares in this case shall be taken to be the cost of acquisition of his original membership of
the stock exchange.

(d) Capital asset becoming the property of the assessee on the distribution of capital assets of a
company on its liquidation, which is taxable under Section 46 [Section 55(2)(b)(iii)] : The cost of
acquisition in this case shall be taken to be the fair market value of the capital asset as on the date of
distribution.

(e) Share or stock of a company becoming the property of the assessee on consolidation and division
of share or stock into larger or smaller denomination, conversion of shares into stock and vice versa,
conversion of one kind of shares into another kind [Section 55(2)(b)(v)]:
The cost of acquisition in this case shall be calculated with reference to the cost of acquisition of the
shares or stock from which such assets are derived.

(f) When cost for which previous owner acquired the property cannot be ascertained [Section 55(3)]:
The cost of acquisition of such capital assets shall be the fair market value of the asset on the date
when the previous owner acquired such assets.

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(g) Cost of acquisition when advance money is received [Section 51]: Where any capital asset was on
any previous occasion the subject of negotiations for its transfer, and any advance or other money is
received and retained by the assessee in respect of such negotiations before 1st April 2014, it shall be
deducted from the cost for which the asset was acquired or the written down value or the fair market
value, as the case may be, in computing the cost of acquisition. However, advance money received
and retained on or after 1.4.20014 shall not be deducted from the cost of acquisition or the written
down value of the asset; it shall be taxable as Income from other sources [Section 56 (2)(ix)].

Points to note:
(i) Advance money is deductible from the cost of acquisition only if it is received and retained by
the assessee. Advance money received and retained by the previous owner is not deductible.
(ii) If the advance was received and retained by the assessee before 1st April, 1981 and the assessee
has adopted the fair market value on 1st April, 1981 as the cost of acquisition of the asset, then
even though the advance money was received before 1st April, 1981, it can be deducted from
the fair market value of the asset on 1st April, 1981.
(iii) If the advance money received and retained exceeds the cost of acquisition of the asset, the
excess of advance money over the cost of the asset will not be treated as capital gain, as there
was no transfer of the capital asset. Such excess shall, however, be taxable as capital gain in the
year in which the asset is actually sold or transferred.

(h) Cost of acquisition in case of depreciable asset of power units [Section 50A]:In this case, the
provisions of Sections 48 and 49 shall apply subject to the modifications that the written down value, as
defined in Section 43(6), as adjusted, shall be taken as the cost of acquisition of the asset.
 Indexed cost of acquisition under different circumstances:

A. When the assets are directly acquired by the assessee :

Situation Indexed cost of acquisition


1. Assets acquired before
1.4.1981

2. Assets acquired on or after


1.4.1981

B. Assets acquired by the assessee from the previous owner on any distribution of assets on partition of
HUF, gift/ will , succession, inheritance , etc.** [Section 49(1)]:

Situation Indexed cost of acquisition


1. Assets acquired before
1.4.1981

2. Assets acquired on or after (a) The previous owner acquired it before 1.4.1981:
1.4.1981

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(b) The previous owner acquired it on or after 1.4.1981:

**Point to Note:
Although Explanation (iii) to Section 48 requires indexation from the year in which the asset was held
by the assessee, in terms of some recent legal judgments of Bombay High Court [CIT v. Manjula J
Shah, 2012] and Delhi High Court [Arun Shungloo Trust v. CIT, 2012], in a situation where the assessee
becomes owner of the asset as mentioned u/s 49(1), i.e. gift, inheritance, etc., the indexation has to
be done with reference to the year in which the asset was first held by the previous owner.

 When indexation is not allowed:


In the following cases, indexation of cost is not allowed:
(i) Short-term capital assets including assets on which depreciation is allowed.
(ii) Long-term capital assets being bond or debenture other than capital indexed bonds issued by the
Government.
(iii) In the case of a non-resident assessee, capital gain arising on transfer of shares or debentures in
Indian company acquired in foreign currency or any financial asset specified under sections 115AB,
115AC, 115ACA and 115AD.
(iv) Transfer of undertaking on slump sale.

9. Meaning of cost of improvement [Section 55(1) b)]:


Section 55(1)(b) defines cost of improvement as under:
(a) In case of goodwill of a business or a right to manufacture, produce or process any article or thing
or the right to carry on any business, cost of improvement shall be taken to be nil.
(b) In case of any other asset:
(i) Where the capital asset became the property of the previous owner or the assessee before the
1st April, 1981, it means all expenditure of a capital nature incurred in making any additions or
alterations to the capital asset on or after 1st April, 1981 by the previous owner or the assessee;
and
(ii) where the capital asset is acquired on or after 1st April, 1981, it means all expenditure of a
capital nature incurred in making any additions or alterations to the capital asset by the
assessee after it became his property, and where the capital asset became the property of the
assessee by any of the modes specified in Section 49(1), it means such capital expenditure
incurred by the previous owner.

Point to note: Expenditure incurred before 1st April, 1981 by the assessee or the previous owner shall
not be treated as cost of improvement.

DIRECT TAXATION 152


10. Indexed cost of improvement under different circumstances:
Capital expenditure on improvement Indexed cost of improvement
A. Expenditure incurred by the assessee himself: -
(i) Before 1.4.1981 (i) Indexation not required
(ii) On or after 1.4.1981 (ii)

B. Expenditure incurred by the previous owner [other


than a mode of acquisition specified u/s 49(1) (i) Indexation not required, as such, expenditure
(i) Incurred before 1st April,l98l is to be completely ignored.
(ii) Incurred on or after 1st April, 1981 (ii)Same as above.
C. Expenditure incurred by the previous owner [in a (i) Same as before
mode of acquisition specified u/s 49(1)] : (ii)
(i) Incurred before 1st April,1981
(ii) Incurred on or after 1st April , 1981

11. Cost Inflation Index [ Explanation (v) to Section 48]:


Financial Year Cost Inflation Index (CII) Financial Year Cost Inflation Index (CII)
1981-1982 100 1999-2000 389
1982-1983 109 2000-2001 406
1983-1984 116 2001-2002 426
1984-1985 125 2002-2003 447
1985-1986 133 2003-2004 463
1986-1987 140 2004-2005 480
1987-1988 150 2005-2006 497
1988-1989 161 2006-2007 519
1989-1990 172 2007-2008 551
1990-1991 182 2008-2009 582
1991-1992 199 2009-2010 632
1992-1993 223 2010-2011 711
1993-1994 244 2011-2012 785
1994-1995 259 2012-2013 852
1995-1996 281 2013-2014 939
1996-1997 305 2014-2015 1024
1997-1998 331 2015-2016 1081
1998-1999 351 2016-2017 1125

10.6 COMPUTATION OF CAPITAL GAINS UNDER CERTAIN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

A. Capital gains in case of receipt of insurance claim for damage or destruction of capital Asset
[Section 45(1A)]:
Where any person receives during the previous year any money or other assets under an insurance
from an insurer on account of damage to, or destruction of capital assets as a result of flood, typhoon,
earthquake, etc., or riot or civil disturbance or accidental fire or explosion or enemy action, then, any

DIRECT TAXATION 153


profits or gains arising from receipt of such money or other assets shall be chargeable to income-tax
under the head ―Capital gains‖ and shall be deemed to be the income of such person of the previous
year in which such money or other money was received. For the purpose of Section 48, value of money
or fair market value of other assets on the date of receipt shall be deemed to be the full value of
consideration received or accruing as a result of such transfer.

Example 1:
Y owns a house property which was purchased for ` 1,50,000 on 1st May, 1980. The property was
destroyed by fire on 1 July, 2016 and ` 25,80,000 was received from the insurance company during the
year. Given that the fair market value of the property on 1st April, 1981 was ` 1,80,000 and Cost Inflation
Index: 1981-1982 = 100 and 2016-2017 = 1125, compute capital gains of X for the assessment year 2017-
2018.

Ans. Computation of Capital gains of Y for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year
2016 -17
`
Full value of consideration received (Amount of claim from insurance company) 25,80,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ ` 1,80,000 x 1125/100] 20,25,000
Long-term capital gains 5,55,000

B. Capital gains on conversion of capital asset into stock-in-trade [Section 45(2)]:


With effect from the assessment year 1985-1986, the profits or gains arising from the transfer by way of
conversion by the owner of a capital asset into, or its treatment by him as stock-in-trade of a business
carried on by him, shall be chargeable to tax under the head ―Capital gains‖. Such capital gains shall
be chargeable to tax not in the year in which the asset is converted into stock-in-trade, but in the
previous year in which such converted assets are sold or otherwise transferred. The fair market value of
the asset on the date of conversion shall be deemed to be the full value of consideration of the asset.
The difference between the sale price and the fair market value of the asset as on the date of
conversion shall, however, be charged to tax as ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖.

Example 2:
C, an individual, purchased 5,000 shares of X Limited at ` 50 per share and 4,000 shares of Y Limited at `
60 per share in the previous year 2011-12 and held them as capital assets. In the previous year 2015-16,
he converted the shares into his stock-in-trade. The fair market value of the shares of both the
companies on the date of conversion was ` 300 per share. In the previous year 2016-17, he sold the
shares of the two companies at ` 380 per share. Shares were sold by way of private sale and hence
securities transactions tax was not payable.
Ascertain chargeable capital gain and business income from the above-noted transactions in the
hands of C.
Cost Inflation Index:
Financial Year 2011-12: 785
Financial Year 2015-16: 1081
Financial year 2016-17: 1125 [CMA- Inter, Dec, 2013 (Adapted)]

Answer:
Computation of Capital gains of C for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016 -17
Particulars `
Fair market value of the shares on the date of conversion [9,000 × ` 300] 27,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [Note] 7,02,229
Long-term capital gains 19,97,771
Note: Indexed cost of acquisition = [(5,000 × 50) + (4,000 × 60)] × 1125/785 = ` 7,02,229.

DIRECT TAXATION 154


Computation of Profits and gains of business or profession of C for the assessment year 2017-18 relating
to the previous year 2016 -17
Particulars `
Sale proceeds [9,000 × 380] 34,20,000
Less: Fair market value on the date of conversion 27,00,000
Business income 7,20,000

C. Transfer of capital asset as capital-in-kind by a person to a firm /AOP/BOI [Section 45(3)]:


The profits and gains arising from the transfer of a capital asset by a person to a firm or other
association of persons or body of individuals (not being a company or a co-operative society) in which
he is or becomes a partner or member, by way of capital contribution or otherwise, shall be
chargeable to tax as his income of the previous year in which such transfer takes place. For this
purpose, the amount recorded in the books of account of the firm/AOP/BOI as the value of the capital
asset shall be deemed to be the full value of consideration received or accruing as a result of transfer
of the capital asset. Similarly, under Section 45(4), profits and gains arising on distribution of capital
assets on dissolution of such firm/AOP/BOI shall be chargeable as income of the firm/AOP/BOI under
the head ―Capital gains‖ in the previous year in which such transfer takes place. The fair market value
of the assets on the date of such distribution shall be taken to be the full value of consideration for the
purpose of computation of capital gains.

Example 3:
A is a partner of a firm. During the previous year 2016-2017, he transferred the following assets to the firm
as his contribution towards capital:
(a) One old motor car which was exclusively used for his personal use. The car was purchased on 1 st
January, 2014 for `3,60,000. During the previous year when the car was transferred to the firm, its
market value was ` 3,00,000, but it was recorded in the books of the firm for ` 3,50,000.
(b) Another property which he acquired by way of gift from his father on 15.6.2003. His father acquired
the property on 1st July, 1996 for ` 3,00,000. The market value of the property during the previous
year was ` 8,00,000, but it was recorded in the books of the firm for `8,77,258. You are required to
compute A‘s capital gains, if any, for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of ―Capital gains‖ of A, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year
2016-2017
` `
Transfer of motor car :
Since motor car is a personal effect, there will be no capital gain on transfer Nil
Transfer of other property:
Full value of consideration [being value recorded in the books of the firm] 8,77,258
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ 3,00,000 x 1125 x 463] 7,28,942 1,48,316

Note: Since the property is acquired by way of gift, its cost to the previous owner shall be taken to be
the cost to the assessee. This has to be indexed with CII for the financial year in which the asset was first
held by the assessee. In this case, the CII for the financial year in which the asset was first held by the
assessee, i.e., 2003-2004 is 463.

D. Capital gains on transfer by way of compulsory acquisition [Section 45(5)]:

The chargeability under this section is as under:


Situation Chargeability
(1) Initial Chargeable as income under the head ―Capital gains‖ of the previous year in
compensation which such compensation or consideration or part thereof was first received. But
indexation of cost of acquisition, if required, shall be made with reference to the
year in which the asset was transferred under compulsory acquisition

DIRECT TAXATION 155


(2) ?? (i) Enhanced ?? shall be deemed to income chargeable under the head ―Capital
gains‖ of the previous year in which such amount is received by the assessee.
(ii) Compensation is received in pursuance to the interim order of a court, Tribunal or
other authority, it shall be taxable in the year in which the final order of such court,
Tribunal or other authority is made.
(iii) In relation to such enhanced compensation or consideration received
subsequently, the cost of acquisition and the cost of improvement, according to
Explanation (i) to Section 45, shall be nil.
(iv) If due to the death or otherwise of the assessee, such compensation or
consideration is received by another person, it shall be taxable as ―Capital gains‖ in
the hands of such other person.

Example 4: The urban land of A was acquired by the State Government 10 years back and
compensation was paid. A took up the matter before the Court / Tribunal. Enhanced compensation of
` 10 lakh was awarded by the Court / Tribunal in February, 2016 and the same was received in May
2016.
State the consequences under the Income-tax Act, showing clearly the year of taxability. What will
happen if A died and L, his legal heir received the enhanced compensation? [CMA- Inter June, 2009]

Answer:
(a) Enhanced shall be deemed to income chargeable under the head Capital gains of the previous
year in which such amount is received by the assessee, i.e. 2016-2017. The cost of
Acquisition in relation to the enhanced compensation shall be nil. In view of this, the entire sum of `
10 lakh shall be taxable as Capital gains during the previous year 2016-2017.
(b) If the transferor (A) dies and his legal heir L receives the enhanced compensation, it will be treated
as Capital gain in his hand in the year of receipt.

Example 5:
A is the owner of a house, which he purchased for ` 50,000 in 1979. He spent ` 10,000 in 1980 towards
addition and alteration of the house. During the previous year 2014-2015 the house was acquired by
the Government in the Public interest and ` 7,40,750 was awarded to him as compensation by the
Government. The fair market value of the house on 1.4.1981 was ` 70,000. On 16.4.2016, A died and his
son B received `1,20,000 on 1st August, 2016 as additional compensation in consequence of a suit filed
by A. B had to incur legal expenses amounting to ` 5,000 in connection with the suit. You are required
to compute capital gains for the relevant assessment year/years.

Answer:
(a) Computation of ―Capital gains‖ of A for the assessment year 2015-2016 relating to the previous year
2014-2015
` `
Initial consideration received 7, 40,750
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ ` 70,000 x 1024/100] 7,16,800
Long-term capital gains 23,950

(b) Computation of ―Capital gains‖ of A for the assessment year 2016-2017 relating to the previous year
2015-2016
` `
Additional compensation received 1,20,000
Less: Cost of acquisition Nil
Less: Incidental cost 5,000 5,000
Long-term capital gains 1,15,000

DIRECT TAXATION 156


E. Capital gains on repurchase of units of Mutual Funds or Unit Trust of India [Section 45(6)]: Long-term
capital gains on repurchase of the units of Mutual Funds specified under section 10(23D) are exempt
from tax, if such transactions are: (i) entered into on or after 1st October, 2004 and (ii) covered under
the securities transaction tax [Section 10(38)]. Where such units are short-term capital assets, the
difference between the repurchase price and the capital value of the units shall be taxable as short-
term capital gains in the previous year in which such repurchase takes place or the plan under which
the units are acquired are terminated. Under Section 111A, such short-term capital gains shall be
subjected to tax @ 15% (plus surcharge and education cess).

F. Capital gains on conversion of debentures into shares [Section 49(2A)]:


Any conversion of bonds or debentures or debenture stock or deposit certificate of a company into
shares or debentures of that company is not regarded as transfer [Section 47(x)].However, on sale of
such converted shares or debentures, the profit shall be charged to tax as capital gains. For this
purpose, the cost of acquisition of the asset to the assessee shall be deemed to be that part of the cost
of debenture, debenture stock or deposit certificates or bonds, in relation to which such shares or
debentures were acquired by the assessee. Indexation, if required, shall be done from the date of such
conversion.
However, in the case of conversion of debentures, debenture stock, etc. into equity shares, long-term
capital gains on transfer of such shares on or after 1st October, 2004 shall be exempt from tax, provided
that such transactions are subjected to securities transaction tax. For this purpose, the period of holding
these shares shall be reckoned from the date of conversion of the debenture/debenture stocks into
equity shares.

Example 6:
On 1.1.2001, X purchased 500 debentures of ` 500 each of AE Ltd. On 1.1.2011 AE Ltd. converts ` 400
per debenture into fully paid equity shares of the company. The face value of the shares were @ ` 10
each, but for the purpose of conversion, each share was valued at `12·50. On 30th September, 2016, X
sold 50% of the shares @ ` 25 each.

You are required to compute capital gains, if any, in the hands of X for the relevant assessment year.
[CII: 2010-2011 = 711; 2016-2017 = 1125].

Answer:
Computation of ―Capital gains‖ of X for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year
2016-2017
` `
Sale proceeds of 8,000 shares [Note 2] 2,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [Note 3] 1,58,228
Long-term capital gains. 41,772

Notes:
(1) No of shares received on conversion: 400/ 12.50 x 500 = 16,000
(2) 50% of the shares sold @ ` 25 each ( 25 x 8000) = ` 2,00,000
(3) Indexed cost of acquisition = (` 12.50 x 8,000) x 1125/711)= 1,58,228.

G. Capital gains on purchase by a company of its own shares or other specified securities [Section
46A]:
On purchase of own shares by a company, difference between the cost of acquisition and the value
of consideration received by the shareholder or the holder of other securities, as the case may be, shall
be deemed to be the capital gains arising to such shareholder or the holder of other specified
securities, as the case may be, in the year in which such shares or other securities are purchased by the
company.

DIRECT TAXATION 157


H. Capital gains on transfer of shares, debentures or warrants issued under Employees‘
Stock Option Plan [Section 49(2AA)]:The provisions of section 49(2AA) are as under:
 If equity shares received under the Employees‘ Stock Option Plan are subsequently sold by the
employee through a recognised stock exchange in India on or after 1st October, 2004, any long-
term capital gains arising as a result of such transfer shall be exempt u/s 10(38).
 Short-term capital gain on such transfer shall, however, be taxable @ 15% (plus surcharge and
education cess).
 The cost of acquisition of such shares, debentures, warrants, sweats equities, etc., shall be their fair
market value as on the date the option is exercised (prior to the assessment year 2010-11, the date
of vesting option) as reduced by the amount recovered from the employee.
 When these shares, debentures or warrants are transferred by the employee subsequently, the full
value of consideration shall mean the amount actually realised on sale and in relation to a transfer
under a gift or irrevocable trust, the fair market value on the date of such transfer. [Fourth proviso to
Section 48.]
 The securities transaction tax is not deductible from the sale proceeds of the shares.

Example 7:
R Ltd. grants option to its employee X on 1st April, 2012 to apply for 100 shares of the company at a
predetermined price of ` 50 per share with date of vesting of the option being 1st April, 2015 and
exercise period being 1st April, 2015 to 31st March, 2018.
X exercises his option on 31st March, 2016 and shares are allotted to him on 3rd April, 2016. On 25 th
October, 2016 these shares are sold for ` 200 each. On the date of vesting of the option, fair market
value of the share was ` 80 per share.
Compute taxable capital gains, if any, in the hands of X.

Answer:
Computation of ―capital gains‖ for the assessment year 2017-2018, relating to the previous year 2016-
2016
Sale consideration [ 100 x ` 200] 20,000
Less: Cost of acquisition [ being FMV on the date of vesting option] 8,000
*Short-term capital gains [*holding period: 3rd April to
25th October, 2016 being less than 12 months] 12,000

I. Capital gains on transfer of goodwill, trademark or brand name, tenancy rights, route permits, loom
hours or right to manufacture: Capital gains for these types of assets shall be the excess of sale
consideration over the actual expenses on transfer and cost of acquisition and improvement. The cost
of acquisition and cost of improvement for these type of assets shall be: For self-generated assets – Nil;
when purchased, at actual cost or indexed cost, as the case may be. In both the cases, option to take
fair market value as on 1.4.1981 is not available.

Example 8:
Compute capital gains, if any, in the case of the following transfers:
(a) X, a solicitor, sells his practice on 1.4.2016 and receives `5,00,000 in consideration for the transfer of
goodwill.
(b) A inherited the business of his father on 1.4.2007. He sold the business on 1st June, 2016 and received
`10,00,000 as consideration for the goodwill of the business. His father had acquired the goodwill for
`2,00,000 on 1.4.1979. A also received `5,00,000 on 1st June, 2016 as sale consideration of the tenancy
rights of the office premises, which he had acquired on 1.4.2007 for `1,00,000. His incidental expenses in
connection with the transfer of the tenancy right was `10,000.

DIRECT TAXATION 158


Answer:
Computation of ―Capital gains‖ for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.
` `
• Capital gains on transfer of goodwill of profession:
Goodwill of profession is not subject to capital gains [CIT vs. B.C. Srinivasa Setty] Nil
• Capital gains on transfer of goodwill of business:
Sale consideration 10,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition (Note 1) [ ` 2,00,000 x 1125/551] 4,08,348 5,91,652
• Capital gain on transfer of tenancy rights:
Sale consideration 5,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ ` 1,00,000 x 1125/551] 2,04,174
Less: Cost of transfer 10,000
Long-term capital gains 2,85,826

J. Computation of capital gains in case of slump sale [Section 50B]: The computation of capital gains
arising from slump sale is subject to the following:
(a) In relation to the capital assets being an undertaking or division transferred by way of such sale, the
―net worth‖ of the undertaking or division, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the cost of
acquisition and the cost of improvement for the purposes of Sections 48 and 49. Indexation of cost
of acquisition and cost of improvement shall not be applicable in this case.
(b) The ―net worth‖ as mentioned above shall be the aggregate value of the total assets of the
undertaking or division as reduced by the aggregate value of total liabilities of the undertaking or
division as appearing in its books of account. Any change in the value of assets on account of
revaluation of assets shall be ignored for the purposes of computation of ―net worth‖.
(c) Any profits or gains arising from the transfer under slump sale of capital asset being one or more
undertakings owned and held by an assessee for more than 36 months immediately preceding the
date of its transfer shall be deemed to be long-term capital gains. If the aforesaid holding period is
less than 36 months, the capital gains as arising shall be treated as short-term capital gains. In both
cases, it will be deemed to be the income of the previous year in which the transfer took place.

Example 9:
V Limited has two units - one engaged in manufacture of computer hardware and the other involved
in developing software. As a restructuring drive, the company has decided to sell its software unit as a
going concern by way of slump sale for ` 385 lakh to a new company called S Limited, in which it holds
74% equity shares.
The balance sheet of V Limited as on 31st March, 2017 being the date on which software unit has been
transferred, is given hereunder—

Balance Sheet as on 31.3.2017


Liabilities in lakh ` Assets in lakh `
Paid up Share Capital 300 Fixed Assets
General Reserve 150 Hardware unit 170
Share Premium 50 Software unit 200
Revaluation Reserve 120 Debtors
Current Liabilities Hardware unit 140
Hardware unit 40 Software unit 110
Software unit 90 Inventories
Hardware unit 95
Software unit 35
750 750
Following additional information are furnished by the management.
(i) The Software unit is in existence since May, 2009.
(ii) Fixed assets of software unit includes land which was purchased at`40 lakh in the year

DIRECT TAXATION 159


(iii) 2006 and revalued at ` 60 lakhs as on March 31, 2017.
(iv) Other Fixed assets of software unit mirrored at `140 lakh (` 200 lakh minus land value `60 lakh) is
written down value of depreciable assets as per books of account. However, the written down
value of these assets under section 43(6) of the Income Tax Act is `90 lakh.
Ascertain the tax liability, which would arise from slump sale to S Limited [CMA- Inter Dec.2011]

Answer:
Computation of tax liability from slump sale of software unit for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating
to the previous year 2016-2017
Particulars `(lakh)
Sale consideration for slump sale of Software Unit 385
Less: Cost of acquisition being the net worth of Software Unit 185
Long term capital gains arising on slump sale 200
(The capital gains is long-term as the Software Unit is held for more than 36 months)
Tax liability on LTCG 40.00
Under section 112 @ 20% on ` 200 lakhs 3.00
Add: Surcharge 7.5% 43.00
Add : Education Cess @2% and SHEC @ 1% ] 1.29
Tax payable 44.29

Note:
(1) Computation of net worth of the software unit:
` (lakh)
(1) Book value of non-depreciable assets:
Land (Revaluation not to be considered) 40
Debtors 110
Inventories 35
Written down value of depreciable assets under section 43(6) 90
Aggregate value of total assets 275
Less : Current liabilities of software unit 90
Net worth of software unit 185

Note 2:
For computing net worth, the aggregate value of total assets in the case of depreciable assets shall be
the written down value of the block of assets as per section 43(6).

10.7 CAPITAL GAINS EXEMPT FROM TAX

Under Sections 54, 54B, 54D, 54EC, 54F, 54G, 54GA, 54GB and 54H capital gains on transfer of certain
specified long-term capital assets are exempt. The conditions and the extent of exemption specified
under these sections are discussed below:

1. Capital gains on transfer of residential house [Section 54]:


Subject to the conditions mentioned below, capital gains on transfer of residential house is exempt
from tax:
(i) (i)The assessee is either an individual or a Hindu undivided family.
(ii) The capital gains arise from the transfer of long-term capital asset, being a residential house or land
appurtenant thereto.
(iii) The income from such house property is chargeable under the head ―Income from house
property‖.
(iv) The assessee has purchased a residential house in India within a period of one year before or two
years after the date of such transfer or has constructed a residential house within a period of three
years after the date of such transfer.
DIRECT TAXATION 160
● Amount of exemption: If the above conditions are fulfilled, then the lower of the following amounts
shall be exempt:
(a) Actual amount of capital gains, or
(b) Amount invested in a new residential house within the specified time.

In other words, if the amount of capital gain is lower than the investment in the new residential house,
then the entire amount of capital gains shall be exempt. On the other hand, if the amount of capital
gain is more than the investment in the new residential house, then the difference between the amount
of capital gains and the cost of the new house shall be taxable under Section 45 as the income of the
previous year.

● Deposit in Capital Gains Account Scheme [Section 54(2)] : The amount of the capital gains which is
not utilised by the assessee towards the purchase of the new residential house within one year before
the date of transfer, or is not utilised for the purchase or construction of a new residential house before
the date of furnishing return of income under Section 139, shall be deposited by him before furnishing
such return in an account in any specified bank or institution under the Capital Gains Account Scheme,
1988. The return of income shall be accompanied by proof of such deposit. The amount, if any, already
utilised by the assessee for the purchase or construction of the new assets together with the amount so
deposited in the Capital Gains Account Scheme, shall be deemed to be the cost of the new house. If
the amount deposited under the Capital Gains Account Scheme is not utilised wholly or partly for the
purchase or construction of the new residential house within the specified time, then the amount not so
utilised shall be charged under Section 45 as the income of the previous year in which the period of
three years from the date of transfer expires. In this case, the assessee shall be entitled to withdraw such
amount in accordance with the aforesaid scheme.

● Consequence of transfer of the new house: Where the new house purchased or constructed is
transferred within a period of three years of its purchase or construction, then for the purpose of
computing capital gains on such transfer, the cost of acquisition of the new house shall be reduced by
the amount of capital gain which was exempt earlier. Such capital gains shall always be short-term
capital gains.

Example 10: R sells a residential building at Jodhpur for ` 15,00,000 on July 1, 2016. The building
acquired for ` 1, 50,000 on June 1, 2005.
She pays brokerage @ 2% at the time of sale off the building. She invests ` 7 lakhs in purchasing a
residential building on December, ?? 2016 and deposits ` 2 lakhs under section 54EC in bonds of NHAI
(Redeemable after 3 years) on March, ?? 2017.
Compute the capital gain chargeable to tax for the assessment year 2017-18. [CMA- Inter Dec 2009]

Answer:
Computation of Capital gains of R for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.
Particulars (`)
Sales consideration 15,00,000
Less: Sales expenses (2% brokerage) 30,000
Net consideration 14,70,000
Less: Cost of Acquisition [ 1,50,000 x (1125/480)] 3,51,563
Long Term Capital Gain 11,18,437
Less: Exemption u/s 54 7,00,000
Less: Deduction u/s 54EC Nil 7,00,000
Taxable Long term capital gain 4,18,437

Note: Deduction u/s 54EC shall not be available unless investments are made within 6 months from the
date of transfer of the capital asset.

DIRECT TAXATION 161


Example 11:
K, an owner of 3 houses, sells a residential house property in Madurai for `12, 30,000 on 24th May, 2016.
This house was purchased by him on 1st April, 2006 for ` 2,91,000. On 30th May, 2016 he purchased one
flat in Bombay for ` 8,65,000 for the purpose of residence of his son-in-law. On 1st March, 2017, K sells
the house in Bombay for ` 12,10,000. Compute the capital gains arising on the two transactions. Is K
eligible for exemption under Section 54 in respect of the second sale? [Cost Inflation Index for the
financial years 2006-2007 and 2016-2017 are 519 and 1125 respectively].

Answer:
Computation of Capital gains of K for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.
Particulars ` `
• Madurai:
Sale considerations 12,30,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [` 2,91,000 x1125/ 519] 6,30,780
Long-term capital gains 5,99,220
Less : Exemption u/s 54 [Amount of capital gains or cost of the new flat, 5,99,220
whichever is less)
Taxable Long-term capital gains Nil
• Bombay Flat:
Sale consideration 12,10,000
Less: Cost of acquisition [` 8,65,000 – ` 5,99,220) 2,65,780
Short-term capital gains 9,44,220
Less : Exemption u/s 54 [as it is a short-term capital gains] Nil
Taxable Short-term capital gains 9,44,220

2. Capital gains on transfer of agricultural land used for agricultural purposes [Section 54B]: Under
Section 54B, a provision somewhat similar to Section 54 exists for granting exemption in respect of
capital gains (whether short-term or long-term) from transfer of agricultural land.

● Conditions for exemption: To avail of the exemption under Section 54B, the assessee, being an
individual, or a Hindu undivided family should fulfill the following conditions:
(i) The capital gain does not arise as a result of transfer by way of compulsory acquisition under any
law or as a result of consideration which is determined or approved by the Central Government or
the Reserve Bank of India; such capital gains are exempt under Section 10(37).
(ii) The agricultural land was used in the two years immediately preceding the date of transfer by the
assessee or his parents for agricultural purposes; and
(iii) The assessee has, within a period of two years after the date of such transfer, purchased another
land for agricultural purposes. The land so purchased may be situated in rural or urban areas.

● Amount of exemption: The exemption under this section is equal to the amount of capital gains
arising on transfer or the amount of investment in the new agricultural land within the specified time,
whichever is lower. If the cost of the new land is less than the amount of capital gains, then the excess
of the capital gains over the cost of the new land shall be charged under Section 45B as the income of
the previous year.

● Deposit under the Capital Gains Account Scheme [Section 54B (2)]: Like the provisions of Section
54(2), the amount of capital gains which is not utilised by the assessee for the purchase of a new
agricultural land before the date of furnishing return of income under Section 139, shall be deposited
by him before furnishing such return of income in an account in any specified bank or institution under

DIRECT TAXATION 162


the Capital Gains Deposit Scheme, 1988. Such return of income shall be accompanied by a proof of
such deposit.
The amount, if any, already utilised by the assessee for the purchase of a new agricultural land,
together with the amount so deposited in the aforesaid scheme, shall be deemed to be the cost of the
new land purchased.
If, on the other hand, the amount deposited under the Capital Gains Deposit Scheme is not utilised by
the assessee for the purchase of a new agricultural land within the specified time of two years, then the
amount not so utilised shall be charged under Section 45 as the income of the previous year in which
the said period of two years, reckoned from the date of the transfer, expires. In this case, the assessee
shall be entitled to withdraw such amount in accordance with the said deposit scheme.
 Consequence of the transfer of the new land within a period of three years from the date of its
purchase: In this case, the cost of acquisition of the new land shall be reduced by the amount of
capital gains exempted earlier. The resulting capital gains shall be treated as short-term capital
gains

Example 12:
An agricultural land purchased and used for agriculture since its purchase in October 2005 for `
8,15,390, was sold by R in April, 2015 for ` 25,20,000. In December, 2015 he purchased another
agricultural land worth ` 10,00,000. The new land was, however, sold in April, 2016 for ` 12,00,000. What
will be amount of taxable capital gains in the hands of R for the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17?

Answer:
Computation of capital gains and exemption u/s 54B for the assessment year 2016-2017
` `
Sale considerations 25,20,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ ` 8,15,390 x 1024/ 497] 16,79,999
Long-term capital gains 8,40,001
Less: Deduction u/s 54B 8,40,001 Nil
Taxable capital gains

Answer:
Computation of capital gains and exemption u/s 54B for the assessment year 2017-2018
` `
Sale considerations 12,00,000
Less: Cost of acquisition [ ` 10,00,000- 8,40,001] 1,59,999
Short-term capital gains 10,40,001
Less: Deduction u/s 54B Nil
Taxable capital gains 10,40,001

Note: Since the new land is sold before a period of 3 years from the date of its purchase, at the time of
computation of capital gain arising on transfer of the new agricultural land, the amount of capital gain
claimed as exempt under section 54B will be deducted from the cost of acquisition of the new
agricultural land. Applying this provision, the cost of acquisition of new land will be [` 12,00,000 –
(10,00,000 – 8,40,001] = 10,40,001.

3. Capital gains on compulsory acquisition of lands and buildings [Section 54D]:


Under Section 54D, exemption in respect of capital gains is available to any assessee who fulfils the
following conditions:

● Conditions for exemption:


(i) The capital gains (whether short-term or long-term), in respect of which exemption is sought, arises
on transfer by way of compulsory acquisition under any law of any land, building or any right in
land or building, which forms part of an industrial undertaking belonging to the assessee.
(ii) Such assets were being used by the assessee for the purposes of the business of the said
undertaking in the two years immediately preceding the date on which the transfer took place.

DIRECT TAXATION 163


(iii) The assessee has, within a period of three years after the date of such transfer, purchased any
other land or building or any right in any other land or building or constructed any other building for
the purpose of shifting or re-establishing the said undertaking or setting up another industrial
undertaking.

● Amount of exemption: The amount of exemption under this section is restricted to the amount of
capital gains arising on transfer of the aforesaid capital assets or the amount actually re-invested in the
specified new assets, whichever is lower.
In other words, if the amount of capital gains is less than the amount reinvested in the new assets, then
the entire amount of capital gains is exempt. But, if the amount of re-investment in the new assets is less
than the amount of capital gains, the difference between the capital gains and the amount re-
invested in the new assets shall be taxable under Section 45 as income of the previous year. Such
income, depending on the period of holding of the assets transferred, may be short-term or long-term
capital gains.

● Deposit under the Capital Gains Account Scheme [Section 54D (2)]: The provision of deposit in Capital
Gains Account Scheme, as discussed earlier, shall also apply in this case.

4. Exemption of capital gains on investment in certain special bonds [Section 54EC]:


With effect from the assessment year 2001-2002, Section 54EC applies to any assessee where the
capital gains arises from the transfer of a long-term capital asset and the assessee has, within a period
of six months from the date of such transfer, invested the whole or any part of capital gains in the long-
term specified assets.

Amount of exemption: Actual exemption under Section 54EC shall be as follows:


(i) Where the cost of the long-term specified asset is not less than the capital gains, then the entire
amount of capital gains shall be exempt.
(ii) Where the cost of the long-term specified asset is less than the capital gains, then the cost of the
long-term specified asset shall be allowed as exemption.
(iii) W.e.f. the assessment year 2015-16, the exemption under this section shall not be more than ` 50
lakh.

● Meaning of long-term specified asset:


―Long-term specified assets‖ means any bond redeemable after three years, which is notified by the
Central Government with such terms and conditions as it thinks fit and issued on or after 1st April 2006
by: (a) the National Highways Authority of India (an institution constituted under Section 3 of National
Highways Authority of India Act, 1988); or (b) the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (a company
formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956).

●Consequence of transfer of long-term specified asset within three years from the date of its acquisition:
Where the long-term specified asset is transferred or converted (otherwise than by transfer) into money
within a period of three years from the date of its acquisition, the amount of capital gain exempted
earlier under Section 54EC shall be deemed to be income chargeable as long-term capital gains of the
previous year in which such asset is transferred or converted (otherwise than transfer) into money.

Point to note: On and from 1st April 2007, subject to a maximum limit of investment of ` 50 lakh per
year, ―long-term specified asset‖ shall mean only the bonds, which are issued by the National
Highways Authority of India or by the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited. However, any bond,
which is so notified by the Central government before 1st April 2007, shall be deemed to be a bond
notified under this section.

5. Exemption of capital gains on investment in units of specified fund [ Section 54EE]:


With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, subject to the following propositions, capital gains from
transfer of long-term capital assets are exempt to the extent of the actual amount of such gains or the
amount invested in the specified assets within six months from such transfer, whichever is less:
DIRECT TAXATION 164
(a) the investment made on or after the 1st day of April, 2016, in the long-term specified asset by an
assessee during any financial year does not exceed fifty lakh rupees:
(b) the investment made by an assessee in the long-term specified asset, from capital gains arising
from the transfer of one or more original assets, during the financial year in which the original asset
or assets are transferred and in the subsequent financial year does not exceed fifty lakh rupees;
(c) where the long-term specified asset is transferred by the assessee at any time within a period of
three years from the date of its acquisition, the amount of capital gains arising from the transfer of
the original asset not charged under Section 45 on the basis of the cost of such long-term specified
asset as above, shall be deemed to be the income chargeable under the head ―Capital gains"
relating to long-term capital asset of the previous year in which the long-term specified asset is
transferred.
(d) In a case where the original asset is transferred and the assessee invests the whole or any part of
the capital gain received or accrued as a result of transfer of the original asset in any long-term
specified asset and such assessee takes any loan or advance on the security of such specified
asset, he shall be deemed to have transferred such specified asset on the date on which such loan
or advance is taken. [Explanation 1]
For the purpose of this Section, ―long-term specified asset" means a unit or units, issued before the 1st
day of April, 2019, of such fund as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.
[Explanation 2(b)]

6. Exemption of capital gains on transfer of certain capital asset, when reinvestment is made in
residential house property [Section 54F]: Section 54F applies to capital gains arising from the transfer of
any long-term capital asset (other than a residential house) which is reinvested for acquisition of a
residential house within the specified time.
Conditions: Section 54F applies where the following conditions are fulfilled:
(i) The assessee is an individual or a Hindu undivided family.
(ii) The capital gains arise from the transfer of any long-term capital asset, except a residential house.
(iii) The assessee has, within a period of one year before or two years after the date of transfer of the
capital asset, purchased a residential house or has constructed a residential house in India within a
period of three years from the date of such transfer.
(iv) On the date of transfer, the assessee does not own more than one residential house, other than the
new house purchased or constructed.
(v) The assessee does not purchase any residential house, other than the new house, within a period of
one year after the date of transfer of the capital asset, or does not construct any residential house,
other than the new house, within a period of one year after the date of transfer of the capital
asset, or does not construct any residential house, other than the new house, within a period of
three years after the date of transfer of the capital asset.
(vi) the income of the residential house, so purchased or constructed, is chargeable under the head
―Income from house property‖.

Amount of exemption: The amount of exemption under this section is:


(i) Where the cost of the residential house is not less than the net consideration of the capital asset
transferred, the entire amount of capital gains is exempt.
(ii) Where the cost of the residential house is less than the net consideration in respect of the capital
asset transferred, the amount of exemption shall be as follows:

 Scheme of deposit under the Capital Gains Account Scheme: The provision of deposit in Capital
Gains Account Scheme, as discussed earlier, shall also apply in this case also.
 Withdrawal of exemption: In the following cases, the exemption which has been allowed to the
assessee under Section 54F may be withdrawn:

DIRECT TAXATION 165


(i) Where the assessee purchases, within a period of two years after the date of transfer of the capital
asset or constructs within a period of three years after such date any residential house, other than
the new house, the income from which is chargeable under the head ―Income from house
property‖, the amount of capital gains exempted earlier u/s 54F shall be chargeable as long-term
capital gains of the previous year in which such residential house is purchased or constructed.
(ii) Where the new house purchased (for which exemption under Section 54F has been claimed) is
transferred within a period of three years from the date of its purchase or construction, the amount
of capital gains, which was exempted u/s54F, shall be deemed to be income chargeable as long-
term capital gains of the previous year in which such new house is transferred.

7. Exemption of Capital gains on transfer of assets in cases of shifting of industrial undertaking from
urban area [Section 54G]:
Exemption under Section 54G is available to any assessee in respect of capital gains, both short-term or
long-term, on the transfer of certain capital assets of an industrial undertaking effected to shift it from
urban area to any area, other than the urban area.
● Conditions: The conditions for claiming exemption under this section are as follows:
(i) The assets transferred consist of machinery or plant or building or land or any rights in building used
for the purposes of the business of an industrial undertaking, which is situated in an urban area.
(ii) The aforesaid assets are transferred in connection with the transfer of the undertaking from an
urban area to any area, other than an urban area.
(iii) Any urban area for this purpose means any such area within the limits of a municipal corporation or
municipality as the Central Government may, having regard to the population, concentration of
industries and other relevant factors, by general or special order, declare to be an urban area.
(iv) (iii)The assessee has within a period of one year or three years after the date of such transfer:
(a) purchased new machinery or plant for the purposes of business of the industrial undertaking in
the area in which the said undertaking is shifted;
(b) acquired building or land or constructed building for the purposes of his business in the said
area;
(c) shifted the original asset and transferred the establishment of such undertaking to such area;
and
(d) incurred expenses on such other purposes as may be specified in a scheme framed by the
Central Government for this purpose.

● Amount of exemption: Actual exemption under this section is equal to the amount invested for the
purposes mentioned under (a) to (d) above, or, the amount of capital gains, whichever is lower.

● Deposit under Capital Gains Account Scheme: The provision of deposit in Capital Gains Account
Scheme, as discussed earlier, shall also apply in this case also.

 Consequence of transfer of the new asset within three years: If the new asset is transferred within a
period of three years of its being purchased, acquired or constructed, the cost of such asset shall be
reduced to nil and the capital gains so computed shall be chargeable as the income of the previous
year in which such new asset is transferred. Such gain shall always be regarded as short-term capital
gains.

8. Exemption of capital gains on transfer of assets in cases of shifting of industrial undertaking from
urban area to any Special Economic Zone [Section 54GA]:

Section 54GA has been inserted by the Special Economic Zones Act 2005, w.e.f. 10th February 2006.
The provisions of this section are as under:

 Conditions of exemption: Exemption under this section is available subject to the fulfillment of the
following conditions:

DIRECT TAXATION 166


(a) The assessee, being an industrial undertaking situated in an urban area, has transferred capital
assets comprising machinery or plant or building or land or any rights in any building or land used
for the purpose of business the industrial undertaking.
(b) The aforesaid transfer of capital asset is in consequence of shifting the industrial undertaking to any
Special Economic Zone developed in any urban area or any other area.
(c) The assessee has, either within one year before or three years after the date of transfer of the
capital assets:
(i) purchased machinery or plant for the purpose of business of the industrial undertaking in the
Special Economic Zone;
(ii) acquired building or land or constructed building for the purpose of his business in the Special
Economic Zone;
(iii) shifted the original asset and transferred the establishment of such undertaking to the Special
Economic Zone; and
(iv) incurred expenses on such other purposes as may be specified by the Central Government.

 Amount of exemption: If the aforesaid conditions are fulfilled, then the lower of the following
amount shall be exempt:
(a) Actual amount of capital gains; or
(b) Amount invested in the new asset within the specified time. In other words, if the amount of capital
gains does not exceed the amount invested in the new assets, then the entire amount of capital
gains shall be exempt. However, if the amount capital gains are more than the amount invested in
the new asset, then, the excess of capital gains over the investment in the new assets shall be
taxable under Section 54GA as the income of the previous year.

 Special deposit scheme: If the amount of capital gain is not utilised by the assessee, either within
one year before the date on which the original asset was transferred or before the due date of
submission of return u/s 139(1), for all or any of the purposes mentioned in Sl. No. (i) to (iv) above, then,
the amount of capital gains shall be deposited in an account in any such bank or institutions and
utilised in accordance with a scheme as may be framed by the Central government. If the amount
deposited is not utilised within the specified period for the purposes mentioned in Sl. No. (i) to (iv)
above, then, the amount not so utilised shall be charged as the income of the previous year in which
the period of three years from the date of the transfer of the original asset expires. The assessee in that
case shall be entitled to withdraw the amount from the special deposit account.

9. Exemption from capital gains on investment in small or medium enterprise [Section 54GB]: Section
54GB is inserted to provide relief from long-term capital gains tax to an individual or an HUF on sale of a
residential property (house or plot of land) in case of reinvestment of sale consideration in the equity of
a newly set up SME company in the manufacturing sector which is utilized by the company for the
purchase of new plant and machinery.

Conditions of exemption: The exemption under Section 54GB is subject to the following conditions and
propositions:
(i) the amount of net consideration is used by the individual or HUF before the due date of furnishing
of return of income under Section 139(1), for subscription in equity shares in the SME company in
which he holds more than 50% share capital or more than 50% voting rights.
(ii) The amount of subscription as share capital is to be utilized by the SME company for the purchase
of new plant and machinery within a period of one year from the date of subscription in the equity
shares. [with effect from AY 2017-18, new assets shall include computers and computer software].
(iii) If the amount of net consideration subscribed as equity shares in the SME company is not utilized by
the SME company for the purchase of plant and machinery before the due date of filing of return
by the individual or HUF, the unutilized amount is deposited under a deposit scheme to be
prescribed in this behalf.

DIRECT TAXATION 167


(iv) The exemption would be available in case of any transfer of residential property made on or
before 31st March, 2017 (for eligible start-up defined in section 80-IAC extended up to 2019).

Amount of exemption: The exemption shall be as under:


(i) If the amount of the net consideration is greater than the cost of the new asset, then, so much of
the capital gain as it bears to the whole of the capital gain the same proportion as the cost of the
new asset bears to the net consideration, shall not be charged under Section 45 as the income of
the previous year.
(ii) If the amount of the net consideration is equal to or less than the cost of the new asset, the capital
gain shall not be charged as the income of the previous year.

Consequence of transfer of shares/new assets within five years: If the equity shares of the company or
the new asset acquired by the company are sold or otherwise transferred within a period of five years
from the date of their acquisition, the amount of capital gain arising from the transfer of the residential
property not charged to tax shall be deemed to be the income of the assessee chargeable under the
head ―Capital gains‖ of the previous year in which such equity shares or such new asset are sold or
otherwise transferred, in addition to taxability of gains, arising on account of transfer of shares or of the
new asset, in the hands of the assessee or the company, as the case may be.

10. Treatment of short-term capital loss and long-term capital loss:


See Chapter on Set off and Carry Forward of losses.

Example13. D sold a residential building at Cochin for ` 65 lakhs in December 2016. The stamp valuation
authority determined the value at ` 80 lakhs which was not contested by D. The property was acquired
in April, 2005 for ` 6 lakhs. He acquired a residential flat at Ranchi for ` 55 lakhs and another residential
house at Cuttack for ` 25 lakhs before March, 2017. Compute the capital gain of D for the assessment
year 2017-18.

Note:
Financial Year Cost Inflation Index
2005-06 497
2016-17 1125
You are required to plan in such a way that the incidence of tax is the least. [CMA Inter- June 2015]

Answer:
Computation of capital gains of D for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17
Particulars `
Sale consideration of residential building at Cochin 65,00,000
Stamp Valuation Authority has determined the value at 80,00,000
The higher of the two is to be adopted as deemed sale consideration u/s 50C 80,00,000
Less: Indexed Cost of Acquisition [` 6,00,000 x (1125/497)] 13,58,149
Long-term capital gains 66,41,851
Less: Exemption U/s 54:
In respect of residential property acquired in Ranchi 55,00,000
Taxable Long-term capital gains 11,41,851

Note: Under Section 54, exemption is limited to one residential house in India. Out of the two residential
houses acquired by him, he can option for exemption under Section 54 in respect of one property only.
The higher of the values has been adopted for maximizing the benefit to assessee.

Example 14. S furnishes the following particulars for the previous year 2016-17:
A plot of land was sold on 19.7.2016 for ` 35,00,000. He paid brokerage on its sales at one percent. He
had purchased this plot on 20.12.1990 for ` 4,20,000. On 1.2.17, he had purchased a residential house

DIRECT TAXATION 168


for ` 18,00,000. He owns another residential house, purchased on 8.7.12. The cost of inflation index for
financial years 1990-91 and 2016-17 are 182 and 1125 respectively.
(a) Find out the amount of capital gains chargeable to income tax.
(b) Suppose S sells the new additional residential house on 1.1.2019, what will be the taxable amount of
capital gains and in which year will it be charged to tax?
(c) Is the same short-term or long-term in nature? [CMA Inter- June 2011]

Answer:
(a) Computation of capital gains of S for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to previous year 2016-17:
Particulars ` `
Sale consideration 35,00,000
Less: Brokerage @1% 35,000
Net sale consideration 34,65,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition
[` 4,20,000 x (1125/182)] 25,96,154
Long-term capital gains 8,68,846
Less: Exemption u/s 54F
[(18,00,000/34,65,000) x 8,68,846] 4,51,349
Taxable long-term capital gains 4,17,497

(b) As per section 54F, if the assessee sells the house within 3 years of its purchase, the amount of
capital gains which was earlier exempt will be taxed in the year in which the house is sold. If S sells his
house on 1.1.2019 i.e. before expiry of 3 years from the date of purchase, the amount of ` 4,51,347
which is given as exemption in assessment year 2018-19 will be withdrawn and consequently taxed in
the assessment year 2019-20.

(c) If Mr. S purchases another residential house within 2 years of sale of original house, then exemption
will be withdrawn and amount earlier exempted u/s 54F will be taxable as Long-term capital gain in the
assessment year 2019-20.

Example 15: B acquired a house property in March, 1981 for ` 2 lakhs. The fair market value as on
01.04.1981 was ` 3,40,000. He gifted the property to his son R in December 2001 when the fair market
value was ` 10 lakhs. R entered into a sale agreement in January 2014 and received ` 1 lakh from R
which was subsequently forfeited as the buyer R did not fulfill the commitment.

In June, 2016 an agreement was made for sale of property with D and a sum of `2 lakh was received
as advance. This advance was also forfeited by R due to failure of D. Finally R sold the property to P for
` 90 lakhs in January, 2017.He started construction of a residential house in August, 2016 and incurred `
10 lakhs till March, 2017.

R subscribed to REC bonds for `30 lakhs in March, 2017 and wished to invest the balance amount in
construction of residential house in the financial year 2017-18 in such a way that his Income from
Capital Gains reduce to ‗NIL‘.

Compute his income under the head capital gains‘ for the assessment year2017-18.
Cost Inflation Index:
Financial Year Cost inflation index
1980–1981 100
2001-2002 426
2013-2014 939
2016-2017 1125
[CMA Inter- June 2015]

DIRECT TAXATION 169


Answer:
Computation of capital gains of R for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to previous year 2016-17:
Particulars ` `
Sale consideration 90,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [` 3,40,000 x 1125/*426] (Note 1] 8,97,887
Long-term capital gains 81,02,113
Less: Exemption u/s 50EC for REC Bond 30,00,000
Less: Exemption u/s 54 for construction of new house 51,02,112 81,02,113
Taxable capital gains Nil

Note 1: Since the property is inherited by R from his father, indexation is done with reference to the FMV
as on 1.4.81 or actual cost whichever is higher. However, the indexation benefit is available with
reference to the time when R became the owner.

However, if the judgment of the Bombay High Court in CIT v. Manjula J Shah (2012) is adopted, the
indexation benefit shall be available with reference to the year in which the previous owner first
became the owner (Here with reference to 1.4.1981. In accordance with this judgment the answer
would be as under:
Particulars ` `
Sale consideration 90,00,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [ ` 3,40,000 x 1125/*100] (Note 1] 38,25,000
Long-term capital gains 51,75,000
Less: Exemption u/s 50EC for REC Bond 30,00,000
Less: Exemption u/s 54 for construction of new house 21,75,000 51,75,000
Taxable capital gains Nil

Note 2: Amount forfeited after 1.4.2014 shall be taxable as income from other sources. It will no longer
be deducted from cost of acquisition.

Example 16: During the previous year 2016-2017 R sells the following capital assets: [not yet checked]
Asset Sale Proceeds Cost of acquisition Year of acquisition Fair market Value as on 1.4.81
Land 1,80,00,000 12,00,000 1980 15,00,000
Gold 24,07,000 2,20,000 1980 2,00,000
Debentures 1,57,000 75,000 1976 40,000

Assuming that his business income is `1,46,000, determine his net income for the assessment year 2017-
2018. Cost Inflation Index – F.Y 2016-17: 1125

Answer:
Computation of net income or total income of R for the assessment year2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017:
Particulars ` ` `
Profits and gains of business or profession 1,46,000
Capital Gains:
(a) Long-term capital gains on transfer of land:
Sale Consideration 1,80,00,000
Less: Indexed Cost of Acquisition 1,68,75,000 (+)11,25,000
` 15,00,000 x (1125/100) (Note 1)
(b) Long-term capital gains on transfer of gold:
Sale consideration 24,07,000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition 24,75,000 (-)68,000

DIRECT TAXATION 170


` 2,20,000 x (1125/100) (Note 2)
(c) Long-term capital gains on transfer of debentures:
Sale Consideration 1,57,000
Less: Cost of Acquisition (Note 3) 75,000 (+)82,000 11,39,000
Total Income/Net Income 12,85,000

Notes:
(1) At the option of the assessee, the fair market value of the land as on 1.4.1981 has been taken to be
the cost of acquisition and it is this cost which has been further indexed.
(2) At the option of the assessee, the higher of actual cost or fair market value of gold on 1.4.1981 has
been taken to be the cost of acquisition. The indexation has been done with reference to the CII
for 1981-82=100 and 2016-2017=1125.
(3) Indexation of cost of debenture is not allowed.

Example 17: A Ltd., an Indian company furnishes the following particulars of its income/
assets/investments for the previous year 2016-2017:
(a) Business income before depreciation `1,00,000
(b) Sale of shares (privately transferred) in September, 2016
(purchased in April, 2013 for `60,000) `61,350
(c) Sale of land in December, 2016
(purchased in April, 2008 for ` 5,00,000) `13,00,361
(d) Written down value of plant and machinery
Used in business on 1.4.2016 ` 20,00,000
Machinery purchased in July, 2015 ` 4,00,000
Machinery sold in November, 2016 ` 6,00,000
(e) Out of the sale proceeds of land `4,00,000 was
Invested in the special account under Capital Gains
Deposit Scheme in March, 2017.

Answer:
Compute total income of the company for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year
2016-2017
Particulars ` ` `
• Profits and gains of business or profession:
Business income before depreciation 1,00,000
Less : Depreciation as per IT Rules (Note 1) 2,70,000
Business income (unabsorbed depreciation) (-)1,70,000
• Capital gains :
(a) Long-term capital gains on transfer of shares: (Note 2) Sale 61,350
consideration
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition [` 60,000x 1125/939] 71,885 (-) 10,535
(b) Long-term capital gains on sale of land :
Sale consideration 13,00,361
Less : Indexed cost of acquisition [` 5,00,000 x 1125/582] 9,66,495
Less : Exemption under Section 54E (Note 3) 3,33,866 3,33,866 3,23,331
(provide note 3) Nil
Gross total income 1,53,331

DIRECT TAXATION 171


Less : Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U Nil
Total income 1,53,330

Notes:
(1) Depreciation as per IT Rules : `
WDV of Plant and Machinery as on 1.4.2016 20,00,000
Add : Purchase during the year 4,00,000
24,00,000
Less : Sales during the year 6,00,000
WDV for the purpose of depreciation 18,00,000
Depreciation @ 15% 2,70,000

2. Since the shares are privately transferred, the benefit of exemption u/s 10(38) will not be available.
Section10(38) applies only if the shares are transacted in a recognised stock exchange in India on or
after 1st October, 2004 and such transactions are subjected to securities transaction tax.
3. Capital assets transferred after 31st March 1992 are not eligible for exemption under Section 54E.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Which of the following transaction is not regarded as transfer?


a) Conversion of asset into stock in trade
b) Maturity of a Zero Coupon Bond
c) Any distribution of capital asset of a HUF among its member at the time of partition
d) Exchange of land for gold
Ans. (c): Any distribution of capital asset of a HUF among its member at the time of partition

2. Cost of Inflation Index for 2016-17 is-


a) 785
b) 1125
c) 852
d) 711
Ans. (b): 1125.

3. Short term capital gain covered u/s 111A is-


a) Exempt
b) Taxable at general rate applicable to the assessee
c) Taxable @ 15%
d) Taxable @ 10%
Ans: (c) Taxable @ 15%

4. Deduction u/s 54GB is available to


a) Individual
b) HUF
c) Individual & HUF
d) All assessee
Ans. (c) : Individual & HUF.

5. Deduction u/s 54GB is available against transfer of:


a) Long term capital asset being residential property
b) Any capital asset being residential property
c) Any long term capital asset
d) Long term capital asset other than residential property
Ans. Long term capital asset being residential property

DIRECT TAXATION 172


6. Where the entire block of the depreciable asset is transferred after 36 months there will be-
a) Short term capital gain
b) Short term capital gain or loss
c) Long term capital gain
d) Long term capital gain or loss
Ans. (b) Short term capital gain or loss

7. The exemption under section 54 shall be available-


a) To the extent of capital gain invested in the house property
b) Proportionate to the net consideration price invested
c) To the extent of amount actually invested
d) None
Ans. (a) To the extent of capital gain invested in the house property

8. Exemption u/s 10(37) is available to—


a) An individual or an HUF
b) An individual
c) All assessee
d) HUF
Ans. (a): An individual or an HUF

9. As per section ……… long-term capital gain arising on transfer of equity shares or units of equity
oriented mutual fund or units of business trust is not chargeable to tax in the hands of any person, if
specific conditions are satisfied in this regard:
(a) 10(18)
(b) 10(28)
(c) 10(38)
(d) 10(48)
Ans. (c) 10(38).

10. Generally, long-term capital gain is charged to tax @ ……. (plus surcharge and cess as applicable).
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 30%
Ans. (c) 20%.

DIRECT TAXATION 173


STUDY NOTE - 11
INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES [SECTION 56-59]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


11.1 Chargeability
11.2 Method of Accounting
11.3 Incomes that are taxable under this head [Section56]
11.4 Taxability of cash, immovable property or other movable property received without any
consideration [Section 56(2)(vii)]
11.5 Taxability of share premium in excess of the fair market value [Section 56(2) (viib)]
11.6 Other incomes which are chargeable under this head
11.7 Tax treatment of dividend [Section 56(2)]
11.8 Tax treatment of winnings from lotteries, crossword puzzles, horseracing, etc.
11.9 Interest on securities
11.10 Family pensions
11.11 Deductions from income under the head ―Income from other sources‖ [Section 57]
11.12 Expenditure expressly disallowed [Section 58

11.1 CHARGEABILITY

―Income from other sources‖ is the fifth and the residuary head. It includes every other income which is
not covered under any of the first four heads and which is not exempt under the provisions of Sections
10 to 13A of the Act. In other words, to attract chargeability under this head, the following conditions
should be satisfied:
(a) There must be an income.
(b) The income is not exempt from tax; and
(c) Such income is not chargeable to tax under any of the first four heads of income.

11.2 METHOD OF ACCOUNTING

According to Section 145, income chargeable under this head shall be computed in accordance with
either cash or mercantile basis of accounting regularly employed by the assessee. Thus, if the books of
account are maintained under cash basis, the income is to be taxed on cash basis and deductions
from the income can be claimed on payment basis. The department cannot force the assessee to
maintain the books of account under the mercantile system. Where no method of accounting has
been regularly employed, an assessee should not be assessed in respect of the money that has not
been received [IR vs. Whitworth38TC531].
With effect from the assessment year 2016-17, computation of income under the head ―Profits and
gains of business or profession‖ and ―Income from other sources‖ shall be subjected to Income
Computation and Disclosure Standards [See notification No.32/2015, F. No. 134/48/2010-TPL, dated 31st
March, 2015]

11.3 INCOMES THAT ARE TAXABLE UNDER THIS HEAD [SECTION56]

DIRECT TAXATION 174


In accordance with the provisions of Section 56(2), the following specific incomes shall be chargeable
under this head:
(i) dividends (other than dividends received from domestic company);
(ii) any winnings from lotteries, cross word puzzles, races, including horse races, card games and other
games of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature whatsoever;
(iii) any sum received by the assessee from his employees as contributions to any provident fund or
superannuation fund or any fund setup under the provisions of the Employees‘ State Insurance
Act, 1948 or any other fund for the welfare of such employees, provided that it is not taxable under
the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖;
(iv) Income by way of interest on securities, if it is not chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains of
business or profession‖;
(v) Income from machinery, plant or furniture belonging to the assessee and let on hire, if it is not
chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖.
(vi) Income resulting to an assessee who lets on hire machinery, plant or furniture belonging to him and
also building, and the letting of the buildings is inseparable from the letting of the said machinery,
plant or furniture, provided that it is not chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains of business
or profession‖;
(vii) any sum received under a Keyman Insurance Policy including the sum allocated by way of bonus
on such policy, if it is not chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖.
(viii) any income by way of interest received by an assessee on compensation or enhanced
compensation referredtoinSection145A(b).
(ix) any sum of money received as an advance or otherwise in the course of negotiations for transfer of
a capital asset, if such sum is forfeited and the negotiations do not result in transfer of such capital
asset [Section 2(56(ix) w.e.f. the assessment year 2015-2016].

11.4 TAXABILITY OF CASH, IMMOVABLE PROPERTY OR OTHER MOVABLE PROPERTY


RECEIVED WITHOUT ANY CONSIDERATION [SECTION 56(2)(VII)]:

With effect from the financial year 2006-2007, The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2006 has inserted
Section 56(2)(vi) to provide that where any sum of money exceeding `50,000 [ `25,000 from 1.9.2004 to
31.3.2006: vide Section 56(2)(v)] is received without consideration by an individual or a Hindu
undivided family from a person on or after 1st April 2006, the whole of such sum shall be treated as the
income of such individual or the Hindu undivided family.
Now, with effect from 1.10.2009, with a view to widening the ambit of taxation, Finance (No. 2) Act,
2009 has inserted Section 56(2) (vii) to cover the receipt by an individual or Hindu undivided family of
any immovable property or any other property exceeding a value of ` 50,000. The taxability of receipt
of such immovable property or other movable property is over and above the cash receipt
mentioned above and is subject to the following conditions and propositions:
A. Cash receipt without any consideration [Section 56(2)(vi)(a)]: Cash receipt up to `50,000 is exempt.
For cash receipt exceeding `50,000, the entire sum is taxable. Multiple gifts coming under this
clause to be aggregated to arrive at the limit of `50,000.
B. Immovable property [Section 56(2) (vi)(b)]: (i) If without any consideration: If the stamp duty value
of the property exceeds `50,000, the entire sum is taxable. (ii) If received for a consideration -which
falls short of stamp duty value by more than `50,000: The excess of the stamp duty value over the
consideration received is taxable. Where the consideration or part of it is paid in a mode other
than cash, and the date of agreement and the date of registration are different, it is the date of
agreement which shall be taken into reckoning.

DIRECT TAXATION 175


Aggregation of multiple transactions not required under this clause. Each transaction is to be treated
separately for arriving at the limit of `50,000. [Pro-vision as amended from the A.Y.2014-15].C Any other
property [Section 56(2)(vi)(c)(i)]: If received without any consideration: If the fair market value of the
property exceeds `50,000, the entire fair market value of the property is taxable.

Any other property [Section 56(2)(vi)(c)(ii)]: If received for a consideration which falls short of the fair
market value by more than `50,000: The excess of the fair market value over the consideration received
is taxable. Multiple transactions are required to be aggregated to arrive at the limit of `50,000

Sl. No. Examples:


(i) A receives `15,000 on 1-10-2016 from B, ` 20,000 from C on 10-12-2016 and ` 30,000 from D
on 11-1-2017, without consideration. In this case, although each gift is below the limit of `
50,000, the entire sum of ` 65,000 shall be taxable at the hands of A during the assessment
year 2017-18. Section 56(2)(vi)(a) requires multiple gifts to be aggregated.
(ii) A receives as a gift from B an agricultural land having a stamp duty value of `45,000. He also
receives as gift a piece of land meant for residential use from B. The value of the land is `
1,00,000. In this case only `1,00,000, being the value of the residential plot, shall be treated as
income of A. Section56(2)(vi)(b) does not require aggregation of multiple transactions.
(iii) On the occasion of her birthday, A receives gift of jewellery from Mr. B, C and D respectively,
having a fair market value of ` 35,000, ` 25,000 and ` 20,000. Here although each
transaction is below ` 50,000, the aggregate amount of `80,000 shall be treated as income
from other sources at the hand of Mrs. A. Under Section 56(2)(vi)(c) multiple transactions are
required to be aggregated to arrive at the taxable limit of `50,000.
(iv) A receives from B as gift or without consideration ` 20,000 in cash, from C jewellery worth `
35,000. He also received as gift an immovable property worth ` 48,000 from D. Here the first
item comes under clause(a) of Section 56(2)(vii).Second item comes within the purview of
clause (c), while the last item comes within the purview of clause (b). Section 56(2)(vii) does
not contemplate aggregation of items under different clauses in order to arrive at the
taxable limit of `50,000. Since none of the transactions are exceeding ` 50,000, they would
not be taxable.

 Exceptions:
The aforesaid provision shall not apply to the following cases:
A. Gifts from any relative: Any gift in cash or movable or immovable property received from any
relative specified below is not taxable.
B. Gifts on the occasion of the marriage: Any gift in cash or movable or immovable property received
on the marriage of the individual, whether from the specified relatives or other persons and
irrespective of the quantum of value, is not taxable.
C. Gifts under a will or by way of inheritance: Any gift received from any person under a will or by way
of inheritance, whether in cash or in kind, is not taxable.
D. Gifts in contemplation of death of the payer: Any gift in cash or in property of any kind received
from any person (whether relative or not) in contemplation of the death of the payer is not taxable.
E. Sum received from specified institutions: Any sum received from a local authority or from any fund
or foundation or university or other educational institution or hospital or other medical institution or
any other trust or institution referred to in Section 10(23C) or institution registered under Section
12AA.

 Meaning of relative:
The expression ―relative‖ mentioned above means:
(A) In the case of an individual
(a) Spouse of the individual;

DIRECT TAXATION 176


(b) Brother or sister of the individual;
(c) Brother or sister of the spouse of the individual;
(d) brother or sister of either of the parents of the individual;
(e) any lineal ascendant or descendant of the individual;
(f) any lineal ascendant or descendant of the spouse of the individual;
(g) spouse of the persons referred to in (b)to(f)above.
(B) In the case of a Hindu undivided family, any member thereof.

 Meaning of property:
The expression ―property‖ means:
(i) immovable property being land or building or both;
(ii) shares and securities;
(iii) Jewellery;
(iv) archaeological collections;
(v) drawings;
(vi) paintings;
(vii) sculptures;
(viii) any work of art; or
(ix) bullion

 Meaning of ―Jewellery‖: Refer to para 11.2, Study Note 10.

Taxability of shares received for inadequate or without consideration [Section 56(2)(viia)]:


With effect from the assessment year 2010-11, the scope of Section 56(2) has been widened to bring
within its ambit transactions undertaken in shares of a company (not being a company in which the
public are substantially interested) where the recipient is a firm or a company (not being a company in
which the public are substantially interested). Accordingly, a new clause (viia) has been inserted with
effect from 1st June 2010 so as to include in the taxable income of the aforesaid assesses the following
amounts:

(a) Where the transaction is without consideration and the aggregate fair value of the shares so
transferred exceeds `50,000, the whole of the aggregate fair value of the shares.
(b) Where the transaction is for a consideration which is less than the aggregate fair value of the
shares so transferred by an amount exceeding ` 50,000, the excess of the aggregate fair value of
the shares over the consideration so paid.

 Exceptions:
The aforesaid provisions shall not apply to the following cases where:
(a) The transfer of shares is made pursuant to a scheme of amalgamation referred to in Section 47(via)
or Section 47(vii); or
(b) The transaction is made in a demerger referred to in Section 47(vic) or Section 47(vid); or
(c) The transaction is made pursuant to a business reorganization referred to in Section47 (vicb).

11.5 TAXABILITY OF SHARE PREMIUM IN EXCESS OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE [SECTION 56(2) (VIIB)]

Under the provisions of section 56(2)(viib) share premium received by a company in excess of its fair
market value shall be chargeable to tax under the head ‗Income from other sources‘, provided that
the following conditions are satisfied :
(i) it is received by a company in which public are not substantially interested;
(ii) the premium is from a resident;

DIRECT TAXATION 177


(iii) the issue price of shares exceeds the face value of such shares.
The provision of this newly inserted clause, however, does not apply to:
(i) a venture capital undertaking receiving the consideration for issue of shares from a venture capital
company or a venture capital fund; and
(ii) a company receiving the consideration from a class or class of persons (‗Notified persons‘) as may
be notified by Central Government.

11.6 OTHER INCOMES WHICH ARE CHARGEABLE UNDER THIS HEAD

The list of incomes provided under Section 56, which are chargeable under this head, is not exhaustive.
The following are the instances of other incomes which are chargeable under this head:
(i) income from subletting ;
(ii) casual income ;
(iii) interest on bank deposits or deposits with companies, or loans ;
(iv) insurance commission ;
(v) directors‘ fees ;
(vi) family pensions ;
(vii) ground rent ;
(viii) agricultural income from land situated outside India ;
(ix) income from vacant land ;
(x) income from undisclosed sources ;
(xi) remunerations of the Member of Parliament ;
(xii) examiner‘s fees received by a teacher from institutions other than his employer ;
(xiii) interest on securities of foreign Governments ;
(xiv) income from royalty, if not charged under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖;
(xv) income from fisheries ;
(xvi) interest on employee‘s contribution to the unrecognised provident fund ;
(xvii) gratuity received by a director, who is not an employee of the company ;
(xviii) income from racing establishments ;
(xix) income from granting of grazing rights ;
(xx) director‘s commission for standing guarantor to bankers or for underwriting shares of a new
company ;
(xxi) income received after discontinuation of business ;
(xxii) annuity payable under will or contract or trust deed (not being annuity from the present or former
employer) ;
(xxiii) annuity payable to the lender of trademark ;
(xxiv) interest on tax refunds u/s 214;
(xxv) interest earned prior to commencement of business ;
(xxvi) income from hoardings on business premises.

11.7 TAX TREATMENT OF DIVIDEND [SECTION 56(2)]

Dividends declared by a domestic company or any dividend or income declared by the Unit Trust of
India are exempt u/s 10(34) and 10(35) respectively.

However, dividends declared by a foreign company or loans and advances made by a company to
certain categories of shareholders covered under Section 2(22)(e) are taxable.

DIRECT TAXATION 178


Under Section 2(22)(e), dividend, which attracts the provision of Section 56(2), includes any payment
by a company, not being a company in which public are substantially interested, of any sum (whether
representing a part of the assets of the company or otherwise), not exceeding the accumulated profits
of the company, by way of loan or advances to :
(a) any equity shareholder who is the beneficial owner of shares holding not less than 10% of the
voting rights;
(b) any concern in which the aforesaid shareholder is a member or a partner and in which he has
substantial interest;
(c) any person, on behalf of, or for the individual benefit of such shareholder.

11.8 TAX TREATMENT OF WINNINGS FROM LOTTERIES, CROSSWORD PUZZLES, HORSERACING, ETC.

Under Section 2(24) (ix), any winnings from lotteries, crossword puzzles, races, including horse races,
card games and other games of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature is
chargeable to tax under the head ―Income from other sources‖. W. e. f. the assessment year 2002-
2003, lottery includes winnings from prizes awarded to any person by draw of lots or by chance or in
any other manner whatsoever, under any other scheme or arrangement by whatever name called,
and card game and other games of any sort includes any game show, an entertainment programme
on television or electronic mode in which people compete to win prizes or any other similar game.
In view of deletion of Section 10(3) from the assessment year 2003-2004, the entire amount of such
income shall be charged to tax u/s 115BB at a flat rate of 30% plus education cess @ 3% (including 1%
secondary and higher education cess) on tax (See Appendix I) without claiming any deduction under
Sections 80C to 80U.

Grossing up net winnings from lotteries, etc.:


Under Section 194B and 194BB, the person responsible for paying to any person any income by way of
winnings from lotteries, etc., for an amount exceeding `10,000 (or `5,000 in case of winnings from races
including horse races) has to deduct tax at source @ 30% plus education cess (including secondary
and higher education cess). The net amount received by the assessee has to be grossed up to find out
the amount which is chargeable to tax.
The gross amount shall be determined as follows:
Net amount
1- 30%  education cess

11.9 INTEREST ON SECURITIES

Income by way of interest on securities is chargeable to tax under the head ―Income from other
sources‖, if such income is not already charged under the head ―Profits and gains of business or
profession‖.
Interests on securities are taxable either on receipt basis or accrual basis, depending on the methods of
accounting regularly used by the assessee.

 Interests exempt from tax [Section10(15)]: By virtue of Section 10(15), interests earned from the
following securities, bonds and certificates are exempt from tax:
(a) income by way of interest, premium on redemption or other payments on 12 Year National Savings
Annuity Certificates ; National Defence Gold Bonds, 1980 ; Special Bearer Bonds, 1991; 10-Year
Treasury Savings Deposit Certificates ; Post Office Cash Certificates (5 years) ; National Plan
Certificates (10 years) ; National Plan Savings Certificates (12 years) ; Post Office National Savings
Certificates (12 years/7 years); Post Office Savings Bank Accounts ; Public Account of Post Office

DIRECT TAXATION 179


Savings Account Rules (interest up to ` 5000) ; Post Office CTD ; Fixed deposits governed by the
Government Savings Certificates (Fixed Deposit) Rules, 1968, Special Deposit Scheme, 1981 ; Non-
resident (Non-reparable) Rupee Deposit Scheme ;
(b) interest on notified Capital Investment Bonds, in case of individual and Hindu undivided family; No
such bond shall be notified by the Government on or after 1st June, 2002 ;
(c) interest on 9% or 10% Relief Bonds, in case of individual and Hindu undivided family ;
(d) interest on notified bonds (no such shall be notified by the Government on or after 1st June, 2002)
arising to a non-resident Indian or an individual owning the bonds as a nominee or survivor of the
non-resident Indian or a person who has received these bonds as a gift from the non-resident
Indian, provided that the aforesaid bonds are purchased by the non-resident Indian in foreign
exchange and the interest and principal amount of the bonds are not taken out of India;
(e) interest on securities held by the Issue Department of the Central Bank of Ceylon ;
(f) interest payable to any bank incorporated in a country outside India and authorized to perform
central banking functions in that country on any deposit made by it, with the approval of the
Reserve Bank of India, with any scheduled bank;
(g) interest payable by Government or a local authority on moneys borrowed by it before the 1st day
of June, 2001 from or debts owed by it before the 1st day of June, 2001 to, sources outside India;
(h) interest payable by an industrial undertaking in India on moneys borrowed by it under a loan
agreement entered into with any approved financial institution;
(i) interest payable by an industrial undertaking in India on moneys borrowed or debt incurred by it
before the 1st day of June, 2001 in foreign currency for purchase outside India of raw materials or
components or capital plant and machinery;
(j) interest payable by the Industrial Finance Corporation of India or Industrial Development Bank of
India or Export-Import Bank of India or the National Housing Bank or the Small Industries
Development Bank of India or the Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India on moneys
borrowed by it before 1st June, 2001, from sources outside India;
(k) interest payable by any other financial institution established in India or a banking company on any
money borrowed by it before 1st June, 2001, from sources outside India under a loan agreement
approved by the Central Government;
(l) interest payable by an industrial undertaking in India on any money borrowed in foreign currency
from sources outside India under a loan agreement approved by the Central Government before
1st June, 2001;
(m) interest payable by a scheduled bank to a non-resident or to a person who is not ordinarily resident
on deposits made in foreign currency;
(n) interest payable by an Indian company carrying on the business of providing long-term finance for
the construction or purchase of a house in India for residential purposes on any money borrowed
by it from sources outside India under a loan agreement approved by the Central Government
before 1st June, 2003;
(o) interest payable by a public sector company on such bonds or debentures and subject to such
conditions as the Central Government may by notification in the Official Gazette specify;
(p) interest payable by the Government on notified deposits made by the employees of the Central or
State Government out of the moneys due to him on account of his retirement;
(q) interest on securities held by the Welfare Commissioner, Bhopal Gas Victims, in the Reserve Bank‘s
SGL Account No. SL/DH 048 or any deposit for the benefit of the victims of the Bhopal gas leak
disaster held in such account, with the Reserve Bank of India or with a public sector bank;
(r) interest on Gold Deposit Bonds issued under the Gold Deposit Scheme, 1999 ;
(s) interest on bonds issued by a local authority or by a State Pooled Finance Entity ;
(t) interest payable to the Nordic Investment Bank on a loan advanced by it to a project approved by
the Central Government in terms of Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the Central
Government with that Bank on 26th November, 1986;

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(u) interest payable to the European Investment Bank, on loan granted by it in pursuance of the
framework-agreement for financial co-operation entered into on 25th November, 1993 by the
Central Government with that Bank;
(v) interest received by a non-resident or a person who is not ordinarily resident in India on a deposit
made on or after 1st April 2005 in an Offshore Banking Unit [w.e.f 10.2.2006].

Grossing up of interests: In case the interests on securities are subject to deduction of tax at source, the
net amount received shall be grossed up and included in the total income of the assessee. The net
interest will be grossed up as follows:
Net amount
1- 30%  education cess

11.10 FAMILY PENSIONS

Family pension received by the legal heirs of the deceased is taxable in the hands of the legal heirs as
income from other sources. Family pension for this purpose means a regular monthly amount payable
by the employer of the deceased to a person belonging to the family of the employee in the event of
his death.
u/s 57 (iia), the recipient of the family pension is eligible for standard deduction at the rate of 33 1/3% of
the pension or `15,000, whichever is less.
However, family pension received by the widow or children or nominated heirs of a member of the
armed forces of India, where the death of such member has occurred in the course of operational
duties, shall be exempt from tax [Section 10(19].

11.11 DEDUCTIONS FROM INCOME UNDER THE HEAD ―INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES‖ [SECTION 57]

(a) In the case of dividends and interests: In the case of dividends (not being dividends received from
a domestic company) any reasonable sum paid by way of commission or remuneration to a
banker or other person for the purpose of realizing such dividends and interests are deductible
[Section 57(i)].
(b) In case of contribution towards staff welfare schemes: Employees‘ contribution towards staff
welfare scheme which is received by the employer is chargeable under the heads ―Income from
other sources‖, if not charged under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖.
However, if the employer deposits such amount to the fund for which it is paid by the employees,
on or before the specified dates, it will be allowed as deduction u/s 57(ia).
(c) In the case of income from letting out of plant, machinery, furniture and building: The following
amount shall be deducted u/s 57(ii):
(i) Expenditure on current repairs on plant, machinery, furniture or building.
(ii) Insurance premium on any of these assets.
(iii) Depreciation on these assets. Depreciation on building is allowed if the assessee is the owner of
the building.
(d) In the case of family pension: Family pension received by the legal heirs of a deceased employee
is eligible for deduction at the rate of 33 1/3% of the family pension or ` 15,000, whichever is less.
(e) In the case of any other income: In the case of any other income not specifically covered under
Section 56(2), actual expenditure (not being in the nature of capital expenditure) incurred wholly
and exclusively for earning the income is deductible. For example, examiner‘s remuneration

DIRECT TAXATION 181


received by a teacher from persons/institutions other than his employer, or royalty received by an
author. In these cases, actual expenditure incurred in earning the income is deductible.
(f) In the case of income received by way of interest on compensation or enhanced compensation:
Interest received on compensation or enhanced compensation under the provision of Section
145A(b), a deduction of a sum equal to 50% of such income shall be allowed as deduction
[Section 57(iv].

11.12 EXPENDITURE EXPRESSLY DISALLOWED [SECTION 58]

In computing income of an assessee under the head ―Income from other sources‖ no deduction shall
be allowed in respect of:
(a) any personal expenses of the assessee,
(b) any interest payable outside India on which tax has not been deducted at source,
(c) any payment chargeable under the head ―Salaries‖, if it is payable outside India without any
deduction of tax at source,
(d) In the case of winnings from lottery, crossword puzzle, etc., (other than from the activity of owning
and maintaining horses for horse races) no deduction can be claimed in connection with
expenditure for earning the income.

Example 1. From the following particulars of P for the previous year ended 31 st March, 2016 compute
the Income under the head ―Income from other Sources‖:

Particulars `
Directors Fee from a company 10,000
Interest on the bank deposits 3,000
Income from undisclosed source 12,000
Winnings from Lotteries (Net) 33,500
Royalty on a book written by him 9,000
Lectures in Seminars 5,000
Interest on loan given to a relative 7,000
Interest on Debentures of a Company (listed in a Recognized Stock Exchange) Net of Taxes 3,588
Interest on Post Office Savings Bank Account 500
Interest on Government Securities 2,200
Interest on monthly Income Scheme of Post Office. 33,000

He paid `1,000 for typing the manuscript of book written by him.

Answer:

Computation of the income from Other Source of P for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to previous
year 2016-17:
Particulars ` `
Director‘s fees 10,000
Interest on bank deposit 3,000
Income from undisclosed source 12,000
Royalty on books written 9,000
Less: Expenses 1,000 8,000
Lectures in seminars 5,000
Interest on loan given to a relative 7,000

DIRECT TAXATION 182


Interest on listed debentures -Net received 3,588
Add: T.D.S @ 10% [3,588 x (10/90)] 399 3,987
Interest on Post Office Savings Bank [exempt under Section 10(15)] Nil
Interest on Government Securities 2,200
Income on Post Office monthly Income Scheme 33,000
Winning from lotteries (Net) 33,500
Add: T.D.S @ 30% [33500 x (20/70)] 14,357 47,857
Income From Other Sources 1,32,044

Example 2: A, is engaged in retail trade and is a distributor for the products of Mr. X. In appreciation of
high turnover effected by Mr. A, Mr. X presented him a new car worth ` 4 lakhs. Discuss the eligibility to
tax of the above receipt in the hands of Mr. A. [CMA Inter- June 2009]

Answer:
As per the provision of Section 28(v), the value of any benefit or perquisite, whether convertible into
money or not, arising from business or in exercise of a profession shall be taxable as business income.
The value of car of ` 4,00,000 is chargeable to tax as business income.

Example 3: In the following cases, state the head of income under which the relevant receipt is to be
assessed, along with reasons:
V let out his property to B. B sublets it. How is subletting receipt to be assessed in the hands of B?
[CMA Inter- June 2010]
Answer:
Depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case, sub-letting receipt is to be assessed as
―Income from other sources‖ or as ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ in the hands of Mr. B. It is
not assessable as income from house property, since one of the conditions for assessing an income
under this head is that the assesse should be the owner of the property. In this case, since Mr. B is not
the owner of the house property, sub-letting receipt cannot be assessed under the head ―Income from
House Property‖.

Example 4:
J received the following gifts during the financial year 2016-2017 `
Cash gift from father-in-law 25,000
Cash gift friends on the occasion of marriage 37,000
Gift by the way of wrist watch from a friend (Value of watch) 12,000
Shares received as gift from wife‘s friend:
Market value as on the date of gift 51,000
State the taxability of each item above. Calculation of the total amount liable to tax is not required.
[CMA Inter- Dec 2010]

Answer:
Sl. No. Particulars Answer
(i) Cash gift from father-in-law Exempt
(ii) Gifts received at the time of marriage Exempt
(iii) Gifts received from a friend (not covered by the term ‗Property‘) Exempt
(iv) Shares received from wife‘s friend (As per explanation to Section 56(2)(vii), shares Taxable
are given in the definition of Property)

Example 5 : Discuss, with reasons, the taxability of the following transactions during the assessment year
2017-18. The assessee in each case is a different person.

DIRECT TAXATION 183


1. Cash gift amounting to `50,000 received from a friend on 31st August, 2016.
2. Cash gift of `50,001 received from a friend on the occasion of marriage anniversary of X on 2 nd
April, 2016.
3. Units of Mutual Fund received as gift from a business associate on 1st April, 2016. The value of the
units on that date was `55,000. The units are sold by X on 31st March, 2017 and after deduction of
0·125% securities transaction tax net proceeds amounting to `54,931.25 realized.
4. Cash gifts of `40,000 received on 1st April, 2016from each of the two friends.
5. Gifts valued `55,000 received from a friend on 1st December, 2016. The gift comprises a gold ring
valued `10,000 and the balance in cash.

Answer:
1. The provision of Section 56(2)(vi)(a)[andSection56(2)(vii) w.e.f. 1.10.2009] is attracted if the amount
of cash gift exceeds ` 50,000. In the present case the amount of gift does not exceed
` 50,000.Therefore, nothing would be taxable.
2. Cash gifts received by an individual or a Hindu undivided family on or after 1 st April, 2006 from any
person, except from the specified relatives, shall be taxable in full. In this case ` 50,001 shall be
taxable under the head ―Income from other sources‖.
3. Shares or securities received as gift from an associate on or after 1.10.2009 attract the provisions of
Section 56(2)(vi)(c)if the value of such gift exceeds `50,000. Accordingly, the entire amount of
`55,000 shall be taxable during the previous year 2016-17. On subsequent sale within one year the
assessee will be liable to pay tax on short-term capital gains as under:
Sale proceeds excluding securities transaction tax–Cost of acquisition being the fair market value
on the date of acquisition of the assets: [`55,000–55,000]=Nil.
[Under the fifth proviso to Section 48, securities transaction tax paid is not deductible for
computing capital gains tax].
4. Cash gifts received from friends attracts the provision of Section 56(2)(vii)(a). Under clause (a), the
aggregate value of cash gifts exceeding 50,000 is taxable in full. Therefore, the entire amount of
`80,000 shall be taxable at the hands of X.
5. Gifts received in cash or in kind on or after 1.10.2010 comes within the purview of the newly inserted
Section 56(2)(vii). Clause (a) of the aforesaid section covers gift received from specified persons
and becomes taxable only if the amount is in excess of `50,000. Clause(c) of the same section
covers gift of any other property other than immovable property and becomes taxable if the
aggregate value of such property is in excess of ` 50,000. The term ―property‖ has been defined in
Explanation (d) of Section 56 (2) and means: (i) immovable property being land or building or both;
(ii) shares and securities; (iii) jewellery; (iv) archaeological collections; (v) drawings; (vi) paintings;
(vii) sculptures; (viii) any work of art or (ix) bullion;
Since the aforesaid definition of property does not include cash, it will not be aggregated with
other property in order to arrive at the value of `50,000. Thus, in the present case neither cash gift
nor the gift of the gold ring shall be taxable in the hands of X.

Example 6: X is the owner of a piece of urban agricultural land, which he had been using for several
years for the purpose of agriculture. The land was compulsorily acquired by the Government and in
consideration a sum of `5,00,000 was received from the Government during the financial year 2013-14.
Pursuant to a litigation, a further sum of `3,00,000 along with interest of `30,000 was also received by
him during the financial year 2015-16. His legal expenses for this purpose were `20,000.
Discuss the taxability of the sum in the hands of the assessee.

Answer:
Compensation received for compulsory acquisition of urban agricultural land is exempt u/s 10(37). But
with effect from the assessment year 2012-13, interest on compensation or additional compensation is
taxable u/s 56(2)(viii). However, the assessee shall be eligible to claim deduction on account of such
interest for a sum equal to 50% of the amount of interest –vide newly inserted Section 57(iv). There shall

DIRECT TAXATION 184


be no other deduction for any expenses incurred for this purpose. In view of the aforesaid, ` 15,000
(30,000 less 50%) shall be taxable to the assessee during the assessment year 2017-2018.

Example 7: On 1 April 2007, X acquired a house property in Kolkata for `10,80,000. On 1.1.2013 he entered
in to an agreement to sell the property to Y for `19,00,000 and got an advance of `1,00,000. On the failure of Y to
complete the transaction on time, the agreement was cancelled and the advance money was forfeited by X.
Subsequently, X entered into another agreement for sale with Z and on 1.4. 2016 and got an advance of `1,50,000, the
balance amount of `29,00,000 is to be paid at the time of registration before the end of the current financial year. X
informs that this agreement also fell through and he had forfeited the advance money.
Discuss the tax treatment for the forfeiture of the advance.

Answer:
Advance money received and forfeited before the financial year 2014-2015 shall be deducted from
the cost of acquisition of the property while calculating capital gains at the time of transfer of the
property. However, advance money received and forfeited on or after 1 st April 2014, shall be treated
as Income from other sources, if the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) The sum is forfeited; and
(ii) The negotiations do not result in transfer of such capital assets.

In the present case, since the capital asset is not yet transferred, `1,00,000 that was received on the first occasion shall
remain untaxed till the property is actually sold or transferred, while the advance money received and forfeited on
the second occasion shall be treated as Income from other sources during the assessment year 2017-2018.

Multiple Choice Questions


1. The provision of 56(2)(vii) is applicable
(a) All assessee
(b) An individual and HUF
(c) On an individual only
(d) On an HUF only
Answer: (b) An individual and HUF)

2. On the occasion of marriage of A, he received a gift of ` 65,000 from a relative. Such amount shall
be-
(a) Taxable
(b) Taxable subject to standard deduction of 50%
(c) Not taxable
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Not taxable

3. Marriage gift from a non-relative is ______


(a) Exempted from tax
(b) Not exempted from tax
(c) Taxable
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Exempted from tax

4. In case of winnings from horse races, payments exceeding _____ are subject to tax deduction at
source at the rate of:
(a) ` 5,000
(b) ` 2,000
(c) ` 15,000
(d) ` 10,000
Answer: (a) ` 5,000

DIRECT TAXATION 185


5. The maximum amount of standard deduction in case of family pension is _____
(a) ` 5,000
(b) ` 2,000
(c) ` 15,000
(d) ` 10,000
Answer: (c) ` 15,000

6. Expenses of purchasing lottery are deducted out of winning from lottery under the head income
from other sources
(a) True
(b) False
Answer: (b) False

DIRECT TAXATION 186


STUDY NOTE : 12
INCOME OF OTHER PERSONS INCLUDED IN ASSESSEE‘S TOTAL INCOME
[CLUBBING OF INCOME – SECTIONS 60 – 65]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


12.1 Introduction
12.2 Transfer of Income without transfer of assets [Section 60]
12.3 Income of Individual to include income of spouse, minor child, etc. [Section 64]
12.4 Income from assets transferred to spouse [Section 64(1)(iv)]
12.5 Income from assets transferred to son‘s wife [Section 64(1)(vi)]
12.6 Clubbing of Income when transferred asset is invested in business [Explanation 3 to Section 64]
12.7 Income from assets transferred to other person or AOP for the benefit of spouse [Section 64
(1)(vii)]
12.8 Income from assets transferred to other person or AOP for the benefit of son‘s wife [Section
64(1)(viii)]
12.9 Income from accretion to property transferred or accumulated income of such property
12.10 Clubbing of income of minor child [Section 64(1A)]
12.11 Income from self-acquired property converted into joint family property [Section 64(2)]
12.12 Liability of a person in respect of income included in the income of another person [Section 65]:

12.1 INTRODUCTION

Under the Income-tax Act 1961, an assessee is generally liable to pay tax in respect of his own income.
However, there are certain circumstances where the incomes of others persons are also included in his
income. This is known as clubbing of income.
The clubbing provisions are necessary because in a taxation system where the tax burden increases
with the increase in the slab of income, there is always a possibility on the part of the assessee to divert
income, at least partially, in favour of the spouse, minor children or other persons, to minimise the tax
burden, but at the same time, retaining control over the income.
For example, if a male individual below the age of 60 years has a total income of `3,00,000, then his tax
liability is ` 5,000. But if the assessee diverts a part of the income, say ` 50,000, in favour of his minor son,
then the assessee‘s own income becomes ` 2,50,000 and his son‘s income becomes ` 50,000 and both
his son and he himself can avoid paying any tax.
Chapter V of the Income-tax Act (i.e., Sections 60 to 65) contains deterrent provisions whereby such
incomes of the other persons are to be clubbed with the total income of the assessee. The various
situations where such clubbing is done are discussed below:

12.2 TRANSFER OF INCOME WITHOUT TRANSFER OF ASSETS [SECTION 60]

All income arising to any person by virtue of a transfer shall be chargeable to income-tax as the
income of the transferor and shall be included in his total income, provided that the following
conditions exist:
(a) There is a transfer of income by the assessee.
(b)The income so transferred may be revocable or irrevocable.
(c) Such income is transferred either before or after the commencement of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
(d) The assessee does not transfer the assets from which such income arises.

DIRECT TAXATION 187


A. Revocable transfer of assets [Section61]:
As provided in section 61, all income arising to any person by virtue of a revocable transfer of assets,
shall be chargeable to income-tax as the income of the transferor and shall be included in his total
income.

B. Exceptions when transfer is irrevocable for specified period [Section 62(1)]:


Section 62 provides the exceptions to the rule contained in section 61 that in the case of revocable
transfer of asset, income arising from such assets shall be included in the total income of the transferor.
The following are the exceptions where income arising to any person from transfer of assets, shall not be
included in the total income of the transferor:
(a) such income arises to any person by virtue of a transfer by way of a trust which is not revocable
during the lifetime of the beneficiary, and in the case of any other transfer, it is not revocable during
the life time of the transferee; or
(b) such income arises by virtue of a transfer made before 1 st April, 1961 and is not revocable for a
period exceeding six years.
In both the cases, the transferor should not derive any direct or indirect benefit from such income.
The income in this case shall be chargeable in the hands of the transferee. Section 62(2), however,
provides that, as and when the power to revoke the transfer arises, the income shall be chargeable in
the hands of the transferor.

Example 1:
On 1.4.2010 X transfers a house property to a trust with the explicit direction that till the life time of Y, his
widowed mother, the income from the house shall be applied for the maintenance of Y. Y dies on
1.5.2016 and thereafter X continues to receive the income from the house. Discuss who is liable to tax in
respect of the income from the house property:

Answer:
By virtue of Section 62(1), from 1.4.2010 to 1.5.2016, the trustees shall be liable to tax in respect of the
income from the house for that period. Under Section 62(2), income arising from the
propertyafter1.5.2016 shall be assessable in the hands of X.

C. Meaning of transfer and revocable transfer [Section 63]:


For the purpose of Sections 60, 61 and 62, the expressions ―transfer‖ and ―revocable transfer‖ shall
mean the following:
(a) Transfer: It includes any settlement, trust, covenant, agreement or arrangement.
(b) Revocable transfer: A transfer shall be deemed to be revocable if:
(i) it contains any provision for the re-transfer directly or indirectly of the whole or any part of the
income or assets to the transferor; or
(ii) it, in any way, gives the transferor a right to re-assume power directly or indirectly over the whole or
any part of the income or assets.

12.3 INCOME OF INDIVIDUAL TO INCLUDE INCOME OF SPOUSE, MINOR CHILD, ETC. [SECTION64]

In computing income of an individual, the income of the under mentioned persons shall be included in
the total income of the individual;

Remuneration received by spouse [Section 64(1)(ii)]:


Income arising to the spouse of an individual by way of salary, commission, fees or any other form of
remuneration, whether in cash or in kind from a concern in which such individual has substantial
interest, shall be included in the total income of such an individual.

B. Exceptions:
Where the aforesaid income arises to the spouse by virtue of possession of technical or professional
qualifications and the income is solely attributable to the application of his or her technical or

DIRECT TAXATION 188


professional knowledge and experience, the income of the spouse shall not be clubbed with the total
income of the individual [ProvisotoSection64(1)(ii)].

When both the husband and wife have substantial interests [Explanation 1 to Section 64(1)]:
When both husband and wife have substantial interests in the concern and both of them are in receipt
of remuneration, the remuneration shall be clubbed with the total income of the husband or wife,
whose total income (excluding such remuneration) is greater. Once any such income is included in the
total income of either spouse, such income arising in any succeeding year shall not be included in the
total income of the other spouse, unless the Assessing Officer is satisfied, after giving that spouse an
opportunity of being heard, that it is necessary to do so.

C. Meaning of substantial interest [Explanation 2]:


For the purpose of Section 64(1)(ii), an individual shall be deemed to have a substantial interest in a
concern:
(i) in a case where the concern is a company, if its shares (not being shares entitled to a fixed rate of
dividend whether with or without a further right to participate in profits) carrying not less than 20% of
the voting power are, at any time during the previous year, owned beneficially by such person or
partly by such person and partly by one or more of his relatives;
(ii) in any other case, if such person is entitled, or such person and one or more of his relatives, are
entitled to the aggregate, at any time during the previous year, to not less than 20% of the profits of
such concern.
Example 2:
(a) Mr. X and Mrs. X are employed in X Ltd., where both of them are holding equity shares to the extent
of 20% and 25% respectively. Salary of Mr. X is ` 20,000 p.m. while that of Mrs. X is ` 24,000 p.m.
Other incomes of Mr. X and Mrs. X are ` 1,20,000 and `1,00,000 respectively.
Compute the total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X.
(b) What will be the total income of Mr. X and Mrs. Y if both of them are employed in X Ltd. as
chartered accountants?
Answer:
(a) Since the remunerations received by Mr. X and Mrs. X from X Ltd. Are not owing to possession of any
technical or professional qualifications, under Section 64(1)(ii), read with Explanation1, salary of Mrs. X
shall be clubbed with the total income of Mr. X and the total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X will be as
under:
Computation of total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X
` `
Mr. X Mrs. X
Income under the head "Salaries":
Mr. X [` 2,40,000 less deduction u/s 16] 2,40,000 -
Mrs. X [ ` 2,88,000 less deduction u/s 16] 2,88,000 -
Income from other sources: 1,20,000 1,00,000
Gross total income 6,48,000 1,00,000
Less : Deductions u/ss 80C to 80U Total income Nil Nil
Total income 6,48,000 1,00,000
(b) Since both Mr. X and Mrs. X are chartered accountants and the remunerations received by them
are in exercise of their professional skills, the provision of Section 64(1)(ii) for clubbing of income shall not
be applicable. Accordingly, the total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X shall be as under:
Computation of total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X
Mr. X Mrs. X
` `
Income under the head Salaries (as above) 2,40,000 2,88,000
Income from other source 1,20,000 100000
Gross total income 3,60,000 3,88,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C to 80U Nil Nil
Total income 3,60,000 3,88,000
DIRECT TAXATION 189
12.4 INCOME FROM ASSETS TRANSFERRED TO SPOUSE [SECTION 64(1)(IV)]
Income arising to the spouse of an individual from any asset (other than house property) transferred
directly or indirectly to the spouse of such individual, otherwise than for adequate consideration or in
connection with an agreement to live apart, shall be included in the total income of such individual.
House property transferred to the spouse, otherwise than for adequate consideration, is outside the
ambit of Section 64(1)(iv) because, in the case of such transfer (not being a transfer in connection with
an agreement to live apart), the transferor is deemed to be the owner of the property and is
accordingly chargeable to tax for income arising from such property.

12.5 Income from assets transferred to son‘s wife [Section 64(1)(vi)]

Income arising to the son‘s wife of any individual from any asset transferred directly or indirectly on or
after 1st June, 1973, to the son‘s wife, otherwise than for adequate consideration, shall be included in
the total income of such individual.

12.6 CLUBBING OF INCOME WHEN TRANSFERRED ASSET IS


INVESTED IN BUSINESS [EXPLANATION 3 TO SECTION 64]

Where the assets transferred directly or indirectly by an individual to his spouse or son‘s wife (i.e., the
transferee) are invested by the transferee, income arising from such investments shall be included in the
total income of that individual for that previous year as under:
(i) When the transferred assets are invested in any business, (such investment being not in the nature
of the contribution of capital as partner in a firm or for being admitted to the benefits of partnership
in a firm), the part of the income arising out of business to the transferee in any previous year, which
bears the same proportion to the income of the assets aforesaid as on the first day of the previous
year bears to the total investment in the business by the transferee as on the first day of the
previous year.
(ii) When the transferred assets invested by the transferee are towards the contribution of capital as a
partner in a firm, the part of the interest receivable by the assessee from the firm in any previous
year, which bears the same proportion to the interest receivable by the transferee from the firm as
the value of investment aforesaid as on the first day of the previous year bears to the total
investment by way of capital contribution as a partner in the firm as on the said day.
It may be noted that the provision of Explanation3 to Section 64 applies to only interests receivable from
the firm. It does not apply to share of profits from the firm, as such income is exempt under Section
10(2A).

Example: 3
On 1.4.2016, Mr. X had gifted ` 1,00,000 to his wife Mrs. X. On the same day, Mrs. X borrowed ` 1,50,000
from the bank by mortgaging her jewellery and the total amount was invested by her in a business. For
the year ending 31st March, 2017, the total profit earned from the business amounted to ` 50,000.
Determine the amount to be clubbed in the hands of Mr. X.

Solution:
For the assessment year 2016-2017 relating to the previous year 2015-2016, the amount to be included in
the total income of Mr. X is ` 20,000, calculated as under:

Profits of the business × Amount invested


out of the gift money as on the first day of
the previous year 50,000 1,00,000
= = 20,000
Total amount invested as on the first day 2,50,000
of the previous year

12.7 INCOME FROM ASSETS TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PERSON OR


DIRECT TAXATION 190
AOP FOR THE BENEFIT OF SPOUSE [SECTION 64(1)(VII)]
Income arising to any person or association of persons from assets transferred directly or indirectly by
any individual, otherwise than for adequate consideration, to the person or association of persons, shall
be included in the total income of such individual to the extent to which income from such assets is for
the immediate or deferred benefit of the spouse of the individual.

12.8 INCOME FROM ASSETS TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PERSON OR


AOP FOR THE BENEFIT OF SPOUSE [SECTION 64(1)(VII)]

In the case of any transfer of asset by an individual on or after 1st June, 1973 to any person or
association of persons, otherwise than for adequate consideration, any income arising to the person or
association of persons from such assets shall be included in the total income of the individual to the
extent to which such income is for the immediate or deferred benefit of the son‘s wife of the individual.

12.9 INCOME FROM ACCRETION TO PROPERTY TRANSFERRED OR


ACCUMULATED INCOME OF SUCH PROPERTY

When any asset is transferred by the individual under clauses (iv), (vi), (vii) and (viii) of Section 64(1), any
income arising from accumulated income or from accretions to such assets shall not be included in the
total income of the individual. [C.I.T. vs. Saraswathi 133 ITR 315].

12.10 CLUBBING OF INCOME OF MINOR CHILD [SECTION


64(1A)]
In computing the total income of any individual, all such income as arises or accrues to a minor child
shall be included in the total income of such individual.

When clubbing is not applicable:


The income of the minor child shall not be included in the total income of the parent of the minor
when:
(i) the minor child is suffering from any of the disabilities specified in Section 80U (e.g., permanent
Physical disability including blindness, mental r e tar da ti on , etc.); or,
(ii) the income arises to such minor on account of any manual work done by him; or
(iii) the income arises to the minor from activity involving application of his skill, talent or specialised
knowledge and experience.

● Further considerations:
Points to note: The provisions of Section 64(1A) relating to the clubbing of minor‘s income with the
total income of his or her parent is subject to the following further considerations:
(i) The income of the minor child shall be included in the total income of either of the parents,
whose total income (excluding the minor‘s income) is greater, provided that the marriage of the
minor‘s parents subsists. Where such marriage of the parents does not subsist, it shall be included
in the total income of the parent who maintains the minor child in the previous year.
(ii) Where any such income is once included in the total income of either parent, any such income
arising in any succeeding year shall not be included in the total income of the other parent,
unless the Assessing Officer is satisfied, after giving that parent an opportunity of being heard,
that it is necessary to do so.
(iii) The parent, whose total income includes the income of any minor child, can claim exemption
under Section 10(32) to the extent such income does not exceed `1,500 in respect of each
minor child, whose income is so included in the total income of the parent.

DIRECT TAXATION 191


12.11 INCOME FROM SELF-ACQUIRED PROPERTY CONVERTED
INTO JOINT FAMILY PROPERTY [SECTION 64(2)] 64(1A)]

When an individual, being a member of a Hindu undivided family, converts on or after 31st December,
1969 his separate property into joint family property, otherwise than for adequate consideration, the
income derived from such property shall be included in the total income of the individual.

A. Consequence of partition of Hindu undivided family [Section 64(2)(c)]


When the converted property has been the subject matter of a partition (whether partial or total)
amongst the members of the family, the income derived from such converted property, as is received
by the spouse of the individual after the partition, shall be deemed to arise to the spouse from assets
transferred indirectly by the individual to the spouse and shall be accordingly included in the total
income of the individual who transferred the asset.
Clubbing of loss:
For the purpose of Section 64, income includes loss also. Therefore, loss arising to the transferee shall
also be included in the total income of the transferor.

12.12 LIABILITY OF A PERSON IN RESPECT OF INCOME INCLUDED IN THE


INCOME OF ANOTHER PERSON [ SECTION 65]

As discussed above, although income from any transfer of asset or from membership in a firm is to be
included in the total income of the transferor, under Section 65, the Assessing Officer may serve notice
to the transferee to pay the portion of tax levied on the transferor, which is attributable to the income
so clubbed.
In a case, where such asset is held jointly by more than one person, they shall be jointly and severally
liable to pay the tax which is attributable to the income from the assets so included.

Example 4: Following particulars were provided by Mr. D


`
Income from Mr. D‘s business 90,000
Salary derived from an educational institution by Mrs. D; she is the
Principal of that institution 50,000
Interest on Company deposits were made in the name of Master K
(Minor son). These deposits were made in the name of K by his father‘s
Father about 6 years ago. 12,000
Receipts from sale of paintings and drawings made by minor S (Minor
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D and a noted child artist) 60,000
Income by way of lottery earning by Master P
(Minor son of Mr. and Mrs. D) 28,000
Discuss whether the above will form part of the total income of any individual, duly considering
applicability of clubbing provisions in each case, and also compute the total income of Mr. D.
[CMA Inter, Dec. 2008]
Answer:
Mr. D‘s income from business is assessable in his own hands.
Mrs. D‘s salary is assessable in her own hands. The clubbing provision is not attracted to in case of
salary income unless it is received from a concern in which the spouse has substantial interest.
The income of minor sons Master K and P will be clubbed with income of the parent whose total
income before clubbing is greater. Mr. D‘s income (` 90,000) is greater than the total income of Mrs.
D (` 50,000). Hence the income of the minor children will be clubbed in the hands of Mr. D.
The income of minor daughter S from painting is chargeable in her individual hands. The clubbing
provisions do not apply to minor child‘s income which is earned by her from manual work or activity
involving application of specialized knowledge, talent, skill or experience. Lottery winnings?
Computation of income of Mr. D for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17

DIRECT TAXATION 192


Particulars ` ` `
Profits and gains of business or profession 90,000
Income from other sources:
Interest on Company deposit derived by Master K [clubbed u/s 64(1A)] 12,000
Less: Exemption under Section 10(32) 1,500 10,500
Lottery earning by Master P 26,000
Less: Exemption under Section 10(32) 1,500 24,500 35,000
Gross Total Income/Total Income 1,25,000

Example 5: The following details of income of Mr. X and his wife, for the assessment year 2017-18 are
made available to you:
Mr. X Mrs. X
` `
Income from own business/profession 1,20,000 90,000
Income from other sources 2,10,000 1,10,000
Income received from Z & Co. 20,000 4,10,000
Salary received from Z & Co. 96,000 84,000

Mr. X and Mrs. X are partners in Z & Co. each having 10% profits sharing. Determine the total income of
Mr. X and Mrs. X. Will your answer be different, (a) If each one of them holds 8% shares in profits of Z &
Co.? (b) Mr. X and Mrs. X both possess professional qualifications. [CMA Inter- June 2009]

Answer:

(a) Since Mr. and Mrs. X together hold 20% share in the concern, the clubbing provisions as mentioned
in section 64(1) will be applicable here. The salary shall be clubbed with the total income of the
husband or wife, whose total income, excluding the remuneration, is greater. In the present case total
income (excluding salary from Z & Co.) of Mrs. X is more than the total income of Mr. X (See note 1).
Accordingly, salary of Mr. X from Z & Co. shall be clubbed with the income of Mrs. X and the total
income of Mr. and Mrs. X will be as under:
Mr. X (`) Ms. X (`)
Income from own business 1,20,000 90,000
Interest from Z & Co. 20,000 4,10,000
Income from other sources (as given) 2,10,000 1,10,000
Salary from Z & Co.: -
Mr. X (Clubbed u/s 64(1)) - 96,000
Mrs. X 84,000
Gross total income 3,50,000 7,90,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C-80U Nil Nil
Total income 3,50,000 7,90,000
(b) If the combined shares of Mr. X and Mrs. X are less than 20%, the clubbing provision will not be
applicable. In that case, salary income of Mr. X will not be added with the income of Mrs. X.

Note 1: Total income of Mr. X and Mrs. X:


Mr. X Mrs. X
Income from own business 1,20,000 90,000
Income from other sources 2,10,000 1,10,000
Interest from Z & Co. 20,000 4,10,000
Add salary 3,50,000 6,10,000
Total

Example 6. Mr. R commenced business with a capital of ` 2 lakhs in the financial year 2009-10. His
capital as on 1.4.2015 was ` 5 lakhs. His wife gifted ` 1 lakh on 10.04.2015, which was also invested in the
business.

DIRECT TAXATION 193


His Net profit for the year 2015-16 = ` 2 lakhs.
His Net profit for the year 2016-17 = ` 4 lakhs.
Compute the income from business to be clubbed in the hands of Mrs. R and the income from business
taxable in the hands of Mr. R for the assessment year 2017-18.
Mr. R did not withdraw any money from the business from 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017.
[CWA Inter-June 2011]

Answer:
Computation of total income for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-2017
Particulars R‘s Capital Capital Contribution Total (`)
Contribution out of gift from wife
Created as on 01.04.2015 5,00,000 Nil 5,00,000
Investment as on 10.04.2015 out of gift from his wife Nil 1,00,000 1,00,000
Total Capital invested till 31.03.2016 5,00,000 1,00,000 6,00,000
Profit for F.Y 2015-16 2,00,000 Nil 2,00,000
Capital employed on 1.04.2016 7,00,000 1,00,000 8,00,000
Profit for the F.Y 2016-17 to be apportioned on the 3,50,000 50,000 4,00,000
basis of capital employed on 01.04.2016(i.e. 7:1 ratio)
Hence, the income assessable in the hands of Mr. R for A.Y 2017-18 is ` 3,50,000, and the income
assessable in the hands of Mrs. R for A.Y 2017-18 would be ` 50,000.

Example 7: On 21.3.2016, Mr. P gifted to his wife Mrs. P 200 listed shares, which had been bought by him
on19.4.2015 at ` 2,000 per share. On 1.6.2016 bonus shares were allotted in the ratio of 1:1. All these
shares were sold by Mrs. P as under.

Date of Manner of sale No. of shares Net sales value


sale (`)
21.5.2016 Sold in recognized stock exchange, STT paid 100 2,20,000
21.7.2016 Private sale to an outsider All bonus shares 1,25,000
28.2.2017 Private sale to her friend Mrs. N (Market value on this 100 1,70,000
date was `2,10,000)

Briefly state the income-tax consequences in respect of the sale of the shares by Mrs. P showing clearly
the person in whose hands the same is chargeable, the quantum and the head of income in respect of
the above transactions. Detailed computation of total income is NOT required.
Net sales value represents the amount credited after all taxes, levies, brokerage, etc., and the same
may be adopted for computing the capital gains.
Cost inflation index for the F.Y. 2016-17 is 1125 and for the F.Y. 2015-16is 1081. [CMA Inter-Dec 2011]

Answer:
Where an asset has been transferred by an individual to his spouse otherwise than for adequate
consideration, the income arising from the sale of the said asset by the spouse will be clubbed in the
hands of the individual.
Where there is any accretion to the asset transferred, income arising to the transferee from such
accretion will not be clubbed. Hence, the profit from sale of bonus shares allotted to Mrs. P will be
chargeable to tax in the hands of Mrs. P.
Therefore, the capital gains arising from the sale of the original shares has to be included in the hands of
Mr. P, and the capital gains arising from the sale of bonus shares would be taxable in the hands of Mrs.
P. Where an asset received by way of gift has been sold, the period of holding of the previous owner
should be considered for determining whether the capital gain is long term or short term. The cost to the
previous owner has to be taken as the cost of acquisition.

DIRECT TAXATION 194


(a) Income/ loss to be clubbed in the hands of Mr. P Long-term capital gains/loss
Particulars `
(i) 100 shares sold on 21.5.2016 in a recognized stock exchange, STT paid. Long-term capital
gains on sale of such shares is exempt under section10(38) Nil
(ii) Shares sold to a friend on 28.2.2011:
Sale consideration 1,70.000
Less: Indexed cost of acquisition of 100 shares(`2,000 × 100 × 1125/1081) 2,08,140
Long term capital loss to be included in the hands of Mr. P (38,140)

(b) Income taxable in the hands of Mrs. P: Short-term capital gains (on sale of 100 bonus shares)

Particulars `
Sale consideration 1,25,000
Less: Cost of acquisition of bonus shares Nil
Short-term capital gains 1,25,000

(c) Taxability in the hands of Mrs. N under the head ―Income from other sources‖
Mrs. N has received shares from her friend Mrs. P for inadequate consideration. Even though shares fall
within the definition of ―property‖ under section 56(2)(vii), the provisions of section
56(2)(vii) would not be attracted in the hands of Mrs. N, since the difference between the fair market
value of shares and actual sale consideration does not exceed `50,000.

Example 8. M gifted `3,00,000 to his wife on 01.07.2016, which she invested in her beauty parlour
business. The capital of Mrs. M as on 01.04.2016 was `6,00,000. The profit for the year ended 31.03.2017
(computed) from business amounts to `2,40,000.
The total income of M (before clubbing) is `4,50,000 (computed).
Determine the income liable for clubbing in the hands of Mr. M out of the incomes earned by Mrs. M
during the financial year 2016-17. [CMA Inter-Dec 2013]

Answer:
Since the amount was gifted by M to his wife on 1.7.2016, it will not attract the clubbing provision
contained in the Explanation 3 to section 64. The provision of this Explanation require clubbing of
income from gifted property in the same proportion to the transferee from the business as the value of
the assets as on the first day of the previous year bears to the total investment in the business by the
transferee. However, from financial year 2017-18, the clubbing would be applicable.

Example 9: Mr. A started a proprietary business on 20.04.2015 with a capital of `5,50,000. His wife Smt. P
gifted `2,00,000 on the occasion of his birthday on 28.07.2015, out of which he introduced `1,00,000 into
his proprietary business.
Details of his income from business are given below:
Financial year (Loss) Income
2015-16 `(1,50,000) -
2016-17 - `4,00,000

He did not withdraw any amount from the business for his personal use. Determine the amount
chargeable to tax in the hands of A and the amount liable for clubbing in the hands of his wife Smt. P.
[CMA Inter-Dec 2013]

Answer:

Computation of Income from business chargeable in the hands of Mr. A and clubbing in the hands of
Smt. P.:
Sl. Particulars 2015–2016 2016–2017
No. (`) (`)
(i) Profit/(Loss) `(1,50,000) ` 4,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 195


(ii) Gifted amount considering `1,00,000 --
the investing part in the
business
(iii) Capital `5,50,000 `5,00,000 [Previous Year Capital + gifted amount–
[Loss of Business] (5,50,000+1,00,000–1,50,000)
(iv) Clubbed Amount -- ` 80,000 [Profit Earned x Gifted Amount ÷ Total
Capital] (4,00,000x1,00,000÷5,00,000)
(v) Income chargeable in the -- ` 3,20,000
hands of A [Profit Earned–Clubbed Amount] (4,00,000–80,000)

Income chargeable to tax in the hands of A= `3,20,000.


Clubbing in the hands of P = ` 80,000.

Notes:
Based on Mohini Thapar vs. CIT and R. Ganesan vs. CIT case decisions, the amount of profit to the
extent of gifted to total capital on the first day of the previous year must be clubbed in the hands of
Smt. P. The gift was made on 28.07.2015. Therefore, the clubbing provisions shall not apply as the gift
was made after the 1st day of the previous year. As per question, A not withdraw any amount for his
personal use. So, closing capital of 2015-16 plus profit for that year is taken as the capital for Financial
Year 2016-17.

DIRECT TAXATION 196


STUDY NOTE : 13
SET OFF AND CARRY FORWARD OF LOSSES [SECTIONS 70-80]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


13.1 Introduction
13.2 Inter-source adjustments [Section 70]
13.3 Inter-head adjustments [Section 71]
13.4 Carry forward of loss
13.5 Carry forward and set off of loss and depreciation in the case of amalgamation or demerger
[Section 72A (1)]:
13.6 Carry forward and set off of loss and depreciation in the case of demerger [Section 72A(4)]
13.7 Carry forward and set-off of accumulated loss and unabsorbed depreciation allowance in
case of amalgamation of banking company [Section 72AA]
13.8 Carry forward and set-off of accumulated loss and unabsorbed depreciation allowance in
business reorganization of co-operative banks [Section 72AB]
13.9 Losses of firms [Section 75]
13.10 Carry forward and set off of losses in case of change in constitution of firm or on succession
[Section 78]
13.11 Carry forward and set off of losses in the case of certain companies [Section 79]
13.12 Submission of return for losses [Section 80]

13.1 INTRODUCTION

It may be pointed out that Income-tax is one tax which is imposed on a single tax base known as ―Total
Income‖. One of the important consequences that follow from this is that while aggregating incomes
under different heads in order to arrive at the total income, the losses, if any under any of the heads,
will have to be deducted. Sections 70-80 of the Income-tax Act provide the procedure for adjustments
of losses in the process of computing the total income. Under the Income-Tax Act, 1961, the right of the
assessee to set off and carry forward a loss is, however, not unrestricted. Sections 70 to 80, which contain
the provisions relating to set off and carry forward, involves the following three stages:
(a) Inter-source adjustments,
(b) Inter-head adjustments, and
(c) Carry forward of losses.
These provisions are discussed below:

13.2 INTER-SOURCE ADJUSTMENTS [SECTION 70]

Inter-source adjustments involves set off of loss from one source against income from another source
under the same head of income.

Where the net result for any assessment year in respect of any source falling under any head of income
is a loss, the assessee shall be entitled to have the amount of such loss set off against his income from
any other source under the same head [Section 70(1)]. For example, a short-term capital loss can be
set off against any short-term capital gain or long-term capital gain in the same year [Section 70(2)].

Exceptions:
(i) Long-term capital loss: Long-term capital loss can be set off against long-term capital gains only.
(ii) Speculation loss: Any loss in respect of a speculation business can be set off only against profits
and gains of another speculation business [Section 73(1)].
(iii) Loss from owning and maintaining race horses: A loss incurred from the activity of owning and
maintaining race horses can be set off only against income from owning and maintaining race
horses, and not against income from any other sources [Section 74A(3)].

DIRECT TAXATION 197


(iv) Loss from gambling, lotteries, crossword puzzles, etc.: Under section 58(4), income by way of
winnings from lotteries, crossword puzzles, races including horse races, card games and other
games of any sort or from gambling or betting of any form or nature cannot be applied to set
off any loss [Section 58(4)].
(v) Loss from a source which is exempt: If income from a particular source is altogether exempt
from tax, loss from such sources cannot be set off against income of a source which is taxable.

Example 1:

X furnishes the following particulars of his income and losses during the previous year 2016- 2017:
`
(a) Long-term capital gain from house property 60,000
(b) Short-term capital gain from shares 20,000
(c) Short-term capital loss from house property 30,000
(d) Income from house property 20,000
(e) Loss from trading business 60,000
(f) Profits from construction business 1,00,000
(g) Loss from speculation business in bullion 16,000

You are required to compute his total income for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:

Computation of total income of X for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.
● Income from house property
● Profits and gains of business or profession:
Profits from construction business 20,000
Less: Loss from trading business 1,00,000
Less: Loss from speculation business to be (–) 60,000
carried forward, as it can be set off only
against profits of a speculation business Nil

● Capital gains: 60,000 40,000


Long-term capital gain from house property 20,000
Short-term capital gain from shares (–) 30,000
Short-term capital loss from house property (Note) 50,000
Gross total income 1,10,000
Less: Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U Nil
Total income 1,10,000

Note: U n d e r s ection 70, short-term capital loss can be set off only against capital gains arising from
transfer of short-term or long-term capital assets.

13.3 INTER-HEAD ADJUSTMENTS [SECTION 71]

As provided under section 70, if the results of computation under one head is a loss, such loss can be
set off against income for that assessment year under any other head. For example, a loss under the
head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ can be set off against income under the head
―Capital gains‖ or Income from other sources. Similarly, a loss under the head ―Income from house
property‖ can be set off against income under the head ―Salaries‖ or under the head ―Income from
other sources‖.

DIRECT TAXATION 198


Important exceptions:
(i) Loss under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖: Any loss under the head
―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ cannot be set off against income under the head
―Salaries‖. [Section 71(2A)].
(ii) Loss under the head ―Capital gains‖: Where in respect of any assessment year the net result
of computation under the head ―Capital gains‖ is a loss, such loss cannot be set off against income
under any other head [Section 71(3)].
(iii) Speculation loss: Any loss computed in respect of a speculation business cannot be set off
against income under any other head. Such loss can be set off against profits and gains of another
speculation business only [Section 73(1)].
(iv) Loss from owning and maintaining race horses: Any loss computed in respect of the activity of
owning and maintaining race horses cannot be set off against income under any other heads. Such
loss can be set off against the income of similar activities only [Section 74A(3)].
(v) Loss from gambling, lotteries, crossword puzzles, card games, betting, or games of any other
sport: Loss from such gambling, lottery, etc., cannot be set off against income under any other
head [Section 58(4)].
(vi) Loss by specified business: Any loss computed in respect of any specified business referred to in
Section 35AD shall not be set off except against profits and gains, if any, of any other specified
business [Section 73A (1].

Example 2:
G, a businessman, furnishes the following particulars of his income and loss for the previous year 2016-
2017:
Income from house property in New Delhi 60,000
Loss from self-occupied house property 20,000
Profits from speculation business in scrap 40,000
Loss from speculation business in grains 20,000
Profits from retail business in cloth 40,000
Loss from betting 20,000
Long-term capital gain on transfer of house property 70,000
Long-term capital loss on sale of shares 40,000
Short-term capital loss on sale of plant and machinery 40,000
Assuming that G has no loss in the earlier previous years, compute his total income for
the assessment year 2017-2018.

Ans.: Computation of total income of G for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year
2016-2017.
` ` `
• Income from house property :
Income from New Delhi House 60,000
Loss from self-occupied house (-)20,000 40,000
• Profits and gains of business or profession :
Profits from speculation business in Scrap 40,000
Loss from speculation business in grains (-)20,000 20,000
Profits from retail business in cloth 40,000 60,000
• Capital gains:
Long-term capital gains on transfer of house property 70,000
Long-term capital loss on sale of shares set off (-) 40,000 30,000
Short-term capital loss on sale of plant and machinery set off (-)40,000
Loss under the head "Capital gains"
not to be set off against any other head (-)10,000 Nil
• Income from other sources :
Loss from betting not to be set off against any other income (-)20,000 Nil
Gross total income 1,00,000
Less: Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U Nil
Total income 100,000

DIRECT TAXATION 199


Example 3. J furnishes the following particulars of his income during the previous year 2016-2017:

Income under the head ―Salaries‖ 1,95,000


Loss from manufacturing business 80,000
Profits from construction business 60,000
Profits from speculation business in bullion 10,000
Loss from trading in shares (He never took delivery of shares) 25,000
Loss from self-occupied house 20,000
Dividend from Indian companies 5,000
Interest on fixed deposit in bank 10,000
Long-term capital gains 10,000
Short-term capital loss 15,000
Medical insurance premium paid 10,000

You are required to compute total income of J for the relevant assessment year.

Answer:
Computation of total income of J for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.

` ` `
• Income under the head "Salaries": 1, 95,000
• Income from house property: (-) 80,000 (-) 20,000 (-) 20,000
• Profits and gains of business or profession: (+) 60,000
Loss from manufacturing business Profits from construction business
Loss from speculation in shares (Note 1) (-) 25,000
Profits from speculation in bullion (+) 10,000
Speculation loss to be carried forward (-) 15,000
• Capital gains:
Long-term capital gains (+) 10,000
Short-term capital loss (-) 15,000
Loss under the head "Capital gains" not to be set off against any other (-) 5,000 Nil
head
• Income from other sources:
Dividend from Indian companies [Exempt w/s 10(34)] Nil + 10,000
Interest on fixed deposit with bank 10,000
Business loss not to be set off against "Salaries" (Note 2) (-) 10,000
Gross total income 1,75,000
Less: Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U:
Less: 80D in respect of medical insurance premium 10,000
Total income 1,65,000

Notes: 1. As per Section 43(5), where shares are purchased or sold without taking actual delivery, the
transaction is to be regarded as speculative transaction. Loss from such a source can be set off only
against profits from a similar source.
2. Loss under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ cannot be set off against income
under the head ―Salaries‖.

DIRECT TAXATION 200


13.4 CARRY FORWARD OF LOSS

If the results of computation under any head is a loss and the same cannot be set off against income
under other heads, such loss is to be carried forward to the following years and set off against the
income of the subsequent years.
Under the Income-tax Act, only the following losses can be carried forward:
(A) Loss under the head ―Income from house property‖.
(B) Loss under the head ―Profits and gains of business and profession‖ including loss of speculative
business and the business specified in Section 35AD.
(C) Loss under the head ―Capital gains‖.
(D) Loss under the head ―Income from other sources‖ to the extent it relates to the activity of owning
and maintaining of race horses.
The provisions relating to carry forward of these losses are discussed below.

A. Carry forward and set off of loss from house property [ Section 71B]:
If any loss under the head ―Income from house property‖ cannot be fully set off against income under any
other head of income in the same assessment year, then such loss shall be carried forward and set off
against the income under the head ―Income from house property‖ in the subsequent year or years.
Such loss can be carried forward for a maximum period of eight assessment years immediately
succeeding the assessment year for which the loss was first computed.

B. Carry forward and set off of business losses [Section 72]:


The provisions in this regards are as under:
(i) The loss can be carried forward and set off against the income in the subsequent year or years of
any business, profession or vocation carried on by the assessee.
(ii) The loss can be carried forward and set off in the subsequent assessment years against the income
of any business even if the original business in respect of which such loss was computed is
discontinued by the assessee.
(iii) The loss so carried forward can be set off against the income of any business in the subsequent
years even if such income is chargeable under other heads. For example, interest on securities held
by a bank as stock-in-trade, dividend on shares held in as stock-in-trade. The brought forward
business loss can be set off against income from these sources, as these incomes are considered to
be part of the business income of the assessee, even though these are chargeable under different
heads [Western State Trading vs. CIT 80 ITR 21(SC)].
(iv) Subject to the exceptions mentioned below, a business loss can be set off only by the assessee
who has incurred the loss.
Exceptions: The aforesaid rules are subject to the following exceptions;
 Inheritance
 Business loss in the case of amalgamation or demerger
 Firm or proprietary concern succeed by a company
 Private company or unlisted public company succeeded by a limited liability partnership
(v) Except for the loss of a discontinued business mentioned in section 33B, any loss under the head ―Profits
and gains of business and profession‖ can be carried forward for not more than eight assessment
years immediately succeeding the assessment year for which the loss was first computed.
(vi) The order of set off shall be as follows: Depreciation allowance can be carried forward without any time
limit. Besides, the other two allowances which can be carried forward without any time limit are:
(i) unabsorbed scientific research capital expenditure;
(ii) unabsorbed capital expenditure on family planning (applicable for corporate assessees only).
Section 72(2), however, provides that business loss shall be first set off before setting off
unabsorbed depreciation and unabsorbed scientific research, capital expenditure, etc.
The carried forward business loss shall be set off only after allowing the current year ‘s depreciation, the
current year‘s capital expenditure on scientific research and current year‘s capital expenditure on
family planning expenditure. In view of this proposition, the order of set off shall be as under:

DIRECT TAXATION 201


Order of set off:
(i) current year ‘s capital expenditure on scientific research [Section 35(1)] ;
(ii) current year ‘s capital expenditure on family planning [Section 36(1)(ix)] ;
(iii) current year ‘s depreciation [Section 32(1)];
(iv) brought forward business loss [Section 72(1)];
(v) Unabsorbed capital expenditure on family planning [Section 36(1)(ix)].
(vi) unabsorbed depreciation [Section 32(2)];
(vii) unabsorbed capital expenditure on scientific research [Section 35(4)].

C. Carry forward and set off of loss in the case of speculation business [Section 73]:
The loss of a speculation business can be set off only against the income of another speculation
business. The unabsorbed loss of such business can be carried forward for not more than four
assessment years immediately succeeding the year for which the loss was first computed.

● Meaning of speculation business:


The term ―speculative transaction‖ has been defined in Section 43(5). According to this section,
speculative transaction means a transaction in which a contract for the purchase or sale of any
commodity, including stocks and shares, is periodically or ultimately settled otherwise than by the
actual delivery or transfer of the commodity or scrips.

Exceptions: The following transactions are, however, not to be treated as speculative transactions:
(i) A contract in respect of raw materials or merchandise entered into by a person in the course
of his manufacturing or merchanting business to guard against loss through future price
fluctuations in respect of his contracts for actual delivery of goods manufactured by him or
merchandise sold by him.
(ii) A contract in respect of stocks and shares entered into by a dealer or investor therein to guard
against loss in his holdings of stocks and shares through price fluctuations.
(iii) A contract entered into by a member of a forward market or a stock exchange in the course
of any transaction in the nature of jobbing or arbitrage to guard against loss which may arise in
the ordinary course of his business as such member.
(iv) An eligible transaction in respect of trading in derivatives carried out in a recognized stock
exchange.
(v) (v) An eligible transaction in respect of trading in commodity derivatives carried out in a
recognized association which is chargeable to commodities transaction tax.

D. Carry forward of loss under the head ―Capital gains‖ [Section 74]:
Where in respect of any assessment year, the net result of computation under the head ―Capital gains‖
is a loss, such loss shall be carried forward to the following assessment year or years and shall be dealt
with as under:
(i) Loss from short-term capital assets may be set off against short-term or long-term capital gains.
(ii) Loss from long-term capital asset which is not set off under Section 71, shall be carried forward to the
following assessment year and shall be set off against income under the head ―Capital gains‖
assessable for the assessment year in respect of long-term capital assets only.
(iii) Any loss arising from transfer of short-term or long-term capital assets shall be carried forward for not
more than eight assessment years immediately succeeding the assessment year for which the loss
was first computed.

E. Carry forward and set off of loss from the activity of owning and maintaining of race horses [Section
74A (3)]:
Losses incurred by the assessee in the activity of owning and maintaining of race horses in any
assessment year as is not set off under Section 71, shall be carried forward to the following assessment
year and it shall be set off only against income from similar activities assessable for that assessment
year. Any such loss shall be carried forward for not more than four assessment years immediately
succeeding the assessment year in which the loss was first computed.

DIRECT TAXATION 202


(iv) ―Income by way of stake money‖ means the gross amount of prize money received on a race horse
or race horses by the owner thereof on account of the horse or horses or any one or more of the horses
winning or being placed second or in any lower position in horse races [Explanation (c) to Section 74A].

13.5 CARRY FORWARD AND SET OFF OF LOSS AND DEPRECIATION IN


THE CASE OF AMALGAMATION OR DEMERGER [SECTION 72A (1)]

Where there has been an amalgamation of a company owning an industrial undertaking or a ship or a
hotel with another company or an amalgamation of a banking company referred to in Section 5(c) of
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with a specified bank, or an amalgamation of one or more public
sector company or companies engaged in the business of operation of aircraft with one or more
public sector company or companies engaged in similar business, then, notwithstanding anything
contained in any other provision of this Act, the accumulated loss and the unabsorbed depreciation
of the amalgamating company shall be deemed to be the loss or, as the case may be, allowance for
depreciation of the amalgamated company for the previous year in which the amalgamation was
effected, and other provisions of this Act relating to set off and carry forward of loss and allowance for
depreciation shall apply accordingly.

13.6 CARRY FORWARD AND SET OFF OF LOSS AND


DEPRECIATION IN THE CASE OF DEMERGER
[SECTION72A(4)]
In the case of demerger, the accumulated loss and the allowance for depreciation shall be dealt
with as under:
(i) Where such loss or unabsorbed depreciation is directly related to the undertakings transferred to
the resulting company, the resulting company shall be allowed to carry forward and set off such loss
and unabsorbed depreciation allowance.
(ii) The loss or unabsorbed depreciation, which is not directly related to the undertakings transferred to
the resulting company, shall be appropriated between the demerged company and the resulting
company in the same proportion in which the assets of the undertakings have been retained by
the demerged company and transferred to the resulting company and shall be allowed to be
carried forward and set off in the hands of the demerged company or the resulting company, as
the case may be.

13.7 CARRY FORWARD AND SET-OFF OF ACCUMULATED LOSS


AND UNABSORBED DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE IN CASE OF
AMALGAMATION OF BANKING COMPANY [SECTION 72AA]

Where there has been an amalgamation of a banking company with any other banking institution
under a scheme sanctioned and brought into force by the Central Government under Section 45(7)
of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the accumulated loss and the unabsorbed depreciation of such
banking company shall be deemed to be the loss or, as the case may be, allowance for depreciation of
such banking institution for the previous year in which the scheme of amalgamation was brought into
force and other provisions of the Income-tax Act relating to set-off and carry forward of loss and
allowance for depreciation shall apply accordingly.

13.8 CARRY FORWARD AND SET-OFF OF ACCUMULATED LOSS


AND UNABSORBED DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE IN BUSINESS
REORGANIZATION OF CO-OPERATIVE BANKS [SECTION 72AB]

The provisions of section 72AB are applicable to an assessee, being a successor co-operative bank,
in a case where amalgamation has taken place during the relevant previous year. The said successor
co-operative bank will be entitled to set off the accumulated loss and the unabsorbed depreciation, if
any, of the predecessor co-operative bank as if such amalgamation had not taken place. All the other

DIRECT TAXATION 203


provisions of this Act relating to set off and carry forward of loss and allowance for depreciation will also
apply accordingly.

13.9 LOSSES OF FIRMS [SECTION 75]

Where the assessee is a firm, any loss in relation to the assessment year commencing on or before 1st
April, 1992, which could not be set off against any other income of the firm and which had been
apportioned to a partner of the firm but could not be set off by such partner prior to the assessment
year commencing on 1st April, 1993, then such loss shall be allowed to be set off against the income
of the firm subject to the condition that the partner continues in the said firm and to be carried
forward for set off under Sections 70, 71, 72, 74 and 74A.

13.10 CARRY FORWARD AND SET OFF OF LOSSES IN CASE OF CHANGE


IN CONSTITUTION OF FIRM OR ON SUCCESSION [SECTION 78]

The provisions relating to carry forward and set off of loss in the event of change in the constitution of
a firm or succession is as under:
(i) Where the change in the constitution of a firm is owing to the death or retirement of a partner, the
firm shall not be allowed to carry forward and set off the loss proportionate to the share of the
retired or deceased partner.
(ii) Where any person carrying on any business or profession has been succeeded in such capacity
by another person, otherwise than by inheritance, such person (i.e., the successor) shall not be
entitled to have the loss of the predecessor carried forward and set off against his income.

13.11 CARRY FORWARD AND SET OFF OF LOSSES IN THE CASE OF CERTAIN COMPANIES [SECTION 79]

In the case of a company, not being a company in which the public are substantially interested, where
a change in shareholding has taken place in a previous year, the loss incurred in any year prior to the
previous year shall be carried forward and set off against the income of the previous year, if on the last
day of the previous year the shares of the company carrying not less than 51% of the voting rights were
beneficially held by persons who beneficially held shares of the company carrying not less than 51% of
the voting power on the last day of the year or years in which the loss was incurred.

13.12 SUBMISSION OF RETURN FOR LOSSES [SECTION 80]

In the following cases, if return of income is not submitted within the due date specified u/s 139(3), the
right to carry forward losses shall be lost:
(i) L o s s u n d e r t h e h e a d ― Profits and gains of business or profession‖, excluding loss
from speculative business [Section 72(1)].
(ii) Loss from a speculative business [Section 73(2)].
(iii) Loss under the head ―Capital gains‖ [Section 74(1)].
(iv) Loss from the activity of owning and maintaining race horses [Section 74A (3)],

Example 4: During the previous year 2016-2017, D furnishes the following particulars of his incomes and
losses:
`
(a) Salary from ABC Ltd. 1,80,000
(b) Dividends from Indian company 40,000
(c) Interest on Government securities 14,000
(d) Profits from the grocery business 60,000

DIRECT TAXATION 204


(e) Profit from speculation in shares 16,000
(f) Loss from speculation in bullion 18,000
(g) Short-term capital loss 12,000
(h) Long-term capital gains 10,000
(i) 1st Prize in the West Bengal State Lottery 2,00,000
(j) Tickets of lottery bought 30,000
(k) Gains from card games 20,000
(l) Loss on betting 10,000
(m) Stake money received in respect of horses 1,00,000
(n) Expenses on maintaining horses 1,20,000
(o) Interest on borrowed capital in respect of self-occupied house 20,000

You are required to compute total income of Mr. Roy for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Computation of total income of D for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017.

Answer:

` ` `
● Income under the head ―Salaries‖ :
Gross salary received 1,80,000
Less : Deduction u/s 16 Nil 1,80,000
● Income from house property : Nil
Annual value 20,000 (-) 20,000
Less: Interest on borrowed capital
● Profits and gains of business or profession:
Profits from grocery business 60,000
Profits from speculation in shares 16,000
Less : Set off of loss on speculation in bullion 18,000 Nil 60,000
Loss on speculation to be carried forward (Note 1) 2,000
● Capital gains:
Long-term capital gains 10,000
Less : Set off of short-term capital loss 12,000
Loss under the head ―Capital gains‖ to be carried forward (Note 2)
● Income from other sources: 2,000 Nil
Dividend from Indian company [Exempt u/s 10(34)] Nil
Interest on Government securities 14,000
1st Prize in West Bengal State Lottery
Less: Tickets bought (Note 3) 2,00,000
Gains from card games Nil 2,00,000
Loss from betting (Not to be set off) (Note 4) 1,00,000 20,000
Stake money in respect of horse races 1,20,000 Nil
Less: Expenses on maintaining horses 20,000 Nil
Loss on the activity of maintaining race horses to be carried 2,34,000
forward (Note 5) 4,54,000
Gross total income

Notes:
(1) Under Section 73, loss from one speculation business can be set off only against income of the
same or another speculation business. Unabsorbed loss can be carried forward and set off against
income of speculation business within the next four assessment years.
(2) Short-term capital loss can be set off against gains from both short-term and long-term capital
assets. But if the results of computation under the head is loss, such loss can be carried forward and

DIRECT TAXATION 205


set off, as provided under Section 74(1), against income from any capital asset when such loss
relates to short-term capital assets, and against income from long-term capital assets when the loss
relates to long-term capital assets. Any loss under this head can be carried forward for eight
assessment years.
(3) As provided under Section 58(4), income from lotteries, crossword puzzles, card games, betting, etc.,
shall be chargeable to tax without any deduction for expenses.
(4) Loss on betting cannot be set off against income from betting or against any other source.
(5) The provision of Section 58(4) does not apply to the activity of maintaining race horses. Expenses
on maintaining race horses is, therefore, deductible against stake money. Any loss from this source
can be carried forward for four assessment years and set off against income from similar activities.

Example 5: During the previous year 2015-2016, Mrs. Dasgupta furnishes the following particulars of his
incomes and losses:

(a) Income under the head ―Salaries‖ (computed) 90,000


(b) Income from house property in Chennai 1,20,000
(c) Loss from self-occupied house property in Agra 1,50,000
(d) Income from cloth business 1,65,000
(e) Loss from computer business 1,20,000
(f) Income from speculation business 66,000
(g) Loss from speculation business 75,000
(h) Short-term capital gain on sale of shares 60,000
(i) Short-term capital loss on sale of shares 66,000
(j) Long-term capital gain on sale of land 60,000
(k) Income from card games 30,000
(l) Loss from card games 24,000
(m) Casual and non-recurring income 20,000
(n) Dividend from Indian company 21,000
Assuming that he had in the previous year 2015-2016 an unabsorbed business loss of 30,000 from the
cloth business, compute total income of X for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of total income of Mrs. Dasgupta for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017.
Headings??
• Income under the head "Salaries" 90,000
• Income from house property:
Income from Chennai house 1,20,000
Loss from self-occupied house (-) 1,50,000 (-) 30,000
• Profits and gains of business or profession :
Income from cloth business 1,65,000
Less: Unabsorbed loss in cloth business 30,000 1,35,000
Loss from computer business (-) 1,20,000
Income from speculation business 66,000
Less: Loss from speculation business (-) 75,000
Loss from speculation business to be carried forward (Note I) (-) 9,000 Nil 15,000
• Capital gains:
Short-term capital gain on shares 60,000
Short-term capital loss on shares (-) 66,000
Long-term capital gain on land (Note 2) 60,000 54,000
• Income from other sources :
Casual and non-recurring income 30,000
Dividend from Indian company [Exempt u/s 10(34)) Nil
Income from card games 30,000
Loss from card games (Note 3) Nil 30,000 60,000
Gross total income 1,89,000
Less: Deductions u/ss 80C to 80U Nil
Total income 1,89,000

DIRECT TAXATION 206


Notes :
(1) Loss on speculation business can be set off only against income of speculation business. The
unabsorbed loss can be carried forward for the next four assessment years.
(2) Short-term capital loss can be set off against both short-term and long-term capital gains
(3) u/s 58(4) loss from card games, lottery, etc. cannot be set off against income from similar activities.
Example 6: From the following information compute the total income of R for the A.Y.2017-18:
`
Income from salary 2,60,000
Income from House Property 1,00,000
Business Loss 3,20,000
Short term capital gains 1,40,000
Long term capital gains 2,80,000
[CMA-Inter , Dec 2009]
Answer:

Computation of total income of R for the Assessment year 2017-18 relating to previous year 2016-17
` `
Income under the head ―Salaries‖ 2,60,000
Income from house property 1,00,000
Profits and gains of business or profession (-)3,20,000
Capital gains:
short term capital gains 1,40,000
Long term capital gains 2,80,000 4,20,000
Total income 4,60,000

Note: Business loss cannot be set off against income under salary. Therefore, the business loss of
`3,20,000 will be adjusted from house property (` 1,00,000) and capital gains (`4,20,000).

Example 7: During the year ended 31.3.2017 S has the following income and brought forward losses:
Particulars `
Short term capital gain on sale of shares 2,60,000
Long term capital loss of A.Y.2015-16 90,000
Short term capital loss of A. Y2016-17 80,000
Long term capital gains 78,000
Income from lotteries 3,10,000
Cost of lottery tickets purchased 2,000
Loss from Betting -1,20,000
Income from card games 80,000

Briefly compute the gross total income and loss eligible for carry forward in the hands of Mr. S for the
A.Y.2017-18 [CMA-Inter, June 2010]

Answer: Computation of total income of S for the assessment year 2017-20018 relating to the previous
year 20016-20017
` `
Capital gains
Short term capital gain on sale of shares 260000
Less: Brought forward short term capital loss of A.Y.2016-17 (80000) 180000
Long term capital gain 78000
Less: Brought forward Capital loss of A.Y.2015-16[see note 1 below] 78000 Nil
Income chargeable under head Capital gains 1,80,000
Income from other sources
(a)Income from lotteries (cost of lottery tickets not deductible) 3,10,000
(b)Income from card games 80,000 3,90,000
Gross total income 5,70,000

DIRECT TAXATION 207


Note:
1. Long term capital loss cannot be set-off against short-term capital gain. Hence the unadjusted
long term capital loss of A.Y.2015-16 of ` 12.000 (i.e.`90,000-`78,000) has to be carried forward the
next year to be set off against the long term capital gain o that year.
2. Loss from betting can neither be set against any other income nor can it be carried forward to
subsequent year.
3. As per Section 58(4), cost of lottery tickets cannot be set off against income from lotteries.

Example 8: The following are the details relating to S a resident Indian, aged 57, relating to year ended
31.3.2017:
`
Income from salaries 2,20,000
Loss from house property 1,90,000
Loss from cloth business 2,40,000
Income from speculation business 3,0000
Loss from specified business covered by section 35AD 20,000
Long term capital gains from sale of urban land 25,0000
Long term capital loss from sale of listed equity shares in recognized stock exchange (STT 11,0000
paid)
Loss from card games 32,000
Income from betting 45,000
Life insurance premium paid 1,20,000
Compute the total income and show the items to eligible for carry forward. [CMA-Inter, Dec. 2011]

Answer:
Computation of total income of S for the assessment year 20017-2018 relating to the previous year
2016-2017
` `
Salaries
Income from Salaries 2,20,000
Less: Loss from house property 1,90,000 (+) 30,000
Profits and gains of business or profession
Income from speculation business 30000
Loss from cloth business 2,40,000 (-) 2,10,000
Capital gains
Long term capital gains from sale of urban land (+) 2,50,000
Income from other sources
Income from betting 45,000
Gross total income 1,15,000
Less: Deduction under section 80C (life insurance premium paid) 30,000
Total income 85,000

Losses to be carried forward:


Loss from specified covered under section 35AD 20,000

Notes:
(ii) Loss from specified business covered by section 35AD can be set-off only against profits and gains of
any other specified business. The unabsorbed loss has to be carried forward for set-off against profits and
gains of any specified business in the following year.
(iii) Business loss cannot be set off against Income under the head Salaries.
(iv) Income from betting/ lottery is subjected to tax @ 30% without any deduction.
Deduction u/s 80C is not available against Income from Long-term capital gains or betting. In the preset
case deduction u/s 80C can be claimed against salary income only.

DIRECT TAXATION 208


Example 9: A furnishes the following particulars of income/loss pertaining to previous year 2016-17:
(` in lacs)
(i) Profit from trading business 6.00
(ii) Loss from manufacturing business 1.50
(iii) Loss from profession 2.50
(iv) Profit from speculation in shares 2.50
(v) Loss from speculation in commodities 3.00

He has no other income during the year. Determine total income of A for the Assessment Year 2017-18.
Also state the loss to be carried forward. The manner of set off must be clearly shown in your answer.
[CMA-Inter Dec. 2013]

Answer:
Particulars ` `
Profit from trading business: 6,00,000
Less: Set off of loss from manufacturing business and loss from profession u/s 70 4,00,000 2,00,000
Profit from speculation business 2,50,000
Less: Set off of loss from speculation in commodities u/s 73 [Note] 2,50,000 Nil
Total income 2,00,000

Note: Unabsorbed loss of ` 0.50 lacs from speculation in commodities can be carried forward by A for four
assessment years.

Multiple choice questions


1. Unabsorbed business losses can be carried forward for not more than:
(a) Unlimited assessment years
(b) 8 assessment years
(c) 10 assessment years
(d) 12 assessment years
Ans: (b) 8 assessment years

2. Long term capital loss can be adjusted against:


(a) Any income excluding winning from lottery, etc.
(b) Any capital gain
(c) Any long term capital gain
(d) Any speculative business income
Ans: (c) Any long term capital gain

3. Unabsorbed depreciation can be carried forward for:


(a) Indefinite periods
(b) 4 years
(c) 8 years
(d) 10 years
Ans: (a) Indefinite periods

4. The maximum period for which speculation loss can be carried forward is not more than :
(a) 4 years
(b) 8 years
(c) Indefinitely
(d) Cannot be carried forward
Ans: (a) 4 years

5. Which of the following loss cannot be carried forward?


(a) Loss from speculative business

DIRECT TAXATION 209


(b) Loss under the head Capital gains
(c) Loss under the head Income from other sources
(d) Loss under the head Income from house property
Ans: (c) Loss under the head Income from other sources

6. Unabsorbed depreciation cannot be set off against:


a) Income under the head ‗Income from other sources‘
b) Income under the head ‗Income from House-Property‘
c) Income under the head ‗Salaries‘
d) Capital gains
Ans: (c) Income under the head ‗Salaries‘

7. Accumulated losses of a firm which is converted into Limited Liability Partnership can be carried
forward for:
(a) 8 years
(b) 7 years
(c) 4 years
(d) Cannot be carried forward
Ans: (a) 8 years

8. Loss from activity of owing and maintaining horse race can be carried forward for:
(a) 8 years
(b) 4 years
(c) Indefinite years
(d) 2 years
Ans: (b) 4 years

9. Loss from house property can be carried forward and set off in subsequent 8 assessment years:
(a) Only if return of loss is filed within due date
(b) Even if return of loss is filed after due date
(c) It does not matter when return is filed
(d) Carry forward of loss from house property is not allowed at all
Ans: (b) Even if return of loss is filed after due date.

DIRECT TAXATION 210


STUDY NOTE : 14
DEDUCTIONS FROM GROSS TOTAL INCOME [SECTION S80C— 80U]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


14.1 Nature of Deduction
14.2 Deduction available to a Non-Corporate Assessee
14.3 Deductions for Specified Savings and Payments [Section 80C]

14.1 NATURE OF DEDUCTION

In computing the taxable income or total income of an assessee, Chapter VI-A of the Income-tax Act
allows certain deductions. The various deductions available to the different types of assessees are
specified in sections 80 C to 80U. In order to claim deductions under this Chapter of the Act, the
following conditions are to be complied with:

A. Overall deductions [Sections 80A; 80AB]:


Deductions under this chapter can be claimed only with respect to the income which is included in the
gross total income [Section 80AB]. The aggregate deductions under Sections 80C to 80U, however, shall
not exceed the gross total income of the assessee [Section 80A(2)].

Further, multiple deductions for the same income/profit are not allowed under this section. As result, if
any deduction has already been allowed to the assessee under the provisions of Section10A or Section
10AA or Section 10B or Section 10BA or under any provisions of Chapter VI-A under the heading ―C.-
Deductions in respect of certain incomes‖ (i.e. u/s 80H to 80U) in any assessment year, no deduction
shall again be allowed under any other provisions of the aforesaid sections. Besides, it is mandatory for
the assessee to claim these deductions in the return of income.

B. Deduction in certain cases are subject to furnishing of returns [ Section 80AC]:


No deduction shall be allowed u/s 80-IA or 80-IAB or 80IB or 80IC or Section 80-ID or Section80-IE unless
the assessee furnishes a return of his income for such assessment year on or before the due date
specified under Section 139(1).

14.2 DEDUCTIONS AVAILABLE TO A NON-CORPORATE ASSESSEE

The deductions under Sections 80C to 80U available to a non- corporate assessee may be classified
into two groups:
A. Deductions in respect of certain payments and expenses
B. Deductions in respect of certain incomes.

Deductions available u/s 80C to 80U for non-corporate assessee

Section Nature of deduction Maximum amount of deduction


A. Deductions in respect of certain payments
*8OC Deduction in respect of life insurance ` 1,50,000
premium and certain other savings.
*80CCC Deduction in respect of certain pension ` 1,50,000.
funds.
[*Aggregate amount of deductions u/ss 80C,
80CCC and 80CCD(1) shall not exceed `
1,50,000 [Section 80CCE]

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Section Nature of deduction Maximum amount of deduction
*80CCD (1) Deduction for contributions to the notified Contributions made by the employer
80CCD(1B) pension scheme for the employees of the and employee are deductible to the
Central Government or any other employer extent of 10% of salary. [80CCD (1)]
who have joined service on or after 1st Additional amount up to ` 50,000
January, 2004 or contributions by any self- [80CCD(1B)].
employed person.

80CCG Deductions in respect of investments made Subject to the ceiling on investment of


under an equity savings scheme ` 50,000, actual deduction is 50%. of
the sum actually invested, provided
that the GTI of the assessee does not
exceed ` 12 lakh.
80D Deduction in respect of medical insurance (a)For senior citizens ` 30,000 and
premium. (b)`25,000 for others. Maximum possible
deduction `60,000 [a+ b]
Deduction in respect of maintenance, ` 75,000 ; ` 1,25,000 in case of severe
80DD including medical treatment of handicapped disability
dependent.
80DDB Deduction in respect of medical treatment of Actual amount spent or, ` 80,000 for
some specified diseases very senior citizens, ` 60,000 for senior
citizens and ` 40,000 for others,
whichever is lower.
80E Deduction in respect of payment of interest Actual amount paid.
on loan taken for higher education.
8OEE Interest on loan taken from financial Fixed at ` 50,000 during the assessment
institutions for acquisition of residential house years 2017-18 and subsequent
property for assessees who do not own any assessment years. Amount of loan
residential house property on the date of should not exceed ` 35 lakhs and value
sanction of the loan of the property should not exceed ` 50
lakhs
80G Deduction in respect of donation to certain 100%. of donations to specified funds
funds and charitable institutions. and 50% in other cases.
80GG Deduction in respect of rent paid. 25% of total income subject to a
maximum of ` 5,000 p.m.
80GGA Deduction in respect of certain donations for Actual amount paid.
scientific research or rural development.
80GGB Deduction in respect of contributions given Actual amount contributed (other than
by an Indian company to political parties. cash) during the previous year.
80GGC Deduction tor contributions to political parties Actual amount contributed (other than
by any person, except local authority and an cash) during the previous year.
artificial juridical authority wholly and partly
funded by the Government.
B. Deductions in respect of certain incomes
80IA Deduction in respect of profits and gains from 100% of profits.
industrial undertakings or enterprise engaged
in infrastructure development.
80-IAB Profits and gains of an undertaking engaged 100% of profit for 10 assessment years.
in the development of Special Economic
Zone.
80IB Deduction in respect of profits and gains from 100% of profits for industries in backward
certain industrial undertakings other than states; in other cases 25% of profit (30%
infrastructure development under-takings. for corporate assessee).
80IC Deduction for undertakings in special 100% of profits.
category states.
80JJA Deduction in respect of profits from the 100% of profits.
business of collecting and processing of bio-
degradable waste.
80JJAA Deduction in respect of Employment of new 30% of the wages paid to new workmen
workman in the case of a company assesse for three years including the year in
having business income from manufacture of which employment is provided.
goods in factory

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80LA Deduction in respect of income of offshore 100% of income for the first fire
banking units. consecutive years and 50% of the
income for the next five years.
80QQB Deduction in respect of royalty income of In case of lump sum payment amount
authors of certain books other than text actually received or ` 3,00,000,
books. whichever is lower; in other cases 15% of
the value of books sold or ` 3,00,000,
whichever is lower.
80RRB Deduction in respect of royalty on patent. 100% of royalty or ` 3,00,000, whichever
is lower.
80U Deduction in the case of a person with ` 75,000; ` 1,25,000 in case of severe
disability. disability.

14.3 DEDUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIED SAVINGS AND PAYMENTS [SECTION80C]

1. The schemes of deduction under this section is as under:


A. Important features of Section 80C:
The important features of Section 80C are as under:
(a) Deduction under this section is available to an individual and a Hindu undivided family.
(b) The aggregate of deductions u/ss80C, 80CCC and 80CCD shall not exceed `1,50,000. Besides, the
maximum amount that can be allowed under this section must not exceed the gross total income
of the assessee.
(c) Deduction under Section 80C is allowed with reference to the amount actually paid during the
previous year. However, such amount need not be paid out of the taxable income of the assessee.
(d) Deduction under Sections 80C – 80U cannot be claimed against long-term capital gains which are
chargeable to tax u/s 112 and short-term capital gains from shares of a company or units of an
equity oriented fund which are chargeable to tax u/s 111A. Similarly, no deduction u/s 80C can be
claimed against income from lotteries, crossword puzzles and horse races.

B. Gross qualifying amount and net qualifying amount of deduction:


In view of the restrictions mentioned in A above, deduction under Section 80C shall be computed
under the following steps:
(a) Qualifying amount: The amount which qualifies for deduction u/s 80C is the sum total of amount
mentioned below.
(b) Actual deduction: The net qualifying amount or actual amount which qualifies for deduction u/s
80C shall be the least of the following:
(i) Aggregate of amounts mentioned in para C below;
(ii) ` 1,50,000 where the assessee has no claim for deduction u/ss 80CCC and 80CCD.
Where the assessee has claim under Sections 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD, the aggregate of
deductions under Sections 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD (1) [Section 80CCD (1) relates to
employee‘s own contribution to the New Pension Scheme specified under Section 80CCD]
shall not exceed ` 1,50,000. [Vide section 80CCE]. With effect from the assessment year 2012-
13, due to the amendment of Section 80CCE, contribution made by the Central Government
or any other employer to the said pension fund shall not be included in the overall limit of `
1,50,000. Employers‘ contribution to the said pension fund to the extent of 10% of salary of the
employee shall be separately deductible u/s 80CCD (2).
(iii) The adjusted gross total income [i.e., GTI – LTG – STG taxable u/s 111A].

C. Savings/ payments which qualifies for deduction u/s 80C: The following payments/savings are
eligible for deduction u/s 80C

(a) • Life insurance premium (including arrears 10% of the sum assured in Child may be
of premium) on the life of the assessee, respect of policies issued on married or
his/her spouse or any child or in the case or after 1.4.2012 (20% in unmarried, major
of a HUF, any member thereof. respect of policies issued or minor,

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before 1.4.2012); and 15% dependent] or
of the policy in respect of independent
policy taken on or after 1st
April 2013 on the life of
persons with disability. Any
excess premium shall be
ignored.
• Premium (including arrears of premium) Not applicable
for securing a deferred annuity
(b) Any sum deducted from salary of a 20% of salary*
Government employee for the purpose of
securing him a deferred annuity or making
provision for his wife or children.

(c) Contribution to any statutory provident Repayment of


fund, recognized provident fund or public loan is not to be
provident fund considered
(d) Contribution to an approved Do Do
superannuation fund

(e) Subscription to National Savings Do Non-residents not


Certificates VIII Issue, including accrued eligible
interest for the first 5 years

(f) Contribution to Unit-Linked Insurance Plan Do


of UTI
(g) Contribution to Unit-Linked Insurance Do
Plan of LIC Mutual Fund (e.g.,
Dhanaraksha Plan
(h) Contribution to any notified annuity plan Do
of LIC or any other insurer (e.g., New
Jeevan Akshay, New Jeevan Dhara -I,
New Jeevan Akshay-I plan of
LIC, New Jeevan Akshay-II plan of LIC and
New Jeevan Akshay-III)
(i) Subscriptions to notified Equity-Linked Do
Savings Schemes of notified mutual funds
or UTI
(j) Contribution to any approved pension Do
fund set up by notified mutual funds u/s
10(23D) or UTI
[e.g., Retirement Benefit Scheme of UTI].
(k) Any subscription made to any such deposit
scheme, as the Central Government may,
by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify for the purpose of being floated by
(a) public sector companies engaged in
providing long-term finance for construction
or purchase of houses in India for residential
purposes, or, (b) any authority constituted in
India by, or, under any law, enacted either
for the purpose of dealing with and
satisfying the need for housing
accommodation or for the purpose of
planning, development or improvement of
cities, towns and villages, or for both.
(l) Subscription to Home Loan Account Do
Scheme of the National Housing Bank

(m) Payment of instalments towards the cost or Do This condition does


repayment of loans taken from approved not apply where
institutions for purchase or construction, an additional unit
including stamp duty and registration is constructed on

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charges, of a residential house, the income an existing
of which h is chargeable under the head residential house
"Income from house property". /Approved property [Vide
institution means: Central or State Ministry of Finance
Government, any bank/co-operative bank, Utter No. F.178l24j
LIC, National Housing Bank, any Indian 88-IT(Al) dt.U2.89J.
public company/co-operative society The property must
carrying on the business of providing long- be completed
term finance for construction/ purchase of during the previous
residential house, assessee's employer, year.
which is a public] company or a public
sector company, or a university/college or
a local authority or a co-operative society
or an authority or a board or a corporation
or any other body established under a
Central or State Act.)
(n) Tuition fees, at the time of admission or Do Deduction is
thereafter, to any university, college, allowed only for
school or other educational institution two children.
situated in India for the whole time Development fees,
education of children of the assessee donation or
payment of similar
nature are not
eligible.
(o) Any subscription to equity shares or Do
debentures forming part of the eligible
issue of capital approved by the board on
an application made by a public
company or as subscription to any eligible
issue of capital by any public financial
institution
(p) Subscription to units of any mutual funds Do
referred to in Section 10(23D)
(q) Any term deposit for a period of not less Do
than five years with a scheduled bank
under the Bank term Deposit Scheme 2006
(r) Subscription to such bonds issued by the
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development as the Central Government
may by notification in the Official Gazette
specify in this behalf.
(s) Deposit in an account under the Senior
Citizens Savings Scheme Rules, 2004;
(t) As five year time deposit in an account
under the Post Office Time Deposit Rules,
1981.
(u) Any sum paid or deposited during the year
in the Scheme in the name of any girl child
of the individual or in the name of any girl
child for whom such individual is the legal
guardian (Sukanya Samridhi Account
Scheme)

2. Deduction in respect of certain pension funds [Section 80CCC]:


An individual assessee who paid or deposited during the previous year any sum to effect or to keep in
force a contract for any annuity plan of the Life Insurance Corporation of India or any other insurer for
receiving pension is eligible for deduction u/s 80CCC.

Amount of deduction: `1,50,000 or actual amount paid, whichever is less. The deduction under this
section is subject to the following conditions:

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(i) Where the assessee or his nominee surrenders the annuity before the maturity date of such annuity,
the entire amount received on surrender of the annuity plan shall be taxable in the hands of the
assessee or his nominee, as the case may be.
(ii) The amount of pension received by the assessee or his nominee shall be taxable in the hands of the
assessee or his nominee, as the case may be, in the year of receipt.
(iii) Where deduction has been claimed under this section, a deduction with reference to such amount
shall not be available under Section 80C.

3. Deduction in respect of contribution to pension scheme of Central Government employees [Section 80CCD]:
The provisions of this section that relates to the new pension schemes for the Central Government as
well as the private sector employees are as under:

Contribution made to this pension scheme during the previous year by the Central Government or any
other employer shall be included in the definition of salary [Section 17(1)(viii)]. Besides, u/s 7(iii), this
contribution of the employer shall be deemed to be received during the previous year. As a result of
these amendments, the contribution of the employer to this pension scheme shall be included in the
gross salary of the employee.

Section 80CCD has been inserted in order to provide deductions for contributions made to this scheme
both by the employer and the employee as under:
 where an assessee being an individual, employed by the Central Government or any other
employer on or after 1st January, 2004,or a self-employed person, who has paid or deposited any
amount in this account under a pension scheme notified or as may be notified by the Central
Government, then, subject to a maximum of 10% of salary of the employee, (in the case of self-
employed person 10% of gross total income) there shall be allowed a deduction in the
computation of his total income of the whole of the amount paid or deposited by him [Section
80CCD(1)].However, in view of the overall limit u/s 80CCE, the amount of deduction u/s80CCD shall
not exceed `1.50lakh.
 With effect from the assessment year 2016-17, Irrespective of the deduction u/s 80CCD(1), an
assessee may be allowed a further deduction upto ` 50,000 under any notified pension scheme
[Section 80CCD (1B)]. In other words, the maximum deduction u/s 80CCD shall be `2,00,000 [u/s
80CCD(1) ` 1,50,000 + u/s 80 CCD(1B) `50,000].
 In the case of contribution by the employer to the aforesaid pension scheme, subject to a
maximum of 10 % of the salary of the employee, the assessee shall be allowed a deduction in the
computation of his total income, of the whole amount so contributed by the employer
[Section80CCD(2)].
 Where any amount standing to the credit of the assessee in his pension account in respect of
which a deduction has been allowed under Section 80CCD(1) or 80CCD(1B), together with the
amount accrued thereon, if any, is received by the assessee or his nominee on account of closure
or his opting out or the said pension scheme whether in whole or in part in any previous year, or as
pension received from the annuity plan, shall be deemed to be the income of the assessee or his
nominee, as the case may be, in the previous year in which such withdrawal is made or as the case
may be, pension is received and shall accordingly be chargeable to tax as income of that previous
year [Section80CCD(3)].However, with effect from the assessment year 2017-2018, amount
received by the nominee on the death of the shall not be treated as income of the nominee.
It is clarified that, when the corpus of the pension fund is used for purchasing an annuity plan, the
assessee shall be deemed not to have received any amount in the previous year [Section80
CCD(5)].
 Where any amount paid or deposited by the assessee has been allowed as a deduction under
sub-section (1) or 80 CCD (1B), no rebate with reference to such amount shall be allowed under
Section 80C [Section 80CCD(4)].
 For this purpose ―salary‖ includes dearness allowance, if the terms of employment so provide, but
excludes all other allowances and perquisites.

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4. Deduction for investment under an equity scheme [Section 80CCG]:
Under the provision of this section further deduction is available in respect of investment in listed equity
shares or listed units of an equity oriented fund. The deduction under this section is subject to the
following conditions:
a. The assessee is a resident individual whose gross total income for the assessment year does not
exceed ` 12 lakh.
(ii) The investment is made by him as a retail investor in the listed equity shares in accordance with a
scheme notified by the Central Government fund (e.g. Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme, 2013).
(iii) The deduction is allowed for three consecutive assessment years, beginning with the assessment
year in which the aforesaid shares or units were first acquired.
(iv) The investment is locked-in for a period of three years from the date of acquisition of the shares.
(v) The maximum amount of investment allowed under the scheme is ` 50, 000.
(vi) Actual deduction is 50% of the sum invested under the scheme, subject to the maximum of `
25,000.
(vii) If the shares are sold within the locked-in period specified above, the deduction originally allowed
shall be added to the income of the assessee for the year in which such shares are sold

5. Deduction in respect of medical premia [Section 80D]:


What is allowed to be deducted: With effect from the assessment year 2016-2017, deduction u/s 80D
shall be available for:
(a) Insurance on the health of the employee (including contribution to the Central Government Health
Scheme) and his family to the extent of `25,000 (` 30,000 if any of the insured person is a senior
citizen)
(b) Insurance on the health of the parents of the employee to the extent of `25,000 (` 30,000 if any of
the insured person is a senior citizen)
(c) Preventive health check-up up to `5,000, that may be paid by any mode including cash, within the
overall limit under (a) and (b) above; [Maximum amount allowed to be deducted for this purpose
is ` 5,000]
(d) Medical expenditure up to ` 30,000 incurred for the assessee or any member of the family who is a
very senior citizen and no amount paid to keep in force an insurance on the health such person;
and
(e) Medical expenditure up to ` 30,000 incurred for any of the parents of the assessee who is a very
senior citizen and no amount paid to keep in force an insurance on the health such person. [In
other words persons mentioned under (d) and (e) are very senior citizens who do not have health
insurance coverage]

Maximum deduction: The maximum deduction is as follows:


No Senior citizen Senior citizen
(a) + (c) 25,000 30,000
(b) + (d) 25,000 30,000
Total 50,000 60,000

Note that, if none of the assessee‘s own family is a senior citizen and any of the parents of the assessee
is a senior or very senior citizen, the maximum deduction shall be [` 25,000 + ` 30,000] = ` 55,000.

Meaning of senior citizen and very senior citizen: A senior citizen has been defined to be an individual
resident in India who is of the age of sixty years or more at any time during the previous year. Similarly, a
very senior citizen has been defined to be an individual resident in India who is of the age of 80 years or
more at any time during the previous year.

Example:
Assessee and Assessee‘s Amount of premium Preventive Person to get deduction u/s
his family parents check-up 80D

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Age not — ` 30,000 paid by the assessee ` 5,000 Assessee: ` 20,000 +` 5,000
exceeding for himself and family: = ` 25,000
60 premium paid by the
assessee
Age not Age not ` 30,000 for himself and Total Assessee: (` 25,000 +
exceeding exceeding family, ` 30,000 for parents: ` 8,000 30,000] = `55,000. Cost of
60 60 premium paid by the preventive check-up
assessee included within `55,000.
Age Age ` 30,000 for himself and Assessee ` (25,000 +
Not exceeding family; ` 30,000 for parents, 20,000)=45,000; Parent to
exceeding 60 out of which ` 10,000 paid get deduction ` 10,000.
60 by the parent out of his own
income
Age Age ` 35,000 for himself and ` 5,000 Assessee: (25,000 + 30,000]
exceeding exceeding family, ` 30,000 for parents — =` 55,000.
60 60 all paid by the assessee Preventive check-up
included

Assessee and Assessee‘s Amount of premium Preventive Person to get deduction


his family parents check-up u/s 80D
Age Age ` 40,000 for himself and family; 5,000 Assessee: [30,000 + 24,000]
exceeding exceeding `40,000 for parents, out of which = ` 54,000. Parent to get
60 60 parent paid ` 16,000 out of his deduction for ` 16,000.
own income
Age not Father 82 30,000 paid by the assessee for 5,000 Assessee : ` 20,000 + `
exceeding years himself and family: premium 5,000 = `25,000
60 Mother 72 paid by the assessee
years
Age not Father 82 (a) ` 30,000 for himself and Total Assessee and his family `
exceeding years family, ` 8,000, 25,000 + Parents ` 30,000 =
60 Mother 72 (b) `30,000 for mother‘s out of this ` 55,000.
years insurance for mother
(c) Medical expenses of father ` ` 3,000
10,000
Age not Father 82 (a) No insurance policy for ` 10,000 for (Assesse and his family =
exceeding years assessee and his family; assessee `5,000 + Parents ` 30,000 =
60 Mother 72 (b) Medical expenses for mother and his ` 30,000.
years ` 20,000 family
(c) Medical expenses for father
` 31,000.

Example 1:
During the previous year 2017-2018, X pays the following amount for the purpose of medical insurance
of his family. His family consists of his wife, a dependent daughter and a son (working as an engineer in
a company) and his father who is of the age of 60 years and working at a central university.
(i) Premium paid for self and wife `20,000;
(ii) Premium paid for son `10,000;
(iii) Premium paid for daughter ` 8,000; An additional amount of ` 4,000 was spent for preventive
health check-up for her.
(iv) Premium paid for father `31,000.
(a) Under what section can X claim for deduction in respect of the medical insurance premiums?
(b) How much deduction can X claim in respect of the premiums?

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Answer:

(a) In respect of medical insurance premiums X can claim deduction u/s 80D.
(b) The total amount for which X can claim deduction u/s 80D is `55,000, which is computed as under:

(a) Premiums for self and wife 20,000


(b) Premium for son(not dependent) Nil
(c) Premium for dependent daughter (including cost of preventive check-up) 12,000
Total amount paid for the family subject to a maximum of ` 25,000 25,000
(d) Premium paid for father (a senior citizen but not dependent on X) 30,000
Total deduction u/s 80D to be claimed by X 55,000

Note: With effect from the assessment year 2014-15, cost of preventive check-up up to ` 5,000 is
allowed to be claimed under Section 80D, but this must be claimed within the overall limit of ` 25,000 or
` 30,000, as the case may be.

Example 2:
From the particulars given below by X during the financial year 2016-17 find out the amount of
deduction u/s 80D:
Cases Assessee Wife Daughter Father Mother
(50 yrs) (45 yrs) (18 yrs) (80 yrs) (75 yrs)
Case A:
Medical insurance premium 15,000 10,000 5,000 — 20,000
Preventive check-up/medical expenditure — 3,000 2,000 20,000 1,000
Case B:
Medical insurance premium — — — — 15,000
Preventive check-up/medical expenditure — — 5,000 30,000 —

Ans: Computation of deduction u/s 80D for the assessment year 2016-2017
Case A : ` `
(a) Premiums for own family (15,000 + 10,000 + 5,000) + preventive health check-up 25,000
(3,000 + 2,000 + 1,000), subject to a maximum of ` 25,000
(b)Premium for parents plus preventive check-up: maximum limit ` 30,000 21,000
Amount allowed to be deducted: 55,000
Case B :
[a) Preventive cheek-up for daughter [ u/s 80D(2)(a))] 5,000
(b) Medical insurance premium for mother [M/S 80D(2)(b)] 15,000
[c) Medical expenditure for father Amount allowed for deduction 30,000 30,000
Maximum amount for (a) +(b)=(c) 35,000

6. Deduction in respect of maintenance, including medical treatment of a dependent who is a person


with disability [Section 80DD]:
Subject to the fulfilment of the conditions, deduction under this section can be claimed by an
individual or HUF in respect of the following expenditures/ deposits:
(a) any expenditure during the previous year for the medical treatment (including nursing), training
and rehabilitation of a dependent, who is a person with disability; or
(b) any amount deposited or paid under a scheme framed in this behalf by the Life Insurance
Corporation or any other insurer or the UTI.

Amount of deduction: Irrespective of the actual amount spent or deposited under (a) or (b) above, the
deduction shall be:
(i) ` 1,25,000 where the dependent is a person with severe disability.
(ii) ` 75,000 in other cases.

Conditions: Some of the important conditions are:

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(1) The scheme in (b) above provides for payment of annuity or lump sum amount for the benefit of
the handicapped dependent in the event of death of the individual or member of the HUF in
whose name subscription to the scheme has been made.
(2) The assessee nominates either the dependent, being a person with disability or any other person or
a trust to receive the payment on his behalf, for the benefit of the dependent, being a person with
disability.
(3) If the dependent, being a person with disability, predeceases the assessee, an amount equal to the
amount paid or deposited in (b) above shall be deemed to be the income of the previous year in
which such amount is received by the assessee and shall accordingly be charged to tax as the
income of the previous year.

●Meaning of dependent: ―Dependent‖ means:


(i) in the case of individual: the spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters;
(ii) in the case of a HUF: any member of the HUF, who is dependent wholly or mainly on such individual
or HUF for his support and maintenance, and who has not claimed any deduction u/s 80U in
respect of his income during the relevant previous year.

● Meaning of disability: ―Disability‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 (i) of the Persons
with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 [i.e. , blindness,
low vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotors disability, mental retardation and mental
illness]. and, w.e.f. the assessment year 2005-2006, includes ―autism‖, ―cerebral palsy‖ and ―multiple
disability‖ referred to in clauses (a) , (c) and (h) of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism,
Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999
●Meaning of person with severe disability: For the purpose of this section ―person with severe disability‖
means:
(i) a person with eighty percent or more of one or more disabilities, as referred to in Section 56 (4) of
the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,
1995; or
(ii) a person with severe disability referred to in Section 2(o) of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons
with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.

7. Deduction in respect of medical treatment of some specified diseases [Section 80DDB]:


Under this section, an assessee, who is a resident in India, can claim deduction for treatment of diseases
specified in Rule 11DD. The deduction is allowed in respect of treatment for the assessee himself or a
dependent relative or in the case of a HUF, any member of the HUF.

Specified diseases under Rule 11DD: (a) Neurological Diseases (where the disability level has been
certified to be 40% and above) : Dementia, Dystonia Musculorum Deformans, Motor Neuron Disease,
Ataxia, Chorea, Hemiballismus, Aphastia, Parkinson‘s Disease, (b) Malignant Cancers, (c) AIDS, (d)
Chronic Renal Failure, (e) Hematological disorder : Hemophilia, Thalassaemia.

●Amount of deduction:
(i) Actual amount spent during the previous year or `40,000, whichever is lower.
(ii) In case the assessee or any person for whom the expenditure is made, is a senior citizen (i.e. 60
years or more at any time during the previous year), actual amount spent during the previous year
or ` 60,000, whichever is lower.
(iii) In the case of an assessee who is a very senior citizen (80 years of age or more at any time during
the previous year) actual sum spent during the year or ` 80,000, whichever is lower.

●Conditions:
(1) No such deduction shall be allowed unless the assessee obtains the prescription for such medical
treatment from a neurologist, an oncologist, a urologist, a haematologist, an immunologist or such
other specialist, as may be prescribed.

DIRECT TAXATION 220


(2) The amount of deduction (` 40,000or `60,000 or ` 80,000, as the case may be) shall be reduced by
the amount of any claim received under a medical insurance policy or reimbursed by the
employer.

8. Deduction in respect of payment of interest on loan taken for higher education [Section 80E]:
Deduction under his section is available in respect of any interest on loan taken from any financial
institution or any approved charitable institution for pursuing his/her higher education or for the purpose
of higher education of his/her spouse and children.

Amount of deduction: Deduction under this section is the actual amount of interest paid during the
previous year. The deduction shall be allowed for eight assessment years starting from the year the
payment of interest starts, or the year in which interest is paid in full, whichever is earlier.

Meaning of higher education: Higher education‖ means any course of study pursued after passing
the Senior Secondary Examination or its equivalent from any school, board or university recognized
by the Central Government or State Government or local authority or by any other authority
authorized by the Central Government or State Government or local authority to do so and includes
all fields of studies including vocational studies. Deduction under this section is available for part-time
courses as well.

9. Deduction for interest on loan taken for residential property [Section80EE]: With effect from the
assessment year 2017-2018, section 80EE has been amended to provide deduction for interest payable
on loan taken by an individual from any financial institution for the purpose of acquisition of a
residential house property.

Conditions:
(i) Beginning with the assessment year 2017-2018 and subsequent assessment years, the deduction
under this section shall not exceed ` 50,000.
(ii) The loan has been sanctioned by the financial institution during the period beginning on the 1st
day of April, 2016 and ending on the 31st day of March, 2017.
(iii) The amount of loan sanctioned for acquisition of the residential house property does not exceed `
35 lakh.
(iv) The value of residential house property does not exceed ` 50 lakh.
(v) The assessee does not own any residential house property on the date of sanction of the loan.
(vi) Where any deduction under this section is allowed in respect of the interest, no deduction shall be
allowed in respect of such interest under any other provision of the Act for the same or any other
assessment year.

10. Deduction in respect of donation to certain funds and charitable institution s [Section 80G]:
Deduction under this section is available to any assessee and the quantum of actual deduction
varies from 100% to 50% of the qualifying amount. Further, no deduction under this section shall be
allowed in respect of any donation exceeding ` 10,000 unless it is paid by any mode other than cash.

The table below enumerates the eligible funds and institutions along with the maximum limit of
contribution and actual deduction.

SI. Funds or Institutions where contribution is made Maximum Actual deduction


No. Limit of (% of net qualifying
contribution amount)
1 The National Defence Fund. No limit 100%
2 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. Do 50%
3 The Prime Minister's Drought Relief Fund. Do 50%
4 The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Do 100%
5 The Prime Minister's Armenia Earthquake Relief Rind. Do 100%
6 The Africa (Public Contribution India) Fund. Do 100%
7 The National Children's Fund Do 100%

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8 The Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. Do 50%.
9 The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Do 50%.
10 The National Foundation for Communal Harmony. Do 100%
11 Any University or Educational Institution of National eminence Do 100%
approved by the prescribed authority.
12 The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund during the period Do 100%
beginning on the 1st day of October, 1993 and ending on the 6th
day of October 1993, or the Chief Minister's Earthquake Relief Fund,
Maharashtra.
13 Any fund sol up by the Slate Government of Gujarat exclusively for Do 100%
providing relief lo the victims of the earthquake in Gujarat
14 Any Zilla Saksharata Samiti. Do 100%
15 The National Blood Transfusion Council or any State Blood Transfusion Do 100%
Council.
16 Any fund set up by the Slate Government to provide medical relief Do 100%
for the poor.
17 Any Central Welfare Fund for the Army, Navy or Air Force. Do 100%
18 The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Cyclone Relief Fund. Do 100%
19 The National Illness Assistance Fund. Do 100%
20 The Chief Minister's Relief Fund or the Lieutenant Governor's Relief Do 100%
Fund.
21 The National Sports Fund. Do 100%
22 The National Cultural Fund. Do 100%
23 The Fund for Technology Development and Application set up by the Do 100%
Central Government.
24 The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Do 100%
Mental Retardation and Multiple Diseases.
25 Any other fund or Institution to which Section 80G(5) Upper limit 50%
applies
26 The Government or any local authority, to be utilised for any Upper limit 50%
charitable purpose (other than for promoting family planning) applies
27 Any authority constituted In India by or under any law engaged for Upper limit 50%
the purpose of dealing with and satisfying the need for housing applies
accommodation or for the purpose of planning, development or
Improvement of cities, towns and villages or both four/. A.Y. 2003-
2001).
28 Any Corporation referred to in Section 10(20BB). Upper limit 50%
applies
29 The Government, any local authority or Institution for the purpose of Upper limit 100%
promoting family planning. applies
30 Any sum paid in the previous year as donations for renovation or Upper limit 50%.
repair of temple, mosque, gurdwara, church or other places notified applies
by the Central Government.
31 For an assessee being a company, any sum paid to the Indian Upper limit 50%
Olympic Association or any other association covered under Section applies
10(23) for development of Infrastructure for sports and games and
sponsorship of sports and games in India.
32 Any sum paid during the period beginning on the 26th of January. No upper 100%
2011, and ending on the 30th of September. 2001,to any trust, limit
institution or fund to which Section 80G(5C) applies for providing relief
to the victims of the earthquake in Gujarat.
33 the Swachh Bharat Kosh, set up by the Central Government . No upper 100%
limit
34 Clean Ganga Fund, set up by the Central Government, where such No upper 100%
assessee is a resident. limit
35 National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse No upper 100%
limit

Applicability of section 80G(5):


Section 80G (5) applies to donations to any institution or fund only if it is established in India for a
charitable purpose and it fulfils the following conditions:
(i) The institution or fund derives any income which is exempt u/s 11 or 12 or 10(23AA) or 10(23C).
(ii) Any part of the income or assets of the institution or fund are not applied for any purpose other
than a charitable purpose.

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(iii) The institution or fund is not for the benefit of any particular religious community or caste.
(iv) The institution or fund maintains regular accounts of its receipts and expenditure.
(v) The institution or fund is either constituted as a public charitable trust or is registered under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860 or under Section 25 of the Companies Act.
(vi) If the institution is an educational institution, it is either a university established by law or is an
institution which is recognised by the Government or by a university established by law.
(vii) The institution or fund is approved by the Commissioner of Income-tax in accordance with Rule
11AA.

Applicability of Section 80G(5C):


This section applies only if the trust or institution or fund is established in India for a charitable purpose
and it fulfils the following conditions:
(i) It is approved by the Commissioner of Income-tax in accordance with Rule 11AA.
(ii) It maintains separate accounts of income and expenditure for providing relief to the victims of
earth quake in Gujarat.
(iii) The donations made to the trust or institution or funds are applied only for providing relief to the
earth quake victims of Gujarat on or before the 31st March, 2004.
(iv) The amount of donation remaining unutilised on the 31st March, 2004 is transferred to the Prime
(v) Minister‘s National Relief Fund on or before the 31st March, 2004.
(vi) It renders accounts of income and expenditure to the Director General of Income-tax in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 18AAAA on or before the 30th June, 2004.

Upper limits of contributions:


In SL. No.25 to 35 of the table above, the aggregate amount of contributions made by the assessee
shall not exceed 10% of the adjusted total income. Adjusted gross total income for this purpose means
the gross total income as reduced by:
(i) Long-term capital gains.
(ii) Short-term capital gains u/s 111A.
(iii) All deductions u/s 80C to 80U, except deduction u/s 80G.
(iv) Incomes on which no tax is payable under any provision of the Income-tax Act.
(v) Incomes mentioned u/s 115A, 115AB, 115AC, 115ACA and 115AD.

Example 3:
X makes the following donations during the previous year 2016-2017:
(a) Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund for the Gujarat Earth quake Victims ` 5,000
(b) The Prime Minister‘s Relief Fund 10,000
(c) Ramakrishna Mission:
In cash 5,000
In kind 5,000
Determine how much deduction is X eligible for the donations during the assessment year 2017-2018.
Ans: Computation of deduction u/s 80G of X for the assessment year 2016-2017 relating to the previous
year 2016-2017.
Gross Rate of Actual
Amount Deduction Deduction
` ` `
(a) Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund for Gujarat Earthquake Victims 5,000 100% 5,000
(b) Prime Minister‘s Relief Fund 10,000 100% 10,000
(c) Ramakrishna Mission 5,000 50% 2,500
—in cash 5,000 Nil Nil
—in kind
Total 25,000 17,500

Example 4:
Mrs. A has a gross total income of ` 5,00,000 during the previous year 2016–2017. During the years he
makes the following donations:
`
(a)Rajiv Gandhi Foundation 10,000

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(b)Kolkata Municipal Corporation for promotion of family planning 60,000
c) Zila Saksharata Samiti 10,000
(d)Prime Minister‘s Drought Relief Fund 10,000

Compute the amount of deduction Mrs. A is eligible during the assessment year 2017–2018.

Ans: Computation of deduction u/s 80G of Mrs. A for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017.
Gross Qualifying Role of Actual
Amount Amount Deduction Deduction
A. Donation without upper limits : ` ` ` `
Rajiv Gandhi Foundation 10,000 10,000 50% 5,000
Zila Saksharata Samiti 10,000 10,000 100% 10,000
Prime Minister's Drought Relief Fund 10,000 10,000 50% 5,000
B. Donation with upper limits :
Kolkata Municipal Corporation
for Promoting Family Planning 60,000 *50,000 100% 50,000
(*not exceeding 10% of GTI)
Total 90,000 80,000 70,000

Example 5: For the assessment year 2017-2018, the gross total income of Q was ` 2,28,240,which
includes long-term capital gains of `45,000 and short-term capital gains(from sale of jewellery)
`8,000.The gross total income of Q also includes interest from bank `12,000.Q deposited `60,000 in the
Public Provident Fund Account and also paid `11,000 for medical insurance premium. He also
contributed `15,000 to a public charitable trust eligible for deduction u/s80G. Compute total income of
Q.

Answer:
Computation of total income of Q, a resident individual, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year2016-2017.
` `
Gross total income 2,28,240
Less: Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U :
(i) u/s 80C in respect of PPF 60,000
(ii) u/s 80D in respect of medical insurance premium 11,000
(iii) u/s 80G in respect of contribution to charitable trust (See Note) 5,612 76,612
Total income (Rounded off) 1,51,628

Note: Deduction u/s80G has been calculated as under:


(a) Adjusted gross total income : ` `
Gross total income 2,28,240
Less :
(i) Long-term capital gains 45,000
(ii) Deduction u/s 80C 60,000
(ii) Deduction u/s 80D 11,000 1,16,000
Adjusted gross total income 1,12,240
(b) Qualifying amount of for deduction u/s 80G being 10%
adjusted gross total income 11,224
(c) Actual deduction: 50% of qualifying amount 5,612

11. Deduction in respect of rent paid [Section80GG]:


An individual, being either a salaried employee or a self–employed person, who is not in receipt of any
house rent allowance but has to incur expenditure for any rented accommodation, can claim
deduction under this section.

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Amount of deduction:(a) ` 5,000p.m.(b)25%oftheadjustedtotalincome,or(c)Rent paid less 10%of
adjusted total income, whichever is least.
Adjusted total income for this purpose means total income before deduction u/s 80GG but after
allowing deductions u/s 80C to 80U, long-term capital gains, short-term capital gains specified u/s111A
and income mentioned under Sections115Ato115D.

Conditions:
1. The assessee or his spouse or any minor child, or the Hindu undivided family of which he is a
member, does not own any residential accommodation at the place where he ordinarily resides or
performs his duties in connection with his employment or business or profession carried on by him.
2. Where the assessee owns any accommodation at any other place, it is not assessed to tax as a
self- occupied house under Section 23(2)(a)or23(2)(b).

Example 6: D is a self-employed person. During the previous year 2016–2017, his gross total income was
` 3,80,000. He lives in a rented house in Kolkata for which he pays `5,500 p.m. as rent. During the same
period, he donates ` 10,000 to the Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund.
You are required to compute the deduction in respect of rent paid for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of deduction u/s80GG in respect of rent paid by D for the assessment year 2017-2018
relating to the previous year 2016-2017.

(a)Rentpaidless10%ofadjustedtotalincome(`66,000–37,000)(See Note) 29,000


(b) 25%ofadjustedtotalincome(See Note) 92,500
(c)Statutory limit@ ` 5,000p.m. 60,000
Actual deduction [(b)being least] 29,000

Note: Adjusted total income:


Gross total income 3,80,000
Less: Deduction u/s80G 10,000
Adjusted gross total income 3,70,000

12. Deductions in respect of certain donations for scientific research or rural development [Section
80GGA]:

An assessee whose gross total income does not include income chargeable under the head ―Profits
and gains of business or profession‖ can claim deduction in respect of donations and contributions for
the following purposes:
(a) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to a scientific research association which has as
its object the undertaking of scientific research or to a university, college or other institution to be
used for scientific research, provided that such association, university, college or institution is
approved by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
(b) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to a university, a college or any other institution,
which is approved by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette, to be used for
research in social science or statistical research.
(c) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to an association or institution, which is
approved for the purpose of Section 35CCA, for carrying out any programme of rural development
or for the purpose of the training of persons for implementing programmes of rural development
(d) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to a public sector company or a local authority
or to an association or institution approved by the National Committee, for carrying out any eligible
project or scheme, provided that the assessee furnishes a certificate from the donee.
(e) Any sum paid by the assessee on or before 31stMarch, 2002 to an association or institution, which
has as its object the undertaking of any programme of conservation of natural resources or of

DIRECT TAXATION 225


afforestation, to be used for carrying out any programme of conservation of natural resources or of
aforestation approved for the purposes of Section 35CCB.
(f) Any sum paid by the assessee on or before 31stMarch, 2002 to such fund for afforestation as is
notified by the Central Government under Section 35CCB(1)(b).
(g) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to a rural development fund set up and notified
by the Central Government for the purposes of Section 35CCA(1)(c).
(h) Any sum paid by the assessee in the previous year to the National Urban Poverty Eradication Fund
set up and notified by the Central Government for the purposes of Section 35CCA(1)(d).

Other Considerations:
 No deduction under this section shall be allowed in respect of any donation exceeding ` 10,000
unless it is paid by any mode other than cash.
 The deduction, to which the assessee is entitled to in respect of any sum paid to the afore said
institutions, shall not be denied merely on the ground that subsequent to the payment of such sum
by the assessee, the approval to such institutions have been withdrawn.

13. Deduction in respect of contributions given by companies to political parties [Section 80GGB]:
In computing the total income of an assessee, being an Indian company, there shall be deducted any
sum contributed by it in any mode other than cash, in the previous year to any political party or an
electoral trust.

●Meaning of contribution: For the purposes of this section, the word ―contribute‖, with its grammatical
variation, has them eaningassignedtoitunderSection293AoftheCompaniesAct, 1956.

14. Deduction in respect of contributions given by any person to political parties [Section 80GGC]:
In computing the total income of an assessee, being any person, except local authority and every
artificial juridical person wholly or partly funded by the Government, there shall be deducted any
amount of contribution made by him otherwise than in cash, in the previous year to a political party or
an electoral trust.

Explanation: For the purposes of Sections 80GGB and 80GGC, ―political party‖ means a political party
registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

15. Deduction in respect of profits and gains from industrial undertakings or enterprises engaged in
infrastructure development [Section80-IA]:
Deduction under this section is available in respect of any profits and gains of the following under
takings:

(A) Under takings engaged in the business of developing, operating and maintaining any infrastructure
facility: In the case of an undertaking engaged in the business of providing infrastructure facilities 100%
of the profits from such business for 10 consecutive assessment years shall be allowed as deduction. The
period of 10 years may, at the option of the assessee, be selected out of the 20 years beginning from
the year in which the undertaking develops and starts such infrastructure facilities.

● Conditions:
(i) The under taking is owned by a company registered in India or by a consortium of such companies
or by an authority or aboard or a corporation or any other body established or constituted under
any Central or State Act.
(ii) It has entered into an agreement with the Central Government or a State Government or a local
authority or any other statutory body for (a) developing or (b) operating and maintaining or (c)
developing, operating and maintaining a new infrastructure facility.
(iii) It has started operating and maintaining the infrastructure facility on or after1st April1995 but before
1st April 20017.

● Meaning of infrastructure facility: ―Infrastructure facility‖ means:

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(i) a road including to ll road, a bridge or a rail system;
(ii) a high way project including housing or other activities being an integral part of the high way
project;
(iii) a water supply project, water treatment system, irrigation project, sanitation and sewerage system
or solid waste management system;
(iv) a port airport, inland water way or in land port or navigational channel in the sea.

(B) Undertakings engaged in business of providing telecommunication services: In this case deduction
is allowed to any undertaking which has started or starts providing telecommunication services,
whether basic or cellular, including radio paging, domestic satellite service, network of trunking,
broadband network and internet services on or after the 1 st April, 1995, but on or before 31st March,
2005.
● Conditions:
(i) Except for the circumstances mentioned u/s33B, the undertaking is not formed by splitting up, or
the reconstruction, of a business already in existence.
(ii) It is not formed by the transfer to a new business of machinery or plant previously used for any
purpose.

● Amount of deduction:
The deduction in this caseis100% of the profits for the first 5 assessment years out of 15 years
commencing from the year in which the undertaking starts providing telecommunication services and
thereafter, 30% of such profits and gains for further five assessment years.

(C) Undertakings engaged business of developing and maintaining an industrial park or a special
economic zone: In this case deduction is available to an undertaking which develops, develops and
operates or maintains and operates an industrial park or special economic zones between 1 st April,
1997 and 31st March, 2011. However, in view of insertion of sub-section (13), w.e.f.10.2.2006, no
deduction shall be allowed under this section in respect of any Special Economic Zone developed on
or after 1st April 2005. Such an undertaking shall claim deduction under the newly inserted Section 80-
IAB.

●Amount of deduction:
The deduction in this case is 100% of the profits from such business for 10 consecutive assessment years.
The period of 10 years may be selected out of 15 years beginning from the year in which the
undertaking develops, operates or maintains such industrial park or special economic zones.
However, in the case of an assessee which develops an industrial park on or after1st April 1999 or a
special economic zone on or after1st April 2001, and there after transfers such industrial park or special
economic zone to another undertaking, deduction for the remaining period shall be granted to the
transferee undertaking.

(D) Undertakings engaged in the business of generation, transmission or distribution of power: In this
case deduction is available to an undertaking which:
(i) is set up in any part of India for the generation or generation and distribution of power if it begins to
generate power at any time during the period beginning on the 1 st day of April, 1993 and ending
on the 31st day of March, 2014;
(ii) starts transmission or distribution by laying a network of new transmission or distribution lines at any
time between 1st April, 1999 and 31st March, 2014 (deduction in this case shall be allowed only in
relation to the profits derived from laying of such network of new lines for transmission or
distribution).
(iii) undertakes substantial renovation and modernisation of the existing network of transmission or
distribution lines at any time between1stApril,2004and31st,March,2014.

● Conditions: The conditions for exemption in this case is same as mentioned in (B) above. However,
with effect from the assessment year 2005-2006, the restrictions imposed on the transfer of old plant and
machinery and splitting up of old business shall not apply in the case of splitting up/reconstruction/re-
organisation of the State Electricity Boards.

DIRECT TAXATION 227


● Amount of deduction: In the cases mentioned in (i) and (ii) above, the deduction is100% of the profits
for any 10 out of 15 years beginning with the year in which the undertaking begins to generate power
or starts transmission or distribution of power.
In the case of (iii) above, the amount of deduction is the same, but the period of 10 years or15years, as
the case may be, shall be reckoned from the year in which such substantial renovation or
modernisation takes place. ―Substantial renovation and modernisation‖ in this case means increase in
the book value of plant at least by fifty percent.

(E) Undertakings owned by an Indian company and set up for reconstruction or revival of a power
generating plant: With effect from the assessment year 2006-2007, the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act
2005 has inserted a new clause (v) to Section 80-IA(4) to provide deduction for an undertaking set up
for reconstruction of a power unit. The amount of deduction shall be 100% of the profits and gains
derived from such business for ten consecutive years.
● Conditions:
(i) It is an undertaking owned by an Indian company and set up for reconstruction or revival of a
power generating plant.
(ii) Such an Indian company is formed before 30th November 2005 with majority equity participation by
public sector companies and is notified by the Central Government for the purpose of this clause
before31stDecember2005.
(iii) The aforesaid undertaking begins to generate or transmit or distribute power before 31stMarch
2013.

(F) Undertaking carrying on the business of laying and operating across-country natural gas distribution
network: With effect from the assessment year 2010-11, deduction for the business of laying and
operating cross country natural gas distribution network is available under the newly inserted Section
35AD [See Chapter on Business profession].

16. Deduction in respect of profits and gains of an undertaking or enterprise engaged in development
of Special Economic Zone [Section 80-IAB]:
This section has been inserted by the Special Economic Zones Act2005, w.e.f.10.2.2006, to provide
deductions for profits and gains derived by developer of Special Economic Zones, which is set up on or
after1stApril2005 but before 1st April 2017.
The quantum of deduction in this case is 100% of the profits and gains derived from the business of
development of Special Economic Zones for the 10 consecutive assessment years. However, the
assessee has an option to choose the period of 10 years out of the 15 years beginning from the year in
which the Special Economic Zone has been notified by the Central Government.

Other considerations:
(a) The assessee should have no income other than those derived as a developer of Special Economic
Zones.
(b) The accounts of the assessee in respect of the year for which the deduction is claimed should be
audited and the report of such audit in FormNo.10CCB should be furnished along with the return.
(c) The return of income must be submitted within the due date specified under Section 139(1).
(d) In the event of transfer of the operation and maintenance of the undertaking to another
developer, the deduction shall be allowed to the transferee developer for the remaining period
which the transferor would have been eligible had such transfer not taken place.

17. Deduction for specified business [Section 80-IAC]: With effect from the assessment year 2017-18,
section 80-IAC is inserted to provide deduction to eligible start-ups for eligible business 100% deductions
out of its profits derived from the eligible business. The deduction shall be available for three
consecutive assessment years out of the five years beginning from the year in which the eligible start-up
operates.

DIRECT TAXATION 228


A. "Eligible business" means a business which involves innovation, development, deployment or
commercialization of new products, processes or services driven by technology or intellectual
property.
B. "Eligible start-up" means a company or a limited liability partnership engaged in eligible business
which fulfils the following conditions:
(a) it is incorporated on or after the 1st day of April, 2016 but before the 1st day of April, 2019;
(b) the total turnover of its business does not exceed twenty-five crore rupees in any of the previous
years beginning on or after the 1st day of April, 2016 and ending on the 31st day of March, 2021; and
(c) it holds a certificate of eligible business from the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification as notified
in the Official Gazette by the Central Government

18. Deduction in respect of profits and gains from certain industrial undertakings other than infrastructure
development undertakings [Section 80-IB]:
Deductionunderthissectionisavailableinrespectofprofitsandgainsfromthebusinessof:
1. Industrial undertakings including cold storage.
2. Ships.
3. Hotels.
4. Scientific research and development.
5. Commercial production or refining of mineral oil.
6. Developing and building housing projects.
7. Handlings to rage and transportation of food grains.
8. Multiple x theatre.
9. Convention centre.
10. Hospitals in rural area.

Amount of Deduction: The amount of deduction available to an assessee is as under:


Deduction; u/s 80-IB
Industry Conditions Period when Rate of Period of
production deduction deduction
should start Company Other
1. Industrial Not to be set up by splitting or
undertakings: (See reconstruction of business
note) already in existence, or formed
by transfer of plant and
(a) Backward states Does not produce goods 1.4.1993 - 100% 100% For first 5
specified in the Eleventh 31.3.2004 years
30% 25% For next 5
years
(b) North Eastern Does not produce any article Do 100% 100% For first *10
Region. Jammu and specified in part C of the years
Kashmir Thirteenth Schedule.
(c)A-category 1.4.1993 - 100% 100% For first 5
Backward states 31.3.2004 years
30% 25% For next 5
years
(d) B-category 1.10.94 to 100% 100% For first 3
backward states 313.2004 years Next
5 years
(e) Other industries in 1.4.95 to 30% 25% First *10
small scale sector 31.3.2004 years
other priority sector 1.4.91 to 31.3.95 30% 25% First *10
2. Ships Owned by Indian company. brought to use 30% Nil First 10
between 1.4.91 years
and

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3. Hotels Owned by an Indian company Starts 50% Nil First 10
(a) Hotels in hilly area and is not formed by splitting or functioning years
/rural area or place of reconstruction of business between 1.4.90
pilgrimage or other already in existence. and 31.3.94.
notified
(b) Hotels in hilly areas 1.4.97-31.3.2001 50% Nil First 10
/ place of pilgrimage years
or notified areas but
other than hotels in
the municipal
jurisdiction of
(c)Non-specified
Hotels located in 1.4.97 and 30% Nil First 10
places other than 31.3.2001 years
Mumbai, Kolkata,
Delhi, Chennai.
• Other hotels Do 30% Nil First 10
4.(a)Company Registered in India, main 100% Nil First 5
carrying on objective being industrial years.
scientific research and development;
approved by prescribed
authority before 1.4.99.
(b)Companies Approved by prescribed 100% Nil First 10
covered u/s 80IB(8A). authority between 31.3.2000 years.
and 31.3.2007
5.(a)Commercial (i) Located in the North-Eastern Begins 100% 100% First 7
production or refining Region commercial years.
of mineral oil production of
mineral oil
before 1.4.1997.

(ii) Located in any part of Begins 100% 100% First 7


India commercial years.
production of
mineral oil on
or before 1.4.97.
(iii) Engaged in refining of Begins 100% 100% First 7
mineral oil production on years.
or after 1.10.98
but not later
than 31.10.2012
(b)Commercial Blocks licensed under the VIII Begins 100% 100% First 7
production of natural Round of bidding for award of commercial years.
gas exploration contracts or IV production on or
Round of bidding for award of after 1st April
exploration contracts for Coal 2009 but not
Bed Methane blocks later than 31st
March 2017.
6.Developing and (i) Approved before 31.3.2008 In relation to 100% 100% First 7
building housing by a local authority, size of the project years
projects plot for project - minimum one commencing on For the
acre; or after 1.10.98: relevant
(ii) built-up area for residential (i)to be previous
units 1,000 sq. ft. for Mumbai completed on or year
and Delhi, or places within 25 before 31.3.2008
km. from the local limits of if the project is
these cities and 1,500 sq. ft. for approved
other places; before 1.4.2004
(iii) built-up area for shops and (ii)for projects
other commercial approved on or
establishments 3% of the after 1.4.2004,
aggregate built-up area or but before

DIRECT TAXATION 230


5,000 sq.ft., whichever is more; 1.4.2005, to be
(iv) not more than one completed
residential unit in the housing within four years.
project is allotted to any person (iii)for projects
not being an individual; in a approved on or
case where a residential unit in after 1.5.2005, to
the housing project is allotted be completed
to a person being an within 5 years.
individual, no other residential
unit in such housing project is
allotted to the individual or the
spouse or the minor children of
such individual, or the Hindu
undivided family in which such
individual is the karta or any
person representing such
individual, the spouse or the
minor children of such
individual or the Hindu
undivided family in which such
individual is the karta.
7.(a) Processing, Begins to 100% 100% First 5
preservation and operate years
packaging of fruits or on or after
vegetables or the 1.4.2001
integrated business of
handling, storage and
transportation of food
grains
30%. 25% Next 5 years
(b) Meat and meat Begins to 100% 100% First 5
products or poultry or operate years
marine or dairy after 1.4.2009
products
30% 25% Next 5 years
8. Multiplex theatre. Should not be located in the Constructed at 50%. 50% First 5
municipal jurisdiction of Kolkata. any time years
Chennai. Delhi or Mumbai. between
1.4.2002 and
9. Convention Should not be formed by Constructed at 50% 50% First 5
centre. splitting upon reconstruction of any time years
a business already in existence. between
1.4.2002 and
10. (a) Hospitals in Should have at least 100 beds. Constructed 100% 100% First 5
rural area. between years
1.10.2004 and
312.2008.
(b) Non-metro cities. Do Constructed 100% 100% 5 years
between
1.4.2008 and
312.2013

*Note: From the A.Y. 2004-2005 in the following cases deduction shall be available u/s80IC not u/s8-IB:
Export Processing Zone, Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre, Industrial Growth Centre,
Industrial Park, Software, Technology Park, Industrial Theme Park in the State of Sikkim, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttaranchal and North-Eastern States.
*Non metro cities mean the areas other than those comprising the urban agglo merations of Greater
Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmadabad, the districts of Faridabad,
Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Gandhi nagar and the city of Secunderabad

DIRECT TAXATION 231


19. Deductions in respect of profits and gains of housing projects [Section 80-IBA]
With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, Section 80-IBA is inserted so as to provide 100% deduction
where the gross total income of an assessee includes any profits and gains derived from the business of
developing and building housing projects.

Conditions: The deduction under this section is subject to the following conditions:
(a) the project is approved by the competent authority after the 1st day of June, 2016 but on or before
the 31st day of March. 2019, in accordance with such guidelines as may be prescribed:
(b) the project is completed within a period of three years from the date of approval by the
competent authority:
(c) the built-up area of the shops and other commercial establishments included in the housing project
does not exceed three per cent, of the aggregate built-up area;
(d) the project is on a plot of land measuring not less than one thousand square metres where such
project is located within the cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai or within the area of
twenty-five kilometres from the municipal limits of these cities, or two thousand square metres within
the jurisdiction of any other municipality or cantonment board;
(e) the residential units comprised in the housing project does not exceed thirty square metres where
such project is located within the cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai or within the area of
twenty-five kilometres from the municipal limits of these cities, or sixty square metres, where such
project is located within the jurisdiction of any other municipality or cantonment board;
(f) where a residential unit in the housing project is allotted to an individual, no other residential unit in
the housing project shall be allotted to the individual or the spouse or the minor children of such
individual;
(g) the project utilises—
(i) not less than ninety per cent, of the floor area ratio permissible in respect of the plot of land
under the rules to be made by the Central Government or the State Government or the local
authority, as the case may be. Where the project is located within the cities of Chennai, Delhi,
Kolkata or Mumbai or within the area of twenty-five kilometres from the municipal limits of these
cities, or
(ii) not less than eighty per cent, of such floor area ratio where such project is located in any area
other than the areas referred to in (i) above;
(h) the assessee maintains separate books of account in respect of the housing project.
(i) Where the housing project is not completed within the period specified above, and in respect of
which a deduction has been claimed and allowed under this section, the total amount of
deduction so claimed and allowed in one or more previous years, shall be deemed to be the
income of the assessee chargeable under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession" of
the previous year in which the period for completion so expires.
(j) Where any amount of profits and gains derived from the business of developing and building
housing projects under any scheme for the housing is claimed and allowed under this section for
any assessment year, deduction to the extent of such profit and gains shall not be allowed under
any other provisions of this Act.

20. Deductions for certain undertakings in special category States [Section 80-IC]:
Finance Act, 2003 has inserted Section 80-IC [w.e.f. assessment year2004-2005] to provide deductions
for certain undertakings situated in the special category States. The provisions of this section are as
under:
Specified business (1) Specified place (2) Specified time (3) Deduction (4)
A. Undertaking or Export Processing On or after 23.12.2002 100% of such profit for
enterprise which has Zone/ Integrated but before1.4.2007. 10 assessment
begun or begins or Infrastructure years beginning with
undertakes Development On or after 7.1.2003 but the initial assessment
substantial expansion Centre/ Industrial before1.4.2012. year.
for producing or Growth Centre/ 100% for the first
manufacturing any Industrial Estate or Onorafter24.12.1997but five assessment year

DIRECT TAXATION 232


article or thing other Park/ Software before1.4.2007. and 25% (30% in the
than those specified in Technology Park, case of a company)
the Thirteenth Schedule Industrial area/ thereafter.
Theme Park: 100% of such profit for
(i) In Sikkim 10 assessment
(ii) Himachal Pradesh years beginning with
or Uttaranchal the initial assessment
(iii)North-Eastern year.
States
B. Undertaking or (i) Sikkim On or after 23.12.2002 100% of such profit for
enterprise which has but before1.4.2012. 10 assessment
begun or begins or years beginning with
Undertakes substantial Onorafter7.1.2003but the initial assessment
expansion for (ii) Himachal Pradesh before 1 .4.2012. year.
producing or or Uttaranchal 100% for first five
manufacturing any On or after 24.12.1997 assessment years
article specified in the but before1.4.2007. and 25% (30% in the
Fourteenth Schedule (iii)North-Eastern case of a company)
S tates thereafter.
100% of such profit for
10 assessment
years beginning with
the initial assessment
year.

21. Deduction in respect of profits and gains from business of hotels and convention centres in specified
area [Section 80-ID]:

With effect from the assessment year 2008-2009, section80-ID has been inserted by the Finance Act
2007 to provide deduction in respect of profits and gains from business of hotels and convention
centres in specified area. The provisions of this newly inserted section areas under.

Eligibility Conditions to be fulfilled Amount of


deductions
Deduction is available to an (i) The business is not formed by the 100% of the
undertaking situated in the National splitting up, or the reconstruction, of a profits and
Capital Territory of Delhi and the districts business already in existence; gains
of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautama (ii) The business is not formed by the derived
Buddha Nagarand Ghaziabad and- transfer to a new business of a building from such
(i) Engaged in the business of hotel, if previously used as a hotel or a business for
such hotel is constructed and has started convention centre, as the case may five
or starts functioning at any time during be. consecutiv
the period beginning on the 1st April, 2007 (iii)The business is not formed by the e
and ending on 31st July, 2010;or transfer to a new business of assessment
(ii) Engaged in the business of building, machinery or plant previously used for years
owning and operating a convention any purpose. beginning
centre, if such convention centre is (iv)The assessee furnishes along with from the
constructed at any time during the period the return of income, the report of an initial
beginning on the1stApril, 2007 and audit in such form and containing such assessment
ending on the 31st July, 2010. particulars as may be prescribed, and year.
(iii)Engaged in the business of hotel duly signed and verified by a
located in the specified district having a chartered accountant, certifying
World Heritage Site, if such hotel is that the deduction has been correctly
constructed and has started or starts claimed.
functioning at any time during the (v) No deduction shall be allowed
period beginning on the 1st April, 2008 under any other section contained
and ending on the 31st March, 2013. in Chapter VIA or section 10AA, in
relation to the profits and gains of the
under- taking.

DIRECT TAXATION 233


22. Special provisions in respect of certain undertakings in North-Eastern States. [Section 80-IE]:
Effective from the assessment year 2008-2009, Section 80-IE has been inserted by the Finance Act 2007
to provide tax holiday for certain undertakings in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

● Eligible undertakings: Deduction under this section applies to any undertaking which has, during the
period beginning on the 1st day of April, 2007 and ending before the 1 st day of April, 2017, begun or
begins, in any of the aforesaid North-Eastern States,—
(i) to manufacture or produce any eligible article or thing;
(ii) to undertake substantial expansion to manufacture or produce any eligible article or thing;
(iii) to carry on any eligible business.

●Conditions: Deduction under this section is subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions:
(i) Except for the circumstances specified in Section 33B, the undertaking is not formed by splitting
up, or the reconstruction, of a business already inexistence.
(ii) It is not formed by the transfer to a new business of machinery or plant previously used for any
purpose.
(iii) in computing the total income of the assessee, no deduction shall be allowed under any other
section contained in Chapter VIA or in Section 10A or Section 10AA or Section 10B or Section 10BA, in
relation to the profits and gains of the undertaking.

●Actual deductions: If the aforesaid conditions are fulfilled, the assessee shall be allowed a deduction
of an amount equal to 100% of the profits and gains derived from such business for 10 consecutive
assessment years commencing with the initial assessment year.

Other considerations:
(i) ― Eligible article or thing‖ means the article or thing other than the following:
(a) goods falling under Chapter 24 of the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 which
pertains to tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes;
(b) pan masalaas covered under Chapter 21 of the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985;
(c) plastic carry bags of less than 20 micronsas specified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests [vide
Notification No.S.O.705(E), dated 2nd September, 1999 and S.O.698(E), dated 17th June,2003]; or
(d) goods falling under Chapter 27 of the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985, produced
by petroleum oil or gas refineries;
(ii) ―Eligible business‖ means the business of,— (a) hotel (not below two star category);
(b) adventure and leisure sports including ropeways;
(c) providing medical and health services in the nature of nursing home with a minimum capacity
of25beds;
(d) running an old-agehome;
(e) operating vocational training institute for hotel management, catering and food craft,
entrepreneurship development, nursing and para-medical, civilaviationrelated training, fashion
designing and industrial training;
(f) running information technology related training centre; (g) manufacturing of information
technology hardware; and (h) bio-technology.
(iii) ―Initial assessment year‖ means the assessment year relevant to the previous year in which the
undertaking begins to manufacture or produce articles or things, or completes substantial expansion.
(iv) ―substantial expansion‖ means increase in the investment in the plant and machinery by atleast
25% of the book value of plant and machinery (before taking depreciation in any year), as on the first
day of the previous year in which the substantial expansion is undertaken.

23. Deduction in respect of profits and gains from business of collecting and processing bio-degradable
wastes [Section 80JJA]:
This section allows deduction to any assessee deriving profits from the business of collecting and
processing or treating of bio-degradable wastes for generating power or producing bio-fertilizers, bio-

DIRECT TAXATION 234


pesticides or other bio-logical agents or for producing bio-gas or making pellets orbriquettes for fuel or
organic manure.

Amount of deduction: 100% of profit for 5 years beginning with the previous year in which business
commences.

24. Deduction in respect of Employment of New Workman [Section 80JJAA]:


Subject to the fulfilment of the conditions, this section allows deduction of an amount equal to 30% of
the additional wages paid to the new regular workmen employed by a corporate assessee for
manufacture of goods in its factory. The deduction is available for three assessment years
includingtheassessmentyearrelevanttothepreviousyearinwhichsuchemploymentisprovided.
The expressions ‗additional wages‘ and ‗regular workmen‘ are explained to mean:
(a) Additional wages :It means the wages paid to the new regular workmen in excess of one hundred
workmen employed during the previous year. In the case of an existing factory, the additional wages
shall be nil if the increase in the number of regular workmen employed during the year is less than 10
percent of the existing number of workmen employed in such factory.
(b) Regular Workmen: It does not include: (i) a casual workman;
(ii) a workman employed through a contract labour; and
(iii) any other workman employed for a period of less than 365 days during the previous year.

Conditions: No deduction under this section is available if:


(a) the factory is hived off (i.e. created by splitting an existing one ) from another existing entity or
acquired by the assessee company as a result of amalgamation with an other company.
(b) A report of the accountant is furnished along with return of income giving the prescribed
particulars.

25. Deduction in respect of certain incomes of Offshore Banking Units and International Financial
Services Centre [Section 80LA]:
With effect from the assessment year 2006-2007, the existing Section 80LA has been replaced by a new
Section 80LA [inserted by the Special Economic ZonesAct, 2005,w.e.f.10.2.2006].

●Eligible assessee: Under this section, deduction is available to: (a) a scheduled bank having an
Offshore Banking Unit;
(b) a foreign bank having an Offshore Banking Unit; (c) a unit of an International Financial Services
Centre.

●Eligible income: Deduction under section 80LA is eligible only in respect of the following incomes:
(a) Income from an Offshore Banking Unit in a Special Economic Zone.
(b) Income from a business referred to in Section 6(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with an
undertaking located in a Special Economic Zone or any other undertaking which develops, develops
and operates or develops, operates and maintains a Special Economic Zone.
(c) Income from any Unit of the International Financial Services Centre from its business for which it has
been approved for setting up such a Centre in a special Economic Zone.

● Conditions for deduction: Deduction under Section 80LA is available if the assessee, alongwith the
return of income, furnishes:
(a) a report of a chartered accountant in the prescribed form certifying that the deduction has been
correctly claimed in accordance with the provisions of this section;
(b) a copy of the permission obtained under Section 23(1)(a) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949

● Amount of deduction: If the aforesaid conditions are fulfilled, the assessee shall be eligible to claim the
following deductions:
(a) 100% of the eligible income for the first five consecutive assessment years relevant to the previous
year in which the permission under Section 23(1)(a) of the Banking Regulation Act or registration under
the Securities and Exchange Board of India or other relevant law is obtained.
(b) 50% of the eligible incomes for the subsequent five years.

DIRECT TAXATION 235


26. Deduction in respect of royalty income of authors of certain books other than text-books [Section
80QQB]:
Section 80QQB has been inserted by the Finance Act, 2003, w.e.f .the assessment year 2004-2005.
Under this section an assessee can claim deduction if the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The assessee is an individual, who is resident in India.
(b) His gross total income includes income derived by him in exercise of his profession as an author.
(c) The income is received as lump sum consideration for the assignment for grant of any of his interests
in the copyright of any book or on account of royalty or copyright fees (receivable in lump sum or
otherwise) in respect of any book.
(d) The books are the work of literary, artistic or scientific nature.

●Amount of deduction: The amount of deduction shall be as under:


(a) For lump sum consideration received: Amount actually received or 3,00,000, whichever is less; (b)
Where the amount is not received in lump sum: Least of the following amount:
(a) Amount actually received; or
(b) 15% of the value of books sold during the previous year; or
(c) 3,00,000.
(c) Where the income is earned from a source outside India: Amount brought in toIndia in convertible
foreign exchange within six months from the end of the relevant previous year (or such further period as
may be allowed) or 3,00,000,whichever is less.

27. Deduction in respect of royalty on patent [Section 80RRB]:


This section has been inserted by the Finance Act, 2003, w.e.f. assessment year 2004-2005. Under this
section deduction shall be allowed to an individual, who is—
(a) resident in India; (b) a patentee; and
(c) in receipt of any income by way of royalty in respect of a patent registered on or after 1stApril, 2003
underthePatentsAct,1970.

●Amount of deduction: The amount of deduction shall be as follows:


(a) Where a compulsory licence is granted in respect of any patent under the Patents Act, 1970:
3,00,000 or the amount of royalty under the terms of and conditions of a licence settled by the
Controller under the Patents Act, whichever is lower;
(b) Where such royalty is earned from a source outside India: `3,00,000 or the amount of royalty as is
brought into India in convertible foreign exchange within six months from the end of the relevant
previous year (or such other extended time, as may be allowed),which ever is lower.
(c) In other cases: the entire amount of such royalty or ` 3,00,000,whichever is less.

●Conditions:
(1) The assessee shall furnish a certificate in Form No. 10CCE, duly signed by the prescribed authority,
along with there turn of income setting forth such particulars as may be prescribed.
(2) In respect of any income earned from a source outside India, the assessee shall furnish a certificate
of foreign inward remittance in Form No.10H.
(3) Where a deduction for any previous year has been claimed and allowed in respect of any income
referred to in this section, no deduction in respect of such income shall be allowed under any other
provision of this Act in any assessment year.

28. Deduction in respect of interest on deposit in savings account [Section 80TTA]:


With effect from the assessment year 2013-14, Section 80TTA is inserted to provide for deductions on
account of interest on savings bank accounts (not being time deposits) with :
(i) a banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949(10of1949), applies (including any
bank or banking institution referred to in Section 51 of that Act) ;
(ii) a co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking (including a co-operative
land mortgage bank or a co-operative land development bank) ; or
(iii) a post office, as defined in Section 2(k) of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. The deduction under this
section is subject to the following conditions:
(a) The deduction under this section can be claimed only by an individual or a Hindu undivided family.

DIRECT TAXATION 236


However, where the aforesaid income is derived from any deposit in a savings account held by, or on
behalf of, a firm, an association of persons or a body of individuals, no deduction shall be allowed in
respect of such income in computing the total income of any partner of the firm or any member of the
association or body.
(b) Maximum deduction shall not exceed ` 10,000.

29. Deduction in case of a person with disability [Section 80U]:


With effect from the assessment year 2004-2005, New Section 80U has been substituted for the old
Section 80U to provide deduction for a resident individual, who, at any time during the previous year is
certified to be a person with disability.
● Amount of deduction: The amount of deduction under this sectionis ` 75,000. However, wherethe
aforesaid individual is a person with severe disability, the amount of deduction shall be `1,25,000.
● Conditions:
(1) Every person claiming deduction under this section shall along with the return of income under
Section 139, furnish a copy of the certificate issued by the medical authority in respect of the
assessment year for which the deduction is claimed.
(2) Where the condition of disability requires re-assessment of its extent after a period stipulated in the
aforesaid certificate, no deduction under this section shall be allowed for any assessment year relating
to any previous year beginning after the expiry of the previous year during which the aforesaid
certificate of disability had expired, unless a new certificate is obtained from the medical and a copy
thereof is furnished alongwith the return of income under Section 139.
● Meaning of different terms: The terms ―disability‖, ―person with disability‖, ―person with severe disability‖
and ―medical authority‖ have been defined under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 and the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 as under:
(a) ―Disability‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2(i) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal
Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,1995, and includes ―autism‖, ―cerebral
palsy‖ and ―multiple disabilities‖ referred to in clauses (a), (c) and (h) of Section 2 of the National Trust
for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple DisabilitiesAct,1999.
(b) ―Medical authority‖ means the medical authority as referred to in Section 2(p) of the Persons with
Disabilities(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)Act, 1995, or such other
medical authority as may, by notification, be specified by the Central Government for certifying
―autism‖, ―cerebral palsy‖, ―multiple disabilities‖, ―person with disability‖ and ―severe disability‖ referred
to in clauses (a), (c), (h), (j) and (o) of Section 2 of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism,
Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
(c) ―Person with disability‖ means a person referred to in Section 2(t) of the Persons with Disabilities
(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, or Section 2(j) of the National
Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act,
1999.
(d) ―Person with severe disability‖ means: (i) a person with eighty percent or more of one or more
disabilities, as referred to in Section 56(4) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection
of Rights and Full Participation Act, 1995); or a person with severe disability referred to in Section 2(o) of
the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple
Disabilities Act, 1999.

Example 7:
Duringthepreviousyear2017-2018, X furnishes the following particulars of his income:
(a) Gross salary 4,15,200
(b) Interest on fixed deposit with a bank 5,000
(c) Interest on fixed deposit of minor daughter 3,000
(d) Income from UTI received by his handicapped son 3,000
During the year X paid the following sums:
(a) Contribution to LIC for pension fund u/s80CCC 10,000
(b) Deposit to Public Provident Fund 55,000
(c) Deposit under equity savings scheme 20,000

DIRECT TAXATION 237


(d) Tuition fees for part-time MBA course of son 25,000
(e) Tuition fees for full-time Engineering course in India for the daughter 40,000
Compute taxable income of X for the assessment year2 017-2018.

Answer: Computation of total income of X for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous
year 2016-2017.
` ` `
• Income under the head "Salaries" :
Gross salaries 4,15,200
less: Deduction u/s 16: Nil 4,15,200
• Income from other sources:
Interest on fixed deposit with bank 5,000
Interest on fixed deposit of minor daughter 3,000
less: Exemption u/s 10(32) 1,500 1,500
Income from UTI received by his handicapped son
[Exempt u/s 10(33)) Nil 6,500
Gross total income 4,21,700
less: Deductions u/ss 80C - 80U :
(i)u/s 80C: For specified savings/ payments (Note 1) 95.000
(ii)u/s 80CCC: For pension fund of LIC 10.000
Total deductions u/s 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD
not to exceed ` 1,50,000, vide Section 80CCE] 1,05,000 1,05 ,000
(iii) u/s 80CCG: For deposit under Equity Savings Scheme (50%) 10,000
Total income 3,06,700

Note : Deduction u/s80C:


Deposit to Public Provident Fund 55,000
Tuition fees for son (Part-time course not eligible) Nil
Tuition fees for daughter in full-time course 40,000
Total 95,000

Example 8: For the assessment year 2017-2018, the gross total income of X was `4,23,240, which
includes long-term capital gains of `1,45,000 and short-term capital gains of `18,000. The gross total
income also includes interest income from deposits in savings bank account `12,000.The remaining
income was earned from a proprietary business. During the year X has invested in the PPF ` 60,000 and
also paid medical insurance premium `16,000. X also contributed `15,000 to a public charitable trust,
which is eligible for deduction u/s80G.
Compute taxable income and tax liability of X on the assumption that X attains the age of 60 on 31 st
March 2017.

Ans.: Computation of total income and tax liability of X for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year 2016-2017.

Profits and gains of business or profession: (Note 1) 2,48,240


• Capital gains:
Short-term capital gains 18,000
Long-term capital gains 1,45,000 1,63,000
• Income from other sources:
Interest from bank 12,000
Cross total income 4,23,240
Less: Deductions u/s 80C — 80U: 96,112
(i) u/s 80C: For deposit to PPF 60,000
(ii) u/s 80D: For medical insurance premium (Note 2) 16,000
(iii)u/s 80G: For donation to charitable institution (Note 3) 10,112
(iv)u/s 80TTA: For interest on savings bank account 10,000
Total income (Rounded off) 3,27,380

DIRECT TAXATION 238


Tax on total income of ` 3,27,380:
Tax on first ` 3,00,000 Nil
Balance ` 27,380 comprising LTC @ 20% 5,476
less: Rebate u/s 87A 5,000
Tax after Rebate 476
Add: Surcharge Nil
Tax and surcharge 476
Add: Education cess: @ ` 2% of tax and surcharge 10
Add: Secondary and Higher Education cess @ 1 % 5
Tax payable (Rounded off) 490

Notes:
1. Business income [4,23,240–1,63,000–12,000]= `2,48,240
2. For senior citizens deduction u/s80D is actual amount paid or `30,000, whichever is lower. It is
assumed that the amount has been paid by a cheque.
3. Qualifying amount for deduction u/s 80G:
Gross total income 4,23,240
Less:
Long-term capital gains 1,45,000
Deduction m/s 80C 60,000
Deduction m/s 80D 16,000 2,21,000
Adjusted total income 2,02,240
Qualifying amount for deduction u/s 80G being 10% of adjusted total income or ` 20,224
Actual deduction : 50% = 10,112.

Example9: From the particulars given below, compute taxable income of X for the assessment
year2017-2018:
Net income from manufacturing business 1,30,000
Interest on Post Office Savings Bank Account 1,900
Share of profit from a partnership concern 22,000
Short-term capital gains on sale of land 24,000
Long-term capital gain on sale of house property 1,20,000
Share of income from HUF in which X is a member 8,200
Winning from camel race 10,000
Interest on bank fixed deposit:
(i) Deposit in his own name 4,000
(ii) In the name of minor son 1,300
Expenditure incurred on medical treatment of 67 years old brother
[Who being a person with disability, is dependent on X] 40,000
Repayment of loan (including interest 4,000) taken for part-time
Studies for postgraduate course in Management 10,000
Donation to Prime Minister‘s National Relief Fund 20,000

Answer:
Computation of total income and tax liability of X for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017.

` `
• Profits and gains of business or profession:
Net income from manufacturing business 1,30,000
Share of profit from a partnership concern [Exempt u/s 10(2A)] Nil
Share of income from 11UF in which X is a member [Exempt u/s 10(2)) Nil 1,30,000
• Capital gains :
Short-term capital gains on sale of land 24,000
Long-term capital gain on sale of house property 1,20,000 1,44,000

DIRECT TAXATION 239


• Income from other sources :
Interest on Post Office Savings Bank Account [Exempt u/s 10(15)] Nil
Interest on bank deposit in own name 4,000
Interest on bank deposit in the name of minor child [Exempt u/s 10(32)] Nil
Winning from camel race 10,000 14,000
Gross total income 2,88,000
Less : Deductions u/ss 80C - 80U :
(i) u/s 80DD for medical treatment of dependent with disability[Fixed] 75,000
(ii) u/s 80E for repayment of education loan [4,000 x 1/8 (Note 1)] 500
(iii) u/s 80C for donation (Note 2) 20,000 95,500
Total income 1,92,500

Notes:
(1) With effect from the assessment year 2006-07, deduction under Section 80E is allowed on account
of interest for loan taken to pursue any higher education (part-time or full-time course) in India or
abroad. The deduction shall be allowed over eight assessment years.
(2) 100% of donation to the Prime Minister‘s National Relief Fund is eligible for deduction u/s80G.

Example 10. Dare tired government employee of 67 years age, derived the following income in respect
of financial year 2016-2017:
Pension 2,20,000
Interest on bank fixed deposits 55,000
Accrued interest on NSC purchased during 2015-2016 8,000
Total 2,83,000
He has paid ` 18,000 as premium to effect insurance on his health and his dependent parents. He pays
a rent of `3,000 p.m. for an accommodation in Kolkata. During the previous year he contributed ` 1,000
to an approved institution for the purpose of rural development programme.
Compute taxable income of D for the relevant assessment year.

Answer:
Computation of total income of D a resident individual, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previousyear2016-2017
• Income under the head "Salaries''': ` `
Pension received 2,20,000
Less: Deduction u/s 16: Nil 2,20,000
• Income from other sources:
Interest on bank fixed deposit 55,000
Accrued interest on NSC 8,000 63,000
Gross total income 2,83,000
Less: Deductions u/s 80C - 80U :
j) u/s 80C : For NSC interest (Deemed to be reinvested) 8,000
[ii) u/s 80D : For medical premium (Note 1) 18,000
[iii) u/s 80GG : for rent paid (Note 2) 10,400
[iv) u/s 80CCA: For donation to approved institution for rural development 1,000 37,400
Total income 2,45,600

Note: 1. Deduction for medical premium for a senior citizen is actual amount paid or `30,000, whichever
is lower.
2. Deduction u/s80GG in respect of rent paid being least of the following:
(a) Rent paid less 10% of adjusted total income [36,000–25,600] 10,400
(b)25% of adjusted total income 64,000
(c) 5,000p.m. 60,000

[Adjusted total income=2,83,000–8,000–18,000–1,000=2,56,000]

DIRECT TAXATION 240


Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Deduction allowed to an individual u/s 80CCC is restricted to -
(a) ` 5000
(b) ` 7500
(c) ` 1,50,000
(d) ` 12,500
Ans: (c) ` 1,50,000

2. 80GGA available for donations made to-


(a) Charitable Institutions
(b) Educational Institutions
(c) Research Associations
(d) Religion organizations
Ans: (c) Research Associations

3. Deduction u/s. 80JJA is available if the assesse-


(a) Is engaged in scientific research
(b) Sets up an industrial unit in a backward area
(c) Is engaged in agriculture business
(d) Is engaged in the business of collecting and processing biodegradable waste.
Ans: (d) Is engaged in the business of collecting and processing biodegradable waste.

4. Section 80QQB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, deals with –


(a) Interest on debentures of a Govt. company
(b) Royalty Income of authors
(c) Royalties from patent
(d) Profits from export of computer software
Ans: (b) Royalty Income of authors

5. Deduction u/s 80C is available up to a maximum of –


(a) ` 1,00,000
(b) ` 1,50,000
(c) ` 20,000
(d) ` 25,000
Ans: (b) ` 1,50,000

6. Deduction u/s 80GGB or 80GGC is available on donation to –


(a) Political Party or electoral trust
(b) Political Party
(c) Poor people provided donation must be given in cash
(d) University
Ans: (a) Political Party or electoral trust

7. Maximum Deduction available under section 80CCG is –


(a) ` 15,000
(b) ` 20,000
(c) ` 25,000
(d) ` 1,00,000
Ans: (c) ` 25,000

8. As per section 80JJA, an assessee engaged in the business of processing of bio-degradable waste
is allowed as deduction of-
(a) 100% profit for 2 years
(b) 100% profit for 5 years

DIRECT TAXATION 241


(c) 100% profit for 10 years
(d) No deduction available
Ans: (b) 100% profit for 5 years

9. Aggregate amount of deduction under 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD cannot exceed –
(a) ` 1,10,000
(b) ` 2,00,000
(c) ` 1,50,000
(d) There is no maximum limit.
Ans: (c) ` 1,50,000

10. Amount of deduction in case of a person with severe disability under section 80U will be –
(a) ` 50,000
(b) ` 75,000
(c) ` 1,25,000
(d) ` 1,50,000
Ans: (c) ` 1,25,000

11. For the purpose of deduction u/s 80DD, which of the following statements is/are true?
(a) Assessee is either an individual or a HUF
(b) Assessee is resident in India
(c) Assessee has a dependent disable relative
(d) All of the above
Ans.: (c) Assessee has a dependent disable relative

12. In case of a person being an individual not having income under the head ‗Salaries‘ is eligible for
deduction u/s 80CCD for contribution towards eligible pension scheme. The deduction is restricted
to-
(a) 10% of his gross total income in the previous year
(b) ` 1,50,000
(c) 20% of his gross total income in the previous year
(d) 12% of his gross total income in the previous year
Ans.: (a) 10% of his gross total income in the previous year

13. Maximum deduction one can claim u/s 80D is-


(a) ` 60,000
(b) ` 50,000
(c) ` 30,000
(d) ` 35,000
Ans: (a) ` 60,000

DIRECT TAXATION 242


STUDY NOTE : 15
RATES OF TAX AND TAX LIABILITY, REBATES AND RELIEFS

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


15.1 Tax Rates for the Assessment Year 2017-2018
15.2 Relief [Section 89]

15.1 TAX RATES FOR THE ASSESSMENT YEAR 2017-2018

1. Individual, HUF, AOP/ BOI / Every artificial person (other than senior citizen) [A non-resident individual
assessee, irrespective of his age, shall be taxed at the rates mentioned below]

Total income Rate of Income-tax


 where the total income does not exceed ` Nil;
2,50,000
 where the total income exceeds ` 2,50,000 but 10 per cent, of the amount by which the total
does not exceed ` 5,00,000 income exceeds ` 2,50,000;
 where the total income exceeds ` 5,00,000 but ` 25,000 plus 20 per cent, of the amount by
does not exceed ` 10,00,000 which the total income exceeds ` 5,00,000;
 where the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000 ` 1,25,000 plus 30 per cent, of the amount by
which the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000.

a. In the case of every individual, being a resident in India, who is of the age of sixty years or more but
less than eighty years at any time during the previous year
Total income Rate of Income-tax
 where the total income does not exceed ` Nil;
3,00,000
 where the total income exceeds ` 3,00,000 but 10 per cent, of the amount by which the total
does not exceed ` 5,00,000 income exceeds ` 3,00,000;
 where the total income exceeds ` 5,00,000 but ` 20,000 plus 20 per cent, of the amount by
does not exceed ` 10,00,000 which the total income exceeds ` 5,00,000;
 where the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000 ` 1,20,000 plus 30 per cent, of the amount by
which the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000.

b. In the case of every individual, being a resident in India, who is of the age of eighty years or more
at any time during the previous year
Total income Rate of Income-tax
 Where the total income does not exceed ` Nil;
5,00,000
 where the total income exceeds ` 5,00,000 but 20 per cent, of the amount by which the
does not exceed `10,00,000 total income exceeds ` 5,00,000;
 Where the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000 ` 1,00,000 plus 30 per cent, of the amount by
which the total income exceeds ` 10,00,000.

 Tax Rebate for resident individual: An assessee, being an individual resident in India, whose total
income does not exceed five lakhs rupees, shall be entitled to a deduction, from the amount of
income-tax (as computed before allowing the deductions under this Chapter) on his total income
with which he is chargeable for any assessment year, of an amount equal to hundred per cent of
such income-tax or an amount of ` 5,000, whichever is less.
 Surcharge on income-tax: The amount of income-tax computed in accordance with the
preceding provisions of this Paragraph, or the provisions of section 111A or section 112 of the
Income-tax Act, shall, in the case of every individual or Hindu undivided family or association of
persons or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, or every artificial juridical person

DIRECT TAXATION 243


referred to in sub-clause (vii) of clause (31) of section 2 of the Income-tax Act, having a total
income exceeding one crore rupees, be increased by a surcharge for the purposes of the Union
calculated at the rate of fifteen per cent, of such income-tax:
 Marginal Relief: In the case of persons mentioned above having total income exceeding one crore
rupees, the total amount payable as income-tax and surcharge on such income shall not exceed
the total amount payable as income-tax on a total income of one crore rupees by more than the
amount of income that exceeds one crore rupees.

2. Co-operative society

Total income Rate of Income-tax


(1) where the total income does not exceed ` 10 per cent, of the total income;
10,000
(2) where the total income exceeds ` 10,000 ` 1,000 plus 20 per cent, of the amount by which
but does not exceed ` 20,000 the total income exceeds ` 10,000;
(3) where the total income exceeds ` 20,000 ` 3,000 plus 30 per cent, of the amount by which
the total income exceeds ` 20,000.

Surcharge on income-tax: The amount of income-tax computed in accordance with the preceding
provisions of this Paragraph, or the provisions of section 111A or section 112 of the Income-tax Act, shall,
in the case of every co-operative society, having a total income exceeding one crore rupees, be
increased by a surcharge for the purposes of the Union calculated at the rate of twelve percent, of
such income- tax:

Marginal Relief: The case of every co-operative society mentioned above having total income
exceeding one crore rupees, the total amount payable as income-tax and surcharge on such income
shall not exceed the total amount payable as income-tax on a total income of one crore rupees by
more than the amount of income that exceeds one crore rupees.

3. Firm: On the whole of the income @ 30%.


Surcharge on income-tax
The amount of income-tax computed in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Paragraph,
or the provisions of section 111A or section 112 of the Income-tax Act, shall, in the case of every firm,
having a total income exceeding one crore rupees, be increased by a surcharge for the purposes of
the Union calculated at the rate of twelve per cent, of such income-tax:

Marginal Relief: In the case of every firm mentioned above having total income exceeding one crore
rupees, the total amount payable as income-tax and surcharge on such income shall not exceed the
total amount payable as income-tax on a total income of one crore rupees by more than the amount
of income that exceeds one crore rupees.

4. Local authority: On the whole of the income @ 30%.

Surcharge on income-tax
The amount of income-tax computed in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Paragraph,
or the provisions of section 111A or section 112 of the Income-tax Act, shall, in the case of every firm,
having a total income exceeding one crore rupees, be increased by a surcharge for the purposes of
the Union calculated at the rate of twelve per cent of such income-tax:

Marginal Relief: In the case of every local authority mentioned above having total income exceeding
one crore rupees, the total amount payable as income-tax and surcharge on such income shall not
exceed the total amount payable as income-tax on a total income of one crore rupees by more than
the amount of income that exceeds one crore rupees.

DIRECT TAXATION 244


5. Company:
Company
I. In the case of a domestic company, — 29 per cent, of
(i) where its total turnover or the gross receipt in the previous year 2014-15 does the total income
not exceed five crore rupees; 30 per cent, of
(ii) other than that referred to in item (i) the total income
II. In the case of a company other than a domestic company—
(i) on so much of the total income as consists of
(a) royalties received from Government or an Indian concern in pursuance of an
agreement made by it with the Government or the Indian concern after the 50 per cent.
31st day of March, 1961 but before the 1st day of April, 1976; or
(b) fees for rendering technical services received from Government or an Indian 40 per cent.
concern in pursuance of an agreement made by it with the Government or
the Indian concern after the 29th day of February, 1964 but before the 1st
day of April, 1976, and where such agreement has, in either case, been
approved by the Central Government
(ii) on the balance, if any, of the total income

Surcharge on income-tax
The amount of income-tax computed in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Paragraph,
or the provisions of section 111A or section 112 of the Income-tax Act, shall, be increased by a
surcharge for the purposes of the Union calculated, —
(i) in the case of every domestic company, —
(a) having a total income exceeding one crore rupees but not exceeding ten crore rupees, at the
rate of seven per cent, of such income-tax; and
(b) having a total income exceeding ten crore rupees, at the rate of twelve per cent, of such
income-tax;
(ii) in the case of every company other than a domestic company, —
(a) having a total income exceeding one crore rupees but not exceeding ten crore rupees, at the
rate of two per cent, of such income-tax; and
(b) having a total income exceeding ten crore rupees, at the rate of five per cent, of such
income-tax:

Marginal Relief: in the case of every company having a total income exceeding one crore rupees but
not exceeding ten crore rupees, the total amount payable as income-tax and surcharge on such
income shall not exceed the total amount payable as income-tax on a total income of one crore
rupees by more than the amount of income that exceeds one crore rupees

In the case of every company having a total income exceeding ten crore rupees, the total amount
payable as income-tax and surcharge on such income shall not exceed the total amount payable as
income-tax and surcharge on a total income of ten crore rupees by more than the amount of income
that exceeds ten crore rupees.

15.2 RELIEF [SECTION 89]

Subject to the conditions laid down under Rule 21A, relief under section 89 may be availed by a
salaried employee on account of lump sum received for arrears of:
 Salary,
 Gratuity,
 Leave encashment
 Commuted value of pension
 Family pension.

DIRECT TAXATION 245


A. Computation of relief on receipt of arrears of salary or salary received in advance: The relief on
salary received in arrears or in advance is computed in the manner laid down in Rule 21A(2) as under :
Step 1. Compute the tax payable on the total income, including the additional salary, of the relevant
previous year in which the same is received.
Step 2. Compute the tax payable on the total income, excluding the additional salary, of the relevant
previous year in which the additional salary is received.
Step 3. Find out the difference between the tax at step (1) and (2).
Step 4. Compute the tax on the total income after including the additional salary in the previous year
to which such salary relates.
Step 5. Compute the tax on the total income after excluding the additional salary in the previous year
to which such salary relates.
Step 6. Find out the difference between tax at step (4) and (5).
Step 7. The excess of tax computed at step (3) over tax computed at step (6) is the amount of relief
admissible under Section 89. If tax computed at step (3) is less than the tax computed at step(6), there
shall be no relief and the assessee in such a case need not apply for relief.

If the additional salary relates to more than one previous year, salary would be spread over
the previous years to which it pertains in the manner explained above.

B. Computation relief in respect of gratuity: Under Section 89, a relief can be claimed by an assessee if
gratuity is received in excess of the specified limits. However, no relief is admissible if taxable gratuity is
in respect of services rendered for less than five years. Cases in which the relief is admissible may be
divided into the following two categories:
(i) where the gratuity payable is in respect of past service of 15 years or more, and
(ii) where such period is 5 years or more but less than 15 years.

Relief in a case belonging to category (i) is worked out as under:

Step 1. Compute the average rate of tax on the total income, including the gratuity in the year of
receipt.
Step 2. Compute the tax on gratuity at the average rate of tax computed at step (1) above.
Step 3. Compute the average rate of tax by adding one-third of the gratuity to the other income of
each of the three preceding years.
Step 4. Find out the average of the three average rates computed in the manner specified in step (3)
above and compute the tax on gratuity at that rate.
Step 5. The difference between tax on the gratuity computed at step (2) and that at step (4) will be the
relief admissible under Section 89.
In cases covered under category (ii), the relief is computed in the same manner except that instead of
average of the average rates of the preceding three years, the average of the rates of the preceding
two years is computed by adding one-half of the gratuity to the other income of each of preceding
two years.

(C) Computation of relief in respect of compensation on termination of employment: Relief for


compensation received from the employer or the former employer on termination of employment is
available only if the employee renders continuous service for not less than three years. The relief in this
case is to be computed in the same manner as if the gratuity was paid to the employee in respect of
service rendered for a period of 15 years or more.

(D) Computation of relief in respect of payment in commutation of pension: A relief can be claimed in
respect of payment in commutation of pension received if the amount is in excess of the prescribed
limits. Such relief is computed in the same manner as if the gratuity was paid to the employee in
respect of service rendered for a period of 15 years or more.

DIRECT TAXATION 246


(E) Computation of relief in respect of other payments: In respect of payment received by an employee
other than those mentioned above, the relief under Section 89 will be granted by the Central Board of
Direct Taxes after examining the circumstances of each individual case.

Rounding off of Income [Section 288A, Rule 21A]: The amount of total income computed in
accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Act shall be rounded off to the nearest multiple of ten
rupees.

Rounding off amount payable and refund due [Section 288B]: Any amount payable, and the amount of
refund due, under the provisions of this Act shall be rounded off to the nearest multiple of ten rupees.

Example1: Choose the most appropriate alternative:

The basic exemption limit for a non-resident super senior citizen above the age of 80 for the assessment
year 2017-18 is:
(i) ` 2,50,000
(ii) ` 3,00,000
(iii) ` 5,00,000 [CMA- Inter, Dec. 2012]

Ans. ` 2,50,000.

Example 2: Mr. Rajput, aged 82 years gives you the following information for the previous year 2016-17:
Interest on fixed deposits with banks ` 4,80,000
Long-term capital gain on sale of land ` 50,000
Short-term capital gain on sale of shares (securities transaction tax paid) ` 20,000

Compute tax payable by Mr. Rajput for the assessment Year 2017-18 in cases (i) he is a resident; (ii) he is
non-resident. [CMA- Inter, June 2013]

Ans. Computation of tax payable by Mr. Rajput for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017
` `
Capital gains :
Long-term capital gains 50,000
Short-term capital gains on sale of shares 20,000
Net Capital gains Nil 70,000
Income from other sources: 6,000
Interest on Fixed Deposit 3,000 4,80,000
Gross total income 5,50,000
Less: Deductions u/s 80C -80U Nil
Total income
Tax on total income:
5,50,000
On ` 5,00,000
On ` 30,000 of LTG @20% [` 50,000 – (`5,00,000- `4,80,000]
On ` 20,000 of STG on shares @ 15% 9,000
Total tax Nil
Less: Rebate u/s 87A
Tax after rebate
Add: Education cess and SHEC @ 3% 9,000
270 9,270
Tax payable

Example 3: A (male aged 50) an employee of a semi-government organisation in Orissa, furnishes the
flowing particulars for the previous year ended on 31.3. 2017:

(i) Salary for the year 5,50,000


(ii) Salary for the year 2010-11 received during the year 50,000
(iii) Assessed income of the financial year 2010-11 2,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 247


You are required to compute relief u/s 89 of the Income-tax Act 1961 and tax payable for the
assessment year 2017-2018. The rates of Income-tax for the assessment year 2011-12 are as under:
On the first ` 1,60,000 Nil
Next ` 3,40,000 10%
Next ` 3,00,000 20%
Balance 30%
Surcharge: No surcharge for the AY 2011-12.

Answer:

Computation of relief u/s 89


Taxable income and tax Taxable income and tax
liability on receipt basis liability on accrual basis
AY 2017-18 AY 2011-12 AY 2107-18 AY 2011-12
` (1) ` (2) ` (3) ` (4)
Salary 5,50,000 2,00,000 5,50,000 2,00,000
Arrears of salary 50,000 - - 50,000
Gross salary 6,00,000 2,00,000 5,50,000 2,50,000
Less: Deduction u/s 16 Nil Nil Nil Nil
―Salaries‖ 6,00,000 2,00,000 5,50,000 2,50,000
Add: Other income Nil Nil Nil Nil
GTI 6,00,000 2,00,000 5,50,000 2,50,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C-80U Nil Nil Nil Nil
Total income 6,00,000 2,00,000 5,50,000 2,50,000
Tax on total income 45,000 4,000 35,000 9,000
Less: Rebate u/s 87A Nil Nil Nil Nil
Add: Surcharge Nil Nil Nil Nil
Tax after rebate
Add: Education cess [2+1%] 45,000 4,000 35,000 9,000
Tax payable before relief 1,350 120 1,050 270
Less: Relief u/s 89 46,350 4,120 36,050 9,270
Tax payable 15,450 - - -
30,900

Relief u/s 89: `


Tax as per Column no. 1 46,350
Tax as per column No. 2 4,120
Difference between (1) and (2) 42,230(A)
Tax as per Col No. 3 36,050
Tax as per col. No. 4 9,270
Difference between (3) and (4) 26,780 (B)
Relief u/s 89 = [A- B] 15,450

Multiple choice questions:

6. The normal rates of income tax are mentioned in :


A. Income tax Act 1961
B. Finance Act
C. Income-tax Rules
D. None of these
Ans. (B) Finance Act

7. For the assessment year 2017-18, the basic exemption limit for a non-resident woman who is 70
years old is:
A. 2,00,000
B. 2,50,000
C. 5,00,000
D. None of these
Ans. (B) 2,50,000

DIRECT TAXATION 248


8. The basic exemption limit for a non-resident super senior citizen above the age of 80 is :
A. 2,00,000
B. 2,50,000
C. 5,00,000
D. None of these
Ans. (B) 2,50,000

9. The basic exemption limit for a resident super senior citizen above the age of 80 is :
A. 2,00,000
B. 2,50,000
C. 5,00,000
D. None of these
Ans. (C) 5,00,000

10. If the total income of a partnership firm exceeds ` 1 crore, the following surcharge on income is
payable:
A. 12%
B. 10%
C. 5%
D. 7%
Ans. 12%

11. In the case of a foreign company, surcharge at 5% is payable on the Income-tax where the total
income exceeds :
A. 1 crore
B. 5 crores
C. 10 crores
D. None of these.
Ans. (C) 10 crores.

12. In the case of every senior citizen resident in India, tax rebate u/s 87A is:
A. ` 5,000
B. ` 2,000
C. ` 10,000
D. Nil
Ans. (D) Nil

13. A limited liability partnership firm is taxable at the rate of :


A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. None of these
Ans. (C) 30%

14. Under section 288A, rounding off of total income is done :


A. To the nearest multiple of 1 rupee
B. To the nearest multiple of 10 rupees
C. To the nearest multiple of 100 rupees
D. None of these
Ans. (B) To the nearest multiple of 10 rupees

15. Under section 288B , the rounding of is done :


A. In respect of any amount payable and refund due
B. To the nearest multiple of ` 10
C. To the nearest multiple of ` 100
D. None of these
Ans. (B) To the nearest multiple of ` 10

DIRECT TAXATION 249


STUDY NOTE : 16
ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING NON-RESIDENTS)
AND COMPUTATION OF TAX LIABILITY

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


16.1 Introduction
16.2 Computation of Total Income
16.3 Computation of Gross Tax Liability
16.4 Tax Rebate
16.5 Surcharge
16.6 Education Cess
16.7 Relief
16.8 Special Provisions for Taxation of Non-Resident Individual Assessees

16.1 INTRODUCTION

The computation of tax liability of an individual shall be done in the following successive stages:
A. Computation of total income.
B. Computation of gross tax liability.
C. Rebates.
D. Surcharge.
E. Education cess, and
F. Reliefs.

16.2 COMPUTATION OF TOTAL INCOME

The computation of total income of an individual involves the following three steps:
Step1. Compute income under each of the five heads in accordance with the provisions of Sections 15-
59, i.e.,
 Income under the head ―Salaries‖ [Sections 15-17].
 Income from house property [Sections22-27].
 Profits and gains of business or profession [Sections28-44].
 Capital gains [Sections44-55].
 Income from other sources [Sections56-59].

In computing income under the five heads mentioned above, the following should be considered:
(i) Income of any other person in respect of which an individual is chargeable to tax under Sections
60-64, shall be included under the respective heads. The other person‘s incomes in respect of
which an individual is chargeable to tax are : transfer of income where there is no transfer of assets
(u/s 60), revocable transfer of assets (u/ss 61-63), and income of spouse, minor child, etc., (u/s 64).
(ii) If the net result of computation in respect of one source of income shows a loss, it can be set off
against income from another source under the same head (Section 70). In setting off income of
one source against income from another, restrictions imposed under Section 70 should be
considered.
(iii) If the net result of computation under any head shows a loss, this can be set off against income
under other heads (Section 71). The restrictions imposed u/s 71 in respect of such inter-head
adjustments should be considered.
(iv) If there is any unabsorbed loss in the earlier previous year or years, these shall be set off in
accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Step 2. The aggregate of income under all the five heads in Step No. 1 is called gross total income.
Allow deductions from gross total income under Sections 80C to 80U [See para 3, Chapter 12].

Step 3. The balance of income after allowing deductions u/ss 80C to 80U is called total income. Under
the provision of Section 288A, the total income so determined shall be rounded off to the nearest
multiple of ` 10.

DIRECT TAXATION 250


16.3 COMPUTATION OF GROSS TAX LIABILITY

Once the total income is determined, the gross tax liability of an individual assessee shall be computed
in accordance with the rate or rates specified for the assessment year.
For the assessment year 2017-2018, the tax rates are given in Study Note 15.

16.4 TAX REBATES

For rebate u/s 87A refer to Study Note 15.

16.5 SURCHARGE

See Study Note 15.

16.6 EDUCATION CESS

See Study Note 15.

16.7 RELIEFS

From the amount of tax liability computed above (i.e. gross tax liability plus education cess) an
individual can claim the following reliefs.

(i) Relief in respect of share of profit from an association of persons or body of individuals [Section 110]:
When the association of persons or body of individuals is chargeable to tax at normal rates applicable
to individuals, the share of income received by the individual is to be included in his or her total income.
Under Section 110, an individual can claim relief for such income at the average rate of tax calculated
on the total income. However, where no tax is payable or tax at the maximum marginal rate is payable
by the association of persons or body of individuals, any share of income received by the individual
from such association of persons or body of individuals need not be included in his total income.

(ii) Relief in respect of arrears or advance salary [Section89]: Refer to Study Note 15.
Under Section 190, pending assessment, it is obligatory on the part of the assessee to pay tax by
deduction at source or by advance payment. The balance of tax, if any, remaining after deduction of
tax at source or advance payment, is the final tax payable at the time of submission of return of
income. Under Section

Computation of tax liability of an individual for the assessment year 2017-2018


Step1. Gross total income (being aggregate of income under five heads) **
Step2. Less : Deduction u/ss 80C to 80U **
Total income (Step1minus Step 2) ***
Step3. Tax on total income **
Step4. Less: Rebate u/s 87A *
Tax after rebate *
Add : Education cess @2% of tax and surcharge *
Add: Secondary and higher education cess@1% of tax and surcharge *
Total *
Step 5. Less: Reliefs (u/s89 or u/s110) **
Tax liability for the assessment year **
Step 6. Less: Tax deducted at source/Advance tax **
Tax payable at the time of submission of return of income. ***

16.8 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR TAXATION OF NON-RESIDENT INDIVIDUAL ASSESSEES

While assessing the income of a non-resident assessee, the following provisions should be taken into
consideration:

DIRECT TAXATION 251


A. Following incomes are treated as incomes deemed to accrue or arise in India:
(i) Capital gain arising on transfer of property situated in India.
(ii) Income from business connection (to be discussed in later part) in India (*).
(iii) Income from salary in respect of services rendered in India.
(iv) Salary received by an Indian national from Government of India in respect of services rendered
outside India. However, allowances and perquisites are exempt in this case.
(v) Income from any property, asset or other source of income located in India.
(vi) Dividend paid by an Indian company.
(vii) Interest received from Government of India.
(viii) Interest received from a resident is treated as income deemed to accrue or arise in India in all
cases, except where such interest is earned in respect of funds borrowed by the resident and is
used for carrying on business/profession outside India or is in respect of funds borrowed by the
resident and is used for earning income from any source outside India.
(i) Interest received from a non-resident is treated as income deemed to accrue or arise in India if
such interest is earned in respect of funds borrowed by the nonresident for earning on any
business/profession in India.
(ii) Royalty/fees for technical services received from Government of India.
(iii) Royalty/fees for technical services received from resident is treated as income deemed to accrue
or arise in India in all cases, except where such royalty/fees relates to business/profession 1 other
source of income carried on by the payer outside India.
(iv) Royalty/fees for technical services received from non-resident is treated as income deemed to
accrue or arise in India if such royalty/fees is received for business/profession other source of
income carried on by the payer in India.

B. Disallowance for business expenditure: Under section 40 (a)(i), any interest, royalty, fees for technical
services or other sum which is payable outside India to any person or in India to a non-resident, is not
deductible, if the assessee has not deducted tax at source from such payments, or after deducting tax,
he has not deposited such tax with the Government before the end of previous year [or before the due
date of deposit specified under section 200(1) in case due date of deposit falls in next year]. However,
if tax is deposited in next year(s) after the due date of deposit, then such amount is deductible in the
subsequent previous year in which the said tax is deposited by the assessee with Government.

Similar disallowance shall also be made under section 40(a)(iii) due to default in deduction/payment
of tax at source on salary payable outside India or in India to a non-resident.

C. TDS provisions applicable to a non-resident individual: Section 193 requires deduction of tax at
source for interest on securities. Similarly, section 194A deals with TDS on interest other than on securities,
while 194J deals with TDS in respect of fees for professional and technical services, directors‘ fees and
royalties. Although TDS requirement under these sections does not cover a non-resident, under section
195 persons making payment to a non-resident shall also make TDS in respect of these payments.

D. Special provisions for computation of total income of non-residents [Section 115D]:


Where in the case of an assessee, being a non-resident Indian, the gross total income consists only of
investment income or income by way of long-term capital gains or both, no deduction shall be
allowed to the assessee under Chapter VI-A and nothing contained in the provisions of the second
proviso to section 48 shall apply to income chargeable under the head "Capital gains.

E. Tax on investment income and long-term capital gains of non-residents [Section 115E]:
Where the total income of an assessee, being a non-resident Indian, includes:
(a) any income from investment or income from long-term capital gains of an asset other than a
specified asset;
(b) income by way of long-term capital gains,
the tax payable by him shall be the aggregate of:
(i) the amount of income-tax calculated on the income in respect of investment income referred to in
clause (a), if any, included in the total income, at the rate of twenty per cent;
(ii) the amount of income-tax calculated on the income by way of long-term capital gains referred to
in clause (b), if any, included in the total income, at the rate of ten per cent; and

DIRECT TAXATION 252


(iii) the amount of income-tax with which he would have been chargeable had his total income been
reduced by the amount of income referred to in clauses (a) and (b).

F. Advance tax: Under the provisions of section 207, a senior citizen who is resident in India is not
required to pay advance tax. However, the non-residents are not exempt from paying advance tax.

G. Exemption limits: A non-resident assessee is not entitled to the higher exemption limits applicable to
the senior or very senior citizens. They will pay tax at the rates mentioned in Para 1.1. of Study Note 15.

Besides, the following shall also be taken into consideration:


(i) Adjustment of basic exemption limit against long-term capital gains: A non-resident individual is not
entitled to adjust basic exemption limit against income from long-term capital gains.
(ii) Adjustment of basic exemption limit against short-term capital gains covered under section111A:
Only a resident individual and resident HUF can adjust the exemption limit against STCG covered
under section 111A. Thus, a non-resident individual cannot adjust the exemption limit against STCG
covered under section 111A.
(iii) Tax rebate u/s 87A: A non-resident individual is not entitled to tax rebate under section 87A.

Point to note: A resident individual can adjust the LTCG but such adjustment is possible only after
making adjustment of other income. In other words, first income other than LTCG is to be adjusted
against the exemption limit and then the remaining limit (if any) can be adjusted against LTCG.

Examples 1. K (age 62 years ) is a retired person. He purchased a piece of land in December, 2010 and
sold the same in April, 2016. Taxable long-term capital gain on such sale amounted to ` 1,80,000. Apart
from gain on sale of land, he is not having any other income. What will be his tax liability for the year
2016-17 if:
(i) He is resident in India? (ii) He is a non-resident?

Answer:
(i) If K is a resident in India, his tax liability, after adjustment of basic exemption limit would be nil.
(ii) If K is a non-resident, he will not be entitled to adjust basic exemption limit against his income from
long-term capital gains. In view of this, his tax liability will be ` 37080 [ ` 1,80,000 x 20% + 3%
education cess].

Example 2:
C (age 67 years and resident) is a retired person earning a monthly pension of ` 5,000 from his Indian
employer. He purchased some jewellery in December, 2010 and sold the same in April, 2016. Taxable
LTCG amounted to ` 2,70,000. Apart from pension income and gain on sale of gold he is not having
any other income. What will be his tax liability for the year 2016-17:
(i) If C is a resident? (ii) C is a non-resident?

Answer:

Computation of tax liability for the assessment year 2017-2018


` `
A. In the case of resident assessee:
Income under the head ―Salaries 60,000
Capital gains [LTG]] 2,70,000
Gross total income 3,30,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C- 80U Nil 3,00,000
Total income 6,000
Tax on total income : (Note 1) 5,000
Less: Tax rebate u/s 87A 1,000
Balance tax 30
Add: Education cess @3% 1,030
Tax payable
B. In the case of non-resident assessee: 3,30,000
Total income as above
Tax on total income (Note 2) 54,000
Add: Education cess 1,620 55,620

DIRECT TAXATION 253


Note1:
Since C is a senior citizen below 80 years, the basic exemption limit is ` 3,00,000. Further, a resident
individual can adjust the basic exemption limit against LTCG. However, such adjustment is possible only
after adjusting income other than LTCG. In this case, he is having pension income of ` 60,000 (` 5,000 ×
12) and LTCG of ` 2,70,000. Thus, first we have to adjust the pension income against the exemption limit
and the balance limit will be adjusted against LTCG. Accordingly, his tax liability will be [ ` 3,30,000 –
60,000 – (3,00,000 -60,000) x 20%] =` 6,000.
2. For non-resident individual, irrespective of the age, the basic exemption limit is ` 2,50,000. Further, a
non-resident individual cannot adjust the basic exemption limit against LTCG covered under section
112. In other words, C can adjust the pension income against the basic exemption limit but the
remaining exemption limit cannot be adjusted against LTCG . Accordingly, his tax liability will be `
3,30,000 – 60,000) x 20% = ` 54,000.

Example 3.
The income and related particulars of Mr. C, aged 56, for the year ended 31.03.2017 are given below:
(a) Salary ` 24,000 per month.
(b) He was provided with a rent free accommodation in Hyderabad for which rent of ` 6,000 per
month was paid by the employer.
(c) His wife was sick and treatment was taken in a private hospital, for which an amount of ` 32,000
was paid towards medical expenses by his employer in December 2016.
(d) An allowance of ` 13,200 was paid by his employer towards his son‘s education;
(e) The employer paid D.A. `10,000 per month (considered for retirement benefits), Professional tax of
`2,400 and Income Tax liability of ` 15,000.
(f) He encashed earned leave of his credit to the tune of ` 10,000;
(g) Loss from speculative business `20,000.
(h) Loss from sale of shares in ABC Pvt. Ltd. Held for 10 months ` 8,000;
(i)Profit on sale of sale of long term capital assets ` 10,000.
Compute the total income and tax liability of Mr. C for the Assessment Year 2017-18.
[CMA Inter- Dec 2008]

Answer:
Computation of total income and tax liability of Mr. C, for the assessment year 2017-18 relating to the
previous year 2016-17
Salaries: `
Basic salary [ ` 24,000 x 12] 2,88,000
Encashment of leave while in service (fully taxable) 10,000
D.A. 1,20,000
Perquisites:
Rent free accommodation [Note] 62,700
Reimbursement of medical expenses 32,000
Less: Exemption (non-recognized hospital) 15,000 17,000
Children education allowance 13,200
Less: Exempt u/s 10(14) [@ `100 p.m.] 1,200 12,000
Income-tax paid by employer 15,000
Professional tax paid by the employer 2,400
Gross salary 5,27,100
less: Professional tax u/s 16(iii) 2,400
Net salary 5,24,700
Capital Gains (Long-term capital gains) 10,000
Less: Short-term capital loss 8,000 2,000
Total income 5,26,700

Tax Liability
Tax on long term capital gains (`2,000 @ 20%) 400
Tax on other incomes of `5,24,700 at normal rates 29,940
30,340
Add: Education Cess and Higher Education cess 3% (2% + 1%) 910
Total Tax Liability 31,250

DIRECT TAXATION 254


Working Note:1.
Rent- free accommodation being lower of the following:
A. Rent paid by employer ` 72,000
B. 15% of salary (basic salary, leave encashment and D.A. i.e., ` 62,700
(2,88,000+10,000+1,20,000 = ` 4,18,000)

Note 2: Loss from speculation business is to be set off against income from speculation business income
only.

Example 4: V has the following incomes for the financial year 2016-17
`
Business Income (-) 40,000
Short-term capital gains 16,000
Long-term capital gains 2,90,000

He deposits ` 10,000 in public provident fund account. You are required to find out his tax liability for the
assessment year 2017-2018. [CMA Inter- Dec 2008]

Answer:

Computation of income of Mr. V for the Assessment Year 2017-18 relating to the previous year 2016-17
` `
Business income (-) 40,000
Capital gains:
Short-term 16,000
Long-term 2,90,000 3,06,000
Gross total income 2,66,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C Nil
Total income 2,66,000

Notes:
1. Business loss can be set off against capital gains. It is beneficial to first set it off against short term
capital gain and the balance against long term capital gain. The whole of total income would
consist of long term capital gain.
2. Deduction u/s 80C is not available in respect of PPF, since the whole of gross total income consist of
income by way of long term capital gains.

Computation of tax liability


`
Total income (long-term capital gains) 2,66,000
Tax on total income :
Up to ` 2,50,000 Nil
Balance ` 16,000 @20% 3,200
Total tax 3,200
Less: Tax rebate u/s 87A [ 100 % of tax or ` 5,000, whichever is less] 3,200
Tax payable Nil

Example 5: Y submits the following particulars of his income for the year ended 31.032017.
1) On 30.04.2016, when he attained the age of 60, his friend gave him a flat at Surat, each
contributing `40, 000 in cash. The cost of the flat was ` 6.4 lakhs.
2) Another friend sent cash gift of ` 75,000 for the occasion.
3) Y sold the flat on 30.01.2017 for `8.9 lakhs. The registrar‘s valuation for stamp duty purposes was `9.2
lakhs. Neither the buyer nor Y questioned this value.
4) He also purchased equity shares (listed) of X Ltd. On 05.02.2016 for ` 3.5 lakhs. These were sold
privately on 15.03.2017 for `2.8 lakhs.
5) He has paid life insurance premium of ` 90,000 for his major son who is not dependent on him.
6) You are required to calculate the total income of Y for the Assessment Year 2017-18, Cost inflation
indices 1125 for 2016-17; and 1081 for 2015-16. [CMA Inter- June 2009]

DIRECT TAXATION 255


Answer:

Total income of Y for the Assessment Year 2017-2018.


`
Capital Gains (Note 1) 2,80,000
Income from other sources (Note 2) 75,000
Gross total income 3,55,000
Less: Deduction under Chapter VI-A (Note 3) 90,000
Total Income 2,65,000

Working Note 1: Working of capital gains


Short-term capital gains from sale of flat at Surat: `
Full value of consideration being higher of stamp duty value u/s 50C
or actual amount received 9,20,000
Less: Cost of Acquisition 6,40,000
Short term capital gains 2,80,000
Sale of equity shares [long term capital asset]
Sale consideration 2,80,000
3,50,000 x 1125/1081 3,64,246
Long term capital loss (84,246)

Note 1: Chargeable capital gains: Loss from long-term capital assets can be set off only against profits
from similar assets).
Note 2: The gift of property is covered by section 56(2)(vi)(b). Since the amount of gift in kind does not
exceed ` 50,000 in each case and this section does not need aggregation of multiple gifts, it is not
taxable. However, the gift of ` 75,000 received from another friend (non – relative) is covered by
section 56(2)(vi)(a). Hence his is taxable.
Note 3: w.e.f. 1-10-2009 value of immovable property shall be the stamp duty value of the property.
Hence, stamp duty value of the property is taxable at the hands of Y.
Note 4: Deduction u/s 80C can be claimed in respect of LIC paid for any child.

Example 6. Compute the total income of Mr. P from the information given below:

Particulars `
Net income from House Property 1,75,000
Income from business 2,25,000
Short-term capital gain on sale of shares 80,000
Long term capital loss on sale of property (brought forward from A.Y. 2014-15) (70,000)
Income from integrated activities of growing tea crops and manufacturing tea 1,50,000
Dividends from Indian companies carrying on agricultural operations 70,000
Current year depreciation 35,000
Brought forward business loss(loss incurred six years ago) (65,000)
Expenditure incurred on medical treatment of dependent with severe disability 1,20,000
[CMA Inter- June 2010]

Answer:
Computation of total income and tax liability of Mr. P, for the assessment year 2017- 2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017
Particulars ` `
Income from House property: 1,75,000
Income from business:
Profit before depreciation 2,25,000
Less: Current year depreciation 35,000
Less: Brought forward business loss 65,000
1,25,000
Income from tea business [40% is business income] 60,000 1,85,000
Capital gains:
Short term capital gain 80,000
Long term capital loss from property [Not to be set off] Nil 80,000

DIRECT TAXATION 256


Gross total income 4,40,000
Less: Deduction under Section 80DD 1,25,000
Total Income 3,15,000

Example 7: D, aged 55, resident of India, furnishes the following information for the previous year ended
31.03.2017.
`
House property income (net) 18,500
Business income 5,000
Capital gains(short term) 22,000
Capital gains(long term) 2,500
Income from horse race 15,000
Income from card games 16,000
Additional information are as follows:
Brought forward business loss for A.Y.2008-09 12,000
Unabsorbed depreciation for A.Y.2014-15 6,000
Long term Capital Loss for A.Y. 2013-14 12,000
Loss from horse race suffered in AY 2013-14 8,000
Speculative loss for AY 2012-13 10,000

D has taken a life insurance policy for his major son working in a software company for a salary of `5
lakhs per annum. He has paid a premium of ` 60,000 in cash for a capital sum assured of `4,00,000/-
He has paid PPF of ` 70,000 by raising a hand loan from his friend. Calculate total income and tax
liability. State the items to be carried forward. [CMA Inter- Dec 2010]

Answer:

Computation of total income and tax liability of Mr. D, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017:
Particulars (`) (`)
Salaries Nil
Income from house property 18,500
Profits and gains of business and profession 5,000
Less: business loss brought forward (12,000) nil
Capital gains/Losses
Long-term capital gain 2,500
Less: Long term capital loss brought forward (12,000) nil
Short-term capital gain 22,000
Less: Unabsorbed depreciation for 2014-15 (6,000) 16000
Income from other sources
Income from horse races(15,000-8000 set off) 7,000
Income from card games 16,000 23,000
Gross total income 57,500
Less: Deduction under Chapter VI-A u/s 80C 40,000
Life insurance policy (maximum 10% of sum assured) 70,000
Public provident fund 34500
But restricted to income from HP and short-term capital gains)
Taxable Income 23,000
Tax payable @ 30% on Income from horse race &Income from card games 6,900
Less: Rebate 87A 5,000
Education cess and SHE cess) 2+ 1%)% (Rounded off) 1,900
Tax payable 57
1,957
Item to be Carried Forward 9,500
Long term capital loss of AY 2013-14

Note: In respect of speculative loss of 2012-13, time limit for carry forward has expired.

DIRECT TAXATION 257


Example 8. Mrs. S, aged 64 has carried on business during the year ended March 31, 2017. The
particulars of Profit and Loss account are given below:

Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31.03.2017


` `
To office salaries 22,000 By Gross Profit 3,78,150
To Proprietor‘ salary 12,000 By profit on sale of residence 33,500
To General expenses 8,500 By Disallowed Bad debts recovered 62,000
To Bad debts 7,500 By Interest from Government Securities (net) 12,600
To Fire insurance premium 5,500 By Dividend from JB Agro Ltd. 4,000
To Depreciation 2,500 By income from horse race (gross) 16,000
To Motor car expenses 7,500 By Sundry receipts 1,500
To donation to Goa University 60,000
To Income tax 2015-16 8,000
To Life insurance premium 10,000
To Reserve for future loss 2,000
To Advertisement 6,000
To Net Profit 3,56,250
5,07,750 5,07,750

Additional Information:
(i) General expenses include ` 1,500 paid as compensation to an old employee whose services were
terminated. His service was considered detrimental to business interest. A sum of ` 6,000 being cost
of small machines is also included in general expenses.
(ii) One – third of the motor car expenses is for personal use.
(iii) Reserve for future loss represents a demand of Sales tax under dispute.
(iv) Depreciation is found to be in excess of `500 as per Income Tax Rules.
(v) Actual income tax for 2016-17 ` 12,000.
(vi) Profit on sale of residence represents long term capital gains computed in the prescribed manner.
(vii) Tax has been deducted at source from the Govt. Securities at 10%
(viii) JB Agro Ltd. is a Listed company.
(ix) She received ` 4,000 as interest on moneys lent to her friends, which has not been reflected in the
books.
(x) Compute her total income and Tax Liability. [CMA Inter- June 2012]

Answer:

Computation of total income and tax liability of Mrs. S, for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the
previous year 2016-2017
Particulars (`) (`)
Net profit as per P&L Account 3,56,250
Add: Inadmissible expenses:
Proprietor‘s salary 12,000
Motor car expenses 2,500
Donation to Goa University 60,000
Income tax 8,000
insurance Premium 10,000
Reserve for future loss 2,000
Excess Depreciation 500
Cost of small machine (capital expenses) 6,000 1,01,000
Total 4,57,250
Less: Incomes not taxable under the head:
Profits of house property 33,500
Recovery of bad debts disallowed earlier 62,000
Dividend Income 12,600

DIRECT TAXATION 258


Horse race income 16000 1,28,100
Business Income 3,29,150
Capital gains:
Long-term capital gain on sale of house property 33,500
Income from other sources:
Interest on Securities(12,600 x 100/90=14,000) 14,000
Income from horse races 16,000
Interest from friends 4,000
Dividends from domestic company exempt 34,000
Gross total income 3,96,950
Less: Deduction under section 80C: Life insurance premium 10,000
3,86,650
Tax on income other than race horse `3,70,650 7,065
Tax on Horse Race Income (16,000 x 30%) 4,800
11,865
Less: Rebate u/s 87A 5000
6,865
Add: Education cess and SHE cess @ 3% 206
Tax payable (rounded off) 7,070

Example 9: M gives you the following information for the year ended 31.03.2017: Owns 3 goods
carriages throughout the financial year 2016-17. Retail trade turnover ` 36,00,000. Has eligible brought
forward depreciation of the assessment year 2012-13 ` 60,000 relating to retail trade. Deposited ` 80,000
in PPF account and ` 90,000 in tax saver deposit. Assume that he wants to offer income by opting for
sections 44AD and 44AE. Compute his total income for the assessment year 2017-18.
[CMA Inter- June 2015]

Answer:
Computation of total income of M for the Assessment Year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017
Particulars ` `
Income U/s 44AD from retail trade @ 8% on `36,00,000 2,88,000
Income U/s 44AE in respect of plying of goods carriage (`7,500 x 3 x 12) 2,70,000
Business income prior to set off 5,58,000
Less: Brought depreciation not eligible for set off as the brought forward
depreciation is deemed to be current year depreciation and has been ----------
deducted while computing income under Section 44AD
Gross Total Income 5,58,000
Less: Deduction under Section 80C
In respect of PPF Contribution 80,000
In respect of Tax Saver Deposit 90,000
Maximum amount allowable 1,50,000
Total Income 4,08,000

DIRECT TAXATION 259


STUDY NOTE : 17
ASSESSMENT OF HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


17.1 Meaning of Hindu Undivided Family
17.2 Assessment of Hindu Undivided Family
17.3 Computation of Income of the HUF
17.4 Computation of Tax Liability of a HUF
17.5 Assessment after Partition of Hindu Undivided Family [Section171]

17.1 MEANING OF HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY

Although the definition of ―Person‖ under section 2(31) includes a Hindu undivided family, the term has
not been define din the Income-tax Act. It is expression of the Hindu Law and denotes a Hindu family
consisting of all male members who have lineally descended from a common ancestor and includes
their wives and unmarried daughters [CIT vs. Laxminarayan (1935) Bom. 618]. It is a relationship which
arises not from any contract, but from status.

1. A few examples of Hindu undivided family:


A Hindu undivided family requires at least two members [Krishna Prasad vs. CIT 97 ITR 493 (SC)]. Such
members may be all males or all females or a combination of both. There is, however, no requirement
that the number of the coparceners is more than one. The following are some examples of Hindu
undivided family:
 A-a male Hindu, B-wife of A, C-unmarried daughter of A [Gowli Buddanna vs. CIT 60 ITR293(SC)].
 A- a male Hindu, B widow of deceased brother of A [Sitabai vs. Ramchandra, AIR 1970S. C.343].
 C and D, the widows of A and B respectively the two deceased brothers [CIT vs. Veerappa
Chettier76ITR467].
 A family consisting of mother and hart domino sons [Champa vs. Board of Revenue46 ITR81].

2. Sikh and Jain families:


Sikhs and Jains are not governed by the Hindu law. For the purpose of the Income-tax Act, however,
such families are treated as Hindu undivided families [CWT vs. Surajit Singh 138 ITR 186; CWT vs.
Champa 83ITR720].

17.2 ASSESSMENT OF HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY

For the purpose of assessment of a Hindu undivided family to Income-tax, the following points may be
considered as relevant:

1. Continued status:
Once a Hindu undivided family is assessed dissect, it shall continue to be assessed as a Hindu undivided
family except where a partition is claimed by the members and the findings of a partition are recorded
[Section 171(1)].

2. Residential status of the HUF: See Study Note 5.

3. Income received as a member of the Hindu undivided family:


Under Section 10(2), any sum received by an individual member out of the income of the Hindu
undivided family is exempt from tax.

4. Income of imparitable estate:


In the case of income from impartible estate, such income belongs solely and exclusively to the holder
of the estate, even though the impartible estate is owned by the joint family. Therefore, the holder of an
impartible estate is liable to be taxed on the income as an individual and not as the representative of
the Hindu undivided family.
Any amount received by other members of the Hindu undivided family out of the income of such
impartible estate belonging to the family is, however, exempt under Section10 (2).

DIRECT TAXATION 260


5. Family income and individual income of a member:
As mentioned above, amounts received out of the income of the Hindu undivided family is not taxable
in the hands of the members. But individual income or income arising to a member out of the separate
and self-acquired property of the member is taxable as income of the individual and not as the
income of the Hindu undivided family.

6. Salary to the members and Karta of the HUF:


Salary paid by the HUF to the Karta or any member under a valid agreement and as a matter of
commercial expediency, shall be allowed as a deduction in computing the income of the HUF [Jugal
Kishore Baldeo Sahaivs.CIT63 ITR238(SC)].

17.3 COMPUTATION OF INCOME OF THE HUF

The computation of total income for a Hindu undivided family shall be made as under:

Step 1: Compute gross total income, which is the sum total of income under the following four heads:
 Income from house property [u/s 22 to 27].
 Profits and gains of business or profession [u/s 28 to 44].
 Capital gains [u/s 45 to55].
 Income from other sources [u/s 56 to 59].

Step 2: Income of other persons to be included in total income of the HUF under Sections 60 to 63.

Step 3: Set-off and carry forward of losses under Sections 70 to 80.

Step 4: The sum total of income under steps1to 4 shall be called the Gross total income of the HUF.

Step 5: Allow deductions under Sections 80 C to 80 U as under:


Section Particulars
80C Deduction in respect of specified savings.
80CCF Deduction in respect of long-term infrastructure bonds
80D Deduction in respect of medical insurance premium.
80DD Deduction in respect of maintenance, including medical treatment of handicapped
dependent.
80DDB Deduction in respect of medical treatment of some specified disease.
80G Deduction in respect of donation to certain funds and charitable institutions.
80GGA Deduction in respect of certain donations for scientific research on rural development.
80GGC Deduction for contribution to political parties.
80-LA Deduction in respect of profits and gains from industrial undertakings or enterprises engaged
in infrastructure development.
80-1A B Profits and gains of an undertaking engaged in the development of special Economic Zone.
80-IB Deduction in respect of profits and gains from certain industrial undertakings other than
infrastructure development undertakings.
80-IC Special provision for certain undertakings in certain backward States.
80-ID Deduction in respect of profits and gains of hotels and convention centers in specified area.
80-IE Deduction in respect of certain undertakings in the North-Eastern States of India.
80JJA Deduction in respect of profits from the business of collecting and processing of bio-
degradable waste.
80TTA Deduction in respect of interest on savings bank account.

Step 6:
The balance of income after Step 5 is the total income. Under Section 288A. Total income is to be
rounded off in multiples of `10.

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 Important considerations:
(i) A HUF cannot have income under the head ―Salaries‖.
(ii) In computing income under the head ―Capital gains‖, a HUF is eligible for deduction sunder
Sections 54, 54D, 54EC, 54F, 54G and 54GA.
(iii) The provisions of Section 64 relating to clubbing of income are not applicable to a HUF. The
section applies to an individual only.

17.4 COMPUTATION OF TAX LIABILITY OF A HUF

Step 1: Find out the gross tax on total income at the prescribed rates [See Study Note 14]. The total
income has to be rounded off to the nearest ` 10.
Step 2: The amount of tax and surcharge is to be further enhanced by education cess@ 2% of the tax
and surcharge and secondary and higher education cess @1% tax and surcharge. The amount of tax
thus arrived at is to be rounded off u/s 288B to the nearest ` 10.
Step 3: Deduct the amount of tax deducted at source (TDS) and advance tax already paid. The
balance is the net tax payable at the time of submission of return on income.

17.5 ASSESSMENT AFTER PARTITION OF HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY [SECTION171]:

The assessment of a Hindu undivided family is governed by Section 171. This sectioned cognizes two
distinct types of partitions, e.g.,
(a) Total or complete partition, and
(b) Partial partition.

The consequence of partition of a Hindu undivided family, whether total or partial, is discussed below:

● Total or complete partition: Total partition means a partition of the HUF where all the properties of
the family are divided among the members and the family ceases to exist as an undivided family.

Such partition under Explanation (a) to Section171 has been referred to as mere ―partition ―and means

(i) Where the property admits of physical division, a physical division of the property; but a physical
division of the income without a physical division of the property producing the income shall not be
deemed to be a partition; or
(ii) Where the property does not admit of a physical division, then such division as the property admits
of; but a mere severance of status shall not be deemed as a partition.

● Partial partition: According to Explanation (b) to Section171, ―partial partition‖ means partition which
is partial as regards the persons constituting the Hindu undivided family, or the properties belonging to
the Hindu undivided family, or both.

1. Consequence of partition:

The consequence of a total or partial partition is as follows:


(i) A Hindu undivided family hither to assessed as undivided shall continue to be assessed as such
unless the finding of partition has been recognized by the Assessing Officer under
Section171[Section171(1)].
(ii) Where, at any time of making an assessment under Section 143 or Section 144, it is claimed by or
on behalf of any member of a Hindu undivided family that a partition, (whether total or partial) has
taken place among the members of the family, it is incumbent upon the Assessing Officer to make
an inquiry into it an record a finding as to whether there has been a total or partial partite on of the

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joint family, and ,if there has been such a partition, the date on which it has taken place[sub-
sections(2)and (3)ofSection171].
(iii) Where such a partition has taken place during the previous year and the finding has been
recorded by the Assessing Officer, the total income of the joint family in respect of the period upto
the date of partition shall be assessed as if no partition had taken place, and each member or
group of members shall, in addition to any tax for which he or it may be separately liable, be jointly
and severally liable for the tax on the income so assessed[Section171(4)].
(iv) Where the partition has taken place after the end of the previous year and the finding has been
recorded by the Assessing Officer, the total income of the previous year of the joint family shall be
assessed as if no partition had taken place[Section171(5)].
(v) Where the Assessing Officer finds after the completion of the previous year that the family has
already effected a partition, the Assessing Officer shall proceed to recover the tax from every
person who was a member of the family before the partition and every such person shall be jointly
and severally liable for the tax on the income so assessed[Section171(6)].
(vi) For the purpose of Section171, the several liabilities of any member or group of members shall be
computed according to the partition of the joint family property allotted to him or it at the time of
partition [Section171(7)].

2. Consequence of a partial partition after 31st December, 1978 [Section 171(9)]:

The consequence of a partial partition after 31stDecember, 1978 is as follows:


(i) Such a partition is not recognized and no claim that such a partition has taken place shall be
inquired into and recorded by the Assessing Officer.
(ii) Such family shall continue to be liable to be assessed as if no such partial partition had taken
place.
(iii) Each member or group of members of such family immediately before such partial partition and
the family shall be jointly and severally liable for any tax, penalty, interest, fine or other sum payable
by the family in respect of any period, whether before or after such partial partition.
(iv) The several liability of any member or group of members shall be computed according to the
portion of the joint family property allotted to him or it at such partial partition.

Example 1:
The following details have been supplied by the Karta of a Hindu undivided family during the previous
year 2016-2017:

You are required to compute total income of the family for the relevant assessment year.
`
(a) Profits from business 4,80,000
(b) Salary paid to the Karta by the family 80,000
(c) Salary received by the Karta from his services elsewhere 80,000
(d) Director‘s fees received by the Karta 20,000
(e) Rental income from property belonging to the family 1,60,000
(f) Dividends from Indian company 40,000
(g) Long-term capital gains on transfer of building belonging to the family 24,000
(h) Short-term capital gains on transfer of shares(family property) 32,000
(i) Donation to Ramakrishna Mission 20,000
(j) Share of profits from a partnership entered into by the Karta on behalf of the family 40,000

Answer:

Computation of total income of Hindu undivided family for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year 2016-2017.
• Income from house properly: ` `
Gross annual value (assumed rental value is higher than

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the gross municipal value) 1,60,000
Less : Municipal tax paid Nil
Net Annual Value 1,60,000
Less: Standard deduction u/s 24(a) @ 30% 48,000 1,12,000
• Profits and gains of business or profession:
Business profit 4,80,000
Less: Reasonable salary of the Karla 80,000 4,00,000
• Capital gains:
Long-term capital gains on transfer of building 24,000
Short-term capital gains on transfer of shares 32,000 56,000
• Income from other sources:
Dividends from Indian company - Exempt u/s 10(34) Nil
Gross total income 5,68,000
Less: Deduction under Section 80G in respect of
Donation (50% of sum donated] 10,000
Total income 5,58,000

Notes:
(1) Salary paid to the Karta by the HUF is deductible from business income [Jugal Kishore Baldeo Sahai
vs. CIT63ITR238].
(2) Salary received by the Karta for service sales where is not assessable as the income of the HUF.
(3) Share of income from partnership firm is exempt u/s 10(2A).
(4) It is assumed that director‘s fee is received by the Karta in his individual capacity. It is, therefore, not
assessable as the income of the HUF.

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STUDY NOTE : 18
ASSESSMENT OF FIRMS AND ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS
THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


18.1 Meaning
18.2 Partnership Firms Assessed As Such [PFAS]
18.3 Partnership firms assessed as association of persons [PFAAOP]
18.4 Assessment of association of persons and body of individuals

18.1 MEANING

Under Section 2(31) (iv) of the Income-tax Act, a firm is a distinct unit of assessment. Before we proceed
with the assessment procedure of firms, the following points need to be underscored:
 There will be no distinction between registered and unregistered firms.
 The income of the firm under the head ―Profits and gains of business and profession‖ shall be
computed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 30 to 38. Besides, the firm can claim
special deduction, subject to the limits prescribed under Section 40(b), on account of
remuneration to the working partners and interest on capital.
 The share of a partner in the income of the firm will not be included in his total income. Such
income is exempt under Section 10(2A). However, remuneration and interest, which are allowed
u/s 40(b) in computing business income of the firm, shall be taxable in the hands of the partners in
their individual assessments under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖.
 Under the new scheme of taxation of firms, effective from the assessment year 1993-1994,
partnership firms will be of the following two types:
(a) Partnership firms assessed as such [PFAS], and
(b) Partnership firms assessed as association of persons [PFAAOP].
 The income of the firm shall be charged to tax at a flat rate of 30% (20% for long-term capital gains,
15% for short-term capital gains specified u/s 111A). For the assessment year 2017- 2018, for an
income exceeding `1 crore, surcharge shall be 12% and education cess and secondary and higher
education cess @ 2% and 1% respectively shall be charged on the amount of income tax
computed above.

18.2 PARTNERSHIP FIRMS ASSESSED AS SUCH [PFAS]

A firm shall be assessed as a firm if the following conditions are fulfilled:


(a) The partnership is evidenced by an instrument [Section 184(1)(i)].
(b) The individual shares of the partners are specified in that instrument [Section 184(1)(ii)].
(c) A certified copy of the instrument of partnership shall accompany the return of income of the firm
of the previous year relevant to the assessment year commencing on or after 1st April, 1993 in
respect of which assessment as a firm is first sought [Section 184(2)].

● Consequence of failure to company with the provision of Section 144 : Till the assessment year 2003-
2004, the failure to comply with the provision of Section 144 was a reason of a firm to be assessed
as an association of persons under the provisions of Section 167B [which means that
interest/salaries, etc., paid to the partners shall be disallowed and the firm shall be taxed either at
the rate applicable to an individual or at the maximum marginal rate (30% plus education cess) if
any of the partners has income above the taxable limit]. With effect from the assessment year
2004-2005, due to the amendment of Section 184(5) and Section 185, a firm shall continue to be
assessed as such even if there is failure on the part of the firm to comply with the provisions of
Section 144. However, in this case payment of interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration
made by the firm to any partner shall not be allowed in computing the income of the firm under
the head ‗‘Profits and gains of business or profession.‘‘. As a result, these amounts will not be
taxable in the assessment of the partners.

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1. Continued status as a firm:
Where any firm is assessed as such for any assessment year, it shall be assessed in the same
capacity for every subsequent year, if there is no change in the constitution of the firm or the shares
of the partners as evidenced by the instrument of partnership on the basis of which the assessment
as a firm was first sought [Section 184(3)].
Where, however, any change had taken place in the previous year, the firm shall furnish a certified
copy of the revised instrument of partnership along with the return of income for the assessment
year relevant to the previous year.
2. Computation of business income:
When a firm is assessed as such, its income under the head ―Profits and gains of business or
profession‖ shall be computed in the usual manner after claiming deductions under Sections 30 to
38. But in respect of payment of interest and remuneration, the following should be considered:
 Interest paid to a partner is allowable as deduction u/s 36.
 Remuneration paid to a working partner is allowable as deduction u/s 37.
 The payment of interest and remuneration to a partner of a firm assessed as such is subject to
the restrictions under Sections 40(b) and 40A.

A. Restrictions on payment of interest and remuneration to partners [Section 40(b)]:


The payment of interest and remuneration to the partners of a firm assessed as such is subject to the
following rules:
(i) Any payment of salary, bonus, commission or remuneration to any partner who is not a working
partner is to be disallowed [Section 40(b)(i)].
(ii) Any payment of remuneration to any partner who is a working partner or any payment of interest
to a partner which, in either case, is not authorised by, or is not in accordance with, the terms of
the partnership deed, is to be disallowed [Section 40(b)(ii)].
(iii) Any payment of remuneration to any working partner or payment of interest to any partner which is
authorised by the partnership deed but which relates to a period prior to the date of such
partnership deed shall not be allowed as deduction [Section 40(b)(iii)].
(iv) Any payment of interest to any partner in accordance with the partnership deed relating to a
period falling after the partnership deed shall be allowed to the extent of 12% simple interest p.a.,
or the actual rate of interest in accordance with the partnership deed, whichever is lower [Section
40(b)(iv)].
(v) Any payment of remuneration to any working partner in accordance with the partnership deed
shall be allowed subject to the maximum limit shown below [Section 40(b)(v)].

Book-profit Actual amount deductible


(a) on the first `3,00,000 of the book-profit or in `1,50,000 or @ 90 per cent of the book-profit,
case of a loss whichever is more.
(b) on the balance of the book-profit @60% of the book-profit.

● Interest payable to a partner in representative capacity [Explanation 1 to Section 40(b)]: Where an


individual is a partner in a firm on behalf, or for the benefit, of any other person, interest paid by the
firm to such individual otherwise than as partner in representative capacity shall not be taken into
consideration for the purpose of Section 40(b).
However, interest paid by the firm to such individual as partner in a representative capacity and
interest paid to the person so represented shall be taken into account for the purposes of Section
40(b).
Further, under Explanation 2 to Section 40(b), where an individual is a partner in a firm otherwise
than in a representative capacity, interest paid by the firm to such individual shall not be taken into
consideration for the purposes of Section 40(b), if such interest is received by him on behalf, or the
benefit, of any other person.

Example 1: X, the Karta of a Hindu undivided family, is a partner of a firm on behalf of the HUF. During
the year, X receives 30,000 from the firm as interest on capital comprising: (a) 1,00,000 from the HUF, (b)
50,000 provided out of his personal fund as loan to the firm and (c) 50,000 provided by his nephew out

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of his personal fund as loan to the firm. Discuss the admissibility or otherwise of the interest in the
assessment of the firm.

Answer: The rate of interest being 15% [i.e., 30,000 × 100/2,00,000] p.a., for the purpose of deduction in
the hands of the firm, the interest shall be treated as follows:
(i) Interest paid to X as a partner representing the HUF shall be allowed to the extent of 12% p.a., or
`12,000, since it is covered u/s 40(b).
(ii) The entire amount of interest paid to X on his own fund as well as fund provided by is nephew as
loan shall be allowed as deduction.

B. Restrictions on payment to any partner or any relative of such partner [Section 40A]:
Under Section 40A, if in the opinion of the Assessing Officer, any expenditure /payment to a partner
or his relative is excessive or unreasonable, having regard to the fair market value of the goods,
services or facilities for which the payment is made, then so much of the expenditure/payment as is
considered excessive or unreasonable shall not be allowed as deduction.

C. Meaning of book profit [Explanation 3 to Section 40(b)]:


Book profit means the net profit, as shown in the profit and loss account for the relevant previous
year, computed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 28 to 44D and increased by the
aggregate amount of the remuneration paid or payable to all the partners of the firm if such
amount has been deducted while computing the net profit. In other words, the book profit shall be
computed under the following steps:
Step I. Find out the net profit as given in the profit and loss account.
Step II. Adjust the net profit in accordance with the provisions of Sections 28 to 44D.
Step III. Add the aggregate amount of remuneration paid or payable to any partner, if it is already
debited to the profit and loss account.

The resulting amount is the book profit.


For the purpose of computation of book profit, the following should also be considered:
(i) Income under any other heads [e.g., Income from house property, Capital gains and Income
from other sources] are not part of the book profit. These incomes, if included in the profit and
loss account, shall be excluded.
(ii) Bought forward business loss shall not be deducted to arrive at the book profit. But unabsorbed
depreciation being allowed under Section 32, shall be deducted.
(iii) Deduction under Chapter VIA [i.e., deductions u/s 80C to 80U] shall be ignored for the purpose
of computation of book profit.

Deductibility of fringe benefit tax: Although fringe benefit tax payable by a firm is expenditure laid out
wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business, Section 40(a)(ic) expressly prohibits the
deduction of the amount of fringe benefit tax paid for the purpose of computing income under the
head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖. Therefore, fringe benefit tax is not a deductible
expenditure for computing book profit within the meaning of Section 40(b).

Example 2: The profit and loss of M/s. X and Y, (a PFAS), a retail cloth merchant, for the year ending 31st
March, 2017 is given as under:
` `
To Opening Stock 1,80,000 By Sales 20,00,000
„ Purchases 11,00,000 „ Rent from house property 40,000
„ General expenses 2,00,000 „ Dividend from Indian
„ Remuneration to partners 2,00,000 companies 10,000
„ Interest to partners 90,000 „ Closing stock 2,00,000
„ Municipal tax paid 4,000
„ Sundry expenses 26,000
„ Net Profit:
X 3,00,000
Y 1,50,000 4,50,000
22,50,000 22,50,000

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Other information:
(i) General expenses include salary paid to the brother-in-law of X, which, in the opinion of the
Assessing Officer, is excessive to the extent of ` 15,000.
(ii) Sundry expenses include ` 5,000 being provision for bad and doubtful debts.
(iii) Sales tax amounting to ` 75,000 was paid on 10th April, 2016 and not debited to the profit and loss
account.
(iv) Capital of X and Y was ` 4,00,000 and ` 2,00,000 respectively and they share profit and loss in the
ratio of 2 : 1.
(v) Interests and remunerations are paid to the partners in accordance with the provisions of the
partnership deed.

From the above particulars, you are required to compute:


(a) Book profit of the firm.
(b) Interest on capital allowable as per Income tax law, and
(c) Remuneration to partners as per Income tax law. X and Y are working partners in the firm.

Answer:

(a) Computation of book profit for the assessment year 2017- 2018 relating to the previous year 2016-
2017:
` `
Net profit as per profit and loss account 4,50,000
Add: Expenses disallowed:
Salary of brother-in-law of X being unreasonable [u/s 40A] 15,000
Provision for bad and doubtful debts 5,000
Municipal tax (being chargeable under the head
Income from house property) 4,000
Interest on partner's capital
[disallowed u/s 40(b)] [See (b)] 18,000
Remuneration to the partners [treated separately] 2,00,000 2,42,000
6,92,000
Less: Expenses allowed:
Sales tax [allowed u/s 43B] 75,000
Less : Income either chargeable under other head or exempt :
Dividend from Indian companies 10,000
Rent from house property 40,000 1,25,000
Book-profit 5,67,000
(b) Interest on capital allowable u/s 36, read with Section 40(b)
Total capital of X and Y 6,00,000
Interest allowed subject to a maximum of 12% p.a. 72,000
Interest to be disallowed (` 90,000 – ` 72,000) 18,000
(c) Aggregate of remuneration allowable u/s 37 read with Section 40(b)
On 1st ` 3,00,000 of book-profit: ` 1,50,000 or 90%, whichever is more 2,70,000
On balance of book-profit: 60%. of ` 2,67,000 1,60,200
Total 4,30,200
Since actual remuneration as per partnership deed is lower, it
will be allowed as deduction 2,00,000

3. Provisions relating to set off and carry forward of business loss:

The brought forward business loss of a firm shall be dealt with as under:

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● Loss relating to the assessment year commencing on or before 1st April, 1992 [Section 75]: Such loss,
which could not be set off against any other income of the firm and which had been apportioned
to a partner of the firm, but could not be set off by such partner prior to the assessment year
commencing on 1st April, 1993, then, such loss shall be allowed to be set off against the income of
the firm subject to the condition that the partner continues in the said firm and to be carried
forward for set off under Sections 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 74A.
● Loss relating to the assessment year commencing on or after 1st April, 1993: With effect from the
assessment year 1993-1994, there is no separate provision for set off and carry forward of losses of a
firm. Such losses, as is the case with the other assessees, shall be dealt with under the provisions of
Sections 70 to 74A.
● Carry forward and set off losses in the case of change in the constitution of firm [Section 78(1)]:
Where any change has occurred in the constitution of the firm owing to death or retirement of a
partner, then the firm shall not be allowed to carry forward and set off so much of the loss
proportionate to the share of such retired or deceased partner as exceeds his share of profits in the
firm in respect of the previous year.
● Carry forward and set off losses in the case of succession of business [Section 78(2)]: The broad
principle underlying Sections 72 to 74 is that the right to carry forward and set off business loss is
available only to the person who has incurred the loss. Section 78(2), however, permits the
successor of a business to carry forward and set off the loss of his predecessor against his income, if
the succession is by means of inheritance. For example, if a widow is taken up as the partner of a
firm after the death of her husband, the firm shall be entitled to carry forward and set off the loss
attributable to the deceased partner.

4. Computation of total income of PFAS:


The total income of a firm assessed as such, shall be computed under the steps mentioned below:
Step I. Compute the income of the firm under the various heads [e.g., Income from house property,
profits and gains of business or profession, Capital gains and Income from other sources].
Step II. Make adjustments for clubbing of income under Sections 60 and 61.
Step III. Make adjustment for unabsorbed depreciation and brought forward loss, if any. The income
remaining at this stage is called Gross total income.
Step IV. Allow deductions under Chapter VIA as specified below:
80G Deduction in respect of donation to certain funds and charitable institutions
80GGA Deduction in respect of certain donations for scientific research or rural development
80GGC Deduction for contribution to political parties
80-IA Deduction in respect of profits and gains from industrial undertakings or enterprise
engaged in infrastructure development
80-IAB Profits and gains of an undertaking engaged in the development of Special Economic Zone.
80-IB Deduction in respect of profits and gains from certain industrial undertakings other than
infrastructure development undertakings
80-IC Deduction for certain undertakings in special category states.
80-ID Deduction in respect of profits and gains of hotels and convention centres in specified area.
80-IE Deduction in respect of certain undertakings in the North-Eastern States of India
80 JJA Deduction in respect of profits from the business of collecting and processing of bio-
degradable waste

The balance of income after deductions in Step IV is the total income of the firm.

5. Computation of tax of PFAS:


For the assessment year 20162017, PFAS is liable to tax at the rates specified below:
● Long-term capital gains 20%
● Short-term capital gains covered u/s111A 15%
● Winnings from lottery 30%
● Other income 30%
● Surcharge: From the assessment year 2017-2018,for an income exceeding ` 1 crore, surcharge will
be12%.
● Education cess: For the assessment year 2017-2018, education cess is 2% of tax and surcharge and
secondary and higher education cess is 1% of tax and surcharge.

DIRECT TAXATION 269


6. Assessment of partners of partnership firm assessed as such:
The provisions relating to the assessment of partners of PFAS are as under:

A. Share of profit from the firm:


Under Section 10(2A), the share of income of a partner of a firm assessed as such is exempt from tax.

B. Share of loss including brought forward loss:


Any loss of the firm in relation to the assessment year commencing on or after 1st April, 1993, shall not
be apportioned to the partners. Such losses shall be carried forward and set off by the firm under the
provisions of Sections 70 to 74A.
Any loss in relation to the assessment year commencing on or before 1st April, 1992, which could not be
set off against any other income of the firm and which had been apportioned to a partner of the firm
but could not be set off by such partner prior to the assessment year commencing on 1st April, 1993,
shall be allowed to be set off against the income of the firm and carried forward for set off under
Sections 70 to 74A, provided the partner continues in the said firm [Section 75].

C. Remuneration and interest:


The tax treatment of remuneration and interest in the assessment of a partner of PFAS shall be as under:
● Remuneration: Any payment received by a partner from the firm by way of salary, commission,
bonus or remuneration or by whatever name called, shall be included in the total income of the
partner under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ to the extent it is not disallowed
under Section 40(b)(v). Amount disallowed under Section 40(b) shall be treated as his share of profit
from the firm and accordingly, shall be exempt under Section 10(2A).
● Interest: Interest received or receivable by the partner from the firm shall be included in the total
income of the partner under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ to the extent it is not
disallowed under Section 40(b)(iv). Amount of interest disallowed under Section 40(b)(iv) shall be
treated as his share of profit from the firm and accordingly, shall be exempt under Section 10(2A).

7. Assessment of Limited Liability Partnership [LLP]: The definition of ―firm‖ in section 2(23) includes a
limited liability partnership as well. The assessment procedures for such a limited liability partnership shall
therefore be made under the foregoing 12 provisions as much as they are applicable to a partnership
firm defined in the Indian Partnership Act 1932. However, the following provisions need to be
underscored:
(a) Presumptive tax under section 44AD is not applicable to LLP.
(b) Alternate Minimum Tax (ATM) which was applicable to LLP only, is now applicable to all assessees
other than a company. [ See Box below]
(c) LLP is not subjected to Dividend Distribution Tax.

Minimum Alternate Tax for certain persons other than a company [Sections 115JC/115JF]: The special
provisions contained in Chapter XIIBA of the Act for MAT are as under:
(a) To who MAT applies: MAT applies to a person who has claimed any deduction u/s 80IA to 80RRB
(other than 80P), section 10A; and section 35AD.
(b) Under the provisions of section 115JC(1),all persons other than a company is required to pay MAT ,
where the regular income tax payable for the previous year is less than the alternate minimum tax.
In that case the adjusted total income shall be deemed to be the total income and accordingly
such a person shall pay tax on such adjusted total income @18.5% [plus surcharge and Education
cess and SHEC].
(c) Meaning of adjusted total income [Section 115JC (2): Adjusted total income means the total
income before giving effect to the provisions under sections 115JC/115JF as increased by:
(i) deductions claimed under any sections 80H to 80RRB (other than section 80P)
(ii) deduction claimed, if any, under section 10AA and
(iii) deduction claimed, if any, under section 35AD as reduced by the amount of depreciation
allowable in accordance with the provisions of section 32 as if no deduction under section
35AD was allowed in respect of the assets on which the deduction under that section is
claimed.

DIRECT TAXATION 270


(d) Who are excluded: MAT is not applicable to an Individual, HUF, AOP/BOI/Artificial juridical authority
whose adjusted total income does not exceed ` 20 lakhs.
(e) Tax credit for MAT [Section 115JD]: The excess of tax payable under the provisions of section
115JC(1) over the tax payable on total income under the normal provisions of the Act is known as
MAT credit. Such excess amount can be carried forward till the tenth assessment year immediately
succeeding the assessment year for which tax credit becomes available and set off when the tax
payable under the normal provisions is more than tax payable under section 115JC.

Example 3: ABC, LLP, furnishes you the following details pertaining to the financial year 20162017:
`
Net profit as per P/L Account 90,00,000
Depreciation debited in P/L Account 7,00,000
Depreciation allowable u/s 32 9,00,000
Inadmissible expenses 5,00,000
Deduction 10AA (computed) 12,00,000
Deduction 80-IA ( computed) 60,00,000

Compute total income, adjusted total income u/s 115JC, and tax liability of ABC LLP for the assessment
year 2017-18.
Answer: (a) Computation of total income of ABC LLP for the assessment year 2017- 2018 relating to the
previous year 2016- 2017
` `
Net Profit as per P/L Account 90,00,000
Add: Depreciation debited in P/L account 7,00,000
Add: Inadmissible expenses 5,00,000
Total 1,02,00,000
Less: Depreciation allowable u/s 32 9,00,000
Less: Deduction u/s 10AA 12,00,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80IA 60,00,000 81,00,000
Total income 21,00,000

(b) Adjusted total income u/s 115JC:


` `
Total income as above 21,00,000
Add: Deduction u/s 12AA 12,00,000
Add: Deduction u/s 80IA 60,00,000
Adjusted Total Income 93,00,000
Tax Liability: ` 93,00,000 x 18.5% 17,20,500
Add: EC & SHEC [ 2+1%] 51,615 17,72,115

18.3 PARTNERSHIP FIRMS ASSESSED AS ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS [PFAAOP]

The provisions relating to the assessment of firms assessed as an association of persons are discussed
below.

A. Circumstances under which a firm is assessed as an association of persons:


A firm shall be assessed as an association of persons if —
(a) the firm is not evidenced by an instrument, or
(b) the individual shares of the partners are not specified in that instrument, or
(c) a certified copy of the instrument of partnership is not given with the return of income of the firm of
the previous year relevant to the assessment year commencing on or after 1st April, 1993 in which
the assessment as a firm is first sought.

DIRECT TAXATION 271


(d) after the assessment of the firm as such, if in any subsequent year there is a change in the
constitution of the firm or shares of the partners and a certified copy of the revised instrument of
partnership is not submitted along with the return of income.

B. Consequence if the firm is assessed as an association of persons:


When a firm is assessed as an AOP, it has the following consequences:
 Interest and remuneration paid to partners:
The firm is not entitled to claim deduction on account of interest, salary, bonus, commission or
remuneration, by whatever name called, paid to the partners [Section 40(ba)].
● When the firm allows interest on capital as well as receives interest on drawings by the partners, the
amount of interest to be disallowed shall be limited to the amount by which the payment of interest
by the PFAAOP to the partner exceeds the payment of interest by the partner to the PFAAOP
[Explanation 1 to Section 40(ba)].
● When an individual is a partner of the PFAAOP in a representative capacity, interest paid by the
PFAAOP to such individual or by such individual to the PFAAOP otherwise than in a representative
capacity shall not be disallowed under Section 40(ba). However, interest paid by the PFAAOP to
an individual or by such individual to the PFAAOP in a representative capacity and interest paid by
the PFAAOP to the person so represented or by the person so represented to the PFAAOP shall be
disallowed under Section 40(ba) [Explanation 2 to Section 40(ba)].
● Where an individual is a partner of a PFAAOP otherwise than in a representative capacity, interest
paid by the PFAAOP to such individual shall not be disallowed under Section 40(ba), if such interest
is received by him on behalf, or for the benefit, of any other person [Explanation 3 to Section
40(ba)].

C. Treatment of losses:
It has already been discussed that the losses of PFAS can be brought forward and set off by the firm.
But if a firm after being assessed as such is treated as an AOP in any subsequent year, the brought
forward loss of the firm cannot be carried forward and set off by the AOP. This will remain so even if the
AOP in any subsequent year is assessed as a firm. The reason behind this is that the assessee changes in
all these cases.

D. Computation of total income of PAAAOP


The total income of PFAAOP shall be computed in the same manner as is done in the case of PFAS [See
para 3.4].

E. Computation of tax liability of PFAAOP:


The computation of tax of PFAAOP is governed by the provisions of Section 167B. According to this
section, tax on the total income shall be charged as under:

(a) When the individual share of the partners in the whole or any part of the income of the PFAAOP is
unknown or indeterminate [Section 167B(1)]:
In this case, for the assessment year 2016-2017, tax shall be charged on the total income of the
PFAAOP at the maximum marginal rate, which is 30% plus 2% education cess on income tax and
1% secondary and higher education cess on income tax.
● Where the total income of any partner/member is chargeable to tax at a rate which is higher
than the maximum marginal rate, tax shall be charged on the total income of the PFAAOP at
such higher rate. For example, in the case where a foreign company is a partner of PFAAOP,
the rate of tax applicable to the PFAAOP shall be 40% (plus 12% surcharge if total income
exceeds 1 crore plus 2% education cess on tax and surcharge and 1% secondary and higher
education cess on tax and surcharge).

(b) When the individual share of the partners in the whole or any part of the income of the PFAAOP is
determinate and known [Section 167B(2)] :
The tax liability in this case shall be determined as under :

DIRECT TAXATION 272


(i) Where one of the partners has total income (excluding his share from PFAAOP) exceeding the
maximum exemption limit of ` 2,50,000 : In this case, PFAAOP shall be charged to tax on its total
income at the maximum marginal rate of 30% plus 2% education cess on tax and surcharge
and 1% secondary and higher education cess on tax and surcharge. Where, however, the
income of a partner of the PFAAOP is charged at a rate higher than the maximum marginal
rate of 30% (plus education cess and secondary and higher education cess), tax shall be
charged on that portion of income of the PFAAOP which is relatable to the share of such
partner at such higher rate, and the balance of the total income of the PFAAOP shall be taxed
at the maximum marginal rate of tax (i.e., 30% plus education cess and secondary and higher
education cess).
(ii) Where none of the partners of the PFAAOP has income exceeding the maximum exemption
limit of ` 2,50,000: In this case, the PFAAOP shall be charged to tax its total income at the rates
which apply to an individual [See Appendix I].

F. Assessment of partners of PFAAOP:


The provisions relating to the assessment of partners of PFAAOP are as under.
1. Method of computing a partner‘s share in the income of PFAAOP [Section 67A(1)]: The individual
share of a partner in the total income of the PFAAOP shall be as follows:
(a) Any interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration paid to any partner shall be deducted
from the total income of the PFAAOP and the balance of income shall be apportioned among
the members in the ratio in which the partners are entitled to the income of the PFAAOP.
(b) Where the amount apportioned to a partner under (a) above is profit, interest, salary, bonus,
commission or remuneration so paid shall be added to that amount, and the aggregate
amount shall be treated as the partner‘s share in the income of the PFAAOP.
(c) Where the amount apportioned under (a) above is a loss, interest, bonus, etc., paid to the
partner by the PFAAOP shall be adjusted against the aforesaid loss, and the result shall be
treated as the partner‘s share in the income of the PFAAOP.

● Additional considerations:
(a) The share of a partner in the income or loss of the PFAAOP as computed above, shall be
apportioned under the various heads of income in the same manner in which the income
or loss of the PFAAOP has been determined under each head of income [Section 67A(2)].
(b) In computing the income of a partner under the head ―Profits and gains of business or
profession‖ in respect of his share in the income of the PFAAOP, any interest paid by a
member on capital borrowed by him for the purposes of investment in the PFAAOP shall be
deducted from his share [Section 67A(3)].

G. Tax treatment of share of income in the hands of the partners of PFAAOP:


In respect of share of income in the hands of the partners of PFAAOP, the incidence of tax shall be
as follows:
(a) Where the PFAAOP has been chargeable to tax at the maximum marginal rate (30% plus
education cess and secondary and higher education cess) or at a rate higher than the
maximum marginal rate, the share of the income from PFAAOP shall not be included in the
total income of the partner. Such share of income is exempt from tax.
(b) Where the total income of the PFAAOP has been charged to tax at the rates applicable to an
individual, the share of income of a partner from the PFAAOP shall be included in his total
income. Under Section 86, the partner shall be entitled to claim rebate at the average rate of
tax on such income. But if the total income of the PFAAOP is less than the maximum exemption
limit of 2,50,000, the share of income of the partner from the PFAAOP shall be included in his
total income. In this case, there will be no rebate in respect of share of income from the
PFAAOP.

18.4 ASSESSMENT OF ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS AND BODY OF INDIVIDUALS

In this case, the provisions relating to PFAAOP discussed above shall be applicable.

DIRECT TAXATION 273


Example 4: The profit and loss account of ABC & Co. (a firm of chartered accountants) for the year
ended 31st March, 2017 is given below:
` `
Expenses 2,46,000 Receipts from clients and audit fees 5,10,000
Depreciation 60,000 Interest (gross) from companies 45,000
Remuneration to partners 1,80,000 Net loss 36,000
Interest to partners 1,05,000
Total 5,91,000 Total 5,91,000
Other information:
(a) Out of the expenses of ` 2,46,000, ` 52,200 is not deductible under Sections 36 and 37.
(b) Depreciation as per IT Rules is ` 52,500.
(c) Interest paid to partners is fully deductible u/s 40(b).

Find out the total income of the firm and the tax liability of the firm for the assessment year 2017-2018.

Answer:
Computation of total income and tax liability for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous
year 2016-17.

Profits and gains of business or profession:


Net loss as per profit and loss account (36,000)
Add : Expenses disallowed :
Inadmissible expenses u/s 36 and 37 52,200
Excessive depreciation [ 60,000 – 52,500] 7,500
Remuneration of partners [treated separately] 1,80,000 2,39,700
Less: Income not chargeable under this head: Interest from companies 2,03,700
Book-profit 45,000
Less: Remuneration allowed to partners:1,50,000 or 90% of `1,58,700 whichever 1,58,700
is more (Note 1)
1,50,000 8,700
● Income from other sources :
Interest from companies 15,000
Gross total income 23,700
Less : Deductions under Chapter VI-A [80C – 80U] Nil
Total income 23,700
Tax liability of the firm:
Gross tax @ 30% on 23,700 7,110
Add : Surcharge Nil
Tax and surcharge 7,110
Add : 2% Education cess on tax and surcharge 142
Add : 1% Secondary and higher education cess on tax and surcharge 71
Tax payable 7,323
Rounded off (u/s 288B) 7,320

Example 5: D and C, a partnership firm consisting of two partners, reports a net profit of ` 14,00,000
before deduction of the following items:
1. Salary of ` 40,000 each per month payable to two working partners of the firm (as authorized by
the deed of partnership).
2. Depreciation on plant and machinery under Section 32(computed) ` 3,00,000.
3. Interest on capital at 15% per annum .The amount of capital eligible for interest `10,00,000.

Compute:
(i) Book profit of the firm under Section 40(a) of the Income Tax Act,
(ii) 1961.
(iii) Allowable working partner salary for the assessment year 2017-18 as per Section 40(b) of the
Income Tax Act, 1961.

DIRECT TAXATION 274


Answer:

Computation of book profit for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to the previous year 2016-2017
Particulars ` `
Net profit (before deduction of depreciation, salary and interest) 14,00,000
Less: Depreciation under Section 32 3,00,000
Interest @ 12% p.a. [being the maximum allowable as per section 40(b)] 1,20,000 4,20,000
(10,00,000 × 12%)
Book Profit 9,80,000

Notes: Salary actually paid to working partners =40,000 x 2 x 12 = ` 9,60,000. According to Section
40(b)(v), the salary paid to the working partners is allowed subject to the following limits:
On the first `3,00,000 of book Profit ` 1,50,000 or 90% of the book profit whichever is higher
On the balance of book profit 60% of the book profit

Therefore, the maximum allowable working partners‘ salary for the A.Y. 2017-18 in the case would be:
Particulars `
On the first `3,00,000 of book profit [(`1,50,000 or 90% of `3,00,000), whichever is more] 2,70,000
On the balance of book profit [60% of (` 9,80,000-`3,00,000) 4,08,000
Maximum allowable partners‘ salary 6,78,000
Hence, allowable working partners‘ salary for the A.Y.2017-18 as per provisions of section 40(b)(v) is
`6,78,000.

DIRECT TAXATION 275


STUDY NOTE : 19
ASSESSMENT OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


19.1 Introduction
19.2 Computation of total income
19.3 Deduction under section 80P
19.4 Tax rates

19.1 INTRODUCTION

Under section 2(19) of the Income-tax act 1961, a c-operative society means a society registered under
the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912. Since a co-operative society comes within the purview of the
definition of persons given under section 2(31(v) (i.e. an association of persons or body of individuals), it
is a distinct unit of assessment.

19.2 COMPUTATION OF TOTAL INCOME

The gross total income of a co-operative society shall be determined as usual for any other entity. To
arrive at the total income, the flowing deductions may be claimed [See Study Note 14]:
Section Particulars
80G Deduction in respect of donation to certain funds and charitable institutions.
80GGA Deduction in respect of certain donations for scientific research on rural
development.
80IA Profits and gains from industrial undertakings engaged in infrastructure business, etc.
80IAB Profits and gains of certain industrial undertakings other than infrastructure development
Special Economic Zone
80-IB Profits and gains of certain industrial undertakings other than infrastructure development
undertakings
80-IC Special provision for certain undertakings in certain backward States.
80-ID Deduction in respect of profits and gains of hotels and convention centres in specified
area.
80-IE Deduction in respect of certain undertakings in the North-Eastern States of
India.
80JJA Deduction in respect of profits from the business of collecting and processing of bio-
degradable waste.
80P Deduction for income of co-operative society

19. 3 DEDUCTION UNDER SECTION 80P

The following deductions are available under section 80P:


Section Activity of the co-operative society Amount of
deduction
80P((2)(a)(i) Income from carrying on banking business for its members and income from 100%
providing credit facilities to its members
80P((2)(a)(ii) Income from cottage industry 100%
80P((2)(a)(iii) Income from marketing agricultural produce 100%
80P((2)(a)(iv) Income from purchase of agricultural implements, seeds, livestock, etc. for 100%
agricultural purpose and supplying them to its members
80P((2)(a)(v) Income from Processing of agricultural produce without aid of power 100%
80P((2)(a)(vi) Income from collection and disposal of labour 100%
80P((2)(a)(vii) Income from fishing and allied activities 100%
80P((2)(b) Income of the primary society engaged in supply of milk, oil seeds, fruits, etc. 100%
80P((2)(c) Income from other activities: -
(i) In the case of consumer co-operative society ` 1,00,000
(ii) In any other case ` 50,000
80P((2)(d) Income from interest or dividends derived from investments with any other 100%
co-operative society

DIRECT TAXATION 276


80P((2)(e) Income from letting of godown, warehouse for storage and processing or 100%
facilitating the marketing of commodities
80P((2)(f) In the case of a co-operative society (not being a housing society or an 100%
urban consumers' society or a society carrying on transport business or a
society engaged in the performance of any manufacturing operations with
the aid of power) where the gross total income does not exceed twenty
thousand rupees, income by way of interest on securities or any income
from house property chargeable under section 22

Note: Where the assessee is entitled to deduction u/ss 80HH, 80HHA, 80HHB, 80HHC, 80HHD, 80-I, 80-IA,
80-IJ and 80J, the aforesaid deductions u/s 80P shall be claimed after deduction in these sections have
been claimed.

19. 4 TAX RATES: SEE STUDY NOTE 15

Example 1: The Hyderabad Co-operative Society has the following sources of income during the
financial year 2016-17:
Particulars `
Income from processing with the aid of power 8,000
Income from collective disposal of labour of its members 15,000
Interest from another Co-operative Society 25,000
Chargeable income from House Property 60,000
Income from other business 55,000

Find its total income, showing the computation under proper heads of income, and the tax payable, as
per the provisions of the Income Tax Act 1961.

Answer:
Calculation of Total Income of Hyderabad Co-operative Society for the Assessment Year 2017-18
relating to the Previous Year 2016-17
Particulars ` `
Income from House Property 60,000
Business Income
Processing with the aid of power 8,000
Collective disposal of labour. 15,000
Other business income 55,000 78,000
Income from other sources
Interest received from other society 25,000
Gross total income 1,63,000
Less: Deductions u/s 80P:
Interest ]u/s 80P(2)(d)] 25,000
Collective disposal of labour [u/s 80P(2)(a)(vi)] 15,000
Other Business Income [u/s 80(2)(c)] (limited to `50,000) 50,000 90,000
Total income 73,000

Tax payable 18,900


Education Cess@2% 378
SHEC 189
Total Tax Payable 19,467
Rounded off 19,470

Working Note: Calculation of Tax Payable:


Up to `10,000 : @10% 1,000
Next `10,000 : @20% 2,000
Balance Income: @30% (73,000-20,000 = 53,000) 15,900
Tax Payable 18,900

DIRECT TAXATION 277


STUDY NOTE : 20
ASSESSMENT OF TRUSTS, CHARITABLE AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


20.1 Introduction
20.2 Tax treatment of income of trusts or institutions from contributions [Sections 11-13]

20.1 INTRODUCTION

The expression ―Trust‖ has not been defined in the Income-tax Act 1961. However, section Section 3 of
the Indian Trusts Act 1882 defines a trust to mean ―an obligation annexed to the ownership of property
and arising out of a confidence reposed in and accepted by the owner, or declared and accepted
by him for the benefit of another and the owner‖.

20.2 TAX TREATMENT OF INCOME OF TRUSTS OR INSTITUTIONS


FROM CONTRIBUTIONS [SECTIONS 11-13]

Subject to the provisions of sections 60 to 63, the following incomes of the trusts and charitable
institutions shall be exempt:
(a) Income from property held under trust wholly for charitable or religious purposes [Section
11(1)(a)]:Income from property received by such a trust shall be exempt to the extent to which it is
spent in India. Where any such income is accumulated or set apart for application in India, then
such income shall also be exempt if such accumulation is not in excess of 15% of the income of
such property.
(b) Income from property held under trust in part which is applied only for religious or charitable
purposes [Section 11(1)(b)]: Income derived from property held under trust in part only for such
purposes shall be exempt to the extent it is applied to such purposes in India, provided that the trust
is created before1st April, 1962. Where any such income is set apart for application to such
purposes in India, exemption shall not be denied, provided that the income so set apart is not in
excess of 15% of the income from such property.
(c) Income from property held under trust which is applied for charitable purposes outside India
[Section 11(1)(c)]:Income derived from property held under trust:
(i) created on or after 1st April, 1952 for charitable purpose to promote international welfare in
which India is interested, and
(ii) created on or after 1st April, 1952 for charitable or religious purposes, shall be exempt to the
extent to which such income is applied to such purposes outside India.
(iii) In both the cases mentioned above, the Board shall, by general or special order, direct that it
shall not be included in the total income of the person who is in receipt of the income.
(d) Voluntary contribution forming part of the corpus [Section 11(1)(d)]: Income in the form of voluntary
contributions made with specific direction that they shall form part of the corpus of the trust or
institution shall be fully exempt. Such contributions need not be applied to charitable purposes but
may be retained as the corpus of the trust without attracting tax liability. Under Section 2(24)(iia),
such income is also exempt from tax.

1. Treatment of capital gains [Section 11(1A)]:


Where a capital asset, being property held under trust wholly for charitable or religious purposes, is
transferred and the whole or any part of the net consideration is utilized for acquiring another capital
asset to be so held, then, the capital gain arising from the transfer shall be deemed to have been
applied to charitable or religious purposes, and hence exempt, to the extent as under:
(i) where the whole of the net consideration is utilized in acquiring the new capital asset, the whole of
such capital gain;
(ii) where only a part of the net consideration is utilized for acquiring the new capital asset, so much of
such capital gain as is equal to the amount, if any, by which the amount so utilized exceeds the
cost of the transferred asset;

DIRECT TAXATION 278


Where a capital asset, being property held under trust in part only for such purposes, is transferred and
the whole or any part of the net consideration is utilized for acquiring another capital asset to be so
held, then, the appropriate fraction of the capital gain arising from the transfer shall be deemed to
have been applied to charitable or religious purposes to the extent specified hereunder, namely:
(i) where the whole of the net consideration is utilized in acquiring the new capital asset, the whole of
the appropriate fraction of such capital gain;
(ii) in any other case, so much of the appropriate fraction of the capital gain as is equal to the
amount, if any, by which the appropriate fraction of the amount utilized for acquiring the new
asset exceeds the appropriate fraction of the cost of the transferred asset.

2. Conditions for exemption: In order to claim exemption under Section 11, the following conditions
should be satisfied:
(i) The property from which the income is derived should be held under a trust or other legal
obligations (Explanation 1 to section 13).
(ii) The property should be so held for charitable or religious purposes, which come into existence for
the benefit of the public. Under Section 2(15), ―charitable purpose‖ includes relief of the poor,
education, medical relief, and the advancement of any other object of general public utility.
(iii) The exemption is confined to such portion of the income of the trust or institution as is applied to
charitable or religious purposes. Where any such income is accumulated for application to later
time, such accumulation does not exceed the limit specified in clause (a) or clause (b) or clause
(c) of Section 11(1) or Section 11(2).
(iv) Except for the cases mentioned under Section 11(1)(c), no part of the income shall be applied or
accumulated for application outside India.
(v) Where the property of the trust consists of a business undertaking, the conditions of Sections 11(4)
and 11(4A) should be satisfied.
(vi) An application for registration of the trust or institution in Form No. 10A to the Commissioner before
the 1st day of July, 1973, or before the expiry of a period of one year from the date of the creation
of the trust or the establishment of the institution, whichever is later and such trust or institution is
registered under section 12AA. However, with effect from 1st June, 2007, the restriction of getting
the trust or institution registered within one year shall not be applicable. It is also provided that
where an application for registration of the trust or institution is made on or after 1st June, 2007, the
provisions of Sections 11 and 12 shall apply in relation to the income of the trust or institution from
the assessment year immediately following the financial year in which such application is made.
(vii) Where the total income of the trust or institution as computed under this Act without giving effect
to the provisions of Section 11 and Section 12 exceeds the maximum amount which is not taxable
in any previous year, the accounts of the trust or institution for that year should be audited and the
audit report should be furnished along with the return of income.
(viii) The funds of the trust should be invested or deposited in one or more of the forms and modes
specified in Section 11(5).

Example 1: S Charitable Trust registered under section 12AA of the Income Tax Act is engaged in
providing medical assistance to the physically challenged persons. The trust has furnished the following
details relating to previous year 2016-17;

Particulars
Net income from the properties held under trust 16,50,000
Voluntary Contribution (including donation ` 1,50,000 received with direction 5,00,000
from the donor that it would form part of corpus)
Financial assistance to physically challenged persons 9,50,000
Purchase of Land for construction of office of the trust 4,00,000
Compute tax payable, if any, by the trust for the Assessment Year 2017 – 2018.

Answer: Computation of tax payable by S Charitable Trust for the assessment year 2017-2018 relating to
the previous year 2016-2017

DIRECT TAXATION 279


` `
Income from property held under trust 16,50,000
Voluntary contribution 5,00,000
Less: Voluntary Contribution received with direction
from the donor that it would form part of corpus being exempt u/s 11(1) (d)
1,50,000 3,50,000
Total 20,00,000
Less: Amount set apart for future (15%) 3,00,000
Balance 17,00,000
Less: Amount applied for charitable purposes:
Financial assistance to physically challenged persons 9,50,000
Purchase of Land for construction of office of the trust 4,00,000 13,50,000

Total income 3,50,000


Tax on total income
First ` 2,50,000 Nil
Balance ` 1,00,000 @10% 10,000
Total tax
10,000
Add: Education cess and SHEC (2% + 1%)
300
Tax payable 10,300

Example 2: During the financial year 2016-2017 a New Delhi-based charitable organisation sold a
house property for ` 50 lakh and earned a long-term capital gain of ` 20 lakhs. In the same year it
bought another house property for ` 40lakh. Find out the taxable capital gain.

Answer:
` `
Cost of the new house 40,00,000
Cost of the old asset [` 50 lakh – 20 lakh] 30,00,000
Utilization of capital gains 10,00,000
Taxable Capital gains [` 20,00,000 – 10,00,000] 10,00,000

DIRECT TAXATION 280


STUDY NOTE : 21
CORPORATE TAXATION

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


21.1 Some useful concepts
21.2 Computation of total income of a company assessee
21.3 Computation of tax liability
21.4 Minimum Alternate Tax [ Section 115JB]
21.5 Tax credit for MAT [Section 115JAA]
21.6 Dividend distribution tax [ Section 115-O (1)]
21.7 Other provisions

21.1 SOME USEFUL CONCEPTS

A. Meaning of company: Under section 2(17) of the Income-tax Act, company means:
(i) any Indian company, or
(ii) any body corporate incorporated by or under the laws of a country outside India, or
(iii)any institution, association or body which is or was assessable or was assessed as a company for
any assessment year under the Indian Income-tax Act, 1922 (11 of 1922), or which is or was
assessable or was assessed under this Act as a company for any assessment year commencing on
or before the 1st day of April, 1970, or
(iv) any institution, association or body, whether incorporated or not and whether Indian or non-Indian,
which is declared by general or special order of the Board to be a company.

However, such institution, association or body shall be deemed to be a company only for such
assessment year or assessment years (whether commencing before the 1st day of April, 1971, or on or
after that date) as may be specified in the declaration;

B. Classification of companies: Under the Income-tax Act 1961, the following classifications are found:

Section 2(26) Section 2(22)A Section 2(23)A Section 2(18)

 Indian  Domestic  Foreign  Company  Closely


Company Company Company in which held
public are Company
substantially
interested
(I) Indian Company [Section 2(26)]: Indian company" means a company formed and registered under
the Companies Act, 1956, and includes:

(i) a company formed and registered under any law relating to companies formerly in force in any part
of India (other than the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union territories specified in sub-
clause (iii) of this clause);
(ia) a corporation established by or under a Central, State or Provincial Act ;
(ib) any institution, association or body which is declared by the Board to be a company under section
(17);
(ii) in the case of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, a company formed and registered under any law
for the time being in force in that State ;
(iii) in the case of any of the Union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa , Daman and Diu, and
Pondicherry, a company formed and registered under any law for the time being in force in that
Union territory:
Provided that the registered or, as the case may be, principal office of the company, corporation,
institution, association or body in all cases is in India;

DIRECT TAXATION 281


(II) Domestic company [Section 2(22A)]: "Domestic company" means an Indian company, or any other
company which, in respect of its income liable to tax under this Act, has made the prescribed
arrangements for the declaration and payment, within India, of the dividends (including dividends on
preference shares) payable out of such income ;

(III) Foreign company [Section 2(23A)]: "Foreign company" means a company which is not a domestic
company.

(IV) Company is which public are substantially interested [Section 2(18)]: A company is said to be a
company in which the public are substantially interested (also known as widely held company):
(a) if it is a company owned by the Government or the Reserve Bank of India or in which not less than
forty per cent of the shares are held (whether singly or taken together) by the Government or the
Reserve Bank of India or a corporation owned by that bank; or
(aa) if it is a company which is registered under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956); or
(ab) if it is a company having no share capital and if, having regard to its objects, the nature and
composition of its membership and other relevant considerations, it is declared by order of the Board to
be a company in which the public are substantially interested:
Provided that such company shall be deemed to be a company in which the public are substantially
interested only for such assessment year or assessment years (whether commencing before the 1st day
of April, 1971, or on or after that date) as may be specified in the declaration; or
(ac) if it is a mutual benefit finance company, that is to say, a company which carries on, as its
principal business, the business of acceptance of deposits from its members and which is declared by
the Central Government under section 620A of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), to be a Nidhi or
Mutual Benefit Society; or
(ad) if it is a company, wherein shares (not being shares entitled to a fixed rate of dividend whether
with or without a further right to participate in profits) carrying not less than fifty per cent of the voting
power have been allotted unconditionally to, or acquired unconditionally by, and were throughout the
relevant previous year beneficially held by, one or more co-operative societies;
(b) if it is a company which is not a private company as defined in the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of
1956), and the conditions specified either in item (A) or in item (B) are fulfilled, namely:—

(A) shares in the company (not being shares entitled to a fixed rate of dividend whether with or without
a further right to participate in profits) were, as on the last day of the relevant previous year, listed in a
recognized stock exchange in India in accordance with the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
(42 of 1956), and any rules made there under;

(B) shares in the company (not being shares entitled to a fixed rate of dividend whether with or without
a further right to participate in profits) carrying not less than fifty per cent of the voting power have
been allotted unconditionally to, or acquired unconditionally by, and were throughout the relevant
previous year beneficially held by—
(a) the Government, or
(b) a corporation established by a Central, State or Provincial Act, or
(c) any company to which this clause applies or any subsidiary company of such company if the
whole of the share capital of such subsidiary company has been held by the parent company or
by its nominees throughout the previous year.

Explanation: In its application to an Indian company whose business consists mainly in the construction
of ships or in the manufacture or processing of goods or in mining or in the generation or distribution of
electricity or any other form of power, item (B) shall have effect as if for the words "not less than fifty per
cent", the words "not less than forty per cent" had been substituted;

(V) Closely held company: A company is a closely held company if it is not a widely held company or
a company in which public are not substantially interested.

DIRECT TAXATION 282


21.2 COMPUTATION OF TOTAL INCOME OF A COMPANY ASSESSEE

The total income of a company is arrived at after deducting from the Gross Total Income the following:
80G Deduction in respect of donation to certain funds and charitable institutions
80GGA Deduction in respect of certain donations for scientific research or rural development
80GGB Contribution to political parties
80-IA Deduction in respect of profits and gains from industrial undertakings or enterprise engaged
in infrastructure development
80-IAB Profits and gains of an undertaking engaged in the development of Special Economic Zone.
80-IB Deduction in respect of profits and gains from certain industrial undertakings other than
infrastructure development undertakings
80-IC Deduction for certain undertakings in special category states.
80-ID Deduction in respect of profits and gains of hotels and convention centres in specified area.
80-IE Deduction in respect of certain undertakings in the North-Eastern States of India
80 JJA Deduction in respect of profits from the business of collecting and processing of bio-
degradable waste
80JJAA Employment of new workmen
80LA Income of off shore banking units

21.3 COMPUTATION OF TAX LIABILITY

In accordance with the tax rates given for a company [See para 5, Study Note 15] and subject to the
provisions of Minimum Alternate Tax [see para (b) below], the tax liability shall be computed as under:

a. Normal tax on total income:


Step 1: Find out the total income as above
Step 2: Total income x Rate of tax [for domestic company: 29% where the gross receipt during the
previous year 2014-15 does not exceed ` 5 crores; Other domestic companies @30%. Foreign
companies @ 40%]
Step 3: Add surcharge
Step 4: Add Education cess and SHEC [2 +1 %] on the total of step 1 and step 2.
Step 5: Deduct tax rebate u/s 86,90, 90A and 91.
= Tax payable

b. Tax payable under MAT


Step 1: Find out book profit
Step 2: Work out 18.5% of book profit
Step 3: Add: Surcharge
Step 5: Add Education cess and SHEC as above
= Tax payable under MAT

c. Surcharge for the assessment year 2017-2018:


Net income does not Net income exceeds ` 1 core Net income exceeds `
exceed ` 1 crore but not ` 10 crore 10 crore
Domestic company Nil 7% 12%
Foreign company Nil 2% 5%

d. Minimum Alternate Tax rate:


Book profit does not Book profit 1- 10 Crore Book profit over 10 crore
exceed ` 1 crore
IT SC EC + Total IT SC EC + Total IT SC EC + Total
SHEC SHEC SHEC
Domestic 18.5 - 0.555 19.055 18.5 1.295 0.59385 20.38885 18.5 2.22 0.6216 21.3416
company
Foreign 18.5 - 0.555 19.055 18.5 0.37 0.5661 19.4361 18.5 0.925 0.58275 20.00775
company

Note: With effect from the assessment year 2017-2018, in respect of a unit located in an International
Financial services Centre, the rate of MAT shall be 9%.

DIRECT TAXATION 283


21.4 MINIMUM ALTERNATE TAX [SECTION 115JB]

The provisions related to MAT are as under:


A. When MAT does not apply: MAT does not apply to :
(i) any income accruing or arising to a company from life insurance business referred to in section
115B. [ section 115JB(5A)];
(ii) the income accrued or arising on or after the 1st day of April, 2005 but before 1 st April 2012 from
any business carried on, or services rendered, by an entrepreneur or a Developer, in a Unit or
Special Economic Zone, as the case may be.
(iii) a foreign company if:
 the assessee is a resident of a country or a specified territory with which India has an
agreement referred to in sub-section (1) of section 90 or the Central Government has adopted
any agreement under sub-section (1) of section 90A and the assessee does not have a
permanent establishment in India in accordance with the provisions of such agreement; or
 the assessee is a resident of a country with which India does not have an agreement of the
nature referred to in clause (i) and the assessee is not required to seek registration under any
law for the time being in force relating to companies

B. How book profit is computed : As provided in Explanation 1, to section 115JB, book-profit shall be
computed as under:

Step 1: Find out net profit as per P/L Account of the relevant previous year
Step 2: Add the following:
 the amount of income-tax paid or payable, and the provision therefor;
 the amounts carried to any reserves, by whatever name called, other than a reserve
specified under section 33AC;
 the amount or amounts set aside to provisions made for meeting liabilities, other than
ascertained liabilities;
 the amount by way of provision for losses of subsidiary companies;
 the amount or amounts of dividends paid or proposed;
 the amount or amounts of expenditure relatable to any income to which section 10 (other
than the provisions contained in clause (38) thereof) or section 11 or section 12 apply; or
 the amount or amounts of expenditure relatable to income, being share of the assessee in
the income of an association of persons or body of individuals, on which no income-tax is
payable in accordance with the provisions of section 86; or
 the amount or amounts of expenditure relatable to income accruing or arising to an
assessee, being a foreign company, from:
o the capital gains arising on transactions in securities; or
o the interest, royalty or fees for technical services chargeable to tax at the rate or rates
specified in Chapter XII,
o if the income-tax payable thereon in accordance with the provisions of this Act, other than
the provisions of this Chapter, is at a rate less than the rate specified in sub-section (1);
 the amount representing notional loss on transfer of a capital asset, being share of a special
purpose vehicle, to a business trust in exchange of units allotted by the trust referred to in
clause (xvii) of section 47 or the amount representing notional loss resulting from any change
in carrying amount of said units or the amount of loss on transfer of units referred to in clause
(xvii) of section 47; or]
 the amount or amounts of expenditure relatable to income by way of royalty in respect of
patent chargeable to tax under section 115BBF; or
 the amount of depreciation,
 the amount of deferred tax and the provision therefor,
 the amount or amounts set aside as provision for diminution in the value of any asset,
 the amount standing in revaluation reserve relating to revalued asset on the retirement or
disposal of such asset,

DIRECT TAXATION 284


 the amount of gain on transfer of units referred to in clause (xvii) of section 47 computed by
taking into account the cost of the shares exchanged with units referred to in the said clause
or the carrying amount of the shares at the time of exchange where such shares are carried
at a value other than the cost through profit or loss account, as the case may be.
Step 3: Subtract the following :
 the amount withdrawn from any reserve or provision, if any such amount is credited to the
profit and loss account:
 the amount of income to which any of the provisions of section 10 (other than the provisions
contained in clause (38) thereof) or section 11 or section 12 apply, if any such amount is
credited to the profit and loss account; or
 the amount of depreciation debited to the profit and loss account (excluding the
depreciation on account of revaluation of assets); or
 the amount withdrawn from revaluation reserve and credited to the profit and loss account,
to the extent it does not exceed the amount of depreciation on account of revaluation of
assets referred to in clause (iia); or
 the amount of income, being the share of the assessee in the income of an association of
persons or body of individuals, on which no income-tax is payable in accordance with the
provisions of section 86, if any, such amount is credited to the profit and loss account; or
 the amount of income accruing or arising to an assessee, being a foreign company, from,—
 the capital gains arising on transactions in securities; or
 the interest, royalty or fees for technical services chargeable to tax at the rate or rates
specified in Chapter XII,
o if such income is credited to the profit and loss account and the income-tax payable
thereon in accordance with the provisions of this Act, other than the provisions of this
Chapter, is at a rate less than the rate specified in sub-section (1); or
 the amount representing,—
 notional gain on transfer of a capital asset, being share of a special purpose vehicle to a
business trust in exchange of units allotted by that trust referred to in clause (xvii) of section
47; or
 notional gain resulting from any change in carrying amount of said units; or
 gain on transfer of units referred to in clause (xvii) of section 47,
o if any, credited to the profit and loss account; or
 the amount of loss on transfer of units referred to in clause (xvii) of section 47 computed by
taking into account the cost of the shares exchanged with units referred to in the said clause
or the carrying amount of the shares at the time of exchange where such shares are carried
at a value other than the cost through profit or loss account, as the case may be; or]
 the amount of income by way of royalty in respect of patent chargeable to tax under
section 115BBF; or
 (iii) the amount of loss brought forward or unabsorbed depreciation, whichever is less as per
books of account.
 the amount of profits of sick industrial company for the assessment year commencing on
and from the assessment year relevant to the previous year in which the said company has
become a sick industrial company under sub-section (1) of section 17 of the Sick Industrial
Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (1 of 1986) and ending with the assessment year
during which the entire net worth of such company becomes equal to or exceeds the
accumulated losses.
 the amount of deferred tax, if any such amount is credited to the profit and loss account.
Step 4: Step 1+ Step 2 – Step 3 = Book-profit.

21.5 TAX CREDIT FOR MAT [SECTION 115JAA]

The difference between tax payable under the provisions of section 115JB and the amount of tax
payable by the assessee on his total income computed in accordance with the normal rate of tax is

DIRECT TAXATION 285


called MAT credit. Tax credit so determined shall be carried forward for the ten assessment years
immediately succeeding the assessment year in which tax credit becomes allowable.

21.6 DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION TAX [SECTION 115-O (1)]

Under the provisions of section 115-O, a domestic company shall, in addition to tax on total income,
pay tax on any amount declared, distributed or paid as dividend (whether interim or otherwise). It does
not make any difference whether the dividend is paid or declared out of the current profit or
accumulated profit. The rate of dividend distribution tax for the assessment year 207-18 is @15% (Plus
surcharge and education cess and SHEC).

1. Dividend received from the subsidiary company [Section 115-O(1A)]:According to Section 115-
O(1A), the amount distributed, declared or paid as dividend may be out of accumulated or current
year profits, but the same shall exclude:
(i) the amount of dividend, if any, received by the domestic company during the financial year, if
such dividend is received from its subsidiary and,
(a) where such subsidiary is a domestic company, the subsidiary has paid the tax which is payable
under this section on such dividend; or
(b) where such subsidiary is a foreign company, the tax is payable by the domestic company
under section 115BBD on such dividend. However, the same amount of dividend shall not be
taken into account for reduction more than once.
(ii) the amount of dividend, if any paid to any person for, or on behalf of, the New Pension System Trust
referred to section 10 (44).

2. Grossing up of dividend and income distribution tax [ Section 115-O(1B)]: For the purposes of
determining the tax on distributed profits, any amount by way of dividends referred to in sub-section (1)
as reduced by the amount referred to in sub-section (1A) [hereafter referred to as net distributed
profits], shall be increased to such amount as would, after reduction of the tax on such increased
amount at the rate specified in sub-section (1), be equal to the net distributed profits.

Applying the provisions of section 115-O(1A), effective DDT rate would be as under:
Where dividend distributed is ` 85, then DDT would be ` 15 and gross distributed profit will be ` 100.
Now DDT will be ` 15 and dividend distributed to the shareholders will be ` 85 [` 100-15].
Effective rate of DDT: Tax paid u/s 115-O on ` 85 is ` 15. Therefore, DDT on ` 100 distributed will be `
15/85x 100 = 17.6470 %
Add: surcharge @12% 2.1176%
Total 19.7646%
Add: Education cess &SHEC : [2+ 1%] 0.5924%
Total effective DDT rate 20.3576%

Example 1: X Ltd., an Indian company, intends to distribute ` 18 lakh as dividend to its shareholders. Out
of this ` 8 lakh is dividend received from Indian subsidiary which had paid DDT. Determine the amount
of dividend distribution tax payable if such dividends are paid during the financial year 2016-17.

Answer: (assuming that ` 18,00,000 is the net Dividend being distributed)


` `
Amount of dividend to be distributed 18,00,000
Less: Dividend from subsidiary companies 8,00,000
Net Dividend 10,00,000
DDT payable [@20.35765%] 2,03,576
Alternatively, Net dividend is to be increased [ 100/85 x 10,00,000] 11,76471
DDT payable @ 17.304% 2,03,576

DIRECT TAXATION 286


3. When dividend distribution tax is not applicable: Dividend distribution tax is not applicable in the
following cases:
(a) No tax on distributed profits shall be chargeable under this section in respect of any amount
declared, distributed or paid by the specified domestic company by way of dividends (whether
interim or otherwise) to a business trust out of its current income on or after the specified date.
However, this provision shall apply in respect of any amount declared, distributed or paid, at any
time, by the specified domestic company by way of dividends (whether interim or otherwise) out of
its accumulated profits and current profits up to the specified date [ Section 115-O(7)]
Note:
(i) specified domestic company" means a domestic company in which a business trust has become
the holder of whole of the nominal value of equity share capital of the company (excluding the
equity share capital required to be held mandatorily by any other person in accordance with
any law for the time being in force or any directions of Government or any regulatory authority, or
equity share capital held by any Government or Government body);
(ii) "specified date" means the date of acquisition by the business trust of such holding as is referred to
in clause.

(b) No tax on distributed profits shall be chargeable in respect of the total income of a company,
being a unit of an International Financial Services Centre, deriving income solely in convertible foreign
exchange, for any assessment year on any amount declared, distributed or paid by such company, by
way of dividends (whether interim or otherwise) on or after the 1st day of April, 2017, out of its current
income, either in the hands of the company or the person receiving such dividend. [Section 115-O (8)].

21.7 OTHER PROVISIONS

A. Tax on distributed income of domestic company for buy-back of shares [Section 115QA]:
Under the provision of this section addition to the income-tax chargeable in respect of the total income
of a domestic company for any assessment year, any amount of distributed income by the company
on buy-back of shares (not being shares listed on a recognized stock exchange) from a shareholder
shall be charged to tax and such company shall be liable to pay additional income-tax at the rate of
twenty per cent on the distributed income.

(a) Buy-back here means purchase by a company of its own shares in accordance with the
provisions of any law for the time being in force relating to companies.
(b) Distributed income here means the consideration paid by the company on buy-back of shares as
reduced by 16[the amount, which was received by the company for issue of such shares, determined
in the manner as may be prescribed

B. Tax on income distributed to the unit holders by specified company or mutual fund [Section
115R(2)]: Any amount of income distributed by the specified company or a Mutual Fund to its unit
holders shall be chargeable to tax and such specified company or Mutual Fund shall be liable to pay
additional income-tax on such distributed income at the rate of:
(i) 25% on income distributed to any person being an individual or a Hindu undivided family by a
money market mutual fund or a liquid fund;
(ia) 30% on income distributed to any other person by a money market mutual fund or a liquid fund;
(ii) 25%on income distributed to any person being an individual or a Hindu undivided family by a fund
other than a money market mutual fund or a liquid fund; and
(iii) 30% on income distributed to any other person by a fund other than a money market mutual fund or
a liquid fund
(iv) where any income is distributed by a mutual fund under an infrastructure debt fund scheme to a
non-resident (not being a company) or a foreign company, the mutual fund shall be liable to pay
additional income-tax @25% on income so distributed. (Any income distributed by the Administrator of
the specified undertaking, to the unit holders; or to a unit holder of equity oriented funds in respect of
any distribution made from such funds excluded) Under section 115R (2), the income shall be grossed
up in the same manner as discussed in para 2 under point 21.6.

DIRECT TAXATION 287


Example 2: From the following data, compute the book profit of ABC Ltd. under Section 115JB of the
Income Tax Act,1961 for the Assessment Year 2017-2018.
Particulars `
Net profit as per Profit and Loss Account (before tax) 49,00,000
Profit on sale of listed securities (these listed securities are long term capital assets) 5,00,000
included in the net profit as above
Depreciation charged in accounts 10,00,000
Proposed Dividend (including Dividend Distribution Tax thereon) 5,00,000
Transfer to General Reserve 5,00,000
Provision for taxation – current tax 10,00,000
Provision for taxation (deferred tax liability) 6,00,000

Of the depreciation charged in accounts, `6,00,000 is the depreciation on Plant & Machinery which
was revalued upwards on 1.04.2016. The increase on revaluation was credited to Revaluation Reserve.
Had there been no revaluation, depreciation charged on plant and machinery (as per books) would
have been `4,50,000. [ CMA-Inter, June 2006]

Answer:
Computation of book-profit u/s 115JJB
Particulars `
Net profit as per Profit and Loss Account (before tax) 49,00,000
Less: Profit on sale of listed securities (long term capital asset) included in the net profit
as above. 5,00,000
Book profit under Section 115JB 38,00,000

Example 3: A domestic company derives the following income for the year ended 31.03.2017
Income from business `90 lakhs
Chargeable long term capital gains from sale of vacant site ` 30 lakhs

Compute the total income and tax payable by the company for the assessment year 2017-18. Ignore
MAT provisions. [CMA Inter, June, 2012]

Answer:
Computation of total income and income-tax liability of a domestic company
Particulars `
Income from business 90,00,000
long term capital gains 30,00,000
Total Income 1,20,00,000
Computation of Tax Liability:
on Business Income @ 30% 27,00,000
On Long term capital gain @ 20% 6,00,000
33,00,000
Add: Surcharge @ 7% (Total income of the company exceed `100 lakhs, hence liable to
Surcharge) 2,31,000
35,31,000
Add: Education Cess @ 2% 70,620
Add: Senior and Higher Secondary Education Cess@ 1% 35,310
Total Tax Liability 30,96,390

Example 4: Raj Industries Ltd. furnishes you the following information for the year ended 31.03.2017:
(i) Net Profit as per Statement of Profit and Loss ` 16,00,000.
(ii) Provision for warranties to customers Statement of Profit and Loss ` 2,00,000.
(iii) Wealth tax paid debited to Statement of Profit and Loss ` 30,000.
(iv) Agricultural income credited to Statement of Profit and Loss ` 1,00,000.
(v) Deferred tax credited to Statement of Profit and Loss account ` 4,00,000.
(vi) The company has as per books: Brought forward depreciation of ` 2,50,000 and Business loss of `
3,00,000. Compute ―book profit‖ under section 115JB for the assessment year 2017-18.

DIRECT TAXATION 288


Ans. Computation of book- profit of R Industries Ltd. for the assessment year 2017-2018
` `
Net profit as per Statement of Profit and Loss 16,00,000
Add: provision for warranties to customers is an ascertained liability. Hence, Nil
no addition is required Nil
Wealth tax is not to be added back. Only income tax paid/payable/provided
is added back 16,00,000
Total
Less: Agricultural income being exempt is to be excluded 1,00,000
Deferred tax credit to be excluded 4,00,000
Lower of brought forward loss or unabsorbed depreciation as per books is
deductible 2,50,000 7,50,000
Book-profit u/s 115-JB 8,50,000

DIRECT TAXATION 289


STUDY NOTE : 22
TAX DEDUCTED AT SOURCE AND TAX COLLECTED AT SOURCE

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


22.1 Introduction
22.2 Duty of the person deducting tax [Section 200]
22.3 Consequence of failure to deduct or pay tax [Section 201]
22.4 Common tax deduction and collection account number [Section 203A, Rule 114A]
22.5 Furnishing of statement of tax deducted [Section 203AA, Rule 31AB]
22.6 Collection of tax at source [Section 206C]

22.1 INTRODUCTION

As provided under section 190, the liability for tax has to be discharged in the previous year itself under
any of the following two modes:
 Deduction or collection at source by the payer of certain categories of income/payment, or
 Advance payment by the assessee.

Taxes recovered under these two modes are to be deducted from the total tax liability of the assessee,
which is determined on assessment. In this study note we shall discuss various provisions related to tax
deduction and tax collection.

Section Particulars
192 Deduction from salary: Any person who is responsible
for paying any income under the head ―Salaries‖ is required to deduct tax at the time of
making such payment on the basis of rates at force [including education cess and SHEC:
See Study Note 15 for tax rates]. An employee can furnish to the employer/Drawing and
Disbursing Officer (DDO) particulars of other income under any head other than ―Salaries‖
and of tax deducted at source thereon. Such income should not be a loss under any such
head other than the loss under the head ―Income from house property‖ for the same
financial year. The DDO shall take such other income and tax, if any, deducted at source
from such income, and the loss, if any, under the head ―Income from house property‖ into
account for the purpose of computing tax deductible at source u/s 192. While calculating
tax, the DDO shall exclude any income which is exempt under section 10; Deductions u/s
80C, 80CCC, 80D, 80DD, 80DDB, 80E, 80GG, and 80U shall be considered. However, on due
verification deduction u/s 80G for certain donations may be considered by the employer
[Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund; PM‘s Drought Relief Fund, etc.]. Tax rebate u/s 87A and
relief u/s 89 shall also be allowed. An employee claiming to pay tax at lower rate or if he
claims that no tax is payable may apply to the Assessing officer in Form No. 13.
The DDO shall furnish to the employee a statement giving correct and complete particulars
income in Form No. 16.For not providing such statement within one month from the end of
the financial year, the DDO shall be liable to pay fine u/s 272A(2) @ ` 100 for each day
during which the failure continues.
192A Payment of accumulated balance due to an employee: When the accumulated balance
due to an employee participating in a Recognized Provident Fund is payable to an
employee and such sums are included in the total income of the employee due to the non-
fulfilment of the conditions, the person responsible for payment of such sums shall deduct tax
@10%. If PAN is not provided by the recipient of the sums, tax shall be charged at the highest
marginal rate. No tax shall be deducted if the sum payable is less than ` 50,000.
193 Deduction from ―Interest on securities‖: Except for the following cases, the person responsible
for making payment of interest shall deduct tax at source for @10% (20% when PAN is not
provided by the payee):
(i) interest payable on 41/4% National Defence Bond, 1972 held by an individual who is
not a non-resident;

DIRECT TAXATION 290


(ii) interest payable to an individual on 41/4% National Defence loan, 1968, or 43/4%
National Defence Loan, 1972 ;
(iii) interest payable on National Development Bonds;
(iv) interest payable on 7-year National Savings Certificate (IV Issue) ;
(v) interest payable on such debentures, issued by any institution or authority, or any public
sector company, or any co-operative society (including Co-operative Land Mortgage
Bank or Co-operative Land Development Bank) as may be notified by the Central
Government.
(vi) Interest payable on 61/2% Gold Bonds, 1977, or 7% Gold Bonds, 1980 (held by a resident
individual),provided the holder of such bonds makes a declaration in writing before the
person responsible for paying the interest that the total value of these bonds held by
him did not exceed ` 10,000 in either case;
(vii) interest payable on any security of the Central Government or a State Government ;
(viii) interest payable by account payee cheque to a resident individual on debentures
issued by a company in which public are substantially interested, if such debentures are
listed in any recognised stock exchange in India and the amount of interest does not
exceed ` 5,000;
(ix) interest payable to the Life Insurance Corporation of India/General Insurance
Corporation of India or any other insurer in respect of any securities owned by it or in
which it has full beneficial interest;
(x) interest payable on 8% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003, if such interest does not exceed `
10,000 during the financial year.
(xi) interest payable on any security issued by a company, where such security is in
dematerialised form and is listed on a recognised stock exchange in India [w.e.f.
1.6.2008].
(xii) interest payable to a resident individual or a Hindu undivided family on any debenture
(listed or unlisted) issued by a company in which the public are substantially interested,
for an amount not exceeding ` 5,000, provided that such interest is paid by the
company by an account payee cheque

No TDS in the following cases:


(a) The payee furnishes to the person responsible for paying the interest, a declaration in
writing in duplicate in Form No. 15G to the effect that the tax on his estimated total
income of the previous year in which the interest is to be included in computing his total
income will be nil.
(b) in the case of a resident individual, who is of the age of 60 years at any time during
the previous year no tax shall be deducted at source under the provisions of Sections
193, 194, 194A, 194EE or 194K, if the payees referred to in these sections give a
declaration in Form No. 15H to the effect that the tax on the estimated total income
during the previous year will be nil.
(c) No deduction of tax shall be made from such specified payment to such institution,
association or body or class of institutions, associations or bodies as may be notified by
the Central Government in the Official Gazette, in this behalf.
194 Deduction from dividends: Payment of dividend requires TDS @ 10% [20% without PAN].
No TDS is the following cases:
(a) The payee furnishes declaration in Form No.13/15G
(b) Amount of dividend does not exceed ` 2,500 in aggregate
(c) No tax shall be deducted at source where such dividends are credited or paid to the Life
Insurance Corporation of India/General Insurance Corporation of India or the four other
companies formed under the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972/any
other insurer in respect any shares owned by it or on which it has full beneficial interest.
(d) No tax shall be deducted in respect of any dividend referred to in Section 115-O
(e) No tax shall be deducted at source in the case of senior citizens
194A Interest other than interest on securities: Persons responsible for making TDS are:
(a) Any person (other than an individual or HUF) who is responsible for paying to a resident

DIRECT TAXATION 291


any income by way of interest other than interest on securities.
(b) An individual or a HUF paying income to a resident by way of interest other than interest
on securities when turnover or gross receipts from business exceeds `1 crore or gross
receipts from profession exceeds `50 lakh during the financial year immediately
preceding the financial year in which such interest is credited or paid. The rate of TDS is
same as above.

No TDS in the following cases:


(a) When the amount of interest or the aggregate amount of interest credited or paid or
likely to be paid or credited during the financial year does not exceed ` 10,000 if the
payer is a banking company or a co-operative bank or a post office in respect of a
scheme framed by the Central Government and ` 5,000 in all other cases.
(b) In the case of time deposit with banking company or co-operative society carrying on
banking business or in the case of deposit with a public company formed and registered
in India with the main object of providing long-term finance for construction/purchase
of residential houses in India [such companies being eligible for deduction in respect of
the interest paid u/s 36(1)(viii)], when the amount of interest paid or credited by such
banking companies or public company does not exceed `5,000.
(c) When the interest is credited or paid to any banking company, any financial corporation
established under any Central or Provincial Act or the Life Insurance Corporation of
India, the UTI, any company or co-operative society carrying on the business of
insurance or any other institution, association or body as may be notified by the Central
Government.
(d) Income credited or paid by a firm to a partner.
(e) Income credited paid or by a co-operative society to its members or to any other co-
operative society.
(f) Interest credited or paid in respect of deposits under any scheme framed and notified by
the Central Government.
(g) Interest credited or paid in respect of deposits (other than time deposits made on or after
1.6.1995) with a banking company.
(h) Interest credited or paid in respect of deposits with primary agricultural credit
society/primary credit society/co-operative land mortgage bank/co-operative land
development bank on deposits (other than time deposits made on or after 1.6.1995)
with a co-operative society.
(i) Interest credited or paid by the Central Government under any provisions of the Income-
tax Act, Estate Duty Act, Wealth-tax Act, Super Profits Tax Act, Companies (Profits) Surtax
Act or Interest-tax Act.
(j) Income credited by way of interest on compensation amount awarded by the Motor
Accidents Claim Tribunal.
(k) Income credited or paid by way of interest on the compensation amount awarded by
the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, where the amount or the aggregate amount of
such income credited or paid during the financial year does not exceed ` 50,000.
(l) Income which is paid or payable by an infrastructure capital company or infrastructure
capital fund or a public sector company or a public sector bank in relation to a zero
coupon fund or a public sector company in relation to zero coupon bond issued on or
after 1st June 2005 by such company or fund or public sector company or public sector
bank.
(m) The payee is a senior citizen or furnishes declaration in Form No. 15G.
194B Deduction from winnings from lotteries or crossword puzzles: The rate of TDS is 30%. No TDS if
the amount does not exceed ` 10,000.
194BB Deduction from winnings from horse races: Same as above

DIRECT TAXATION 292


194C Deduction from payments to contractors or sub-contractors: Payment by specified persons
requires TDS as under:
a. Individual/HUF contractor: @ 1%;
b. Other than individual/HUF contractor: @ 2%;
c. Contractor engaged in the business of plying, hiring or leasing goods carriages: Nil. (In all
cases without PAN TDS shall be @20%)

Meaning of ―Specified person‖: Specified person here means: the Central Government or
any State Government; any local authority; any corporation established by or under a
Central State or Provincial Act; any company any co-operative society, any housing/town
planning authority in India, any society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860,
any trust, any recognised university, any firm, any individual/ HUF, or an association of
persons or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, whose gross receipt or turnover
from business exceed ` 1 crore or gross receipt from profession exceed ` 50 lakhs.

When no TDS is made:


In the case of a payer being an individual or HUF, no tax is required to be deducted if such
payment is paid or credited to the account of the contractor for the personal purposes of
such individual or any member of the HUF.
(b) When the contractor (or sub-contractor), desiring deduction at lower rates applies to the
Assessing Officer in Form No. 13 and the Assessing Officer on being satisfied grants a
certificate directing the person responsible for making such payment, tax may be deducted
at lower rates in accordance with the certificate. However, with effect from the assessment
year 2010-11, no declaration in Form No. 13 shall be valid unless the deductee furnishes his
Permanent Account Number.
(c) When the amount paid or likely to be paid to the account of, or to, the contractor or
sub-contractor does not exceed ` 30,000, no tax shall be deducted at source. Tax shall be
deducted at source if:
(i) a single payment exceeding ` 30,000 is made to the contractor or the sub-contractor; or
(ii) the aggregate amount paid or likely to be paid during the financial year to the
contractor (or the sub-contractor) exceeds ` 100,000.
(iii) No deduction shall be made in respect of payment to a contractor during the course of
business of plying, hiring or leasing goods carriage , if such a contractor owns ten or less
goods carriage at any time during the previous year and furnishes declaration to that effect
along with his Permanent Account Number.
194D Deduction from insurance commission: Rate of TDS: with PAN 10%, without PAN @ 20%. No
TDS when the amount paid or credited does not exceed ` 20,000.
194DA Deduction for payment in respect of life Insurance Policy: any person responsible for paying
to a resident any sum under a life insurance policy, including the sum allocated by way of
bonus on such policy, other than the amount not includible in the total income under
Section 10 (10D), shall, at the time of payment thereof, deduct income-tax thereon at the
rate of one per cent. However, where the amount of such payment or, as the case may be,
the aggregate amount of such payments to the payee during the financial year is less than
` 1,00,000, no deduction shall be made.
194E Deduction from payments to non-resident sportsmen or sports associations:
Income by way of participation in India in any game (other than game specified in Section
115BB) or sport, or advertisement or contribution of articles relating to any game or sport in
India in newspapers,
magazines or journals payable to a non-resident sportsman is liable to TDS @20%.
194EE Deduction from payments in respect of deposit under National Savings Scheme, etc.: The
person responsible for paying to any person any amount referred to in Section 80CCA(2)(a)
[i.e., National Savings Scheme, 1987, annuity plans of the LIC like ―Jeevan Dhara‖ and
―Jeevan Akshay‖] shall at the time of payment thereof, deduct income-tax thereon at the
rate of 10%. No TDS is required if the payment is less than ` 2,500.
194F Deduction from payments on account of purchase of units by Mutual Fund or UTI: TDS in this

DIRECT TAXATION 293


case is @ 20% .
194G Deduction from commission, etc., on the sale of lottery tickets: Payment exceeding ` 15,000
requires TDS @ 5%.
194H Deduction from commission or brokerage: Any person (including an individual or HUF whose
total sales/gross receipts/turnover from business exceeds ` 1 crore or receipts from profession
exceeds ` 50 lakh during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in
which such commission or brokerage is credited or paid) who is responsible for payment to a
resident any income by way of commission (other than insurance commission) or brokerage
shall deduct tax
194-I Deduction from rent: Any person (including an individual or HUF whose total sales/gross
receipts/turnover from business exceeds ` 1 crore or receipts from profession exceeds ` 50
lakh during the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which such
income is credited or paid) who is responsible for paying to a resident any income by way of
rent, shall deduct tax @ 2% for use of machinery or any equipment, and @ 10% for use of any
land/building or furniture and fittings.
No tax is required to be deducted:
(c) When the sum paid is not more than ` 1,80,000 p.a.
(d) When such income is paid to a business trust which is owned directly by such business
trust.
194-1A Deduction from immovable property: any person, being a transferee, responsible for paying
(other than the person referred to in Section 194LA) to a resident transferor any sum by way
of consideration for transfer of any immovable property (other than agricultural land) shall
deduct an amount equal to one per cent of such sum as income-tax at the time of credit of
such sum to the account of the transferor or at the time of payment of such sum in cash or
by issue of cheque or draft or by any other mode, whichever is earlier. However, no
deduction shall be made where consideration for the transfer of an immovable property is
less than ` 50 lakhs. Besides, the person responsible for deduction of tax at source is
exempted from quoting his tax deduction and collection account number under Section
203A.
194J Deduction from fees for professional or technical services: TDS @10% is required to be made
for payment to a resident by way of fees for professional services or fees for technical
services or any remuneration or fees or commission (except those chargeable to tax under
the head ―Salaries‘‘) to a director of a company or royalty or sum specified u/s 28(va).
No TDS is required if:
(i) the aggregate sum paid/payable during the financial year does not exceed ` 30,000; or
(ii) the person responsible for such payment is an individual or HUF and during the financial
year immediately preceding the financial year in which such payments are made, the gross
receipts or turnover from the business do not exceed R. 1 crore, and in the case of profession
the gross receipts do not ` 50 lakhs; or
(iii) the sums are paid exclusively for personal purposes of such individual or HUF.

194LA Deduction from compensation on acquisition of certain immovable property: Any person
responsible for paying to a resident any compensation or enhanced compensation or
consideration or enhanced consideration on account of compulsory acquisition, under any
law for the time being in force, of any movable property (except agricultural land), shall
deduct tax at source @ 10%. Tax shall be deducted at the time of payment in cash or by the
issue of a cheque or draft or any other mode, whichever is earlier. No TDS is required if the
payment does not exceed ` 2,50,000.
194LB Deduction from interest on infrastructure debt fund: where any interest is payable to a non-
resident, not being a company or a foreign company, by an infrastructure debt fund
referred to in Section 10(47), the person responsible for making such payment shall deduct
income tax thereon at the rate of 5 percent.
194LBA Deduction from incomes of business trust: Income of a business trust requires deduction of
tax at the rate of five per cent in case of non-resident unit holders and at the rate of ten per

DIRECT TAXATION 294


cent in case of resident unit holders of business trust on that portion of distributed income of
the trust which is taxable in the hands of unit holder.
194LBB Income in respect of units of Investment Fund: Where any income, other than that proportion
of income which is of the same nature as income referred to in clause (23FBB) of Section 10,
is payable to a unit holder in respect of units of an investment fund specified in clause (a) of
the Explanation 1 to Section 115UB, the person responsible for making the payment shall, at
the time of credit of such income to the account of payee or at the time of payment
thereof in cash or by issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode, whichever is earlier,
deduct income-tax thereon:
(a) where the payee is a resident, at the rate of ten percent; and
(b) Where the payee is a non-resident (not being a company) or a foreign company: (i) In
respect of the income that is not chargeable under the Act, Nil and (ii) for other incomes: at
the rates in force.
Note: The term rates in force has been defined under section 2(37A) as the rate in the
relevant Finance Act or the rate in the agreement under section 90 or section 90A, as the
case may be.
194LC Deduction from income from interest from Indian company: Where any income by way of
interest specified below is payable to a non-resident, not being a company or to a foreign
company or a business trust by an Indian company, the person responsible for making the
payment, shall at the time of credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the
time of payment thereof in cash or by issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode,
whichever is earlier, deduct the income-tax thereon at the rate of 5 per cent.
194LD Any person who is responsible for paying to a person being a Foreign Institutional Investor or
a Qualified Foreign Investor, any income by way of interest referred to in sub-section (2),
shall, at the time of credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the time of
payment of such income in cash or by the issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode,
whichever is earlier, deduct income-tax thereon at the rate of five per cent.
195 Deduction from other sums: Payment of interest and other sums (other than income
chargeable under the head ―Salaries‖) which is payable to a non-resident, not being a
company or a foreign company requires TDS at the rates in force.
196 Interest or dividend or other sums payable to Government, RBI or certain corporations: No
tax shall be deducted at source in respect any payment by way of interest or dividend or in
respect of any other income accruing or arising to the following authorities/institutions:
(i) the Government, or
(ii) the Reserve Bank of India, or
(iii) a corporation established by or under any Central Act which is exempt from tax on its
income, or
(iv) a Mutual Fund specified in Section 10(23D).
196A Income in respect of units of non-residents: No tax is required to be deducted at source
under this section at the time of payment or crediting any amount to a non-resident (other
than a company) or to a foreign company in respect of units of a Mutual Fund specified u/s
10(23D) or of the Unit Trust India.
196B Income from units: Section 196B applies to payment of income in respect of units purchased
in foreign currency by an overseas financial institution or Offshore Fund (as covered u/s
115AB) or of income by way of long-term capital gains from such units. The person
responsible for making such payment shall, at the time of credit of such income to the
account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof in cash or by the issue of cheque,
deduct tax at the rate of 10%.
196C Income from foreign currency bonds or shares of Indian company: Section 196C applies to
payment to a non-resident of any income by way of interest or dividends in respect of bonds
or Global Depository Receipts or income by way of long-term capital gains arising from the
transfer of such bonds or Global Depository Receipts. In this case, the person responsible for
payment of such amount shall, at the time of credit of such income to the account of the
payee or at the time of payment thereof in cash or by the issue of cheque/draft or any other
mode, whichever is earlier, deduct tax at the rate of 10%. However, with effect from 1st April,

DIRECT TAXATION 295


2003, no tax is to be deducted at source in case of dividends referred to in Section 115-O.
196D Income of foreign institutional investors from securities: Any person responsible for paying to
a foreign institutional investor any income in respect of securities referred to in Section
115AD(1)(a), shall deduct tax at the rate of 20%. Such tax shall be deducted at the time of
credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof in
cash or by issue of cheque/draft or any other mode, whichever is earlier. In the case of
income by way of capital gains arising from transfer of securities referred to in
Section 115AD and dividends referred to in Section 115-O (w.e.f. 1.4.2003), no tax is required
to be deducted at source.

22.2 DUTY OF THE PERSON DEDUCTING TAX [SECTION 200]

Any person deducting tax in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall pay within the
prescribed time [See below], the sum so deducted to the credit of the Central Government or as the
Board directs. Similarly, a person, being an employer, referred to in Section 192(1A), shall pay within the
prescribed time the tax to the credit of the Central Government or as the Board may direct.

With effect from the assessment year 2005-2006, any person deducting tax on or after 1st April, 2005, in
accordance with the provision of this Chapter shall, after paying the tax deducted to the credit of the
Central Government within the prescribed time , prepare quarterly statements for the period ending on
30th June, 30th September, 31st December and 31st March in each financial year and deliver or cause
to be delivered to the Director-General of Income-tax (Systems) as under [Section 200(3)]

 Quarterly statement of deduction / collection of tax [Rule *31A/ Rule 31AA]:


Nature of TDS/TCS Form Time of submission of quarterly statement
Salaries 24Q  First quarter (ending on 30th June): on or before 31st July
● Second quarter (ending on 30th September): on or before 31st
October
● Third quarter (ending on 31st December): on or before 31st
January
● Fourth quarter (ending on 31st March): on or before 31st May
of the financial year immediately following the financial year
in which the deduction is made.
Non-resident not being a 27Q Same as above
company or a foreign
company
Other sources 26Q
Same as above
Collection of tax at source 27EQ
First quarter : on or before 15th July
(TCS)  Second quarter : on or before 15th October
 Third quarter : on or before 15th January
 Fourth quarter : on or before 15th May following the last
quarter of the financial year
* Income-tax (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2016, w.e.f. 1-6-2016.

Time and mode of payment to Government account of tax deducted at source [Rule 30] :The provisions
of Rules 30 are as under:
Nature of Deduction Circumstances Due date of payment
All sums deducted in Deduction by or (i) On the same day where tax is paid without production
accordance with on behalf of challan. (ii) In the case of deduction u/s 192(1A), where
the provisions of of the tax is paid by an income-tax challan, on or before 7 days
Chapter XVII-B Government from the end of the month in which the deduction is
made. (iii) In the case of any sum deducted under section
194-IA, it shall be paid to the credit of the Central
Government within a period of 30 days from the end of

DIRECT TAXATION 296


the month in which the deduction is made.
All sums deducted in Deduction by or (i) On or before 30th April where the income is credited or
accordance with on behalf of paid in the month of March; (ii) In the case of any sum
the provisions of persons other deducted under section 194-IA, it shall be paid to the
Chapter XVII-B. than the credit of the Central Government within a period of 30
Government days from the end of the month in which the deduction is
made. (iii) In any other case including the cases covered
u/s 192(1A), within 7 days from the end of the month in
which the deduction is made.
Quarterly payment of Prior approval of (i) Quarter ended on 30th June: 7th July.
the tax deducted the Joint (ii) Quarter ended on 30th September: 7th October
under section 192 or Commissioner (iii) Quarter ended on 31st December: 7th January
section 194A or section required (iv) Quarter ended on 31st March : 30th April
194D or section 194H in
special cases

22.3 CONSEQUENCE OF FAILURE TO DEDUCT OR PAY TAX [SECTION 201]

The consequence of failure to deduct or pay tax shall be as under:

● Failure to deduct tax at source: Failure to deduct tax at source shall result in the following
consequences:

(a) Tax demand [Section 201(1)] :The person responsible for deduction of the tax at source shall be
deemed to be an assessee in default in respect of such tax. However, no order shall be made deeming
a person to be an assessee in default for failure to deduct the whole or any part of the tax from a
person resident in India, at any time after the expiry of two years from the end of the financial year in
which the statement for deduction at source is filed by the deduct or, Where no such statement is filed,
such order can be passed up till four years from the end of the financial year in which the payment is
made or credit is given [Section 201(3)]

(b) Interest payable [Section 201(1A)] : The person responsible for deduction of such tax shall be liable
to pay simple interest @ 1% per month or part of the month on the amount of such tax from the date on
which such tax was deductible to the date on which the tax is actually deducted and a further sum
calculated @ 1·5% for every month or part of the month on the amount of such tax from the date on
which such tax was deducted to the date on which such tax is actually paid. Such interest shall be paid
before furnishing the quarterly statement for each quarter in accordance with the provisions of Section
200(3) [Section 201(1A) inserted by the Finance Act 2010, w.e.f. 1.7.10].

(c) Penalty [Sections 221, 271C]: The person in default shall be liable to pay by way of penalty, a sum
equal to the amount of tax which such person has failed to deduct.

 Failure to deposit tax :If a person having deducted the tax at source fails to deposit such tax to the
credit of the Central Government within the prescribed time or does not deposit the tax, he shall
face the following consequences:

(a) Tax demand [Section 201(1)]: Same as above. However, where the deduct or has deducted but
not deposited the tax deducted at source, there would be time-limit for passing an order under
Section 201(1).
(b) Interest payable [Section 201(1A)] :Same as above.
(c) Penalty [Section 221] : The person in default shall be liable to pay penalty under the provisions of
Section 221, up to an amount not exceeding the amount of tax in arrears.
(d) Charge upon assets of the person in default [Section 201(2)] :The amount of tax due together with
the interest thereon shall be a charge upon all assets of the person in default.

DIRECT TAXATION 297


22.4 COMMON TAX DEDUCTION AND COLLECTION
ACCOUNT NUMBER [SECTION 203A, RULE 114A]

With effect from 1st October, 2004, tax deduction and tax collection number been integrated (Section
206CA is not effective from 1.10.2004) to provide for a common number for tax deduction and tax
collection. Under the amended provisions of Section 203A, every person deducting tax or collecting tax
under the provisions of this Chapter, shall, if he has not already been allotted such number, apply to the
Assessing Officer in Form No. 49B within one month from the end of the month in which the tax has
been deducted or collected or 31st January, 2005, whichever is later.

 Requirement of quoting tax-deduction and tax-collection account number [Section 203A(2)]: In the
following cases, quoting of tax deduction and collection account number is compulsory :
(i) All challans for the payment of any sum in accordance with the provisions of Section 200 or Section
206 C(3).
(ii) All certificates furnished under Section 203 or Section 203 C(5).
(iii) All the statements prepared and delivered or caused to be delivered in accordance with the
provisions of Section 200(3) or Section 206 C(3).
(iv) All returns delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 206 or 206(5A) or 206(5B) to any
income-tax authority.
(v) All other documents pertaining to such transactions as may be prescribed in the interest of revenue.

● Penal provisions: Under Section 272BB, if a person fails to comply with the provisions of Section 203A,
he shall, by an order passed by the Assessing Officer, pay, by way of penalty, ` 10,000.

22.5 FURNISHING OF STATEMENT OF TAX DEDUCTED [SECTION 203AA, RULE 31AB]

As required under this section, the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) or the person authorised by
the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) shall deliver a statement of tax deducted or, as the case
may be, a statement of tax collected at source (on or after 1st April 2008) to:
(a) every person from whose income the tax has been deducted;
(b) the buyer/licensee/lessee as referred to in Section 206C; or
(c) every person in respect of whose income the tax has been paid.

The aforesaid statement in Form No. 26AS shall be delivered by 31st July following the financial year,
during which taxes were deducted, collected or paid.

22.6 COLLECTION OF TAX AT SOURCE [SECTION 206C]

Section 206C contains special provisions for collection of tax at source from the buyers of specified
goods. The provisions are as under:

● Persons responsible for collection of tax : The following persons shall collect tax at source :
(i) Every person, being a seller, shall collect tax from the buyers of the goods specified in Sl. No. 1
to 6 of the goods specified in the table given in para 36.1 [Section 206C(1)].
(ii) Every person, who grants a lease or a licence or enters into a contract or otherwise transfers
any right or interest either in whole or in part in any parking lot or toll plaza or mine or quarry, to
any other person (not being a public sector company) for the purpose of business shall collect
tax from the licensee or lessee [Section 206C(1C)].

DIRECT TAXATION 298


● Time of collection of tax: The tax shall be collected at the time of debiting of the amount payable
by the aforesaid buyer/ licensee/ lessee to the account of the buyer/licensee/ lessee or at the time of
receipt of such amount from the said buyer/ licensee/ lessee in cash or by issue of a cheque or draft or
by any other mode, whichever is earlier [Sections 206C(1), 206C(1C)].

 Amount of tax to be collected at source:


SL. No. Nature of goods Percent
1. Alcoholic liquor for human consumption 1%
2. Tendu leaves 5%
3. Timber obtained under forest lease 2.5%
4 Timber obtained under any mode other than under forest lease 2.5%
5. Any other forest produce not being timber or tendu leaves 2.5%
6. Scrap 1%
7. Minerals being local coal or lignite or iron ore 1%
8. Parking lot 2%
9. Toll plaza 2%
10. Mining and querying 2%

1. Tax to be collected at source on purchase of bullion [Section 206C(1D): The provision of this section
applies to sale of bullion, jewellery or any other goods or providing any services.

Accordingly, every person, being a seller, who receives any amount in cash as consideration for sale of
bullion or jewellery, shall, at the time of receipt of such amount in cash, collect from the buyer, a sum
equal to one per cent of sale consideration as income-tax, if such consideration:
(i) for bullion, exceeds ` 2 lakh; or
(ii) for jewellery, exceeds ` 5 lakh
(iii) for any goods other than those mentioned in (i) and (ii) or any service, exceeds ` 2 lakhs. [The
aforesaid conditions of sub-section (1D) shall not apply in relation to sale of any goods (other than
bullion or Jewellery) or providing any service to such class of buyers who fulfil such conditions, as
may be prescribed.].
(iv) Besides every person, being a seller, who receives any amount as consideration for sale of a motor
vehicle of the value exceeding ten lakh rupees, shall, at the time of receipt of such amount, collect
from the buyer, a sum equal to one per cent of the sale consideration as income-tax. [Section
206C(1F)].

Example 1: Raja who was born on 01.06.1944 is a retired Government Officer. Approximately he
`1,80,000 as interest from on company deposits. Besides, he gets ` 1,00,000 as pension. He invested
`1,00,000 in securities and other investments qualified for deduction u/s 80C. He also paid `20,000 as
medical claim insurance premium. Can he submit the declaration in Form No-15H to the Company
which will pay interest on company Deposits so that tax is not deducted by the payer company u/s
194A read with Section 197A?

Answer:
As per Section 197(IB), in the case of a senior citizen (60 years or more) no tax is required to be made if
payee as such furnishes to the payer, a declaration in writing in duplicate in Form No. 15 H to the effect
that the tax on his estimated total income of the previous year in which interest other than interest on
securities is to be included in computing his total income will be nil.
Computation of total income of the assessee:
`
Income under the head Salaries Pension 1,00,000
Interest other than interest on securities 1,80,000
Gross Total Income 2,80,000
Less: Deduction u/s 80C & 80D 1,20,000
Net Income 1,60,000

DIRECT TAXATION 299


Since the maximum exemption limit for senior citizen is `3,00,000, taxable income of Mr. Raja is Nil. Mr.
Raja can submit the declaration in the Form No-15H.

Example 2: Mr. D.K. is employed with X Ltd., drawing a salary of ` 75,000 per month (eligible deduction
under Section 80C `1,00,000). He furnishes the following particulars of income and losses from other
sources as follows:
`
Loss from House Property 25,400
Bank interest (after deduction of tax ` 3,090) 26,910
Dividend from Reliance Industries 30,000

Compute the liability of X Ltd. to deduct Tax at Source.

Answer:

Computation 1: When all other income declared by the employee is considered.

Computation 2: When only Salary Income and loss from house property is considered.
It may be noted that in the two computation, house property loss will be considered.

Computation 1 Computation 2
` `
Salary (75,000 x 12) 9,00,000 9,00,000
Income from house property (-) 25,400 (-)25,400
Bank Interest 30,000
Dividend from Reliance Industries 30,000
Gross Total Income 9,34,600 8,74,600
Less: Deduction under Section 80C 1,00,000 1,00,000
Net Income 8,34,600 7,74,600
Tax 91,920 79,720
Add: E.C & S.H.E.C (3%) 2,758 2,938
94,678 82,318
Less: T.D.S 3,090
TDS to be deducted 91,588 82,318

Example 3:

Discuss whether tax will be deducted at source in the following cases:


(a) Dividend of ` 10,000 received by X from a domestic company on 15th June, 2016.
(b) Interest on securities received by X on 15th August, 2016, from a company in which public has
substantial interests, ` 15,000.
(c) ` 20,000 received by X from the West Bengal Government as commission on sale of lottery tickets.
(d) ` 1,30,000 paid by X to the West Bengal Government in respect of rent for Government premises
occupied by X during the financial year 2016-2017.
(e) ` 1,00,000 received as interest during the previous year 2016-2017 on a bank fixed deposit.

Answer:

(a) With effect from 1st April, 2016, dividends received from a domestic company (covered u/s 115-O)
is exempt u/s 10(34), if the amount of such dividend does not exceed ` 10 lakh. In view of this, no
tax shall be deducted at source u/s 194 on such dividends.
(b) Under clause (v) of Section 193, interest on securities from a company in which public are
substantially interested shall be subjected to TDS @ 10% if the amount so paid or credited to the
account of a resident individual exceeds ` 5,000.
In view of this provision ` 1,500 will be deducted at source at the time of payment to X.

DIRECT TAXATION 300


If tax on the total income of X during the financial year is expected to be nil, in this case he should
give declaration in Form No. 15G in order to get the amount without TDS.
(c) Under Section 194G, amount payable as commission on sale of lottery tickets shall be subjected to
TDS @ 10% if the amount of such commission exceeds ` 15,000. As a result, ` 2,000 shall be
deducted at source from the amount of the commission.
In this case, tax may be deducted at lower rate or no tax may be deducted if, on an application
made by X in Form No. 13, the Assessing Officer issues a certificate authorising the payer to
deduct no tax or deduct tax at lower rates.
(d) Under Section 196, no tax is required to be deducted at source, if the amount is paid by any person
to the Government. Therefore, X is not liable to deduct tax on the amount of rent paid to the
Government.
(e) Under Section 194A, in the case of fixed deposit with a banking company, interest paid after 1st
June, 2001, shall be subjected to TDS @ 10%, if the amount of interest exceeds ` 10,000. In this
case, ` 10,000 shall be deducted from the amount of interest payable to X.

Example 4

SK Enterprises, a partnership firm, took a loan of ` 10,00,000 from a person resident in India. Interest on
loan for the financial year 2016-17 amounted to ` 1,00,000. Should the firm deduct tax at source from
the interest?

Answer:
Tax is to be deducted under section 194A on interest (other than interest on securities). Tax is to be
deducted if the interest is paid to a resident. In this case, the firm has paid interest (other than interest
on securities) to a resident and hence, the firm has to deduct tax under section 194A from interest of `
1,00,000 paid by it.

Example 5

SK Enterprises, a partnership firm, took a loan of ` 10,00,000 from a person non-resident in India. Interest
on loan for the financial year 2016-17 amounted to ` 1,00,000. Should the firm deduct tax at source
from the interest?

Answer:
In this case, the firm has paid interest (other than interest on securities) to a non-resident and hence, the
firm is not liable to deduct tax at source under section 194A. However, section 195 requires deduction
of tax at source from payment made to a non-resident. Hence, the firm is not required to deduct tax at
source under section 194A but it is required to deduct tax at source under section 195

Example 6:
SK Industries, a partnership firm has taken a loan of ` 10,00,000 from K residing in Agra (friend of one of
its partners). Interest on loan for the financial year 2016-17 amounted to ` 1,00,,000. The interest is
credited to the account of K in the month of March 2017, but the same is actually paid in the month of
May 2017. When is the firm liable to deduct tax, in March 2017 or in May 2017?

Answer:
As per section 194A, tax is to be deducted at the time of payment or credit of interest (to any account
by whatever name called), whichever is earlier. In this case, interest is credited to the account of the
payee in March 2017 and the same is actually paid in the month of May 2017. In other words, the time
of credit is March 2017 and the time of payment is May 2017, hence, the liability to deduct tax will arise
in the month of March 2017.

Example 7. State briefly whether the following transaction require deduction of tax at source:
(i) Payment of royalty of ` 5 lakhs by P Limited, an Indian company to another Indian Company, Q
Limited.

DIRECT TAXATION 301


(ii) Payment of interest of ` 7,500 by D Limited, an Indian Company to M Limited, an Indian Company
for delayed payment of sale proceeds.
(iii) Payment of ` 1,00,000 by a partnership firm, resident in India to Mr. L, resident contractor for
manufacturing a product as per requirement of the firm. The contractor used materials which
were purchased by him from a company.

Answer:
(i) As the amount of royalty paid to resident exceeds ` 30,000, tax is required to be deducted at 10%
under section 194J.
(ii) Payment of interest by D. Ltd. to M. Ltd. resident required deduction of tax at 10%, as the amount of
interest exceeds ` 5,000. (Section 194A)
(iii) Under Section 194C ‗work‘ does not include manufacturing or supplying of product according to
the requirement or specification of a customer by using material purchased from a person, other
than such customer. As L used the materials purchased from a third party, the firm is not required to
deducted tax at source.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. The provisions regarding TDS on Salaries are contained in :


(a) Section 190
(b) Section 191
(c) Section 192
(d) Section 193
Ans. (c ) Section 192

2. If the payee does not furnish PAN, TDS u/s 194 on dividends shall be made @
(a) 10%
(b) 20%
(c) 15%
(d) 2%
Ans. (b) 20%.

3. Deduction of tax at source for winnings from lotteries are mandatory :


(a) Irrespective of the amount
(b) If the amount is more than ` 1,00,000
(c) If the amount is more than ` 10,000
(d) More than ` 20,000.
Ans. (c) If the amount is more than ` 10,000.

4. Deduction of tax at source for insurance commission is @


(a) 10%
(b) 20%
(c) 2%
(d) 12%
Ans. (a) 10% (when PAN is supplied).

5. Deduction o tax at source under section 194I is @


(a) 10%
(b) 12%
(c) 15%
(d) 5%
Ans. (a) 10%

DIRECT TAXATION 302


STUDY NOTE : 23
ADVANCE PAYMENT OF TAX [SECTIONS 207-211, 218, 219]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


23.1 Introduction
23.2 Liability for advance payment of tax and its conditions [Sections 207, 208]
23.3 Computation of advance tax under different situations [Sections 209 and 210]
23.4 Installments of advance tax and due dates [Section 211(1)]
23.5 Assessee deemed to be in default [Section 218]
23.6 Credit for advance tax [Section 219]
23.7 Consequence of default in payment of advance tax

23.1 INTRODUCTION

Advance payment of tax is one of the modes for discharging tax liability by an assessee. This scheme is
also known as ‗pay as you earn‘ scheme where the assessee pays such advance tax on his estimated
current income in a number of instalments during the previous year. It applies to all categories of
income.
The provisions of the Act relating to advance payment of tax are outlined below.

Section Particulars
207 Liability for payment of advance tax
208 Conditions of liability to pay advance tax
209 Computation of advance tax
Payment of advance tax by the assessee of his own accord or in pursuance of order of
210
Assessing Officer
211 Instalments of advance tax and due dates
218 When the assessee is deemed to be in default
219 Credit for advance tax

23.2 LIABILITY FOR ADVANCE PAYMENT OF TAX AND ITS CONDITIONS [SECTIONS 207, 208]

Advance tax shall be payable during any financial year in respect of the total income of the assessee
chargeable to tax for the assessment year immediately following that financial year. Such total
income, also called current income, includes income/loss under all heads. Even agricultural income
shall be included for the purpose of determining the rate of tax on the nonagricultural income. The
liability for advance tax would arise only if the amount of tax payable by the assessee during the year is
` 10,000 or more (Section 208). Senior citizens (60 years or more at any time during the previous year)
who have no do not have income under the head ‗Profits and gains of business or profession‘, shall not
be liable to pay advance tax and such senior citizen shall be allowed to discharge his tax liability (other
than TDS) by payment of self assessment tax [Section 207(2)].

23.3 COMPUTATION OF ADVANCE TAX UNDER DIFFERENT SITUATIONS [SECTIONS 209 AND 210]

The amount of advance tax payable by the assessee in the financial year shall be computed as under:
(a) Payment of advance tax by the assessee of his own accord [Section 210(1)]:

Every person who is liable to pay advance tax shall, of his own accord, pay, on or before each of the
due dates specified under Section 211, the appropriate percentage of advance tax on his current
income computed as under:

DIRECT TAXATION 303


Step I. Estimate the current income of the financial year for which advance tax is payable. Current
income means income under all the five heads after adjustment for losses brought forward and
deductions under Sections 80C to 80U.
Step II. Compute the tax on current income at the rates in force for the financial year. (Consider
Rebate u/s 87A)
Step III. Add Surcharge. (if applicable)
Step IV. Add Education cess and secondary and higher education cess.
Step V. Allow relief under Section 89.
Step VI. Deduct tax deducted/collected or likely to be deducted/collected at source.

Note: Where the assessee receives or pays any amount (on which the tax was deductible or
collectible) without deduction or collection of tax, he shall be liable to pay advance tax in respect of
such income. The balance of tax after Step V, if not less than ` 10,000, is the advance tax payable. It
will be paid in the number of installments specified in Section 211.

● Revised installments:
After paying any installment of advance tax, the assessee may make a revised estimate of his current
income and accordingly increase or decrease the amount of advance tax payable in the remaining
installment or installments [Section 210(2)]. An assessee, who pays advance tax of his own accord,
need not give intimation to the Assessing Officer regarding his estimation of current income or revision
of the installment/installments of advance tax.

(b) Payment of advance tax in pursuance of order of the Assessing officer [Section 210(3)]: Section
210(3) applies to an assessee who has been already assessed by way of regular assessment in respect
of the total income of any previous year.
In this case, if the Assessing Officer is of the opinion that such person is liable to pay advance tax, he
may issue to such person a notice of demand under Section 156 (in Form No. 28) at any time during the
financial year (but not later than the last day of February), requiring him to pay the advance tax in
installment or installments specified in the notice. The amount of advance tax pursuant to a notice by
the Assessing Officer shall be higher of the following:
(i) Tax on total income of the latest previous year in respect of which the assessee has been assessed
by way of regular assessment, or
(ii) Tax on the total income returned by the assessee in any return of income furnished by him for any
subsequent previous year.
Tax under (i) or (ii) shall be computed at the rates in force for the financial year in which advance tax is
payable. Further, the amount of income tax computed as above shall be reduced by the amount of
tax deductible/collectable at source during the financial year [Sections 209(1)(b), 209(1)(d)].

● Estimate by the assessee:


An assessee, who has been served with a notice under Section 210(3), may make his own estimate of
current income and pay the advance tax accordingly. If his own estimate of advance tax payable on
current income is less than the amount of advance tax specified in the notice of demand by the
Assessing Officer, he may send an intimation to the Assessing Officer in Form No. 28A to that effect and
pay such advance tax in accordance with his own estimate on or before the due date or each of the
due dates specified in Section 211 falling after the date of such intimation [Section 210(5)]. In the case
of higher estimate made by the assessee, the assessee shall pay, on or before the due date of the last
installment specified in Section 211, the appropriate part or the whole of such higher amount of
advance tax [Section 210(6)]. In this case, no intimation is required to be sent to the Assessing Officer.

(c) Payment of advance tax in pursuance of an amended order by the Assessing Officer [Section
210(4)]:
An assessment order under Section 210(3) may be amended by the Assessing Officer if, at any time
before 1st March, a return of income is furnished by the assessee [either under Section 139 or 142(1)] or
a regular assessment of the assessee is made in respect of a previous year later than that referred to in
Section 210(3). The Assessing Officer in this case shall issue to the assessee a notice of demand under

DIRECT TAXATION 304


Section 156 (in Form No. 28) requiring him to pay, on or before the due date/dates specified in Section
211 falling after the date of amended order, advance tax computed on the basis of the total income
declared in such return or total income of the later year in respect of which regular assessment has
been made. As discussed in (b) above, in this case also tax deductible/collectable at source shall be
deducted to arrive at the advance tax payable.
● Estimate made by the assessee:
In this case also the assessee can make his own estimate and pay the advance tax accordingly.
However, in the case of an estimate lower than that made by the Assessing Officer in the amended
order, the assessee shall send an intimation to the Assessing Officer to that effect in Form No. 28A.
● Net agricultural income:
For the purpose of computation of advance tax payable under (a), (b) or (c) above, the net
agricultural income shall also be taken into consideration [Section 209(2)].

23.4 INSTALLMENTS OF ADVANCE TAX AND DUE DATES [SECTION 211(1)]

The amount of advance tax calculated under Section 209 shall be paid in installments as under:
Due date of instalment Amount payable
Assessees other than those Assessees covered under
covered under Section 44AD* Section 44AD*
• On or before 15th June of the Not less than 15% of advance Single instalment on or
previous year tax payable. before 15th March of the
financial year.
• On or before 15th September of Not less than 45% of advance
the previous year. tax, as reduced by the amount, if
any, paid in the earlier instalment.
Not less than 75% of advance
 On or before 15th December of tax, as reduced by the amount or
the previous year amounts, if any, paid in the earlier
Instalment or Instalments.
The whole amount of advance
tax, as reduced by the amount or
• On or before 15th March of the amounts, if any, paid in the earlier
previous year instalment or instalments.
Under section 44AD:
A. "Eligible assessee" means. —
(i) An individual. Hindu undivided family or a partnership firm (but not a limited liability partnership
firm), who is a resident: and
(ii) who has not claimed deduction under any of the sections 10A. 10AA. 10B. 10BA or deduction
under any provisions of Chapter VIA under the heading "C. - Deductions in respect of certain
incomes" in the relevant assessment year;
B. "Eligible business" means. —
(i) Any business except the business of plying, hiring or leasing goods carriages referred to in section
44AE: and
(ii) whose total turnover or gross receipts in the previous year does not exceed an amount of 1 crore
rupees.

Other considerations:
(i) Any amount paid as advance tax on or before 31st March shall be treated as advance tax paid
during the previous year [Proviso to Section 211(1)].
(ii) If a notice of demand is served by the Assessing Officer under Section 210(3) or Section 210(4)
after any of the due dates specified in the table above, the appropriate part or the whole of the
amount of advance tax specified in such notice shall be payable on or before each of such
dates which fall after the date of service of the notice of demand [Section 211(2)].

DIRECT TAXATION 305


(iii) If the last day for payment of any installment of advance tax is a day on which receiving bank is
closed, the assessee can make payment on the next immediately following working day, and in
such cases mandatory interest chargeable under Sections 234B and 234C would not be
applicable [Circular No. 676, dt. 14.1.1994].

23.5 ASSESSEE DEEMED TO BE IN DEFAULT [SECTION 218]

An assessee shall be deemed to be in default if he: (i) pursuant to a notice by the Assessing Officer
under Section 210(3) or Section 210(4), does not pay the advance tax within the date falling due after
such notice; or (ii) pursuant to a notice by the Assessing Officer under the aforesaid sections makes his
own estimate of advance tax and, in the case of a lower estimate made by him, does not give
intimation to the Assessing Officer; or (iii) having made a higher estimate of advance tax than that
demanded in the notice of the Assessing Officer, does not pay such advance tax on or before the due
date of the last installment specified in Section 211(1).

23.6 CREDIT FOR ADVANCE TAX [SECTION 219]

Other than a penalty or interest, any sum paid by or recovered from the assessee shall be treated as
payment of tax in respect of the income of the relevant previous year and credit therefore shall be
given to the assessee in the regular assessment.

23.7 CONSEQUENCE OF DEFAULT IN PAYMENT OF ADVANCE TAX

The consequences of default in payment of advance tax are as under:

1. Interest for defaults in payment of advance tax [Section 234B]:

The provisions of Section 234B for levy of interests are as under


Interests chargeable under Section 234B
Circumstances under Section Rate of Period for which interest is payable Amount on
which interest is Interest which interest is
payable payable
• When advance tax 234B(1) 1% p.m. From 1st April of relevant assessment On the amount
has not been paid by or part of year to the date of determination of of assessed tax
the assessee month total income u/s 143(1), or where
regular assessment is made, to the
date of regular assessment

• When advanced Do Do Do Assessed tax less


tax paid is less than advance tax
90% of assessed tax paid
• Where pursuant to 234B(3) Do Period commencing on the day Tax on total
reassessment or re- following the date of determination of income
computation under total income u/s 143(1) and where determined u/s
Section 147 or regular assessment is made u/s 143(3), 147 less tax on
Section 153A the 144, 147 or 153A, on the period total income on
amount on which following the date of such regular regular
interest payable u/s assessment and ending on the date of assessment u/s
234B(1) is increased reassessment or re-computation u/s 143(1)
147

DIRECT TAXATION 306


 Increase or decrease in the interest under certain orders [Section 234B(4)] : Where, as a result of
any order under Section 154 or 155 or 250 or 254 or 260 or 262 or 263 or 264 or 245D (4), the amount
on which interest was payable under Section 234B(1) or Section 234B(3) has been increased or
reduced, the interest shall be accordingly increased or reduced and:
(i) where the interest is increased, the Assessing Officer shall serve on the assessee a notice of
demand in Form No. 7;
(ii) in a case where the interest is reduced, the excess interest paid, if any, shall be refunded.
 Interest payable when tax is paid under Section 140A [Section 234B(2)] :
Where, before the date of determination of total income under Section 143 (1) or completion of
regular assessment, tax is paid by the assessee under Section 140A, interest shall be calculated as
under:
(i) Up to the date of payment of tax under Section 140A interest shall be first calculated under the
provisions of Section 234(B)(1) in the manner laid down in the table above, and then, interest, if
any, paid under Section 140A shall be subtracted.
(ii) From the date of payment of interest under Section 140A, interest shall be calculated on the
amount by which tax paid under Section 140A together with advance tax falls short of the
assessed tax. The rate of interest shall be 1% p.m. or part of the month.

2. Interest for deferment of advance tax [Section 234C]:


Under Section 234C, interest is payable if the assessee does not pay or makes under payment of
installments of advance tax within the time specified under Section 211(1). The provisions of the section
are as under:

A. Interests payable by all assessee except for those in (B)[Section 234C(1)(a)]:


In the case of all assessees except the eligible assessees mentioned in Para 4, interests under Section
234C shall be calculated as under:
Circumstances Rate of Period for which Amount on which interest
interest interest is payable is payable
• If advance lax paid on or before Simple 3 months 15%. of tax due on returned
15th June is less than 15% of tax due interest @ income Less advance tax paid
on returned income 1% p.m. up to 15th June.
• If advance tax paid on or before Simple 3 months 45%. of tax due on returned
15th September is less than 45% of interest @ income less advance tax paid
tax due on returned income 1% p.m. up to 15th September.
• If advance tax paid on or before Simple 3 months 75% of the tax due on returned
15th December is less than 75% of interest @ Income less advance tax paid
tux due on returned income 1% p.m. up to 15th December.
If advance tax paid on or before Simple 3 months 100%. of the tax due on
15th March is less than 100% of tax interest @ returned income less advance
due on returned income 1% p.m. tax paid upto 15th March.

B. Interest payable by eligible Assessee under section 44AD [Section 234C(1)(b)]:


In the case of eligible assessee referred to in para 4, who is liable to pay advance tax but has failed to
pay such tax or the advance tax paid by the assessee on its current income on or before 15th March is
less than the tax due on returned income then the assessee shall be liable to pay interest @ 1% on the
amount of shortfall on the tax due on returned income.

● Meaning of tax due on returned income:


For the purpose of Section 234C, ―tax due on returned income‖ means the tax chargeable on the total
income declared in the return of income furnished by the assessee for the assessment year in which the
advance tax is paid or payable as reduced by the amount of:
(i) any tax deductible or collectable at source;
(ii) any tax relief under Section 90 or Section 90A or Section 91; and
(iii) any tax credit allowed to be set off in accordance with the provisions of Section 115JAA.

DIRECT TAXATION 307


● Shortfall of advance payment of tax on capital gains and income from lottery, crossword puzzle,
etc. [First proviso to Section 234C (1)(b)]:

No interest shall be payable on any shortfall in the payment of advance tax due on the returned
income where such shortfall is on account of underestimate or failure to estimate the amount of
capital gains or income of the nature specified in Section 2(24)(ix) [i.e., income from lottery, crossword
puzzle, etc.] or income under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession ―in cases where the
income accrues or arises under the said head and the assessee has paid the whole of the amount of
tax payable in respect of these incomes as part of the installments of advance tax which are due or
where no such installments are due, by the 31st of March of the financial year.

Example 1: K, (resident and age 65 years) is a retired person, earning rental income of `40,000 per
month. Apart from rental income, he does not have any other source of income. Will he be liable to
pay advance tax?

Answer: Any taxpayer whose estimated tax liability for the year exceeds `10,000 has to pay his tax in
advance by the due dates prescribed in this regard. However, if a person satisfies the following
conditions, he will not be liable to pay advance tax:
(1) He is an individual
(2) He is resident in India as per the Income tax Act
(3) He is of the age of 60 years or above
(4) He is not having any income chargeable to tax under the head ―Profits and gains of business or
profession‖
In this case K is a resident in India. His age is 65 years and he is not having any income chargeable to
tax under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖. Thus, he satisfies all the above
conditions and, hence, he will not be liable to pay advance tax.

Example 2:
The estimated income of X from construction business during the previous year 2016-2017 is as under:
`
Business income 4,33,166
Loss from self-occupied house 10,666
Other income (including bank interest on FD ` 12,000) 25,000
Compute the advance tax and the instalments payable on different dates:
(i) If X is a corporate assessee
(ii) If X is an individual, resident in India.

Answer: Computation of estimated total income and tax payable by X, an individual, during the
previous year 2016-2017.
Company Individual
• Income from house property (loss) 10,666 10,666
• Profits and gains of business or profession 4,33,166 4,33,166
• Income from other sources 25,000 25,000
Estimated gross total income 4,68,832 4,68,832
Less: Deduction u/s 80C for PPF (info not provided in question) - 8,000
Estimated total income (Rounded off) 4,68,830 4,60,830
Tax on total income: 1,40,649 21,083
Less: Rebate u/s 87A - 5,000
Gross tax 1,40,649 16,083
Add : Education cess and SHEC @ 2%+1%] 4,219 482
Estimated tax liability (Rounded off u/s 288B) 1,44,870 16,560

DIRECT TAXATION 308


(a) Instalments of advance tax payable by a corporate assessee
Date on which advance % of advance tax Payable Amount of advance
tax payable tax payable
• on or before 15th June 2016 Not less than 15% of advance tax payable ` 21,730
 on or before 15th September 2016 Not less than 45% of advance tax payable ` 43,461
• on or before 15th December 2016 Not less than 75% of advance tax payable ` 43,461
• on or before 15th March 2017 100% ` 36,218

(b) In the case of a resident individual: The entire amount of tax has to be paid in a single installment
on or before 15th March 2017. (covered under Section 44AD only)

Example 3:
During the Financial year 2016- 2017, R. Ltd. estimated its business income to be `4,00,000. However, on
1st October it has earned a net long-term capital gain of `75,000. Tax deductible at source during the
financial year may be estimated to be `10,000. Compute advance tax payable on different dates.

Answer: Computation of estimated tax liability for the financial year 2016-2017

● Tax liability without long-term capital gains:


Business income being gross total income 4,00,000
Less: Deductions u/s 80C to 80U Nil
Estimated total income 4,00,000
Tax on 4,00,000 @ 30% 1,20,000
Add: Surcharge[being less than ` 1 crore] Nil
Tax and surcharge 1,20,000
Add: Education cess @ 2% 2,400
Add: Secondary and higher education cess @ 1% total 1,200
1,23,600
Less: TDS 10,000
Advance tax payable 1,13,600
Tax liability considering long-term capital gains :
Estimated total income ( 4,00,000 + 75,000) 4,75,000
Tax on 4,75,000:
15,000
Long-term capital gains @ 20%
1,20,000
On other income @ 30%
1,35,000
Total tax
Nil
Add: Surcharge
1,35,000
Tax and surcharge payable
2,700
Add: Education cess @ 2%
Add: Secondary and higher education cess @ 1% 1,350
Estimated tax liability(Rounded off u/s288B) 1,39,050
Less: TDS 10,000
Advance tax payable 1,29,050

Instalments of advance tax payable


Date on which advance tax payable % of advance tax payable Amount of advance
Tax payable
● on or before 15th June, 2016 15% of advance tax payable 17,040
● on or before 15th September, 2016 30% of advance tax payable 34,080
● on or before 15th December, 2016(See Note 30% of advance tax payable 45,668
below) 25% of advance tax payable 32,262
● on or before15th March, 2017 (See Note below)

DIRECT TAXATION 309


Note:
Under the first proviso to Section 234C(1)(b), in the case of long-term capital gains / casual income
arising after the due date of any installment, the entire amount of advance tax payable on such
income shall be payable in the remaining installments of advance tax which are due. Due to this
provision, installments of advance tax have been calculated accordingly:

Example 4: Answer the following question briefly:


S‘s assessed tax for the assessment year 2017-18 is ` 12,000. The advance tax installments paid were `
4,000 on 18.10.2016, ` 4,000 on 20.01.2016 & ` 4,000 on 10.03.2017. Are the payments of Advance Tax
installments paid proper? If not, is any interest chargeable under the Income Tax Act, 1961?

Answer:
As per section 211, any eligible assessee as mentioned under Section 44AD shall have to deposit the
amount of advance tax he is liable to pay within 15th March of the respective financial year. S being
an individual is an eligible assessee and since he paid all the advance taxes due on 10.03.2017, his
payment of advance tax installments is proper in all sense. Hence, no interest is to be charged thereon.
(No information about being covered u/s 44AD provided)

Multiple choice questions:

1. As per section 207, ____________ not having any income from business or profession is not liable to
pay advance tax.
(a) A resident individual who is of the age of below 60 years
(b) A resident HUF
(c) A nonresident individual
(d) A resident senior citizen (i.e., an individual of the age of 60 years or above)
Ans. (d): A resident senior citizen (i.e., an individual of the age of 60 years or above)

2. As per section 207, a resident individual who is of the age of below 60 years not having any income
from business or profession is not liable to pay advance tax.
(a) True (b) False
Ans. (b) False

3. As per section 208, every person whose estimated tax liability for the year exceeds ___________,
shall pay his tax in advance in the form of ―advance tax‖.
(a) ` 5,000
(b) ` 10,000
(c) ` 25,000
(d) ` 50,000
Ans. (b) ` 10,000.

4. Exemption from payment of advance tax under section 207 is also available to a non resident
senior citizen (i.e., an individual of the age of 60 years or above) not having any income from
business or profession.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans. (b) False

5. Resident partnership firm not having income from business or profession can claim exemption from
payment of advance tax under section 207.
(a) True (b) False

Ans. (b) False

DIRECT TAXATION 310


Section &
$GPLQLVWUDWLYH3URFHGXUHDQG,&'6
(Syllabus - 2016)
SECTION C:
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE AND ICDS

STUDY NOTE : 24
RETURN FILING

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


24.1 Return of income
24.2 Obligation for voluntary submission of returns [Sections 139(1), 139(4A), 139(4B) and 139(4C)]
24.3 Due date for filing return of income [Explanation 2 to Section 139(1)]
24.4 Forms for filing return [Rule 12(1)]
24.5 Mode of submission of return [Rule 12(3)]
24.6 Consequences of not filing return of income or filing of return after the due date
24.7 Return of loss [Section 139(3)]
24.8 Belated return [Section 139(4)]
24.9 Revised return [Section 139(5)]
24.10 Defective return [Section 139(9)]
24.11 Return: By whom to be verified [Section 140]
24.12 Permanent account number [Section 139A]

24.1 RETURN OF INCOME

Sections 139 to 140A of the Income-tax Act contain the provisions relating to submission of return of
income as under.

24.2 OBLIGATION FOR VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION OF RETURNS


[SECTIONS 139(1), 139(4A), 139(4B) AND 139(4C)]

The following persons are under statutory obligation to furnish voluntarily a return of income within the
due date prescribed under Explanation 2 to Section 139(1):
A. A company or a firm [Section 139(1)(a) and Third proviso to Section 139(1)]: In the case of a
company or a firm, irrespective of profit or loss, it is mandatory to furnish return of income for every
previous year.
B. A resident having assets located outside India [Fourth proviso to Section 139 (1)]: In the case of a
resident (other than a not ordinarily resident) assessee who during the previous year has any asset
located outside India or has signing authority in any account located outside India shall furnish, on or
before the due date, a return in respect of his income or loss for the previous year.
C. Every other person other than a company or a firm [Section 139(1)(b)]: Every other person (not being
a company or a firm) shall furnish return of income if the total income of such person or the total
income of any other person in respect of which he is assessable during the previous year exceeded the
maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax.

Point to Note : With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, such basis of minimum income limit shall
be calculated before claiming exemption u/s 10(38). In other words, if the total income of an
assessee (i.e., an individual, HUF, an AOP/ BOI or artificial juridical person) before exemption u/s 10(38)
and deductions under Sections 10A, 10B or u/ss80C-80U is more than the maximum amount which is
not taxable, the assessee shall furnish return of income.

D. Charitable institutions [Section 139(4A)]: In respect of the following income, every person who is in
receipt of such income shall, if the total income in respect of which he is assessable as a representative
assessee (the total income for this purpose being computed without giving effect to the provisions of
Sections 11 and 12) exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to income-tax, furnish a
return of such income of the previous year:

DIRECT TAXATION 311


(a) income derived from property held under trust or other legal obligation wholly for charitable or
religious purposes or in part only for such purposes;
(b) income by way of voluntary contributions on behalf of such trust or institutions.

E. Political parties [Section 139(4B)]: The chief executive officer of every political party shall, if the total
income in respect of which the political party is assessable (the total income being computed without
giving effect to the provisions of Section 13A) exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable
to tax, furnish a return of such income of the previous year.

F. Scientific research association n, news agency, etc. [Section 139(4C)] : With effect from the
assessment year 2003-2004, every scientific research association referred to in Section 10(21), news
agency referred to in Section 10(22B), institution or association referred to in Section 10(23A) for the
control or regulation of the profession of law, medicine, accountancy, engineering or architecture,
etc., institution referred to in Section 10(23B) for the development of khadi and village industries,
institutions, funds/trusts referred to in Sub-clauses (iiiae), (iv), (v) and (vi) of Section 10(23C) for charitable
purposes, public religious purpose and being a university or other educational institution existing solely
for educational purposes respectively, any trade union referred to in Section 10(24)(a) or Section
10(24)(b), body or authority, Board or Trust or Commission referred to in Section 10(46) or infrastructure
debt fund referred to in Section 10(47) shall, if the total income in respect of which such
association/institution/fund, etc., is assessable, without giving effect to the provisions of Section 10,
exceeds the maximum amount which is not chargeable to tax, furnish a return of such income of the
previous year.
With effect from the assessment year 2015-2016, a Mutual Fund referred to in Section 10(23D) or a
securitization trust referred to in Section 10(23DA) or a venture capital company referred to in Section
10(23FB) shall furnish return on the basis of similar economic criteria.

G. College, Universities and other institutions related to scientific research [Section 139(4D)]: Every
college, university or other institutions referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 35(1), [which are
otherwise not required to furnish return of income or loss] shall furnish the return in respect of its income
or loss in every previous year

H. Business Trust [Section 139 (4E)] :With effect from the assessment year 2015-2016, every business trust,
which is not otherwise required to furnish return of incomes or loss , shall furnish the return of its income in
respect of the income or loss in every previous year.

I. Investment Fund [ Section 139(4F): Every investment fund referred to in Section 115UB, which is not
required to furnish return of income or loss under any other provisions of this section, shall furnish the
return of income in respect of its income or loss in every previous year.

 Power of the Central Government to exempt: Under Section 139(1C), the Central Government may,
by notification in the Official Gazette, may exempt any class or classes of persons from the requirement
of furnishing return of income having regard to such conditions as may be specified in that notification
[Inserted by the Finance Act 2011 w.e.f. 1 June, 2011]

24.3 DUE DATE FOR FILING RETURN OF INCOME [EXPLANATION 2 TO SECTION 139(1)]

The due dates for submission of return are as under:


Assessee Due date of submission of return
*A company 30th September of the assessment
year
Where the assessee is a person (other than a company 30th September of the assessment
whose accounts are required to be audited under any law) year
Where the assessee is a working partner of a firm, whose 30th September of the assessment
accounts are required to be audited under any law year

DIRECT TAXATION 312


Any other assessee 31st July of the assessment year
*In the case of a company which has entered into an 30th November of the assessment
international agreement and is required to furnish u/s 92E a year
report from an accountant

24.4 FORMS FOR FILING RETURN [RULE 12(1)]

For the assessment year 2016-17, the forms of returns shall be as under:
Type of assessee Form No.
For individuals having income under the head ―salaries‖/or family pension/Income from ITR-
ITR-1 (SAHAJ) house property from only one house and without any claim for carry 1(SAHAJ)
forward of loss/ Income from other sources, except winnings from lottery or income from
race horses and does not have any loss under the head [provided that in the case of a
resident and ordinarily resident, the assessee is not having assets (including financial
interest in any entity) located outside India ; or is not signing authority in any account
located outside India ; or has claimed any relief under Section 90, 90A or deduction of
tax under Section 91; or has income not chargeable to tax, exceeding ` 5,000].
For Individuals and HUFs not having Income from Business or Profession ITR-2
In the case of a person being an individual not being an individual to whom clause (a) ITR 2-A
applies or a Hindu undivided family where the total income does not include any
income chargeable to income-tax under the heads "Profits or gains of business or
profession" and "Capital gains"
In the case of a person being an individual or a Hindu undivided family who is a partner ITR-3
in a firm and where income chargeable to income-tax under the head "Profits or gains of
business or profession" does not include any income except the income by way of any
interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration, by whatever name called, due to, or
received by him from such firm
In the case of individuals/HUFs or a firm, other than a limited liability partnership firm , ITR -4S
deriving business income which is computed under the provisions of Section 44AD and (SUGAM)
44AE [provided that in the case of a resident and ordinarily resident, (SUGAM) the
assessee is not having assets (including financial interest in any entity) located outside
India ; or is not signing authority in any account located outside India ; or has claimed
any relief under Section 90, 90A or deduction of tax under Section 91; or has income not
chargeable to tax, exceeding ` 5,000].
In the case of a person not being an individual or a Hindu undivided family or a ITR-5
company or a person who are required to submit return in ITR-7, be in Form No. ITR-5 and
be verified in the manner indicated therein
In the case of a company, not being a company which is required to submit returns in ITR-6
ITR-7,
In the case of a person including a company required to file a return under sub-Section ITR -7
(4A) or sub-Section (4B) or sub-Section (4C) or sub-Section (4D) or sub-Section (4E)or sub-
Section (4F)] of Section 139,

Other information:
(a) The return of income shall not be accompanied by a statement showing the computation of the
tax payable on the basis of the return, or proof of the tax, if any, claimed to have been deducted
or collected at source or the advance tax or tax on self-assessment, if any, claimed to have been
paid or any document or copy of any account or form or report of audit required to be attached
with the return of income under any of the provisions of the Act.
(b) The return shall be furnished electronically where an assessee is required to furnish a report of audit
specified under sub-clause (iv), (v), (vi) or (via) of clause (23C) of Section 10, Section 10A, Section
10AA, clause (b) of sub-Section (1) of Section 12A, Section 44AB, Section 44AD, Section 50B,
Section 80-IA, Section 80-IB, Section 80-IC, Section 80-ID, Section 80JJAA, Section 80LA, Section 92E,

DIRECT TAXATION 313


Section 115JB or Section 115VW or to give a notice under clause (a) of sub-Section (2) of Section
11] of the Act.

24.5 MODE OF SUBMISSION OF RETURN [RULE 12(3)]

Person Condition Marnier of furnishing return of income


1. Individual or Hindu (a) Accounts are required to be Electronically under digital signature
undivided family audited under Section 44AB of the (A) Electronically under digital signature,
Act. or
(b) Where (a) a not applicable (B) Transmitting the data in the return
and— electronically under electronic
(i) t(I) the return is furnished in Form So. verification code, or
ITR-3 or Form So. FTR-4, or (C) Transmitting the data in the return
(to) (II) the person, being a resident and electronically and thereafter
ordinarily resident has, (A) any assets submitting the verification of the
(including financial interest in any return in Form ITR- V
entity) located outside India, or (B)
signing authority in any account
located outside India, or (C) any
income from any source outside
India,
(III) any relief, in respect of tax paid
outside India, under section 10 or
10A or deduction of tax under
section 11 is claimed, or
(IV) any report of audit referred to in
proviso to sub-rule (2) is required to
be furnished electronically, or
(V) total income assessable under
the Act during the previous year of
the person (other than the person,
being an individual of the age of 80
years or more at any time during the
previous year and furnishing the
return in Form ITR-1 or ITR-2), —
(i) Exceeds ` 5 lakh or
(ii) any refund is claimed in the
return of income.
(c) In any other case. (A) Electronically under digital signature,
or
(B) Transmitting the data in the return
electronically under electronic
verification code, or
(C) Transmitting the data in the return
electronically and thereafter
submitting the verification of the
return in Form ITR.-V
(D) Paper form;
2 Company In all cases. Electronically under digital signature

DIRECT TAXATION 314


3 A person required (a) In cast of a political party; Electronically under digital signature.
to furnish the return (b) In any other case (A) Electronically under digital signature,
in Form ITR-7 or
(B) Transmitting the data in the return
electronically under electronic
reification code, or
(C)Transmitting the data in the return
electronically and thereafter
submitting the verification of the return
in Form ITR-V
4 Firm or limited (a) Accounts are required to be Electronically under digital signature.
liability partnership audited under section 44AB of the (A) Electronically under digital signature,
or any person Act; or
(other than a (b) In any other case. (B) Transmitting the data in the return
person mentioned electronically under electronic
in Sl. 1 to 3 above) verification code, or
who is required to (C) Transmitting the data in the return
file return in Form electronically and thereafter
ITR-5 submitting the verification of the return
in Form ITR- V

24.6 CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FILING RETURN OF INCOME OR


FILING OF RETURN AFTER THE DUE DATE

The consequences shall be as follows:


(a) Interest for defaults in furnishing return of income [Section 139(8)(a) and Section 234A]: Under
Section 234A, the assessee is liable to be charged interest as under:

Rate of interest Simple interest 1% per month or part of a month.


Period for (i) Where the return of income for any assessment year is furnished after the due date
which interest of furnishing return u/s 139(1): For the period commencing on the date immediately
is charged following the due date for submission of return u/s 139(1) to the date of submission of
return.
(ii) Where the return of income is not furnished: For the period commencing on the
date immediately following the due date for submission of return u/s 139(1) to the
date of completion of the assessment under Section 144.
Amount on The amount of interest shall be calculated on the tax on total income as determined
which interest under Section 143(1) or on regular assessment u/s 143(3) or u/s 144 or u/s 147, as
is charged reduced by:
(i) advance tax and tax deducted at source;
(ii) relief u/s 90/90A/91; and
(iii) any tax credit allowed to be set off u/s 115AA.

(b) Penalty for failure to furnish return of income [Section 271F]: If a person who is required to furnish a
return of his income as required under Section 139(1) or under the first proviso to Section 139(1), fails to
furnish such return before the end of the relevant assessment year, the Assessing Officer may direct that
such person shall pay a penalty of ` 5,000.

24.7 RETURN OF LOSS [SECTION 139(3)]

A person wishing to carry forward and set off of losses under the following heads must file return within
the due date prescribed under Section 139(1):
(i) loss under the head ―Profits and gains of business or profession‖ [u/s 72(1)];

DIRECT TAXATION 315


(ii) any loss computed in respect of speculation business. [u/s 73(2)] ;
(iii) any loss in respect of a business specified in Section 35AD which has not been fully set off [Section
73A (2)];
(iv) losses under the head ―Capital gains‖ [u/s 74(1)];
(v) loss on maintaining race horses [u/s 74A (3)];
Except in the case of a company and cases covered under the first proviso to Section 139(1), it is not
necessary to furnish return if the total income is below the taxable limit. But in the case of losses
mentioned above, the right of the assessee to carry forward losses shall be lost unless return is furnished
within the due date prescribed in Explanation 2 to Section 139(1).

24.8 BELATED RETURN [SECTION 139(4)]

A return submitted after the due date u/s 139(1) is known as belated return. In this case, the assessee
may furnish the return for any previous year at any time before the expiry of one year from the end of
the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier. In this
case, the assessee shall, however, be liable to pay penal interest u/s 234A. Further, in case of belated
returns the benefits of carry forward of losses (other than loss under the head ―Income from house
property) and exemptions/deductions under sections 10A, 10B, 80-IA, 80-IAB, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID and 80-
IE are not available.

24.9 REVISED RETURN [SECTION 139(5)]

If a person, having furnished return under Section 139(1) or under section 139(4) discovers any omission
or any wrong statement therein, he may furnish a revised return at any time before the expiry of one
year from the end of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment,
whichever is earlier.

Point to note: With effect from the assessment year 2017-18, section 139(5) has been amended by the
Finance Act 2016 to the flowing effects:
 For the Assessment Year 2017-18 and onwards, returns can be revised at any time before the end
of the relevant assessment year or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier
 Only a return filed under section 139(1) or belated return filed under section 139(4) can be revised.
 A return of income filed pursuant to notice under section 142(1) of Act cannot be revised under
section 139(5).

24.10 DEFECTIVE RETURN [SECTION 139(9)]

Where the Assessing Officer considers that the return of income furnished by the assessee is defective,
he may intimate the defect to the assessee and give him an opportunity to rectify the defect within a
period of 15 days from the date of such intimation.
If the defect is not rectified within the period of 15 days of such intimation, then, on an application
being made by the assessee, the Assessing Officer, at his discretion, may extend the time for
rectification of defect. If the defect is not rectified within the said period of 15 days or such extended
time, then the return shall be treated as an invalid return and the provision of the Act shall apply as if
the assessee had failed to furnish the return. However, where the assessee rectifies the defect after the
expiry of the specified time [i.e., 15 days from the date of intimation or such extended time as allowed],
but before the completion of assessment, the Assessing Officer may condone the delay and treat the
return as a valid return.

 When a return is considered to be defective [Explanation to Section 139(9)] :


A return of income shall be regarded as defective unless all the following conditions are fulfilled:

DIRECT TAXATION 316


(a) the annexures, statements and columns in the return of income relating to computation of income
chargeable under each head of income, computation of gross total income and total income
have been duly filled in;
(b) the return is accompanied by a statement showing the computation of the tax payable on the
basis of the return;
(c) the return is accompanied by the report of the audit u/s 44AB, or where the report has been
furnished prior to the furnishing of the return, by a copy of such report together with proof of
furnishing the report;
(d) the return is accompanied by a proof of the tax, if any, claimed to have been deducted or
collected at source and the advance tax, self-assessment tax, if any, claimed to have been paid.
However, if the return is not accompanied by proof of tax, if any, claimed to have been deducted
at source [see box below] the return shall not be regarded as defective, if a certificate for tax
deducted was not furnished under Section 203 or Section 206C (Form 16 or 16A) to the person
furnishing his return of income and such certificate is produced within a period of two years from
the end of the assessment year in which the income is assessable.
(e) where regular books of account are maintained by the assessee, the return is accompanied by
copies of:
 manufacturing account, trading account, profit and loss account or as the case may be,
income and expenditure account or any other similar account and balance sheet;
 in the case of a proprietary business or profession, the personal account of the proprietor; in
the case of a firm association of persons or body of individuals, personal accounts of the
partners/ members; and in the case of a partner or member of a firm, association of persons or
body of individuals, also his personal account in the firm /AOP/ BOI;
(f) where the accounts of the assessee have been audited, the return is accompanied by copies of
the audited profit and loss account and balance sheet and the auditor‘s report, and where an
audit of cost accounts of the assessee has been conducted under Section 233B of the Companies
Act, also the report under that Act;
(g) where regular books of account are not maintained by the assessee, the return is accompanied by
a statement indicating the amounts of the turnover or, as the case may be, gross receipts, gross
profit, expenses and net profit of the business or profession and the basis on which such amounts
have been computed and also disclosing the amounts of total sundry debtors, sundry creditors,
stock-in-trade and cash balance as at the end of the previous year.
However, by virtue of the newly inserted Section 139C, the Board may make rules for dispensing with
furnishing, statements, receipts, certificates, audited reports or any other documents along with return.
Similarly, by virtue of Section 139D, the Board is empowered to make rules for the purposes of filing
return in electronic form.

Point to Note:
As per the current norms prescribed by CBDT vide Income-tax Rules, 1962 for filing return of income,
no documents shall be attached along with the Return of Income. Hence, documents like
computation of income, balance sheet and accounts, audit report, TDS certificate, tax payment
challan, proof of investment, etc., are not to be attached along with the return of income. No
penalty will be levied for non-submission of these documents along with the return of income and the
return will not be treated as defective due to non-attachment of aforesaid documents, statements,
etc.[Ref: Income-Tax Department Tutorial, Return of Income].

24.11 RETURN: BY WHOM TO BE VERIFIED [SECTION 140]

With effect from the assessment year 2014 -2015, in place of the requirement of ‗signing and verifying‘,
the return needs to be verified only. Accordingly, the return under Section 139 shall now be verified —
A. In the case of an individual:
(a) by the individual himself;
(b) where the individual is absent from India, by the individual himself or by some person duly
authorised by him in this behalf ;

DIRECT TAXATION 317


(c) where the individual is mentally incapacitated from attending to his affairs, by his guardian or any
other person competent to act on his behalf, and
(d) where, for any other reason, it is not possible for the individual to sign the return, by any other
person duly authorised by him in this behalf.
In the cases mentioned in (b) and (d) above, the person signing the return shall hold a valid power of
attorney from the individual to do so, which shall be attached to the return.
B. In the case of a HUF:
(a) by the Karta of the family ;
(b) where the Karta is absent from India or is mentally incapacitated from attending to his affairs, by
any adult member of such family.
C. In the case of a company:
(a) by the managing director or where for any unavoidable reason such managing director is not able
to sign and verify the return or, where there is no managing director, by any director of the
company ;
(b) where the company is not resident in India, by a person who holds a valid power of attorney from
such company to do so, which shall be attached to the return ;
(c) where the company is being wound up or, where any person has been appointed as the receiver
of any assets of the company, by the liquidator referred to in Section 178(1) ;
(d) where the management of the company has been taken over by the Central Government or any
State Government under any law, by the principal officer of such company.
D. In the case of a firm:
(a) by the managing partner ;
(b) where for unavoidable reason such managing partner is unable to sign the return or, where there is
no managing partner as such, by any partner who is not a minor.
E. In the case of Limited Liability Partnership :
(a) by the designated partner;
(b) where for any unavoidable reason such designated partner is not able to sign and verify the return,
or where there is no designated partner as such, by any partner.
F. In the case of a local authority: by the principal officer.
G. In the case of a political party referred to in Section 139(4B): by the chief executive of the party.
H. In the case of any other association: by any member of the association or the principal officer of the
association.
I. In the case of any other person: by that person or by some person competent to act on his behalf.

24.12 PERMANENT ACCOUNT NUMBER [SECTION 139A]

A permanent account number (PAN) is a number which the Assessing Officer may allot under the
provisions of Section 139A and includes a permanent account number under the new series having ten
alphanumeric characters.

A. Application for PAN [Section 139A(1), Rule 114] :


The following persons shall apply for PAN in Form No. 49A:
(a) every person, if his total income or total income of any other person in respect of which he is
assessable under this Act during any previous year exceeded the maximum amount which is not
chargeable to tax; or
(b) every person carrying on any business or profession, whose total sales, turnover or gross receipts are
or are likely to exceed ` 5,00,000 in any previous year; or
(c) every person, who is required to furnish a return of income under Section 139(4A) [i.e., religious and
charitable institutions]; or
(d) in the case of a person who is entitled to receive any sum or income or amount, on which tax is
deductible under Chapter XVII-B in any financial year.

DIRECT TAXATION 318


Any person belonging to category (a) above shall apply for PAN on or before 31st May of the
assessment year for which the income is assessable and those belonging to category (b), (c) and (d)
above, shall apply for the same before the end of that financial year.

Additional considerations:
(i) The Assessing Officer, having regard to the nature of the transaction, may also allot a permanent
account number to any other person ; such a person may or may not be liable to pay tax [Section
139(2)].
(ii) Any person, not being persons covered under Section 139A(1) and 139A(2), may apply to the
Assessing Officer for allotment of PAN and the Assessing Officer shall allot PAN to such person
forthwith [Section 139A(3)].
(iii) Persons covered under sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 139A and those residing in the specified
areas shall apply to the Assessing Officer for allotment of PAN under the new series by such time as
the Board may notify in the Official Gazette and upon allotment of such PAN, the PAN under old
series, if any, allotted earlier shall cease to have effect. A person to whom PAN under the new
series has already been allotted need not apply for such number again [Section 139A(4)]. Section
139A(7) further provides that no person who has already been allotted a PAN under new series shall
apply, obtain or possess another PAN. It is also clarified that every person who has been allotted a
permanent account number for reasons other than furnishing return in respect of fringe benefits,
shall not be required to obtain another permanent account number and the permanent account
number already allotted to him shall be deemed to be the permanent account number in relation
fringe benefit tax [Explanation to Section 139A(7].

B. Obligation to give intimation of PAN in certain cases :


The provisions of the Act in this matter are as under:
(a) Intimation of PAN to the person responsible for deduction of tax at source [Section 139A(5A)]:Every
person receiving any sum or income or amount from which tax has been deducted at source, shall
intimate his PAN to the person responsible for deducting such tax. Till the PAN is allotted, such persons
shall intimate the General Index Register Number (GIR No.). The provisions of this section, however, does
not apply to a non-resident referred to in Section 115AC(4) or Section 115BBA(2) or Section 115G.
(b) Obligation of the person who has deducted tax at source [Section 139A(5B)] :Where any sum or
amount has been paid after deduction of tax, every person deducting such tax shall quote the PAN of
the person to whom such sum or income or amount has been paid by him in :
(i) the statement furnished in accordance with the provisions of Section 192(2C);
(ii) all certificates furnished in accordance with the provisions of Section 203;
(iii) all returns prepared and delivered or caused to be delivered in accordance with the provisions of
Section 206 to any income-tax authority.
(iv) all statements prepared and delivered or caused to be delivered in accordance with the provisions
of Section 200(3).

Point to Note:
The provisions of Section 139A(5A) and 139A(5B), do not apply to a person whose total income is not
chargeable to tax or who is not required to obtain PAN under any provision of the Income-tax Act.
Such persons shall, however, furnish a declaration in the form and manner prescribed under Section
197A to the effect that tax on his estimated total income of the previous year in which such income is
to be included in computing his total income will be nil.

(c) Obligation of the buyer of commodities referred to in Section 206C [Section 139A(5C)] : Every buyer
on licensee of lessee of alcoholic liquor, timber or any other forest products or scrap referred to in
Section 206 shall intimate his PAN to the seller of such commodities.
(d) Obligation of the seller of commodities referred to in Section 206C [Section 139A(5D)]: Every seller
collecting tax in accordance with the provisions of Section 206C shall quote the PAN of every buyer of
such commodities in:
(i) all certificates furnished in accordance with the provisions of Section 206C (5);

DIRECT TAXATION 319


(ii) all returns prepared and delivered or caused to be delivered in accordance with the provisions of
Sections 206C(5A) or 206C(5B) to an income-tax authority.
(iii) all statements prepared and delivered or caused to be delivered in accordance with the provisions
of Section 206C (3).

C. PAN to be quoted in certain cases [Section 139A(5)] :


Every person shall quote his PAN in :
(i) all his returns to, correspondence with, any income-tax authority;
(ii) all challans for the payment of any sum due under the Income-tax Act ;
(iii) all documents pertaining to such transactions as may be prescribed by the Board in the interests of
revenue, and entered into by him. Persons specified above shall quote their GIR Number till PAN is
allotted to them. Further, such persons shall intimate the Assessing Officer any change in his address or
in the name and nature of his business on the basis of which the PAN was allotted to them.

D. Transactions where quoting of PAN is compulsory [Rule 114B] :


Every person shall quote his permanent account number in all documents pertaining to the
transactions specified in the Table below [vide Income-tax [Twenty Second Amendment) Rules, 2015,
w.e.f. 1-1-2016]:

SL. Nature of Transactions Value of transaction


No.
1. Sale or purchase of a motor vehicle or vehicle, which requires All such transactions.
registration by a registering authority under Chapter IV of that
Motor Vehicles Act, other than two wheeled vehicles
2. Opening an account [other than a time-deposit referred to at Sl. All such transactions
No.12 and a Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account] with a banking
company or a co-operative bank to which the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949 applies (including any bank or banking
institution referred to in Section 51 of that Act).
3. Making an application to any banking company or a co- All such transactions
operative bank to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949),
applies (including any bank or banking institution referred to in
Section 51 of that Act) or to any other company or institution, for
issue of a credit or debit card
4. Opening of a demat account with a depository, participant, All such transactions
custodian of securities or any other person registered under sub-
Section (1A) of Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India Act, 1992.
5. Payment to a hotel or restaurant against a bill or bills at any one Payment in cash of an
time amount exceeding `
50,000
6. Payment in connection with travel to any foreign country or Payment in cash of an
payment for purchase of any foreign currency at any one time amount exceeding `
50,000.
7. Payment to a Mutual Fund for purchase of its units. Amount exceeding `
50,000
8. Payment to a company or an institution for acquiring debentures Amount exceeding `
or bonds issued by it. 50,000
9. Payment to the Reserve Bank of India, constituted under Section 3 Amount exceeding `
of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934) for acquiring 50,000
bonds issued by it.
10. Deposit with a banking company or a co-operative bank to which Deposits in cash ` 50,000
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949), applies (including during any one day.
any bank or banking institution referred to in Section 51 of that
Act).

DIRECT TAXATION 320


11. Purchase of bank drafts or pay orders or banker's cheques from a Payment in cash for an
banking company or a co-operative bank to which the Banking amount exceeding `
Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949), applies (including any bank or 50,000 during any one
banking institution referred to in Section 51 of that Act). day.
12. Time deposit with: Amount exceeding `
(i) a banking company or a co-operative bank to which the 50,000 or aggregating to
Banking Regulation Act, 1949 more than ` 5 lakhs during
(ii) ( (ii) a Post Office; a financial year
(iii) a Nidhi referred to in Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013;
or
(iv) a non-banking financial company which holds a certificate of
registration under Section 45-IA of the Reserve Bank of India
Act to hold or accept deposit from public.
13. Payment for one or more pre-paid payment instruments, as Payment in cash or by
defined in the policy guidelines for issuance and operation of pre- way of a bank draft or
paid payment instruments issued by Reserve Bank of India under pay order or banker's
Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, to a cheque of an amount
banking company or a co-operative bank to which the Banking aggregating to more than
Regulation Act, 1949 applies (including any bank or banking ` 50,000 in a financial
institution referred to in Section 51 of that Act) or to any other year.
company or institution.
14. Payment as life insurance premium to an insurer Amount aggregating to
more than ` 50,000 in a
financial year
15. A contract for sale or purchase of securities (other than shares) as Amount exceeding `
defined in clause (h) of Section 2 of the Securities Contracts 1,00,000 per transaction
(Regulation) Act, 1956.
16. Sale or purchase, by any person, of shares of a company not listed Amount exceeding `
in a recognised stock exchange. 1,00,000 per transaction

17. Sale or purchase of any immovable property Amount exceeding ` 10


lakh or valued by stamp
valuation authority
referred to in Section 50C
of the Act at an amount
exceeding ` 10 lakh
18. Sale or purchase, by any person, of goods or services of any Amount exceeding ` 2
nature other than those specified at Sl. Nos. 1 to 17 of this Table, iflakh per transaction
any
(a) where a person, entering into any transaction referred to in this rule, is a minor and who does not
have any income chargeable to income-tax, he shall quote the permanent account number of his
father or mother or guardian, as the case may be.
(b) Any person who does not have a permanent account number and who enters into any
transaction specified in this rule, he shall make a declaration in Form No.60 giving therein the
particulars of such transaction.

E. Persons exempt from quoting PAN :


The provisions of Section 139A for quoting PAN will not apply to the following class or classes of persons:
(a) Persons who have agricultural income and are not in receipt of any other income chargeable to
tax. Such persons shall, however, make declaration in Form No. 61 in respect of transactions
referred to in Rule 114B.
(b) Non-residents referred to in Section 2(30).
(c) Central Government, State Government and Consular Offices in transactions where they are
payers.

DIRECT TAXATION 321


F. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of Section 139A [Section 272B] :
Section 272B, effective from 1st June, 2002, provides that if a person fails to comply with the provisions
of Section 139A, he may be liable to pay a penalty of ` 10,000.
A person who is required to quote his PAN in any document under Section 139A (5) or give intimation of
such number under Section 139A(5A) or Section 139(5C), shall be liable to pay a penalty of `10,000, if
he quotes or intimates a number which is false.

Example 1: R is a doctor. The gross receipts for the year 2016-17 came to ` 19,40,000. What will be the
due date for filing of return of income by R for the financial year 2016-17?

Answer:
Since the gross receipts of the profession for the year are less than ` 50,00,000, R will not be liable to get
his accounts audited. Therefore, the due date for filing the return of income of the year 2016-17 will be
31st July, 2017.-

Example 2 : K is running a garments factory. Turnover of his business for the year 2016-17 amounted to `
1,80,00,000. What will be the due date for filing of return of income by K for the financial year 2016-17?

Answer:
Since the turnover for the year is more than ` 1,00,00,000, the accounts of K are required to be audited.
Hence, the due date of filing the return of income of the year 2016-17 will be 30th September, 2017.

Example 3: Q is a partner in BK Enterprises. The turnover of the firm for the financial year 2016-17
amounted to ` 85,00,000. The firm has declared income @ 8% on presumptive basis under section 44AD
of the Act. Apart from remuneration, interest and share of profit from the firm, Q is not having any other
source of income. What will be the due date of filing of return of income by the partnership firm and by
Q for the financial year 2016-17?

Answer:
Since the turnover of the firm is below ` 1,00,00,000, the accounts are not liable to be audited. Hence,
the due date for filing the return of income of the year 2016-17 (in case of firm as well as Q) will be 31st
July, 2017.

Example 4:
DK Pvt. Ltd. is a company engaged in trading of minerals and is liable to furnish a report in Form No.
3CEB under section 92E.What will be the due date for filing the return of income for the financial year
2016-17?

Answer:
In this case DK Pvt. Ltd. will be covered in Sr. No. 2 of the table discussed earlier and, hence, the due
date for filing the return of income of the year 2016-17 will be 30th November, 2016.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Every person, being a partnership firm (including Limited Liability Partnership), has to file its return of
income compulsorily, irrespective of its income being profit or loss.
(a) True (b) False
Answer : (a) True

2. Every individual/HUF/AOP/BOI/artificial juridical person has to file the return of income if his total
income (including income of any other person in respect of which he is assessable) without giving
effect to the provisions of section 10(38), 10A, 10B or 10BA or Chapter VIA (i.e., deduction under
section 80C to 80U), exceeds ________
(a) ` 2,00,000 (b) ` 2,50,000
(c)` 5,00,000 (d) The maximum amount not chargeable to tax

DIRECT TAXATION 322


Answer: (d) The maximum amount not chargeable to tax

3. The Chief Executive Officer of every political party has to file the return of income of the party if the
total income of the party without giving effect to the provisions of section ____________ exceeds the
maximum amount not chargeable to income-tax.
(a) 11
(b) 12
(c) 13
(d) 13A
Answer: (d) 13A

4. There is not bar on obtaining more than one PAN i.e. a person can hold more than one PAN.
(a) True (b) False
Answer: (b) False

5. What is the due date of filing the return of income in case of a company other than a company
who is required to furnish a report in Form No. 3CEB under section 92E?
(a) September 30 of the assessment year
(b) November 30 of the assessment the year
(c) July 31 of the assessment year
(d) June 30 of relevant assessment the year
Answer: (a) September 30 of the assessment year

6. What is the due date of filing the return of income in case of a person whose accounts are to be
audited under the Income-tax Law or under any other law (other than a person who is required to
furnish a report in Form No. 3CEB under section 92E)?
(a) September 30 of the assessment year
(b) November 30 of the assessment the year
(c) July 31 of the assessment year
(d) June 30 of relevant assessment the year
Answer : (a) September 30 of the assessment year

7. Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a _________digit unique alphanumeric number issued by the
Income Tax Department.
(a) Twenty (b) Fifteen
(c) Ten (d) Five Correct answer
Answer: (c) Ten

8. If a person fails to comply with the provisions relating to PAN (i.e. obtaining PAN, quoting PAN, etc.),
then penalty can be levied under section _______
(a) 272
(b) 272A
(c) 272B
(d) 271
Answer: (c): 272B.

9. Application for obtaining PAN is to be made in Form _______ (in case of a resident).
(a) 49
(b) 49A
(c) 49B
(d) ITR – 1
Answer: (b): 49A.

DIRECT TAXATION 323


STUDY NOTE: 25
REFUND OF TAX [SECTIONS 237-245]

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


25.1 Introduction
25.2 When claim for refund arises [Section 237]
25.3 When a person other than the assessee is entitled to refund [Section 238]
25.4 Form of claim and time limit for refund [Section 239, Rule 41]
25.5 Refund on appeal [Section 240]
25.6 Correctness of assessment not to be questioned [Section 242]
25.7 Interest on refunds [Section 244A]
25.8 Set of for refunds against remaining payable [Section 245]

25.1 INTRODUCTION

A refund under the Income-tax Act arises only when the tax paid exceeds the amount for which the
assessee is properly chargeable. The provisions of the Income-tax Act relating to refund of tax are
discussed below.

25.2 WHEN CLAIM FOR REFUND ARISES [SECTION 237]

If any person satisfies the Assessing Officer that the amount of tax paid by him or on his behalf or
treated as paid by him or on his behalf for any assessment year exceeds the amount for which he is
properly chargeable under this Act for that year, he is entitled to a refund of the excess tax paid.

25.3 WHEN A PERSON OTHER THAN THE ASSESSEE IS ENTITLED TO REFUND [SECTION 238]

Normally a refund can be claimed by the assessee only. However, under the following circumstances, a
person other than the assessee shall be entitled to refund:
(i) Where the income of one person is included under any provision of the Income-tax Act in the total
income of any other person, the later alone shall be entitled to claim or receive refund.
(ii) Where the value of fringe benefits provided or deemed to have been provided by one employer
is included under any provisions of Chapter XII-H in the value of fringe benefits provided or deemed
to have been provided by any other employer, the later alone shall be entitled to claim or receive
refund in respect of such fringe benefits.

Point to Note: Fringe benefit tax has been withdrawn since the assessment year 2010-2011.

(iii) Where through death, incapacity, insolvency, liquidation or other causes, a person is unable to
claim or receive any refund due to him, his legal representative or the trustee or guardian or
receiver, as the case may be, shall be entitled to claim or receive such refund for the benefit of
such person or his estate.

25.4 FORM OF CLAIM AND TIME LIMIT FOR REFUND [SECTION 239, RULE 41]

The claim for refund shall be made as under:


(a) A claim for refund shall be made in Form No. 30 and verified in the prescribed manner.
(b) The claim for refund in respect of any assessment year shall be made within one year from the last
day of such assessment year. Similarly, the claim in respect of any fringe benefits, which a
reassessable for the assessment year commencing on or after 1 st April 2006, shall be made within
one year from the last day of the assessment year.

DIRECT TAXATION 324


(c) The claim for refund shall be accompanied by a return in the form prescribed under Section 139
unless the claimant has already made such a return to the Assessing Officer.
(d) Where any part of the total income of a person making a claim for refund of tax consists of
dividends or any other income from which tax has been deducted under the provisions of Sections
192 to 194, Section194A and Section195, the claim shall be accompanied by TDS certificate in Form
No. 16 or, as the case may be, in Form No. 16A.
(e) The claim for refund in Form No. 30 may be presented by the claimant in person, or through a duly
authorized agent or may be sent by post.

● Claim for refund after the statutory time limit [Section 119(2)(b)]:
Under Section 119(2)(b), the CBDT may, if it considers it desirable or expedient to do so for avoiding
genuine hardship in any case, by general or special order, authorize any income-tax authority [not
being Commissioner (Appeals)] to admit an application or claim for refund after the expiry of the
period specified under the Act. The CBDT, in exercise of its power under this section and in supersession
of all the circulars and instructions issued earlier under section 119(2)(b), Circular No. 9/2015 [dated 9-6-
2015] has been issued as under:
(i) The Principal Commissioners of Income-tax/Commissioners of Income-tax (Pr.CIT/CIT) shall be
vested with the powers of acceptance/rejection of such applications/claims if the amount of such
claims is not more than `10 lakhs for any one assessment year. The Principal Chief Commissioners of
Income-tax/Chief Commissioners of Income-tax (Pr. CCIT/CCIT) shall be vested with the powers of
acceptance/rejection of such applications/claims if the amount of such claims exceeds `10 lakhs
but is not more than `50 lakhs for any one assessment year. The applications/claims for amount
exceeding `50 lakhs shall be considered by the Board.
(ii) No condonation application for claim of refund/loss shall be entertained beyond six years from the
end of the assessment year for which such application/claim is made. This limit of six years shall be
applicable to all authorities having powers to condone the delay as per the above prescribed
monetary limits, including the Board. A condonation application should be disposed of within six
months from the end of the month in which the application is received by the competent authority,
as far as possible.
(iii) In a case where refund claim has arisen consequent to a Court order, the period for which any
such proceedings were pending before any Court of Law shall be ignored while calculating the
said period of six years, provided such condonation application is filed within six months from the
end of the month in which the Court order was issued or the end of financial year whichever is
later.
(iv) The powers of acceptance/rejection of the application within the monetary limits delegated to the
Pr. CIT/CCIT/Pr.CIT/CIT in case of such claims will be subject to following conditions:
(i) At the time of considering the case under Section 119(2)(b), it shall be ensured that the
income/loss declared and/or refund claimed is correct and genuine and also that the case is
of genuine hardship on merits.
(ii) The Pr.CCIT/CCIT/Pr.CIT/CIT dealing with the case shall be empowered to direct the
jurisdictional assessing officer to make necessary inquiries or scrutinize the case in
accordance with the provisions of the Act to ascertain the correctness of the claim.
(v) A belated application for supplementary claim of refund (claim of additional amount of refund
after completion of assessment for the same year) can be admitted for condonation provided
other conditions as referred above are fulfilled. The powers of acceptance/rejection within the
monetary limits delegated to the Pr.CCIT/CCIT/Pr.CIT/CIT in case of returns claiming refund and
supplementary claim of refund would be subject to the following further conditions:
(i) The income of the assessee is not assessable in the hands of any other person under any of
the provisions of the Act.
(ii) No interest will be admissible on belated claim of refunds.
(iii) The refund has arisen as a result of excess tax deducted/collected at source and/or excess
advance tax payment and/or excess payment of self-assessment tax as per the provisions of
the Act.
(vi) In the case of an applicant who has made investment in 8% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 issued
by Government of India opting for scheme of cumulative interest on maturity but has accounted

DIRECT TAXATION 325


interest earned on mercantile basis and the intermediary bank at the time of maturity has
deducted tax at source on the entire amount of interest paid without apportioning the accrued
interest/TDS, over various financial years involved, the time limit of six years for making such refund
claims will not be applicable.
(vii) This circular will cover all such applications/claims for condonation of delay under section 119(2xb)
which are pending as on the date of issue of the Circular.
(viii)The Board reserves the power to examine any grievance arising out of an order passed or not
passed by the authorities mentioned in para 1 above and issue suitable directions to them for
proper implementation of this Circular. However, no review of or appeal against the orders of such
authorities would be entertained by the Board.

25.5 REFUND ON APPEAL [SECTION 240]

Where refund of any amount becomes due to the assessee pursuant to an order passed in an appeal
or any other proceeding under the Income-tax Act, the Assessing Officer shall refund the amount to the
assessee without requiring him to make any claim in that behalf.

● When refund becomes due: Under Section 240, refund becomes due as follows:
(a) Where an assessment is set aside or cancelled and an order of fresh assessment is directed to be
made, the refund, if any, shall become due only on the making of such fresh assessment.
(b) Where the assessment is annulled, then the refund shall become due only of the amount, if any, of
the tax paid in excess of the tax chargeable on the total income returned by the assessee.

25.6 CORRECTNESS OF ASSESSMENT NOT TO BE QUESTIONED [SECTION 242]

In a claim of refund, it shall not be open to the assessee to question the correctness of any assessment
or other matter decided which has become final and conclusive or ask for a review of the same, and
the assessee shall not be entitled to any relief on such claim except refund of tax wrongly paid or paid
in excess.

25.7 INTEREST ON REFUNDS [SECTION 244A]

Where refund of any amount becomes due to the assessee, he will be entitled to receive, in addition to
the amount of refund, simple interest as under:
Interest u/s 244A
Reason for refund Period for which interest is payable Rate of
interest
(a) Refund is due for TCS u/s 206 1st April of the assessment year to the date on 1.5% p.m. or
or advance tax or treated as which refund is granted part thereof
paid u/s 199
(b) In other cases From the date of furnishing return of income to Do
the date on which refund is granted.
(c) Refund due to self-assessment From the date of furnishing of return of income or
tax u/s 140A payment of tax, whichever is later to the date on
which refund is granted

Points to note:
(a) In the above cases, no interest shall be payable if the amount of refund is less than 10% of the tax
determined u/s 143 (1) (i.e. summary assessment without calling the assessee) or on regular
assessment.

DIRECT TAXATION 326


(b) Where refund arises as a result of giving effect to an order u/s 250/254 /260/262 /263/264, wholly or
partly, otherwise than making a fresh assessment or reassessment, additional interest @ 3% per
annum or shall be allowed on the amount of refund for the period beginning with the date
following the date of expiry of time allowed u/s 153(5) to the date on which the refund is granted [
Section 244)1A)].

Note: Section 250 relates to appeal; Section 254 orders of Appellate Tribunal; Section 260 orders of
high court or supreme court; 262 hearing of supreme court; 263 and 264 revision of orders. Section
153(5) relates to giving effect to the orders under the aforesaid orders.

● Procedure to be followed in calculating interest [Rule119A]: The calculation of interest as mentioned


above is subject to the following:
(a) Where interest is to be calculated on annual basis, the period for which such interest is to be
calculated shall be rounded off to a whole month or months and for this purpose any fraction of a
month shall be ignored. The period so rounded off shall be the period in respect of which the
interest is to be calculated.
(b) Where interest is to be calculated for every month or part of a month comprised in a period, any
fraction of a month shall be deemed to be a full month.
(c) The amount of tax, penalty or other sum in respect of which such interest is to be calculated shall
be rounded off to the nearest multiple of 100 and for this purpose any fraction of one hundred
rupees shall be ignored and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be the amount in
respect of which the interest is to be calculated.

25.8 SET OF FOR REFUNDS AGAINST REMAINING PAYABLE [SECTION 245]

Where any refund is found to be due to any person, the Assessing Officer, Deputy Commissioner
(Appeals) or Chief Commissioner, as the case may be, may, in lieu of payment of refund, set off the
amount to be refunded or any part of the amount, against the sum, if any, remaining payable under
this Act by the person to whom the refund is due. Such a set off, however, can be made only after
giving the assessee intimation in writing.

Multiple Choice Questions:


1. The provisions relating to interest on delay in payment of refund are given in section:
(a) 234A
(b) 234B
(c) 244A
(d) 244B
Answer: (c) 244A.

2. Interest on refund due to TDS /TCS or advance tax shall be allowed , provided the amount of
refund is not ……… of the tax determined u/s 143(1) or on regular assessment:
(a) Less than 90%
(b) Less than 10%
(c) More than 10%
(d) Less than 15%
Answer: (b) Less than 10%.

3. Interest for delay in payment of refund arising due to any tax deducted/collected at source or tax
paid by way of advance tax is granted @ ….. for every month or part of a month.
(a) 1.5 %
(b) 1%
(c) 0.75 %
(d) ½ %
Answer : (a) 1.5%

DIRECT TAXATION 327


STUDY NOTE : 26
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE AND NOTICE OF DEMAND

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


26.1 Introduction
26.2 Enquiry before assessment [Section 142]
26.3 Summary assessment on the basis of return [Section 143(1)]
26.4 Assessment in response to notice under section 143(2) [Section 143(3)]
26.5 Best Judgment assessment [Section 144]
26.6 Assessment or reassessment of income escaping assessment [Section 147]
26.7 Assessment of scientific research association, news agency, etc. [First proviso to Section 143(3)]
26.8 Assessment in case of search or requisition [Section 153A]
26.9 Rectification of mistake [Section 154]
26.10 Notice of demand [Section 156]
26.11 Intimation of loss [Section 157]

26.1 INTRODUCTION

Although assessment is an important step, the term has not been defined in the Act, except that under
section 2(8), it includes reassessment. However, generally it means the whole procedure laid down
under the Act for imposing liability upon the assessee. Under the Income-tax law, there are five major
types of assessments as mentioned below:
 Summary assessment under section 143(1)
 Scrutiny assessment under section 143(3)
 Best judgment assessment under section 144
 Income escaping assessment under section 147
 Assessment in case of search or requisition under section 153A

26.2 ENQUIRY BEFORE ASSESSMENT [SECTION 142]

Section 142 deals with the general procedure of assessment as under:

A. Issue of notice: [Section 142(1)]: For the purpose of making an assessment, the Assessing Officer
may serve on any person who has made a return under Section 115WD or Section 139 or in whose case
time allowed under Section 139(1) for furnishing return has expired a notice for the following purposes:
(i) where such person has not made a return within the time allowed under Section 139(1) or before
the end of the assessment year to furnish a return of his income or the income of any other person
in respect of which he is assessable under this Act, in the prescribed form within the time specified
in the notice; or
(ii) to produce or cause to be produced, such accounts or documents as the Assessing Officer may
require; or
(iii) to furnish in writing and verified in the prescribed manner information in such form and on such
points or matters (including a statement of all assets and liabilities of the assessee, whether
included in the accounts or not) as the Assessing Officer may require.

B. Power to make inquiry [Sections 142(2), 142(3)]:


For the purpose of obtaining full information in respect of income or loss of any person, the Assessing
Officer may make such inquiry as he considers necessary [Section 142(2)].

Except in the case of best judgment assessment under Section 144, the assessee shall, however, be
given an opportunity of being heard in respect of any material gathered on the basis of inquiry under
Section 142(2) or any audit under Section 142(2A) and proposed to be utilised for the purpose of the
assessment [Section142(3)].

DIRECT TAXATION 328


C. Audit of accounts [Sections 142(2A) to 142(2D)] :
Having regard to the nature and complexity of the accounts, volume of the accounts, doubts about
correctness of the accounts, multiplicity of transactions in the accounts or specialised nature of
business activity of the assessee, with the previous approval of the Chief Commissioner or
Commissioner, the Assessing Officer may, after giving the assessee a reasonable opportunity of being
heard, direct the assessee to get the accounts audited by an accountant to be nominated by the
Chief Commissioner or
Commissioner and to furnish a report of such audit in Form No. 6B duly signed and verified by such
accountant [Section 142(2A)].
 The audit under Section 142(2A) is independent of any audit under any other law [Section 142(2B)].
 The audit report under Section 142(2A) shall be furnished by the assessee to the Assessing Officer
within such period as may be specified by the Assessing Officer. However, if there is sufficient
reason, the Assessing Officer, either suomotu or on an application made by the assessee in this
behalf, may so extend the time that the aggregate of the period originally fixed and the period so
extended does not exceed 180 days from the date on which direction under Section 142(2A) was
received by the assessee [Section 142(2C) as amended by the Finance Act 2008, w.e.f. 1.4.2008].
 The expenses of such audit, including the remuneration of the accountant shall be determined by
the Chief Commissioner or Commissioner and to be paid by the assessee. In default of such
payment by the assessee, it shall be recovered from the assessee in the manner provided in
Chapter XVII-D of the Income-tax Act for recovery of arrears of tax. However, in relation to any
direction for audit under Section 142(2A), which is issued by the Assessing Officer on or after 1st
June, 2007, the expenses of, and incidental to, such audit (including the remuneration of the
Accountant) shall be determined by the Chief Commissioner or Commissioner in accordance with
such guidelines as may be prescribed and the expenses so determined shall be paid by the
Central Government [Section 142(2D)].

26.3 SUMMARY ASSESSMENT ON THE BASIS OF RETURN [SECTION 143(1)]

Where a return has been submitted under Section 139 or in response to a notice under Section 142(1),
the Assessing Officer can complete the assessment without passing a regular assessment order or
calling the assessee. The assessment under section 143(1), which is also known as summary assessment,
is subject to the following conditions and propositions:

(a) Correction of arithmetical mistakes and adjustment of incorrect claim through centralised
processing of returns [Section 143(1)(a)]:In order to correctly compute the total income, all returns
submitted under the provision of Section 139 or in response to a notice under section 142(1) shall be
subjected to centralised processing in order to check for:
(i) any arithmetical error in the return;
(ii) an incorrect claim which is apparent from any information in the return;
(iii) disallowance of loss claimed, if return of the previous year for which set off of loss is claimed was
furnished beyond the due date specified under sub-section (1) of section 139;
(iv) disallowance of expenditure indicated in the audit report but not taken into account in computing
the total income in the return;
(v) disallowance of deduction claimed under sections 10AA, 80-IA, 80-IAB, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID or section
80-IE, if the return is furnished beyond the due date specified under sub-section (1) of section 139;
or
(vi) addition of income appearing in Form 26AS or Form 16A or Form 16 which has not been included in
computing the total income in the return

The aforesaid adjustments will be made only in the course computerized processing without any
human interface, but with prior intimation to the assessee either in writing or in electronic mode.

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(b) Computation of tax and interest due [Section 143(1)(b)]: On the basis of computation of total
income as above, the tax and interest, if any, shall be computed.

(c) Determination of sum payable by, or refund due to, the assessee [Section 143(1)(c)] : The sum
payable by, or the amount of refund due to, the assessee shall be determined after adjustment of the
tax and interest, if any, [as computed in (b) above] by any tax deducted at source, any tax collected
at source, any advance tax paid, any relief allowable under section 90 or section 90A, or any relief
allowable under section 91, any rebate allowable under Chapter VIII-A, any tax paid on self-assessment
and any amount paid otherwise by way of tax or interest.

(d) Intimation to the assessee [Section 143(1)(d)] :An intimation shall be sent to the assessee when :
(i) on the basis of adjustment made in (c) above, any sum is payable by, or any refund is due to, the
assessee [Section 143(1)(d)] ;
(ii) the loss declared in the return by the assessee is reduced but no tax or interest is payable by, or no
refund is due to, him [First proviso to Section 143(1)].

Where any sum is determined to be payable by the assessee, intimation to this effect shall be deemed
to be a notice of demand issued under Section 156 and all the provisions of the Act shall apply
accordingly.

(e) When no intimation is required [Explanation (b) to Section 143(1)]: Where, on the basis adjustments
made in (a) or (c) above, it is found that no sum is payable by, or refundable to, the assessee, no
intimation is required to be sent to the assessee. In such a case, the acknowledgement of the return
shall be deemed to be the intimation.
(f) Time limit for intimation [Second proviso to Section 143(1)]: The time limit for sending intimation under
section 143(1) to the assessee is one year from the end of the financial year in which the return is made.

26. 4 ASSESSMENT IN RESPONSE TO NOTICE UNDER SECTION 143(2) [SECTION 143(3)]

An assessment under this section can be either (A) an assessment through limited scrutiny or (B)
assessment through comprehensive scrutiny.

A. Assessment through limited scrutiny [*Section 143(3)(i)]:


Assessment through limited scrutiny applies where a return has been furnished under section 139 or in
response to a notice under Section 142(1). The assessment in this case involves the following procedure:
(a) The Assessing Officer has reason to believe that any claim of loss, exemption, deduction,
allowance or relief claimed in the return, is inadmissible.
(b) A notice u/s 143(2)(i) is served on the assessee requiring him, on a date specified in the notice, to
produce or caused to be produced evidence or particulars of such claim of loss, exemption,
deduction, allowance and relief in support of his claim.
The time limit for sending notice under this section is 6 months [as amended by the Finance Act
2016: Vide section 143(2)] from the end of the month in which the return is furnished.
(c) After taking into account such particulars as the assessee may produce, the Assessing Officer shall,
by an order in writing, allow or reject the claim or claims specified in such notice and make an
assessment determining the total income or loss and the sum payable by the assessee on the basis
of such assessment.

* Note that in view of the amendment of section 143(2), the provisions of section 143(3)(i) appears to
be redundant.

B. Assessment through comprehensive scrutiny [Section 143(3)(ii)]:


The scheme of assessment through comprehensive scrutiny is applicable where a return is filed under
section 139 or in pursuance of a notice under Section 142(1). The procedure involved in this case is as
under:

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(a) The Assessing Officer considers it necessary or expedient to ensure that the assessee has not
understated the income or has not computed excessive loss or has not under-paid the tax in any
manner.
(b) A notice u/s 143(2)(ii) is served on the assessee requiring him, on a date specified in the notice,
either to attend the office of the Assessing Officer or to produce or cause to be produced any
evidence on which the assessee may rely in support of his return.
The time limit for sending notice under Section 143(2)(ii) is 6 months from the end of the month in
which the return is furnished.
(c) On the day specified in the notice or soon afterwards, after hearing such evidence as the assessee
may produce and such other evidence as the Assessing Officer may require on specified points,
and after taking into account all relevant material which he has gathered, the Assessing Officer
shall, by an order in writing, make an assessment of the total income or loss of the assessee, and
determine the sum payable by him or refund any amount due to him on the basis of such
assessment.
(d) The time limit for completion of assessment under section 143 shall be within 2 years from the end of
the relevant assessment year.

26. 5 BEST JUDGMENT ASSESSMENT [SECTION 144]

An assessment carried out by applying the wide discretionary power of the Assessing Officer is known
as Best Judgment Assessment. This assessment is carried out in cases where the taxpayer fails to comply
with the requirements of section 144.

(A) Reasons for best judgment assessment: The best of his judgment is carried out in the following cases:
 the assessee fails to file the return required within the due date prescribed under section 139(1) or a
belated return under section 139(4) or a revised return under section 139(5); or
 the assessee fails to comply with all the terms of a notice issued under section 142(1) or the
directions under section 142(2A); or
 having made a return, the assessee fails to comply with all the terms of notice issued under section
143(2).

(B) Procedure of assessment under section 144


 Best judgment assessment cannot be made unless the assessee is given a notice calling upon him
to show cause, on the date and time to be specified in the notice, why the assessment should not
be completed to the best judgment of the Assessing Officer.
 No notice as given above is required in a case where a notice under section 142(1) has been
issued prior to the making of an assessment under section 144.
 If the Assessing Officer is not satisfied by the arguments of the taxpayer and he has reason to
believe that the case demands a best judgment, then he will proceed to carry out the assessment
to the best of his knowledge.
 If the criteria of the best judgment assessment are satisfied, then the Assessing Officer, after taking
into account all relevant material which the Assessing Officer has gathered, shall make the
assessment of the total income or loss to the best of his judgment and determine the sum payable
by the assessee on the basis of such assessment.
 Under section 153, the time limit for completion of assessment under section 144 is two years from
the end of the relevant assessment year.

(C) Refund: No refund can be granted in the case of best judgment assessment.

(D) Remedies available to the assessee: In the case of best judgment assessment, the following
remedies are available to the assessee:
(a) The assessee can file an appeal under Section 246A.
(b) He can make an application to the Joint Commissioner for revision under Section 264.

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26. 6 ASSESSMENT OR REASSESSMENT OF INCOME ESCAPING ASSESSMENT [SECTION 147]

Where the Assessing Officer has reason to believe that any income chargeable to tax has escaped
assessment for any assessment year, then, subject to the provisions of Sections 148 to 153, 153A and
153B, he may:
(a) assess or reassess such income;
(b) re-compute the loss or depreciation allowance or any other allowance for the relevant assessment
year;
(c) assess any other income chargeable to tax which has escaped assessment and which comes to his
notice subsequently in the course of assessment proceedings under Section 147 ;
(d) assess or reassess such income, other than the income involving matters which are the subject
matter of any appeal, reference or revision, which is chargeable to tax and has escaped
assessment [Second proviso to Section 147].

 Where income deemed to have escaped assessment [Explanation 2 to Section 147] :


For the purpose of Section 147, the following shall also be deemed to be the cases of income escaping
assessment:
(a) where no return of income has been furnished by the assessee, although his taxable income
exceeded the exemption limit;
(b) where a return has been furnished by the assessee, but no assessment has been made and it is
noticed that the assessee has understated the income or has claimed excessive loss, deduction,
allowance or relief in the return;
(c) where the assessee has failed to furnish a report in respect of any international transaction which
he was so required under section 92E;
(d) Where an assessment has been made but:
(i) income chargeable to tax has been under-assessed; or
(ii) such income has been assessed at too low a rate; or
(iii) such income has been made the subject of excessive relief; or
(iv) excessive loss or depreciation allowance or any other allowance under the Act has been
computed.
(e) where a return of income has not been furnished by the assessee or a return of income has been
furnished by him and on the basis of information or document received from the prescribed
income-tax authority, under section 133C (2), it is noticed by the Assessing Officer that the income
of the assessee exceeds the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, or as the case may be, the
assessee has understated the income or has claimed excessive loss, deduction, allowance or relief
in the return;
(f) where a person is found to have any asset (including financial interest in any entity) located
outside India.

 Procedure of assessment under section 147:


• An assessment under section 147 cannot be proceeded with unless the Assessing Office has served
upon the assessee a notice and an opportunity of being heard.
• If the Assessing Officer has reason to believe that any income chargeable to tax has escaped
assessment for any assessment year, then he may assess or reassess such income and also any
other income chargeable to tax which has escaped assessment and which comes to his notice
subsequently in the course of the proceedings under this section. He is also empowered to re-
compute the loss or the depreciation allowance or any other allowance, as the case may be, for
the assessment year concerned.
 Time-limit for completion of assessment under section 147: As provided in section 153, assessment
under section 147 shall be made within a period of one year from the end of the financial year in
which notice under section 148 is served on the assessee.
 Time-limit for issuance of notice under section 148: Notice under section 148 can be issued within a
period of 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.

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 If the escaped income is ` 1,00,000 or more, then notice can be issued up to 6 years from the end
of the relevant assessment year.
 If the escaped income relates to any asset (including financial interest in any entity) located
outside India, notice can be issued up to 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.

26.7 ASSESSMENT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, NEWS


AGENCY, ETC. [FIRST PROVISO TO SECTION 143(3)]

For the assessment of the following institutions/funds:


(i) scientific research association referred to in Section 10(21);
(ii) news agency referred to in Section 10(22B);
(iii) association or institution referred to in Section 10(23A) or Section 10(23B); and
(iv) fund/institution/trust/university or other educational institution/hospital or other medical institution as
referred to in clauses (iv), (v), (vi) and (via), respectively, of Section 10(23C), which are required to
submit return of income under Section 139(4C), an assessment order can be passed after giving
effects to the provisions of Section 10. However, the Assessing Officer can make an assessment
order without giving exemption under the provisions of Section 10, provided the following
conditions are satisfied:

(a) Where, in his view, any contravention has taken place of the provisions of Section 10(21) or Section
10(22B) or Section 10(23A) or Section 10(23B) or clause (iv) or (v) or (vi) or (via) of Section 10(23C) by
the aforesaid institutions, the Assessing Officer has intimated the Central Government or the
prescribed authority of the fact of such contravention.
(b) The approval granted to such scientific research association or other association or fund or trust or
institution or university or other educational institution or hospital or other medical institution has
been withdrawn or notification issued in respect of such news agency or fund or trust or institution
has been rescinded.
(c) Where the Assessing Officer is satisfied that the activities of the university, college, or other institution
referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 35(1) are not being carried out in accordance with all or
any conditions subject to which the university, college or institution was granted approval, he may,
after giving reasonable opportunity of showing causes against the proposed withdrawal to the
concerned university, college or other institution, recommend to the Central Government to
withdraw the approval. On such recommendations, the central Government may, by an order,
withdraw the approval and forward a copy of the order to the concerned university, college or
other institution and the Assessing Officer.

26.8 ASSESSMENT IN CASE OF SEARCH OR REQUISITION [SECTION 153A]

This section applies in the case of a person where a search is initiated under Section 132 or books of
account, other documents or any assets are requisitioned under Section 132A.
In this case the Assessing Officer shall:
(a) issue notice to such person requiring him to furnish within such period, as may be specified in the
notice, the return of income in respect of each assessment year falling within six assessment years in
the prescribed form and verified in the prescribed manner and setting forth such other particulars
as may be prescribed, and the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be, apply accordingly as if
such return were a return required to be furnished under Section 139 ;
(b) assess or reassess the total income of six assessment years immediately preceding the assessment
year relevant to the previous year in which such search is conducted or requisition is made.
In this case, assessment or reassessment, if any, relating to any assessment year falling within the
period of six assessment years referred to in this section pending on the date of initiation of the
search under Section 132 or making of requisition under Section 132A, as the case may be, shall
abate [Second proviso to section153A (1)].

DIRECT TAXATION 333


(c) However, if any proceeding initiated or any order of assessment or reassessment made under
Section 153A (1) has been annulled in appeal or any other legal proceeding, then, notwithstanding
anything contained in 153A (1) or Section 153, the assessment or reassessment relating to any
assessment year which has abated, shall stand revived with effect from the date of receipt of the
order of such annulment by the Commissioner [Section 153A(2].

 Time limit for completion of assessment under section 153A: The time limit for completion of
assessment under section 153A is 21 months from the end of the end of the financial year in which the
last authorization for search under section 132 or for requisition under section was executed.

26.9 RECTIFICATION OF MISTAKE [SECTION 154]

With a view to rectifying any mistake, which is apparent from the record, an income-tax authority
referred to in Section 116 may do the following:
(a) amend an order passed by it under the provisions of this Act;
(b) amend any intimation or deemed intimation under Section 143(1) or Section 200A
(c) amend any intimation under Section 200A (1).
(d) in relation to an order, where any matter has been considered and decided in any proceeding by
way of appeal or revision, it cannot be rectified under Section 154. However, the matter which has
not been considered and decided in the appeal or revision may be rectified under Section 154.
(e) Rectification under Section 154 shall be made by:
(i) the income-tax authority on its own motion.
(ii) the income-tax authority, if it is brought to its notice by the assessee or the deductor or
collector;
(iii) the commissioner (Appeals), if the mistake is brought to its notice by the Assessing Officer.

 Order of rectification:
An order of rectification is subject to the following conditions:
(a) Where an amendment is made under this section and if such an amendment has the effect of
enhancing or reducing a refund or otherwise increasing the liability of the assessee, a notice
specifying the intention to do so is necessary. The assessee shall also be allowed reasonable
opportunity of being heard [Section 154(3)].
(b) In the above case, the Assessing Officer shall serve on the assessee a notice of demandin the
prescribed form specifying the sum payable. Such a notice of demand shall be deemed to be
notice under Section 156 and the provisions of Section 156 and the provisions of the Act shall apply
in this case [Section154(6)].
(c) An order shall be passed in writing by the income-tax authority concerned [Section 154(4)].
(d) Where any such amendment has the effect of reducing the assessment, the Assessing Officer shall
make any refund which may be due to the assessee or the deductor or the collector [Section
154(5)].
(e) Where any such amendment has the effect of enhancing the assessment or reducing a refund
already made or otherwise increasing the liability of the assessee or the deductor or the collector,
the Assessing Officer shall serve on the assessee or the deductor, as the case may be, a notice of
demand in the prescribed form specifying the sum payable, and such notice of demand shall be
deemed to be issued under Section 156 and the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly
[Section 154(6)].
(f) Except for cases coming under Sections 155 or 186(4), rectification of an order can be made only
within four years from the end of the financial year in which the order sought to be amended was
passed [Section 154(7)].
However, where a application for amendment under Section 154 is made by the assessee on an
income-tax authority, the authority shall pass an order (either making the amendment or refusing it)
within a period of six months from the end of the month in which the application is received by it
[Section 154(8)].

DIRECT TAXATION 334


26.10 NOTICE OF DEMAND [SECTION 156]

When any tax, interest, penalty, fine or any other sum is payable in consequence of any order passed
under this Act, the Assessing Officer shall serve upon the assessee a notice of demand in the prescribed
form (Form No. 7 or, as the case may be, Form No. 28) specifying the sum payable.
Where any sum is determined to be payable by the assessee or by the deductor under sub-section (1)
of Section 143 or Section 200A (1), the intimation under those sub-sections shall be deemed to be a
notice of demand for the purposes of this section [proviso to Section 156 as amended by the Finance
Act 2105, w.e.f. 1.6. 2015].

26.11 INTIMATION OF LOSS [SECTION 157]

When, in the course of the assessment of the total income of any assessee, it is established that a loss
has taken place, which the assessee is entitled to have carried forward and set off under the provisions
of Sections 72(1), 73(2), 74(1), 74(3) and 74A(3), the Assessing Officer shall notify to the assessee, by an
order in writing, the amount of loss as computed by him for the purposes of set off and carry-forward
under these sections.

Multiple Choice Questions


1. Assessment under section 143(1) is known as scrutiny assessment.
(a) True
(b) False
Answer: (b) False

2. Assessment under section 144 is known as best judgment assessment


(a) True
(b) False
Answer: (a) True.

3. Which of the following can be corrected while processing the return of income under section
143(1)?
(a) any arithmetical error in the return
(b) any mistake in the return of income
(c) any error in the return of income
(d) any claim by the taxpayer which is against law
Answer: (a) any arithmetical error in the return

4. Assessment under section 143(1) can be made within a period of ……..year from the end of the
financial year in which the return of income is filed.
(a) four
(b) three
(c) two
(d) one
Answer: (d) one.

5. Notice under section 143(2) (i.e. notice of scrutiny assessment) should be served within a period of
………. from the end of the financial year in which the return is filed.
(a) six months
(b) one years
(c) two years
(d) eighteen months
Answer: (a) Six months.

DIRECT TAXATION 335


6. Assessment under section 143(3) shall be made within a period of ……..years from the end of the
relevant assessment year.
(a) four
(b) three
(c) two
(d) one
Answer: (c) two

7. Assessment under section 144 shall be made within a period of ……… years from the end of the
relevant assessment year.
(a) four
(b) three
(c) two
(d) one
Answer: (c) Two.

8. Any mistake which is apparent from the record in any order passed by the Assessing Officer can be
rectified under section ……….
(a) 143
(b) 147
(c) 154
(d) 156
Answer: (c) 154.

DIRECT TAXATION 336


STUDY NOTE : 27
APPEAL, REVISION, SETTLEMENT AND DEMAND AND RECOVERY OF TAXES

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


Part - A
27.1 Introduction
27.2 Appealable orders before the Commissioner (Appeals) [Section 246A]
27.3 Appellate Tribunal [ Section 252- 255]
27.4 Appeal to High Court [Sections 260A- 260B]
27.5 Appeal to Supreme Court [Sections 261-262]
27.6 Special provision for avoiding repetitive appeal [Section 158A]
27.7 Revision of orders prejudicial to revenue [Section 263]
27.8 Revision of other orders [Section 264]
Part – B
27.9 Tax Demand [Section 156]
27.10 Certificate to tax recovery officer [Section 222]
27.11 Validity of certificate [Section 224]
27.12 Other modes of recovery [Section 226]

Part - A

27.1 INTRODUCTION

An appeal is a grievance redressal mechanism where an assessee aggrieved by the order of the
Assessing Officer files an appeal before the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals). The procedure and
the stages of appeals as mentioned under Chapter XX of the Income-tax Act 1961 involves the
following stages:

Assessment Order

First Appeal
Commissioner (Appeals)

Second Appeal
Appellate Tribunal

Third Appeal
High Court

Final Appeal
Supreme Court

27.2 APPEALABLE ORDERS BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER (APPEALS) [SECTION 246A]

Any assessee or any deductor or any collector] aggrieved by any of the following orders (whether
made before or after the appointed day) may appeal to the Commissioner (Appeals) against the
following orders:

a. an order passed by a Joint Commissioner under clause (ii) of sub-section (3) of section 115VP or
an order against the assessee where the assessee denies his liability to be assessed under this Act
or an intimation under sub-section (1) or sub-section (1B) of section 143 or sub-section (1) of

DIRECT TAXATION 337


section 200A or sub-section (1) of section 206CB, where the assessee or the deductor or the
collector objects] to the making of adjustments, or any order of assessment under sub-section (3)
of section 143 except an order passed in pursuance of directions of the Dispute Resolution Panel
or an order referred to in sub-section (12) of section 144BA or section 144, to the income
assessed, or to the amount of tax determined, or to the amount of loss computed, or to the
status under which he is assessed;
b. an order of assessment under sub-section (3) of section 115WE or section 115WF, where the
assessee, being an employer objects to the value of fringe benefits assessed;
c. an order of assessment or reassessment under section 115WG;
d. an order of assessment, reassessment or re-computation under section 147 except an order
passed in pursuance of directions of the Dispute Resolution Panel or an order referred to in sub-
section (12) of section 144BA or section 150;
e. an order of assessment or reassessment under section 153A except an order passed in
pursuance of directions of the Dispute Resolution Panel or an order referred to in sub-section (12)
of section 144BA;
f. an order of assessment or reassessment under sub-section (3) of section 92CD;
g. an order made under section 154 or section 155 having the effect of enhancing the assessment
or reducing a refund or an order refusing to allow the claim made by the assessee under either
of the said sections except an order referred to in sub-section (12) of section 144BA;
h. an order made under section 163 treating the assessee as the agent of a non-resident;
i. an order made under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 170;
j. an order made under section 171;
k. an order made under clause (b) of sub-section (1) or under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) or
sub-section (5) of section 185 in respect of an assessment for the assessment year commencing
on or before the 1st day of April, 1992;
l. an order cancelling the registration of a firm under sub-section (1) or under sub-section (2) of
section 186 in respect of any assessment for the assessment year commencing on or before the
1st day of April, 1992 or any earlier assessment year;
m. an order made under section 201;
n. an order made under sub-section (6A) of section 206C;
o. an order made under section 237;
p. an order imposing a penalty under—
(A) section 221; or
(B) section 271, section 271A, section 271AAA, section 271AAB, section 271F, section 271FB,
section 272AA or section 272BB;
(C) section 272, section 272B or section 273, as they stood immediately before the 1st day of
April, 1989, in respect of an assessment for the assessment year commencing on the 1st day
of April, 1988, or any earlier assessment years;
q. an order of imposing or enhancing penalty under sub-section (1A) of section 275;
r. an order of assessment made by an Assessing Officer under clause (c) of section 158BC, in
respect of search initiated under section 132 or books of account, other documents or any
assets requisitioned under section 132A on or after the 1st day of January, 1997;
s. an order imposing a penalty under sub-section (2) of section 158BFA;
t. an order imposing a penalty under section 271B or section 271BB;
u. an order made by a Deputy Commissioner imposing a penalty under section 271C, section
271CA, section 271D or section 271E;
v. an order made by a Deputy Commissioner or a Deputy Director imposing a penalty under
section 272A;
w. an order made by a Deputy Commissioner imposing a penalty under section 272AA;
x. an order imposing a penalty under Chapter XXI;
y. an order made by an Assessing Officer other than a Deputy Commissioner under the provisions
of this Act in the case of such person or class of persons, as the Board may, having regard to the
nature of the cases, the complexities involved and other relevant considerations, direct.

DIRECT TAXATION 338


1. Appeal by a person denying liability to deduct tax in certain cases [Section 248]:
Where under an agreement or other arrangement, the tax deductible on any income, other than
interest, under section 195 is to be borne by the person by whom the income is payable, and such
person having paid such tax to the credit of the Central Government, claims that no tax was required
to be deducted on such income, he may appeal to the Commissioner (Appeals) for a declaration that
no tax was deductible on such income.

2. Time-limit for presenting an appeal [Section 249]:


Under section 249(2), the appeal should be presented within 30 days of the following date:
(a) Where appeal is under section 248 [see above] the date of payment of tax.
(b) Where the appeal relates to any assessment or penalty, the date of service of notice of demand
relating to the assessment or penalty.
(c) In any other case, the date on which intimation of the order sought to be appealed against is
served.
Note that, where an application is made under section 146 for reopening an assessment, the period
from the date on which the application is made to the date on which the order passed on the
application is served on the assessee shall be excluded from the aforesaid time-limit. Similarly, where
an application has been made under sub-section (1) of section 270AA, the period beginning from
the date on which the application is made, to the date on which the order rejecting the application
is served on the assessee, shall be excluded.

The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) may admit belated application on sufficient cause being
shown. Application for condonation of delay in filing the appeal, giving the reasons for the delay, along
with necessary evidences should be filed with Form No. 35 (i.e., form of appeal). The Commissioner of
Income-tax (Appeals) can condone the delay in filing the appeal if genuine reason exists for delay
[Section 249(3)].

3. Procedure in appeals [Section 250]: The procedures for appeal are as under:
(a) The Commissioner (Appeals) shall fix a day and place for the hearing of the appeal, and shall give
notice of the same to the appellant and to the Assessing Officer against whose order the appeal is
preferred.
(b) The following shall have the right to be heard at the hearing of the appeal:
(i) the appellant, either in person or by an authorized representative;
(ii) the Assessing Officer, either in person or by a representative.
(c) The Commissioner (Appeals) shall have the power to adjourn the hearing of the appeal from time
to time.
(d) The Commissioner (Appeals) may, before disposing of any appeal, make such further inquiry as he
thinks fit, or may direct the Assessing Officer to make further inquiry and report the result of the
same to the Commissioner (Appeals).
(e) The Commissioner (Appeals) may, at the hearing of an appeal, allow the appellant to go into any
ground of appeal not specified in the grounds of appeal, if the Commissioner (Appeals) is satisfied
that the omission of that ground from the form of appeal was not willful or unreasonable.
(f) The order of the Commissioner (Appeals) disposing of the appeal shall be in writing and shall state
the points for determination, the decision thereon and the reason for the decision.
(g) In every appeal, the Commissioner (Appeals), where it is possible, may hear and decide such
appeal within a period of one year from the end of the financial year in which such appeal is filed
before him under sub-section (1) of section 246A.
(h) On the disposal of the appeal, the Commissioner (Appeals) shall communicate the order passed
by him to the assessee and to the Principal Chief Commissioner or] Chief Commissioner or Principal
Commissioner or] Commissioner.

4. Form of appeal [Rule 45]: The form of appeal, as amended by the new Rule 45, shall be in Form No.
35. Further, e-filing of Form has been made mandatory for persons for whom e-filing of return of income
is mandatory.

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5. Other considerations: An appeal shall be subject to the following considerations:

A. Pre-deposit of tax: Before filing the appeal, the taxpayer should pay the tax determined as per the
return of income filed by him.

B. Fees: u/s 249(1), an appeal shall be accompanied by payment of fees as under:


Where assessed income (i.e. total income as determined by the Assessing Officer) is: Amount of fees
Not more than ` 1,00,000 ` 250
More than ` 1,00,000 but less than ` 2,00,000 ` 500
More than ` 2,00,000 ` 1,000
Where the subject matter of appeal is not covered under any one of the above ` 250

C. Documents to be submitted for appeal: The following documents shall be submitted:


 Form No. 35 (including statement of facts and grounds of Appeal) – in duplicate (e-filing has been
made mandatory for persons for whom e-filing of return of income is mandatory w.e.f 1st March
2016).
 One certified copy of order, appealed against.
 Notice of demand in original.
 Copy of challans of fees the details of the challan (i.e., BSR code, date of payment of fee, serial
number and amount of fee) are required to be furnished in case of e-filing of form of appeal.

27.3 Appellate Tribunal [ Section 252- 255]

The provisions of the Act in this regards are as under:


1. Constitution of the Appellate Tribunal : The Central Government shall constitute an Appellate Tribunal
consisting of as many members of the following categories as it might think fit:
(a) Judicial members: Who must have held at least for 10 years a judicial office in the territory of India;
or must have been a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade II or any equivalent or higher post
for at least three years; or must have been an advocate for at least 10 years.
(b) Accountant members: who must have a minimum 10 years‘ experience in the practice of
accountancy as a Chartered Accountant; or must have been a member of the Indian Income-tax
Service, Group A and must have held the post of Additional Commissioner of Income-tax or any
equivalent or higher post for at least three years.
(c) Vice-president: The Government shall appoint one or more members of the Tribunal to be the Vice-
President or Vice-Presidents thereof. The Central Government may appoint one of the Vice-Presidents
to be the Senior Vice-President. The Senior Vice-President or a Vice- President shall exercise such of the
powers and perform such of the functions of the President as may be delegated to him by the
President in writing.
(d) President: The president of the Appellate Tribunal shall be a person who is a sitting or retired judge of
High Court who has completed not less than 7 years of service as judge in a High Court or one of the
Vice-presidents of the Appellate tribunal may be appointed as the president of the Appellate Tribunal.

2. Appeals to the Appellate Tribunal [Section 253]: An assessee aggrieved by any of the following orders
may appeal to the Appellate Tribunal against such order:
(a) an order passed by an Assessing Officer under section 115VZC (1); or
(b) an order passed by a Principal Commissioner or] Commissioner under section 12AA or under clause
(vi) of sub-section (5) of section 80G or under section 263 or under section 270Aor under section 271
or under section 272A or an order passed by him under section 154 amending his order under
section 263 or an order passed by a Principal Chief Commissioner or] Chief Commissioner or a
Principal Director General or] Director General or a Principal Director or Director under section
272A; or
(c) an order passed by an Assessing Officer under sub-section (3), of section 143 or section 147 or
section 153A or section 153C in pursuance of the directions of the Dispute Resolution Panel or an
order passed under section 154 in respect of such order;

DIRECT TAXATION 340


(d) an order passed by an Assessing Officer under section 143(3) or section 147 or section 153A or
section 153C with the approval of the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner as referred to in
section 144BA (12) or an order passed under section 154 or section 155 in respect of such order;
(e) an order passed by the prescribed authority under sub-clause (vi) or sub-clause (via) of section 10
(23C).

3. Time-limit for filing an appeal or memorandum of cross objection [ 253(3); 250(4)]:


Every appeal as mentioned above shall be filed within sixty days of the date on which the order sought
to be appealed against is communicated to the assessee or to the Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner, as the case may be.
However, the Assessing Officer or the assessee, as the case may be, on receipt of notice that an
appeal against the order of the Commissioner (Appeals), has been preferred by the other party, may,
notwithstanding that he may not have appealed against such order or any part thereof, within thirty
days of the receipt of the notice, file a memorandum of cross-objections, verified in the prescribed
manner, against any part of the order of the Commissioner (Appeals), and such memorandum shall be
disposed of by the Appellate Tribunal as if it were an appeal presented within the time specified in sub-
section (3), i.e. 60 days as mentioned above.

4. Fees for appeal [Section 253(6)]: An appeal to the Appellate Tribunal shall be accompanied by the
prescribed fees. However, due to the amendment of section 253(6) with retrospective effect from
1.7.2012 (vide Finance Act 2016), no fees are required to be paid if an appeal is made for the aforesaid
reasons.

5. Procedures of Appellate Tribunal [Section 255]: The procedures for appeal is as under:
(1) The powers and functions of the Appellate Tribunal may be exercised and discharged by Benches
constituted by the President of the Appellate Tribunal from among the members thereof.
(2) Subject to the provisions contained in (3) below, a Bench shall consist of one judicial member and
one accountant member.
(3) The President or any other member of the Appellate Tribunal authorized in this behalf by the
Central Government may, sitting singly, dispose of any case which has been allotted to the Bench
of which he is a member and which pertains to an assessee whose total income as computed by
the Assessing Officer in the case does not exceed fifty lakh rupees, and the President may, for the
disposal of any particular case, constitute a Special Bench consisting of three or more members,
one of whom shall necessarily be a judicial member and one an accountant member.
(4) If the members of a Bench differ in opinion on any point, the point shall be decided according to
the opinion of the majority, if there is a majority, but if the members are equally divided, they shall
state the point or points on which they differ, and the case shall be referred by the President of the
Appellate Tribunal for hearing on such point or points by one or more of the other members of the
Appellate Tribunal, and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion of the
majority of the members of the Appellate Tribunal who have heard the case, including those who
first heard it.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Appellate Tribunal shall have power to regulate its own
procedure and the procedure of Benches thereof in all matters arising out of the exercise of its
powers or of the discharge of its functions, including the places at which the Benches shall hold
their sittings.
(6) The Appellate Tribunal shall, for the purpose of discharging its functions, have all the powers which
are vested in the income-tax authorities referred to in section 131, and any proceeding before the
Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 193
and 228 and for the purpose of section 196 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), and the
Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for all the purposes of section 195 and
Chapter XXXV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 .

DIRECT TAXATION 341


27.4 APPEAL TO HIGH COURT [SECTIONS 260A- 260B]

The provisions relating to appeal to the high Court is as under:


 An appeal shall lie to the High Court from every order passed in appeal by the Appellate Tribunal
before the date of establishment of the National Tax Tribunal, if the High Court is satisfied that the
case involves a substantial question of law.
 The Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner or the Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner or an assessee aggrieved by any order passed by the Appellate Tribunal may file an
appeal to the High Court and such appeal under this sub-section shall be filed within one hundred
and twenty days from the date on which the order appealed against is received by the assessee
or the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner or Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner.
 Where the High Court is satisfied that a substantial question of law is involved in any case, it shall
formulate that question.
 The High Court shall decide the question of law so formulated and deliver such judgment thereon
containing the grounds on which such decision is founded and may award such cost as it deems
fit.
 When an appeal has been filed before the High Court, it shall be heard by a bench of not less than
two Judges of the High Court, and shall be decided in accordance with the opinion of such
Judges or of the majority, if any, of such Judges. Where there is no such majority, the Judges shall
state the point of law upon which they differ and the case shall then be heard upon that point only
by one or more of the other Judges of the High Court and such point shall be decided according
to the opinion of the majority of the Judges who have heard the case including those who first
heard it.

27.5 APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT [SECTIONS 261-262]

The Supreme Court being the Apex Court in the country, an appeal against the judgment of the High
Court shall lie provided that the High Court certifies it to be fit one for appeal to the Supreme Court. The
costs of appeal shall be at the discretion of the Supreme Court.

27.6 SPECIAL PROVISION FOR AVOIDING REPETITIVE APPEAL [SECTION 158A]

This section applies when the assessee claims identical question law is pending before High Court or the
Supreme Court. Accordingly, where an assessee claims that any question of law arising in his case for
an assessment year which is pending before the Assessing Officer or any appellate authority is identical
with a question of law arising in his case for another assessment year which is pending before the High
Court on a reference under section 256 or before the Supreme Court on a reference under section 257
or in appeal under section 260A before the High Court or in appeal under section 261 before the
Supreme Court , he may furnish to the Assessing Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be,
a declaration in the prescribed form and verified in the prescribed manner, that if the Assessing Officer
or the appellate authority, as the case may be, agrees to apply in the relevant case the final decision
on the question of law in the other case, he shall not raise such question of law in the relevant case in
appeal before any appellate authority or in appeal before the High Court under section 260A or in
appeal before the Supreme Court under section 261.

27.7 REVISION OF ORDERS PREJUDICIAL TO REVENUE [SECTION 263]

The Principal Commissioner or Commissioner may call for and examine the record of any proceeding
under this Act, and if he considers that any order passed therein by the Assessing Officer is erroneous in

DIRECT TAXATION 342


so far as it is prejudicial to the interests of the revenue, he may, after giving the assessee an opportunity
of being heard and after making or causing to be made such inquiry as he deems necessary, pass
such order thereon as the circumstances of the case justify, including an order enhancing or modifying
the assessment, or cancelling the assessment and directing a fresh assessment [Section 263(1)].
 No order shall be made under sub-section (1) after the expiry of two years from the end of the
financial year in which the order sought to be revised was passed.
 An order in revision under this section may be passed at any time in the case of an order which has
been passed in consequence of, or to give effect to, any finding or direction contained in an order
of the Appellate Tribunal, the High Court or the Supreme Court. However, an order in revision under
this section may be passed at any time in the case of an order which has been passed in
consequence of, or to give effect to, any finding or direction contained in an order of the Appellate
Tribunal, the High Court or the Supreme Court.

27.8 REVISION OF OTHER ORDERS [SECTION 264]

The provisions of section 264 are as under:


 In the case of any order (other than an order to which section 263 applies) passed by an authority
subordinate to him, the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner may, either of his own motion or
on an application by the assessee for revision, call for the record of any proceeding under this Act
in which any such order has been passed and may make such inquiry or cause such inquiry to be
made and, subject to the provisions of this Act, may pass such order thereon, not being an order
prejudicial to the assessee, as he thinks fit.
 The Principal Commissioner or Commissioner shall not of his own motion revise any order under this
section if the order has been made more than one year previously.
 In the case of an application for revision under this section by the assessee, the application must be
made within one year from the date on which the order in question was communicated to him or
the date on which he otherwise came to know of it, whichever is earlier. However, the Principal
Commissioner or Commissioner may, if he is satisfied that the assessee was prevented by sufficient
cause from making the application within that period, admit an application made after the expiry
of that period.
 Every application by an assessee for revision under this section shall be accompanied by a fee of
five hundred rupees.
 On every application by an assessee for revision under this sub-section, an order shall be passed
within one year from the end of the financial year in which such application is made by the
assessee for revision.

1. When revision of orders not applicable [Section 264(4)]: The Principal Commissioner or Commissioner
shall not revise any order under this section in the following cases:
(a) where an appeal against the order lies to the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals) or to the
Commissioner (Appeals) or to the Appellate Tribunal but has not been made and the time within
which such appeal may be made has not expired, or, in the case of an appeal to the
Commissioner (Appeals) or to the Appellate Tribunal, the assessee has not waived his right of
appeal; or
(b) where the order is pending on an appeal before the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals);or
(c) where the order has been made the subject of an appeal to the Commissioner (Appeals) or to the
Appellate Tribunal.

Multiple Choice Questions


1. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) is the ……. appellate authority.
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth
Answer: (a) First

DIRECT TAXATION 343


2. Section ………… specifies the orders against which an appeal can be filed before the
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals).
(a) 261
(b) 260A
(c) 253
(d) 246A
Answer: (d) 246A.

3. An appeal to the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) shall be filed in Form No……


(a) 34B
(b)35
(c) 34C
(d) 28
Answer: (b) 35.

4. Where assessed income (i.e. total income as determined in the assessment) is more than ` 1,00,000
but less than ` 2,00,000, the fees for filing the appeal before the Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) is ……..
(a) ` 250
(b) ` 500
(c) ` 1,000
(d) ` 10,000
Answer: (b) ` 500.

5. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeal) shall dispose of the appeal within a period of ………
from the end of the financial year in which appeal is filed.
(a) 3 months
(b) 6 months
(c) 1 year
(d) 2 years
Answer: (c) 1 year.

6. A judicial member of an Appellate Tribunal shall be a person who has for at least….years held a
judicial office in the territory of India.
(a) 10 years
(b) 12 years
(c) 15 years
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) 10 years.

PART – B

27.9 TAX DEMAND [SECTION 156]

In the Study Note No. 26 [para 10], it has already been discussed that when any tax, interest, penalty,
fine or any other sum is payable in consequence of any order passed under this Act, the Assessing
Officer shall serve upon the assessee a notice of demand in the prescribed form (Form No. 7 or, as the
case may be, Form No. 28) specifying the sum payable. In default of such payment by the assessee, it
shall be recovered from the assessee in the manner provided in Chapter XVII-D of the Income-tax Act
for recovery of arrears of tax as under.

Points to consider:

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 Where any notice of demand has been served upon an assessee and any appeal or other
proceeding, as the case may be, is filed or initiated in respect of the amount specified in the said
notice of demand, then, such demand shall be deemed to be valid till the disposal of the appeal
by the last appellate authority or disposal of the proceedings, as the case may be, and any such
notice of demand shall have the effect as specified in section 3 of the Taxation Laws (Continuation
and Validation of Recovery Proceedings) Act, 1964 (11 of 1964) [Section 220(1A)].
 Subject to the provisos to section 220(2), If the amount specified in any notice of demand under
section 156 is not paid within thirty days of the service of the notice, the assessee shall be liable to
pay simple interest at one per cent for every month or part of a month comprised in the period
commencing from the day immediately following the end of the period mentioned in sub-section
(1) and ending with the day on which the amount is paid.

27.10 CERTIFICATE TO TAX RECOVERY OFFICER [SECTION 222]

When an assessee is in default or is deemed to be in default in making a payment of tax, the Tax
Recovery Officer may draw up under his signature a statement in the prescribed form specifying the
number of arrears due from the assessee and shall proceed to recover from such assessee the amount
specified in the certificate by one or more of the modes mentioned below:
(a) attachment and sale of the assessee's movable property;
(b) attachment and sale of the assessee's immovable property;
(c) arrest of the assessee and his detention in prison;
(d) appointing a receiver for the management of the assessee's movable and immovable properties.

27.11 VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATE [SECTION 224]

It shall not be open to the assessee to dispute the correctness of any certificate drawn up by the Tax
Recovery Officer on any ground whatsoever, but it shall be lawful for the Tax Recovery Officer to
cancel the certificate if, for any reason, he thinks it necessary so to do, or to correct any clerical or
arithmetical mistake therein.

27.12 OTHER MODES OF RECOVERY [SECTION 226]

Where no certificate has been drawn up under section 222, the Assessing Officer may recover the tax
by any one or more of the modes mentioned below:
(a) Attachment of salary [Section 226(2)]: If any assessee is in receipt of any income chargeable under
the head "Salaries", the Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery Officer may require any person paying the
same to deduct from any payment subsequent to the date of such requisition any arrears of tax due
from such assessee, and such person shall comply with any such requisition and shall pay the sum so
deducted to the credit of the Central Government or as the Board directs. However, any part of the
salary exempt from attachment in execution of a decree of a civil court under section 60 of the Code
of Civil Procedure, 1908, shall be exempt from any requisition made under this sub-section.

(b) Notice to any other person [Section 226(3)]: The Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery Officer may, at
any time or from time to time, by notice in writing require any person from whom money is due or may
become due to the assessee or any person who holds or may subsequently hold money for or on
account of the assessee to pay to the Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery Officer either forthwith upon
the money becoming due or being held or at or within the time specified in the notice (so much of the
money as is sufficient to pay the amount due by the assessee in respect of arrears or the whole of the
money when it is equal to or less than that amount.

If the person to whom a notice is sent fails to make payment in pursuance thereof to the Assessing
Officer or Tax Recovery Officer, he shall be deemed to be an assessee in default in respect of the
amount specified in the notice and further proceedings may be taken against him for the realization of

DIRECT TAXATION 345


the amount as if it were an arrear of tax due from him, in the manner provided in sections 222 to 225
and the notice shall have the same effect as an attachment of a debt by the Tax Recovery Officer in
exercise of his powers under section 222.
(c) Recovery from money lying with the court [Section 222(4)]: The Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery
Officer may apply to the court in whose custody there is money belonging to the assessee for payment
to him of the entire amount of such money, or, if it is more than the tax due, an amount sufficient to
discharge the tax.
(d) Recovery by distraint and sale [Section 226(5)]: The Assessing Officer or Tax Recovery Officer may, if
so authorized by the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner or Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner by general or special order, recover any arrears of tax due from an assessee by distraint
and sale of his movable property in the manner laid down in the Third Schedule.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Notice under section 156 is given for:


A. Failure to submit return
B. Tax demand
C. Deferment of tax
D. None of these

2. The notice of demand under section 156 shall be in Form No.


A. 28
B. Form No. 7
C. Form No. 10
D. Form No. 29

3. The mode of tax recovery under section 222 includes arrest and detention of the assessee.
A. True
B. False

4. The correctness of certificate prepared by the Tax Recovery Officer (TRO) may be disputed by the
assessee:
A. True
B. False

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STUDY NOTE : 28
PENALTIES, FINES AND PROSECUTION

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


28.1 Penalties and fines
28.2 Prosecution

28.1 PENALTIES AND FINES

Chapter XXI of the Income-tax Act deals with the penal provisions as under:

1. Penalty for under reporting or misreporting of Income [Section 270A]: Under section 270A, the
assessee will be held liable for penalty. The rate of penalty shall be fifty per cent of the tax payable on
under-reported income. However, in a case where under-reporting of income results from misreporting
of income, the assessee shall be liable for penalty at the rate of two hundred per cent of the tax
payable on such misreported income.

 What constitutes misreporting of income: A person shall be considered to have under-reported his
income, if:
(a) the income assessed is greater than the income determined in the return processed under clause
(a) of sub-section (1) of section 143;
(b) the income assessed is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return
of income has been furnished;
(c) the income reassessed is greater than the income assessed or reassessed immediately before such
reassessment;
(d) the amount of deemed total income assessed or reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB
or section 115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income determined in the
return processed under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143;
(e) the amount of deemed total income assessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section
115JC is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has
been filed;
(f) the amount of deemed total income reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section
115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income assessed or reassessed
immediately before such reassessment;
(g) the income assessed or reassessed has the effect of reducing the loss or converting such loss into
income.

 Amount of under-reported income [Section 270A (3)]: The amount of under-reported income shall
be, —
(i) in a case where income has been assessed for the first time:
(a) if return has been furnished, the difference between the amount of income assessed and the
amount of income determined under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143;
(b) in a case where no return has been furnished, —
(A) the amount of income assessed, in the case of a company, firm or local authority; and
(B) the difference between the amount of income assessed and the maximum amount not
chargeable to tax, in a case not covered in item (A);
(ii) in any other case, the difference between the amount of income reassessed or recomputed and
the amount of income assessed, reassessed or recomputed in a preceding order.

 Cases of misreporting of income [ Section 270A (9)]:


The cases of misreporting of income shall be the following:
(a) misrepresentation or suppression of facts;
(b) failure to record investments in the books of account;
(c) claim of expenditure not substantiated by any evidence;
(d) recording of any false entry in the books of account;

DIRECT TAXATION 347


(e) failure to record any receipt in books of account having a bearing on total income; and
(f) failure to report any international transaction or any transaction deemed to be an international
transaction or any specified domestic transaction, to which the provisions of Chapter X apply.

 Immunity from imposition of penalty [ Section 270AA]: An assessee may make an application to
the Assessing Officer to grant immunity from imposition of penalty under section 270A and initiation of
proceedings under section 276C or section 276CC, if he fulfills the following conditions:
(a) the tax and interest payable as per the order of assessment or reassessment under sub-section (3)
of section 143 or section 147, as the case may be, has been paid within the period specified in such
notice of demand; and
(b) no appeal against the order referred to in clause (a) has been filed.

An application referred to in sub-section (1) shall be made within one month from the end of the month
in which the order referred to in (a) above has been received. The Assessing Officer shall, within a
period of one month from the end of the month in which the application for immunity is received, pass
an order accepting or rejecting such application.

2. Failure to keep, maintain or retain books of account, documents, etc. [Section 271A]: If any person
fails to keep and maintain any such books of account and other documents as required by section
44AA or the rules made thereunder, in respect of any previous year or to retain such books of account
and other documents for the period specified in the said rules, the Assessing Officer or the
Commissioner (Appeals) may direct that such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of twenty-five
thousand rupees.

3. Penalty for failure to keep and maintain information and document, etc., in respect of certain
transactions [Section 271AA]: If any person in respect of an international transaction or specified
domestic transaction:
(i) fails to keep and maintain any such information and document as required by section 92D (1) or
92D(2);
(ii) fails to report such transaction which he is required to do so; or
(iii) maintains or furnishes an incorrect information or document, the Assessing Officer or Commissioner
(Appeals) may direct that such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to two per cent of
the value of each international transaction or specified domestic transaction entered into by such
person.

Besides, with effect from the assessment year 2017-18, If any person fails to furnish the information and
the document as required under section 92D(4), the Assessing Officer or Commissioner (Appeal) may
direct that such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of ` 5 lakh.

4. Penalty where search has been initiated [Section 271AAB]: In a case where search has been initiated
under section 132,in addition to tax, the assessee shall pay the following penalty:
(a) a sum computed at the rate of ten per cent of the undisclosed income of the specified previous
year, if such assessee:
(i) in the course of the search, in a statement under section 132(4) admits the undisclosed income
and specifies the manner in which such income has been derived;
(ii) substantiates the manner in which the undisclosed income was derived; and
(iii) on or before the specified date:
(A) pays the tax, together with interest, if any, in respect of the undisclosed income; and
(B) furnishes the return of income for the specified previous year declaring such undisclosed
income therein;

(b) a sum computed at the rate of twenty per cent of the undisclosed income of the specified
previous year, if such assessee:
(i) in the course of the search, in a statement under section 132(4), does not admit the
undisclosed income; and
(ii) on or before the specified date:
(A) declares such income in the return of income furnished for the specified previous year; and
(B) pays the tax, together with interest, if any, in respect of the undisclosed income;

DIRECT TAXATION 348


(c) a sum which shall not be less than thirty per cent but which shall not exceed ninety per cent of the
undisclosed income of the specified previous year, if it is not covered by the provisions of clauses
(a) and (b) above.

However, no penalty under the provisions of section 270A or clause (c) of section 271(1) shall be
imposed upon the assessee in respect of the undisclosed income referred to above.

5. Failure to get accounts audited [Section 271B]: If any person fails to get his accounts audited in
respect of any previous year or years relevant to an assessment year or furnish a report of such audit as
required under section 44AB, the Assessing Officer may direct that such person shall pay, by way of
penalty, a sum equal to one-half per cent of the total sales, turnover or gross receipts, as the case may
be, in business, or of the gross receipts in profession, in such previous year or years or a sum of one
hundred fifty thousand rupees, whichever is less.

6. Penalty for failure to furnish report under section 92E [Section 271BA]: If any person fails to furnish a
report from an accountant as required by section 92E, the Assessing Officer may direct that such
person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of one hundred thousand rupees.

7. Failure to subscribe to the eligible issue of capital [Section 271BB]: Whoever fails to subscribe any
amount of subscription to the units issued under any scheme referred to in section 88A(1) to the eligible
issue of capital under that sub-section within the period of six months specified therein, may be
directed by the Joint Commissioner to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to twenty per cent of such
amount.

8. Penalty for failure to deduct tax at source [Section 271C]: If any person fails to:
(a) deduct the whole or any part of the tax as required by or under the provisions of Chapter XVII-B; or
(b) pay the whole or any part of the tax as required by or under:
(i) section 115-O (2); or
(ii) the second proviso to section 194B,
then, such person shall be liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to the amount of tax which
such person failed to deduct or pay as aforesaid.

9. Penalty for failure to collect tax at source [Section 271CA]: If any person fails to collect the whole or
any part of the tax as required by or under the provisions of Chapter XVII-BB, then, such person shall be
liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to the amount of tax which such person failed to collect
as aforesaid.

10. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of section 269SS [Section 271D]:
If a person takes or accepts any loan or deposit or specified sum in contravention of the provisions of
section 269SS, he shall be liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to the amount of the loan or
deposit or specified sum so taken or accepted.

11. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of section 269T [Section 271E]: If a person repays
any loan or deposit or specified advance referred to in section 269T otherwise than in accordance with
the provisions of that section, he shall be liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to the amount
of the loan or deposit or specified advance] so repaid.

12. Penalty for failure to furnish return of income [Section 271F]: If a person who is required to furnish a
return of his income, as required under section 139 (1) or by the provisos to that sub-section, fails to
furnish such return before the end of the relevant assessment year, the Assessing Officer may direct that
such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of five thousand rupees.

13. Penalty for failure to furnish statement of financial transaction or reportable account [Section 271FA]:
If a person who is required to furnish a statement of financial transaction or reportable account under
section 285BA (1), fails to furnish such statement within the time prescribed under sub-section (2)
thereof, the income-tax authority prescribed under said sub-section (1) may direct that such person
shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of one hundred rupees for every day during which such failure
continues:

DIRECT TAXATION 349


However, where such person fails to furnish the statement within the period specified in the notice
issued under section 285BA (5), he shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of five hundred rupees for every
day during which the failure continues, beginning from the day immediately following the day on
which the time specified in such notice for furnishing the statement expires

14. Penalty for furnishing inaccurate statement of financial transaction or reportable account [271FAA]
:If a prescribed reporting financial institution referred to in section 285BA (1)(k) which is required to
furnish a statement under that section, provides inaccurate information in the statement, and where:
(a) the inaccuracy is due to a failure to comply with the due diligence requirement prescribed under
section 285BA (7) or is deliberate on the part of that person; or
(b) the person knows of the inaccuracy at the time of furnishing the statement of financial transaction
or reportable account, but does not inform the prescribed income-tax authority or such other
authority or agency; or
(c) the person discovers the inaccuracy after the statement of financial transaction or reportable
account is furnished and fails to inform and furnish correct information within the time specified
under sub-section (6) of section 285BA, then, the prescribed income-tax authority may direct that
such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of fifty thousand rupees.

15. Penalty for failure to furnish statement or information or document by an eligible investment fund
[271FAB]: If any eligible investment fund which is required to furnish a statement or any information or
document, as required under section 9A(5) fails to furnish such statement or information or document
within the time prescribed under that sub-section, the income-tax authority prescribed under the said
sub-section may direct that such fund shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of five hundred thousand
rupees.

16. Penalty for failure to furnish information or document under section 92D [271G]: If any person who
has entered into an international transaction or specified domestic transaction fails to furnish any such
information or document as required by section 92D(3), the Assessing Officer or the Transfer Pricing
Officer as referred to in section 92CA or the Commissioner (Appeals) may direct that such person shall
pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to two per cent of the value of the international transaction or
specified domestic transaction for each such failure.

17. Penalty for failure to furnish information or document under section 285A [ 271GA]: If any Indian
concern, which is required to furnish any information or document under section 285A, fails to do so,
the income-tax authority, as may be prescribed under the said section, may direct that such Indian
concern shall pay, by way of penalty:
(i) a sum equal to two per cent of the value of the transaction in respect of which such failure has
taken place, if such transaction had the effect of directly or indirectly transferring the right of
management or control in relation to the Indian concern;
(ii) a sum of five hundred thousand rupees in any other case.

18. Penalty for failure to furnish report or for furnishing inaccurate report under section 286 in respect of
international group [Section 271GB]:
(a) If any reporting entity referred to in section 286, which is required to furnish the report referred to in
sub-section (2) of the said section, in respect of a reporting accounting year, fails to do so, shall
pay, by way of penalty as under:
 ` 5,000 for every day for which the failure continues if the failure continues beyond a period of
one month ;
 fifteen thousand rupees for every day for which the failure continues beyond the period of one
month.
(b) Where any reporting entity referred to in section 286 fails to produce the information and
documents within the period allowed under sub-section (6) of the said section, the prescribed
authority may direct that such entity shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of five thousand rupees for
every day during which the failure continues, beginning from the day immediately following the
day on which the period for furnishing the information and document expires.

DIRECT TAXATION 350


(c) If the failure as aforesaid continues after an order has been served on the entity, directing it to pay
the penalty in (a) or, (b) above, then, the prescribed authority may direct that such entity shall pay,
by way of penalty, a sum of fifty thousand rupees for every day for which such failure continues
beginning from the date of service of such order.
(d) Where a reporting entity referred to in section 286 provides inaccurate information in the report
furnished in accordance with sub-section (2) of the said section and where—
(i) the entity has knowledge of the inaccuracy at the time of furnishing the report but fails to inform
the prescribed authority; or
(ii) the entity discovers the inaccuracy after the report is furnished and fails to inform the prescribed
authority and furnish correct report within a period of fifteen days of such discovery; or
(i) the entity furnishes inaccurate information or document in response to the notice issued under sub-
section (6) of section 286, then, the prescribed authority may direct that such person shall pay, by
way of penalty, a sum of five lakh rupees.

19. Penalty for failure to furnish statements [Section 271-H]: If a person fails to:
(a) to deliver or cause to be delivered a statement within the time prescribed in sub-section (3) of
section 200 or the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 206C; or
(b) furnishes incorrect information in the statement which is required to be delivered or caused to be
delivered under sub-section (3) of section 200 or the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 206C, the
amount of penalty shall be ` Not less than ` 10,000 but it can go up to ` 10,000.

20. Penalty for failure to furnish information or furnishing inaccurate information under section 195 [271-
I]: If a person, who is required to furnish information under section 195(6) for payment to a non-resident
(not being a company), fails to furnish such information, or furnishes inaccurate information, the
Assessing Officer may direct that such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of one lakh rupees.

21. Penalty for failure to answer questions, sign statements, furnish information, returns or statements,
allow inspections, etc. [Section 272A]:
A. If any person:
(a) being legally bound to state the truth of any matter touching the subject of his assessment, refuses
to answer any question put to him by an income-tax authority in the exercise of its powers under
this Act; or
(b) refuses to sign any statement made by him in the course of any proceedings under this Act, which
an income-tax authority may legally require him to sign; or
(c) to whom a summons is issued under section 131(1) either to attend to give evidence or produce
books of account or other documents at a certain place and time omits to attend or produce
books of account or documents at the place or time
(d) fails to comply with a notice under section 142 (1) or section 143(2) or fails to comply with a
direction issued under sub-section (2A) of section 142 (2A), he shall pay,
by way of penalty, a sum of ten thousand rupees for each such default or failure.

B. If any person fails:


(a) to comply with a notice issued under section 94(6); or
(b) to give the notice of discontinuance of his business or profession as required by section 176(3); or
(c) to furnish in due time any of the returns, statements or particulars mentioned in section 133 or
section 206 or section 206C or section 285B; or
(d) to allow inspection of any register referred to in section 134 or of any entry in such register or to
allow copies of such register or of any entry therein to be taken; or
(e) to furnish the return of income which he is required to furnish under sub-section (4A) or sub-section
(4C) of section 139 or to furnish it within the time allowed and in the manner required under those
sub-sections; or
(f) to deliver or cause to be delivered in due time a copy of the declaration mentioned in section
197A; or
(g) to furnish a certificate as required by section 203 or section 206C; or
(h) to deduct and pay tax as required by sub-section (2) of section 226;

DIRECT TAXATION 351


(i) to furnish a statement as required by sub-section (2C) of section 192;
(j) to deliver or cause to be delivered in due time a copy of the declaration referred to in sub-section
(1A) of section 206C;
(k) to deliver or cause to be delivered a copy of the statement within the time specified in sub-section
(3) of section 200 or the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 206C;
(l) to deliver or cause to be delivered the statements within the time specified in sub-section (1) of
section 206A;
(m) to deliver or cause to be delivered a statement within the time as may be prescribed under sub-
section (2A) of section 200 or sub-section (3A) of section 206C,
he shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of one hundred rupees for every day during which the failure
continues. However, the amount of penalty for failures in relation to a declaration mentioned in section
197A, a certificate as required by section 203d and returns under sections 206 and 206C and
statements under sub-section (2A) or sub-section (3) of section 200 or the proviso to sub-section (3) or
under sub-section (3A) of section 206C shall not exceed the amount of tax deductible or collectible, as
the case may be.

22. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of section 133B [272AA]:
If a person fails to comply with the provisions of section 133B, he shall, on an order passed by the Joint
Commissioner, Assistant Director or Deputy Director or the Assessing Officer, as the case may be, pay,
by way of penalty, a sum which may extend to one thousand rupees.

23. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of section 139A [272B]: If a person fails to comply
with the provisions of section 139A, the Assessing Officer may direct that such person shall pay, by way
of penalty, a sum of ten thousand rupees.
Besides, if a person who is required to quote his permanent account number in any document referred
to in section 139A (5)(c), or to intimate such number as required by sub-section (5A) or sub-section (5C)
of that section, quotes or intimates a number which is false, and which he either knows or believes to
be false or does not believe to be true, the Assessing Officer may direct that such person shall pay, by
way of penalty, a sum of ten thousand rupees.

24. Penalty for failure to comply with the provisions of section 203A [272BB]:
If a person fails to comply with the provisions of section 203A, he shall, on an order passed by the
Assessing Officer, pay, by way of penalty, a sum of ten thousand rupees. Besides, If a person who is
required to quote his "tax deduction account number" or, as the case may be, "tax collection account
number" or "tax deduction and collection account number" in the challans or certificates or statements
or other documents referred to in sub-section (2) of section 203A, quotes a number which is false, and
which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, the Assessing Officer may
direct that such person shall pay, by way of penalty, a sum of ten thousand rupees.

28.2 PROSECUTION

Apart from the extensive penal measures, the Income-tax Act contains several measures leading to
prosecution and imprisonment. These provisions are contained in Chapter XXII as under:

1. Removing, parting or otherwise dealing with seized assets [Section 275A]: Under section 132(3) where
the Income-tax authorities seize any books of account, property, etc. and due to the size, physical
characteristics these properties cannot be removed, then such authorities may pass an order upon the
owner of such properties not to remove or deal with the confiscated properties. Failure to comply with
this order shall invite punishment with rigorous imprisonment up to 2 years.

2. Failure to provide the authorized officer with facility to inspect, books of account, etc. maintained in
the form of electronic records [Section 275B]: Any violation of the this requirement as envisaged in
section 132(1)(iib), shall be punishable, in addition to fine, with rigorous imprisonment up to 2 years.

DIRECT TAXATION 352


3. Removal, concealment, transfer or delivery of property to thwart tax recovery [Section 276]:
Whoever fraudulently removes, conceals, transfers or delivers to any person, any property or any
interest therein, intending thereby to prevent that property or interest therein from being taken in
execution of a certificate under the provisions of the Second Schedule shall be punishable with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine.

4. Failure to give intimation about appointment as liquidator or removing properties of a company by


such person [ Section 276A]: Any violation of the requirement section 178(1) requiring a liquidator of a
company to intimate the Assessing Officer or violation of the provisions contained in section 178(3) , i.e.
parting with the properties of the company by such liquidator without leave of the Income-tax
authorities, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.

5. Failure to comply with the provisions of sections 269UC, 269UE and 269UL [Section276AB]: Section
269UC requires the transferor and the transferee of certain immovable properties to enter into an
agreement at least 4 months before the date of transfer; Section 269UE deals with circumstances when
a property is vested in the Central Government following a direction u/s 268(1); and section 269UL
places restrictions on registration of immovable properties. Any failure to comply with the provisions of
these sections shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
and shall also be liable to fine.

6. Failure to pay tax to the credit of the Central Government [Section 276B]: Under the provisions of this
section, failure to deposit tax to the credit of the Central Government as required under the Chapter
XVII-B (for TDS) or u/s 115-O (Dividend distribution tax) or under the provision of the second proviso to
section 194B (winnings of lottery , etc. in kinds), shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which
shall not be less than 3months , but which may extend up to 7 years and with fine.

7. Failure to pay the tax collected at source [Section 276B]: Similar to the aforesaid provisions, failure to
pay the tax collected at source u/s 206C shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which shall not
be less than 3 months, but which may extend up to 7 years and with fine.

8. Wilful attempt to evade tax [Section 276C]:If a person wilfully attempts in any manner whatsoever to
evade any tax, penalty or interest chargeable or imposable under this Act, the punishment shall be as
under:
(i) in a case where the amount sought to be evaded or tax on under-reported income exceeds
twenty-five hundred thousand rupees, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than six months but which may extend to seven years and with fine;
(ii) in any other case, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months
but which may extend to two years and with fine.

9. Failure to furnish returns of income [ Section 276CC]: If a person willfully fails to furnish in due time the
return of income which he is required to furnish under sub-section (1) of section 139 or by notice given
under clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 142 or section 148 or section 153A, he shall be punishable
as under:
(i) in a case where the amount of tax, which would have been evaded if the failure had not been
discovered, exceeds twenty-five hundred thousand rupees, with rigorous imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years and with fine;
(ii) in any other case, with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which
may extend to two years and with fine.

10. Failure to furnish return of income in search cases. [276CCC]


If a person willfully fails to furnish in due time the return of total income which he is required to furnish by
notice given under section 158BC(c), i.e. block assessment, he shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to three years and with fine.

DIRECT TAXATION 353


11. Failure to produce accounts and documents [Section 276D]: If a person willfully fails to produce, or
cause to be produced, on or before the date specified in any notice served on him under section
142(1), such accounts and documents as are referred to in the notice or willfully fails to comply with a
direction issued to him under sub-section (2A) of that section, he shall be punishable with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine.

12. False statement in verification, etc. [Section 277]: If a person makes a statement in any verification
under this Act or under any rule made thereunder, or delivers an account or statement which is false,
and which he either knows or believes to be false, or does not believe to be true, he shall be
punishable as under:
(i) where the amount of tax, which would have been evaded if the statement or account had been
accepted as true, exceeds twenty-five hundred thousand rupees, with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years and with fine;
(ii) in any other case, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months
but which may extend to two years and with fine.

13. Falsification of books of account or document, etc. [ Section 277A]: If any person (first person)
willfully and with intent to enable any other person (second person) to evade any tax or interest or
penalty chargeable and imposable under this Act, makes or causes to be made any entry or
statement which is false and which the first person either knows to be false or does not believe to be
true, in any books of account or other document relevant to or useful in any proceedings against the
first person or the second person, under this Act, the first person shall be punishable with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to two years
and with fine.

Multiple Choice Questions :


1. If the taxpayer fails to maintain books of account as per the provisions of section 44AA, then he
shall be liable to pay penalty under section ……… of ` 25,000.
(a) 271B
(b) 271A
(c)271AA
(d) 271AB
Answer : (b) 271A

2. If a taxpayer, in spite of the requirement of section 44AB, fails to get his accounts audited, then he
shall be liable for penalty under section 271B of one-half per cent of total sales, turnover or gross
receipts, etc., or ……….., whichever is less.
(a) ` 2,00,000
(b) ` 1,50,000
(c) ` 1,00,000
(d) ` 50,000
Answer: (b) ` 1,50,000.

3. Penalty under section 271FA shall be levied for failure to file statement of financial transaction or
reportable account (previously called as Annual Information Return). Penalty under section 271FA is
` ……. for every day during which the failure continues.
(a) 500
(b) 250
(c) 100
(d) 50
Answer: (c) ` 100.

4. What is the rate of penalty for under reporting of income under Section 270A?
(a) 100%
(b) 200%

DIRECT TAXATION 354


(c) 300%
(d) 50%
Answer: (d) 50%.

5. As per section 271H, where a person fails to file the statement of tax deducted/collected at source
i.e. TDS/TCS return on or before the due dates prescribed in this regard, then he shall be liable to
pay penalty under section 271H. Minimum penalty can be levied of ` 10,000 which can go upto
`………
(a) 1,00,000
(b) 2,00,000
(c) 3,00,000
(d) 3,00,000
Answer: (a) ` 1,00,000.

6. Section 272B provides penalty in case of default by the taxpayer in complying with the provisions of
section 139A or knowingly quoting incorrect PAN in any document referred to in section 139A(5)(c)
or intimates incorrect PAN for the purpose of section 139A(5A)/(5C). Penalty under section 272B is
`…….
(a) 1,00,000
(b)50,000
(c) 50,000
(d) 10,000
Answer: (d) ` 10,000.

7. Section 272BB(1A) provides for penalty for quoting incorrect Tax Deduction Account Number or
Tax Collection Account Number (as the case may be). Penalty under section 272BB is `…..
(a) 75,000
(b) 50,000
(c) 10,000
(d) 5,000
Answer: (c) ` 10,000

8. If the taxpayer, fraudulently removes, conceals, transfers or delivers to any person, any property or
any interest therein (which can be attached, to recover his tax dues), intending thereby to prevent
that property or interest therein from being attached for recovery of tax, then prosecution
proceedings shall be initiated against such person under section ……
(a) Section 275A
(b) Section 276B
(c) Section 276
(d) Section 277
Answer: (c) Section 276.

DIRECT TAXATION 355


STUDY NOTE : 29
E-COMMERCE TRANSACTION AND LIABILITY IN SPECIAL CASES

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


29.1 Introduction
29.2 What is E-commerce?
29.3 Extent of Digital Economy in the World and its Growth in India
29.4 Challenges of Digital Economy
29.5 Impact of Taxation
29.6 Report of the Committee on Taxation to Examine the Business Models for E-Commerce
29.7 Provisions of Equalization Levy as per the Finance Act 2016
29.8 Collection and Recovery of Levy [Section 166]
29.9 Furnishing of Statement [Section 167]
29.10 Processing of Statement [Section 168]
29.11 Rectification of Mistakes [ Section 169]
29.12 Interest on Delayed Payment of Equalization Levy [Section 170]
29.13 Penalty for Failure to Deduct or Pay Equalization Levy [Section 171]
29.14 Penalty for Failure to Furnish Statement [Section 172]
29.15 Punishment for False Statement [Section 176]
29.16 Application of Certain Provisions of Income-tax Act [Section 178]
29.17 Exemption for Equalization Levy

29.1 INTRODUCTION

Digital economy and its concomitant, e-commerce, is the result of the rapid and progressive changes
in information and communication technology. No wonder that the entrepreneurs across the world
have been quick to evolve their businesses to take advantage of these changes, forcing upon them
radical departures in the ways of doing business. The growing prevalence of E-Commerce and new
services like Cloud Computing indicate the rising significance of digital economy in international
commerce. Today, E-commerce overarches international trade and commerce such that it involves all
the possible forms of business models like:
 Business-to-business model, where business sells goods and services to another business.
 Business-to-consumer model, where goods and services are sold by a business to individuals. In an
E-commerce mode, the seller may have no physical presence or offline stores or there may be
―click-and-mortar‖ business that supplemented existing consumer-facing business with online sales.
 Consumer-to-consumer model, which helps individuals to sell or rent their assets (car, residential
property, etc.) by publishing their information on website to facilitate direct transactions.

29.2 WHAT IS E-COMMERCE?

Electronic commerce, or e-commerce, has been defined broadly by the OECD Working Party on
‗Indicators for the Information Society‘ as ―the sale or purchase of goods or services, conducted over
computer networks by methods specifically designed for the purpose of receiving or placing of orders.
The goods or services are ordered by those methods, but the payment and the ultimate delivery of the
goods or service do not have to be conducted online. An e-commerce transaction can be between
enterprises, households, individuals, governments, and other public or private organisations‖. E-
commerce can be used either to facilitate the ordering of goods or services that are then delivered
through conventional channels (indirect or offline ecommerce) or to order and deliver goods or
services completely electronically (direct or on-line ecommerce).

DIRECT TAXATION 356


29.3 EXTENT OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN THE WORLD AND ITS GROWTH IN INDIA

The pace at which the digital economy is advancing can be appreciated from the following facts:
 There would be 3 billion internet users in the world by 2016.The digital economy which contributed
USD 2.3 trillion in G-20 countries in 2010 would expand to USD 4.2 trillion.
 The digital economy is growing at 10% a year, significantly faster than the global economy as a
whole.
 The number of Internet-connected devices (12.5 billion) surpassed the number of human beings on
the planet in 2011, and by 2020, Internet-connected devices are expected to number between 26
billion and 50 billion globally.
 More than two billion people globally are expected to use mobile devices to connect to the
Internet in 2016, with countries like India, China and Indonesia leading the way.
 More than a billion people use the Internet to bank online, to stream music, and to find a job.

The trajectory of growth of internet users and e-commerce in India follows similar pattern.
 India's internet user base grew over 17% in the first six months of 2015 to 354 million.
 It took 10 years for India to get her first 10 million users and another 10 years to clock the first 100
million. As the rate picked up, the next 100 million users came in three years and the third 100
million took only 18 months. Internet users crossed 300 million in December 2013. India was
expected to reach 402 million internet users by December 2015, registering a growth of 49 per cent
over 2014 and surpassing the number of users in the United States.
 About 306 million of these are expected to access Internet from their mobile devices. At around
that time the number of mobile users crossed one billion. With greater penetration, improving
speeds and cheaper devices hitting the market, the target to reach 500 million internet users is
likely to be achieved by 2016.
 Within the larger universe of the digital economy, India's e-commerce market was estimated to be
worth about $3.8 billion in 2009 which went up to $12.6 billion in 2013. In 2013, the e-retail segment
was worth US$ 2.3 billion.
 A large part of India's e-commerce market was travel related, but that may be changing now.
According to Google India, there were 35 million online shoppers in India in 2014 Q1 and is
expected to cross 100 million mark by end of year 2016.
 Electronics and Apparel are the biggest categories in terms of sales. Overall the ecommerce
market is expected to reach `1,07,800 crores (US$24 billion) by the year 2015 with both online travel
and e-tailing contributing equally.

29.4 CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL ECONOMY

In an era when services were provided primary in the form of human intervention, the need for
proximity made it essential for such businesses to have a physical presence in proximity to the markets.
However, with advancements of ICT, where digital or telecommunication networks are fast becoming
a substitute for physical proximity, it is now possible for the businesses to have significant participation in
the economic life of another country without any physical presence. These digital enterprises have
already acquired significant space in global economy, and as per current and anticipated trends, their
proportion in the total economy will continue to rise. Due to their ability to cater to international markets
at low transactions costs, many of these enterprises are already among the most valued enterprises
globally. These economic expansions, while they bode well for the global economy, they must be
governed and managed to reap its full advantages.

29.5 IMPACT OF TAXATION

One, out of the several concerns, vis-à-vis the tax implications for the digital economy is the question of
tax neutrality. The principle of tax neutrality provides that tax should seek to be neutral and equitable
between various forms of business activities. When tax neutrality is violated, the unfair tax advantage
enjoyed by some market enterprises can distort the market economy and the dead weight loss arising
from it can adversely impact market efficiency. In the context of digital economy, tax neutrality has

DIRECT TAXATION 357


emerged as a major concern. While a purely domestic enterprise is taxed at the marginal tax rate
under the domestic laws, a multinational enterprise may not be taxable at all in the country of source
due to the ability of digital enterprises to conduct their business through digital and telecommunication
networks without requiring any physical presence in the country of source. This lack of tax neutrality
between digital enterprise and traditional enterprises can distort the market in favour of the former and
thereby disrupt the existing market equilibriums.

The international taxation rules on the basis of which the taxing rights are allocated between two
countries in the case of a cross-border transaction are based on the permanent establishment and
―nexus‖ rules which were developed in the last century commensurate with the requirement of the
brick-and-mortar economy. Accordingly, the basis of taxation for such cross-border transactions were
the relationship to a person (personal attachment rules) or the relationship to a territory (the territorial
attachment). In the taxation literature these are known as ―source rules‖ or permanent establishment‖
rules. India closely follows these principles. Accordingly, the existing provisions in the Income-Tax Act
1961 provide for taxation of such dealings with such cross border transactions and incomes resulting
therefrom as under:

1. Source rules under the Income-tax Act 1961: The various provisions of the Income-tax Act vis-à-vis
the taxation of foreign sourced incomes are as under:
 Section 4 lays upon every assessee a charge on the total income of an assessee in terms of the
of the residential status of an assessee defined in section 6, while section 5 defines the scope of
total income of the different types of the assessees classified in section 6.
 Under section 5, while a resident and ordinarily resident assessee is liable to pay tax on his‖
global income‖, a non-resident is required to pay tax on income sourced in India only (i.e., (i)
income received in India or deemed to be received in India by or on behalf of such person (ii)
income which accrues or arises or is deemed to accrue or rise to him during the year) . In the
case of a resident but not ordinarily resident, foreign sourced incomes are excluded from total
income, if it is not in connection with a foreign sourced income which is set up in India or
controlled from India.
 Section 9 of the Income-tax Act lays down the necessary rules to determine which incomes
shall be deemed to have accrued or arisen in India as under:
(a) Section 9(1)(i) provides that all income accruing or arising to a non-resident from a
―business connection‖ in India, from property situated in India, from any property or source
in India and income from transfer of capital assets situated in India shall be deemed to
have accrued or arisen in India.
(b) The Income-tax Act also provide for Liability in Special Case [Chapter XV], and
accordingly, under the provisions of sections 160(1(i), 161, and 163(1), an Indian resident
who becomes agent/ representative of any non-resident, are responsible in respect of the
tax liabilities of the non-residents.

2. Why the existing rules are inadequate?


There are several reasons for which the nexus based or permanent establishment- based concept
of tax regime is unsuitable for the digital economy.
First, in a digital economy, a company or business enterprise has the ability to have significant
digital presence in the economy of a country without being liable to taxation due to the lack of
nexus under the current tax regimes.
Second, International tax treaties do not usually permit taxation of business profits of a non-resident
enterprise in the absence of a permanent establishment to which these profits are attributable. For
example, many jurisdictions would not tax income derived by a non-resident enterprise from
remote sales to customers located in that jurisdiction unless the enterprise maintained some degree
of physical presence in that jurisdiction. As a result, the issue of nexus also relates to the domestic
rules for the taxation of non-resident enterprises.
Third, there remains considerable ambiguity regarding the characterization of income arising from
transactions involving telecommunication networks, software and data exchange. These disputes
on characterization of payments are more commonly observed in countries like

DIRECT TAXATION 358


India, having tax treaties that allocate taxing rights to the source jurisdiction in respect of royalty
and fee for technical services.
Finally, the continuing ambiguity related to nexus and characterization of the payments have the
potential of giving rise to tax disputes, particularly in countries like India, where the tax treaties
allocate taxing rights to the source jurisdiction. The resultant ambiguity, uncertainty and
unpredictability can develop as a significant constraint for the expansion of digital economy in
India. This makes an important case for finding a solution to all these issues, in the form of a simple,
clear and predictable tax rule that unambiguously defines the tax liability of digital enterprises,
thereby facilitating their business planning, reducing their tax risk and contingent liabilities, while
also reducing compliance costs, disputes and administrative burden.

29.6 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TAXATION TO EXAMINE THE BUSINESS MODELS FOR E-COMMERCE

To identify the direct tax issues in relation to e-commerce transactions and suggest an approach to
deal with these issues, a Committee on Taxation of e-commerce was constituted by the Central Board
of Direct Taxes to examine the business models for e-commerce. The Report of the Committee was
received by the Government and taken into consideration in the preparation of Finance Bill, 2016. This
Report provides the view of the Committee on issues related to taxation of e-commerce and recent
international developments in this area.

The Committee took cognizance of the Report on Action 1 of Base Erosion & Profit Shifting (BEPS)
Project, wherein very significant work has been undertaken for identifying the tax challenges arising
from digital economy, the possible options to address them and constraints likely to be faced.

The Committee also notes that this report has been accepted by G-20 countries, including India and
OECD, thereby providing a broad consensus view on these issues. The Committee took note of the work
done in this field by other experts, as well as the lack of uniformly accepted standards in taxation of
royalty and fee for technical services, and the resultant tax disputes.

The BEPS Report on Action 1 clearly highlights the need for modifying existing international taxation
rules, and identifies three options, i.e. a new nexus based on significant economic presence, a
withholding tax on digital transactions, and Equalization Levy. The Report elaborates in detail the
characteristics of these options and their possible tax design.

After examining the three options identified in the report, the Committee notes that compared to the
first two options, i.e. a new nexus based on significant economic presence and the withholding tax on
digital transactions, which would require changes in a number of tax treaties, the third option of
‗Equalization Levy‘ provides a simpler option that can be adopted under domestic laws without
needing amendment of a large number of tax treaties.

Accordingly, the Committee recommends the adoption of this option to address the tax challenges of
digital economy and provide greater certainty and predictability in its taxation. The Equalization Levy
imposed on the payment for digital transactions, would not be a tax on income, and hence would not
be covered by tax treaties. As Equalization Levy is not proposed as tax on income, it would need to be
imposed outside the Income-tax Act, 1961.

29.7 PROVISIONS OF EQUALIZATION LEVY AS PER THE FINANCE ACT 2016

In terms of the recommendations of the aforesaid Committee on Taxation of E-Commerce, with effect
from 1.6.2016, a new Chapter VIII has been inserted to provide for as under:
1. Charge of Equalization levy: On and from the date of commencement of this Chapter VIII, there
shall be charged an equalisation levy at the rate of six percent of the amount of consideration for
any specified service received or receivable by a person, being a non-resident from:
(i) a person resident in India and carrying on business or profession; or
(ii) a non-resident having a permanent establishment in India.

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Meaning of specified service: Under section 165(i) of the Finance Act 2016, "specified service"
means online advertisement, any provision for digital advertising space or any other facility or
service for the purpose of online advertisement and includes any other service as may be
notified by the Central Government in this behalf.

2. When equalization levy is not chargeable: Under Section 165(2), the equalisation levy shall not be
charged where:
(a) the non-resident providing the specified service has a permanent establishment in India and
the specified service is effectively connected with such permanent establishment;
(b) the aggregate amount of consideration for specified service received or receivable in a
previous year by the non-resident from a person resident in India and carrying on business or
profession, or from a non-resident having a permanent establishment in India, does not exceed
one lakh rupees; or
(c) where the payment for the specified service by the person resident in India, or the permanent
establishment in India is not for the purposes of carrying out business or profession.

29.8 COLLECTION AND RECOVERY OF LEVY [SECTION 166]

The provisions in this regards are as under:


(1) Every person, being a resident and carrying on business or profession or a non-resident having a
permanent establishment in India shall deduct the equalisation levy from the amount paid or
payable to a non-resident in respect of the specified service at the rate specified in section 165, if
the aggregate amount of consideration for specified service in a previous year exceeds one lakh
rupees.
(2) The equalisation levy so deducted during any calendar month shall be paid by every assessee to
the credit of the Central Government by the seventh day of the month immediately following the
said calendar month.
(3) Any assessee who fails to deduct the levy shall, notwithstanding such failure, be liable to pay the
levy to the credit of the Central Government.

29.9 FURNISHING OF STATEMENT [SECTION 167]

The provisions relating to furnishing of returns are as under:


(1) Every assessee shall, within the prescribed time after the end of each financial year, prepare and
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Assessing Officer or to any other authority or agency
authorised by the Board in this behalf, a statement in Form No. 1 [vide Equalization Levy Rules 2016],
verified in such manner and setting forth such particulars as may be prescribed, in respect of all
specified services during such financial year. The statement has to be furnished electronically under
digital signature or with digital verification code.
(2) An assessee who has not furnished the statement within the time prescribed under sub-section (1)
or having furnished a statement under sub-section (1), notices any omission or wrong particular
therein, may furnish a statement or a revised statement, as the case may be, at any time before
the expiry of two years from the end of the financial year in which the specified service was
provided.
(3) Where any assessee fails to furnish the statement under sub-section (1) within the prescribed time,
the Assessing Officer may serve a notice upon such assessee requiring him to furnish the statement
in the prescribed form, verified in the prescribed manner and setting forth such particulars, within
such time, as may be prescribed.

29.10 PROCESSING OF STATEMENT [SECTION 168]

Where a statement has been made under section 167 by the assessee, such statement shall be
processed in the following manner:
(a) the equalisation levy shall be computed after making the adjustment for any arithmetical error in
the statement;

DIRECT TAXATION 360


(b) the interest, if any shall be computed on the basis of sum deductible as computed in the
statement;
(c) the sum payable by, or the amount of refund due to, the assessee shall be determined after
adjustment of the amount computed under clause (b) against any amount paid under sub-section
(2) of section 166 or section 170 and any amount paid otherwise by way of tax or interest;
(d) an intimation shall be prepared or generated and sent to the assessee specifying the sum
determined to be payable by, or the amount of refund due to, him under clause (c); and
(e) the amount of refund due to the assessee in pursuance of the determination under clause (c) shall
be granted to him.

However, no intimation under this sub-section shall be sent after the expiry of one year from the end of
the financial year in which the statement is furnished.

For the purposes of processing of statements under sub-section (1), the Board may make a scheme for
centralised processing of such statements to expeditiously determine the tax payable by, or the refund
due to, the assessee as required under that sub-section.

29.11 RECTIFICATION OF MISTAKES [SECTION 169]

The provisions relating to rectification of mistakes are as under:


(1) With a view to rectifying any mistake apparent from the record, the Assessing Officer may amend
any intimation issued under section 168, within one year from the end of the financial year in which
the intimation sought to be amended was issued.
(2) The Assessing Officer may make an amendment to any intimation under sub-section (1), either
suomotu or on any mistake brought to his notice by the assessee.
(3) An amendment to any intimation, which has the effect of increasing the liability of the assessee or
reducing a refund, shall not be made under this section unless the Assessing Officer has given
notice to the assessee of his intention so to do and has given the assessee a reasonable
opportunity of being heard.
(4) Where any such amendment to any intimation has the effect of enhancing the sum payable or
reducing the refund already made, the Assessing Officer shall make an order specifying the sum
payable by the assessee and the provisions of this Chapter shall apply accordingly.

29.12 INTEREST ON DELAYED PAYMENT OF EQUALIZATION LEVY [SECTION 170]

Every assessee, who fails to credit the equalization levy or any part thereof as required under section
166 to the account of the Central Government within the period specified in that section, shall pay
simple interest at the rate of one per cent of such levy for every month or part of a month by which
such crediting of the tax or any part thereof is delayed.

29.13 PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO DEDUCT OR PAY EQUALIZATION LEVY [SECTION 171]

Any assessee who:


(a) fails to deduct the whole or any part of the equalization levy as required under section 166; or
(b) having deducted the equalization levy, fails to pay such levy to the credit of the Central
Government in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of that section, shall be liable to
pay:
(i) in the case referred to in clause (a), in addition to paying the levy in accordance with the
provisions of sub-section (3) of that section, or interest, if any, in accordance with the
provisions of section 170, a penalty equal to the amount of equalization levy that he failed to
deduct; and

DIRECT TAXATION 361


(ii) in the case referred to in clause (b), in addition to paying the levy in accordance with the
provisions of sub-section (2) of that section and interest in accordance with the provisions of
section 170, a penalty of one thousand rupees for every day during which the failure
continues, so, however, that the penalty under this clause shall not exceed the amount of
equalization levy that he failed to pay.

29.14 PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH STATEMENT [SECTION 172]

Where an assessee fails to furnish the statement within the time prescribed under sub-section (1) or sub-
section (3) of section 167, he shall be liable to pay a penalty of one hundred rupees for each day
during which the failure continues.

29.15 PUNISHMENT FOR FALSE STATEMENT [SECTION 176]

The provisions of section 176 are as under:


(1) If a person makes a false statement in any verification under this Chapter or any rule made
thereunder, or delivers an account or statement, which is false, and which he either knows or
believes to be false, or does not believe to be true, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to three years and with fine.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, an offence
punishable under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be non-cognizable within the meaning of
that Code.

29.16 APPLICATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF INCOME-TAX ACT [SECTION 178]

The provisions of sections 120, 131, 133A, 138, 156, Chapter XV and sections 220 to 227, 229, 232, 260A,
261, 262, 265 to 269, 278B, 280A, 280B, 280C, 280D, 282 and 288 to 293 of the Income-tax Act shall so far
as may be, apply in relation to equalization levy, as they apply in relation to income-tax.

29.17 EXEMPTION FOR EQUALIZATION LEVY

Under section 10(50) of the Income-Tax Act 1961, any income from any specified services provided
shall be exempt from tax.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. E-Commerce stands for:


A. Commerce carried out by the European Community
B. Electronic Commerce
C. Economy of Commerce
D. None of this.
Answer: B. Electronic commerce.

2. Equalization levy has been introduced by the Finance Act :


A. 2016
B. 2015
C. 2014
D. None of these
Answer: A. 2016.

3. Equalization levy shall come into force with effect from :


A. 1.4.2016
B. 1.6.2016
C. 1. 4. 2017
D. None of these
Answer: B. 1.6.2016.

DIRECT TAXATION 362


4. The threshold exemption limit for equalization Levy is `:
A. ` 5 lakh
B. ` 3 lakh
C. ` 2 lakh
D. ` 1 lakh
Answer: D. ` 1 lakh.

5. The compliance burden for Equalization Levy is on:


A. Every resident who is carrying on business or profession
B. Every resident and carrying on business or profession or a non-resident having a permanent
establishment in India.
C. On the non-resident providing specified service in India
D. None of these.
Answer: B. Every resident and carrying on business or profession or a non-resident having a permanent
establishment in India.

6. The statement for Equalization Levy shall be furnished with the prescribed authority in:
A. Form No. A
B. From No. 1
C. From No. C
D. Form No. 2
Answer: B. Form No. 1.

7. The rate of interest for delayed payment of Equalization Levy is:


A. 1% p.m.
B. 1% p.m. or part of the month
C. 1.5% p.m.
D. 1.5% p.m. or part of the month.
Answer: B. 1% p.m. or part of the month

8. The penalty for failure to deposit Equalization Levy is:


A. ` 1,000 per day during which the failure continues
B. ` 10,000
C. ` 100 per day during which the default continues
D. ` 1,000 for every day during which the failure continues, subject to the maximum of the amount
of amount of equalization levy that the assessee failed to pay.
Answer: D. ` 1,000 for every day during which the failure continues, subject to the maximum of the
amount of amount of equalization levy that the assessee failed to pay.

9. The maximum punishment for false statement in respect of Equalization Levy is :


A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
Answer: C. 3 years.

10. Income from Equalization Levy is exempt from tax u/s


A. 10 (45)
B. 10(38)
C. 10 (50)
D. None of these
Answer: C. 10(50).

DIRECT TAXATION 363


STUDY NOTE : 30
INCOME COMPUTATION AND DISCLOSURE STANDARDS

THIS STUDY NOTE INCLUDES:


30.1 Introduction
30.2 ICDS issued by Central Government

30.1 INTRODUCTION

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 145 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the
Central Government has notified [vide Notification No. 32/2015, F. No. 134/48/2010 TPL, dt. 31.3. 2015]
the Income Computation and Disclosure Standards (ICDS). This standard came into effect from 1st day
of April, 2015, and shall accordingly apply to the assessment year 2016-17 and subsequent assessment
years.

1. Features of ICDS: The following are the main features of ICDS:


(i) ICDS are to be followed by all assessees, following the mercantile system of accounting.
(ii) ICDS are applicable to the computation of income chargeable to income-tax under the head
―Profit and gains of business or profession‖ or ―Income from other sources‖.
(iii) This standard is not applicable for maintenance of books of account. As ICDS are meant for
computation of income only, there is no need for maintenance of books of account for this
purpose.
(iv) In the case of conflict between the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and ICDS, the
provisions of the Act shall prevail to that extent.
(v) Non-compliance of ICDS will lead to Best Judgment Assessment.

30.2 ICDS ISSUED BY CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

So far the Central Government has issued the following ten ICDS:
ICDS No. Name of the ICDS Corresponding Accounting Standards
ICDS I Accounting Policies. AS 1
ICDS II Inventories AS 2
ICDS III Construction Costs AS 7
ICDS IV Revenue Recognition AS 9
ICDS V Tangible Fixed Assets AS 10
ICDS VI Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. AS 11
ICDS VII Government Grants AS 12
ICDS VIII Securities AS 13
ICDS IX Borrowing Costs AS 16
ICDS X Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. AS 19

1. ICDS I relating to Accounting Policies:


 This Income Computation and Disclosure Standard deals with significant accounting policies.
The fundamental Accounting assumptions as used in this ICDS are: Going concern, consistency
and accrual. Other fundamental accounting assumptions which are conspicuous by their
absence are materiality and prudence. In the absence of these concepts considerable time
and cost will be involved making adjustments in net profit to arrive at business income.
 The standard has defined accounting policy as the specific accounting principles and the
methods of applying those principles adopted by a person.
 Accounting policies adopted by a person shall be such so as to represent a true and fair view
of the state of affairs and income of the business, profession or vocation. For this purpose:
(i) the treatment and presentation of transactions and events shall be governed by their
substance and not merely by the legal form; and

DIRECT TAXATION 364


(ii) marked to market loss or an expected loss shall not be recognised unless the recognition
of such loss is in accordance with the provisions of any other Income Computation and
Disclosure Standard.
 An accounting policy shall not be changed without reasonable cause.
 Disclosure of accounting policies:
(i) Any change in an accounting policy which has a material effect shall be disclosed.
(ii) If the fundamental accounting assumptions of Going Concern, Consistency and Accrual
are followed, specific disclosure is not required. If a fundamental accounting assumption is
not followed, the fact shall be disclosed.

2. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard II relating to valuation of inventories: The standard
shall be applicable to the valuation of inventories. However, the following shall be excluded from
the purview of the standard.
(a) Work‐in‐progress arising under ‗construction contract‘ including directly related service
contract which is dealt with by the Income Computation and Disclosure Standard on
construction contracts;
(b) Work‐in‐progress which is dealt with by other Income Computation and Disclosure Standard;
(c ) Shares, debentures and other financial instruments held as stock‐in‐trade which are dealt with
by the Income Computation and Disclosure Standard on securities;
(d) Producers‘ inventories of livestock, agriculture and forest products, mineral oils, ores and gases
to the extent that they are measured at net realizable value;
(e) Machinery spares, which can be used only in connection with a tangible fixed asset and their
use is expected to be irregular, shall be dealt with in accordance with the Income
Computation and Disclosure Standard on tangible fixed assets.

In accordance with the standard, valuation of inventories shall be valued at cost or net realizable
value, whichever is lower.

A. Cost of inventories: Cost of inventories shall comprise of all costs of purchase, costs of services, costs
of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and
condition.
 The costs of purchase shall consist of purchase price including duties and taxes, freight inwards
and other expenditure directly attributable to the acquisition. Trade discounts, rebates and
other similar items shall be deducted in determining the costs of purchase.
 The costs of services in the case of a service provider shall consist of labour and other costs of
personnel directly engaged in providing the service including supervisory personnel and
attributable overheads.
 The costs of conversion of inventories shall include costs directly related to the units of
production and a systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overheads that are
incurred in converting materials into finished goods.
 Other costs shall be included in the cost of inventories only to the extent that they are incurred
in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
 Interest and other borrowing costs shall not be included in the costs of inventories, unless they
meet the criteria for recognition of interest as a component of the cost as specified in the
Income Computation and Disclosure Standard on borrowing costs.

B. Cost formulas: The standard recognizes three formulae, e.g. (i) Specific Identification Method; (ii)
First-in-First-Out Method; and (iii) Weighted Average Cost.

The Cost of inventories of items that are not ordinarily interchangeable; and goods or services
produced and segregated for specific projects shall be assigned by specific identification of their
individual costs. Where there are a large numbers of items of inventory which are ordinarily
interchangeable, specific identification of costs shall not be made. Cost of inventories shall be
assigned by using the First-in First-out (FIFO), or weighted average cost formula.

DIRECT TAXATION 365


"Net realizable value" is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the
estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
The method of valuation of inventories once adopted by a person in any previous year shall not be
changed without reasonable cause.

Disclosure: The following aspects shall be disclosed:


(a) the accounting policies adopted in measuring inventories including the cost formulae used;
and
(b) the total carrying amount of inventories and its classification appropriate to a person.

3. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard III relating to construction contracts: The following
definitions have been used in this standard:
 Construction contract‖ is a contract specifically negotiated for the construction of an asset or a
combination of assets that are closely interrelated or interdependent in terms of their design,
technology and function or their ultimate purpose or use and includes:
(i) contract for the rendering of services which are directly related to the construction of the
asset, for example, those for the services of project managers and architects;
(ii) contract for destruction or restoration of assets, and the restoration of the environment
following the demolition of assets.

 ―Fixed price contract‖ is a construction contract in which the contractor agrees to a fixed
contract price, or a fixed rate per unit of output, which may be subject to cost escalation
clauses.
 ―Cost plus contract‖ is a construction contract in which the contractor is reimbursed for
allowable or otherwise defined costs, plus a mark-up on these costs or a fixed fee.
 ―Retentions‖ are amounts of progress billings which are not paid until the satisfaction of
conditions specified in the contract for the payment of such amounts or until defects have
been rectified.
 ―Progress billings‖ are amounts billed for work performed on a contract whether or not they
have been paid by the customer.
 ―Advances‖ are amounts received by the contractor before the related work is performed.
 Combining and Segmenting Construction Contracts: The requirements of this Income
Computation and Disclosure Standard shall be applied separately to each construction
contract except as provided for below:
 Where a contract covers a number of assets, the construction of each asset should be
treated as a separate construction contract when:
(i) separate proposals have been submitted for each asset;
(ii) each asset has been subject to separate negotiation;
(iii) the costs and revenues of each asset can be identified.
(iv) A group of contracts, whether with a single customer or with several customers, should
be treated as a single construction contract when:
(a) the group of contracts is negotiated as a single package;
(b) the contracts are so closely interrelated that they are, in effect, part of a single
project with an overall profit margin; and
(c) the contracts are performed concurrently or in a continuous sequence.

Contract Revenue:
 Contract revenue shall be recognised when there is reasonable certainty of its ultimate collection.
 Contract revenue shall comprise of:
(a) the initial amount of revenue agreed in the contract, including retentions; and
(b) variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments.
 Where contract revenue already recognised as income is subsequently written off in the books of
accounts as uncollectible, the same shall be recognised as an expense and not as an adjustment
of the amount of contract revenue.

DIRECT TAXATION 366


Contract Costs: Contract costs shall comprise of:
(a) costs that relate directly to the specific contract;
(b) costs that are attributable to contract activity in general and can be allocated to the contract;
(c) such other costs as are specifically chargeable to the customer under the terms of the contract;
and
(d) allocated borrowing costs in accordance with the Income Computation and Disclosure Standard
on Borrowing Costs.
(e) These costs shall be reduced by any incidental income, not being in the nature of interest,
dividends or capital gains, that is not included in contract revenue.
(f) Costs that cannot be attributed to any contract activity or cannot be allocated to a contract shall
be excluded from the costs of a construction contract.
(g) Contract costs that relate to future activity on the contract are recognised as an asset. Such costs
represent an amount due from the customer and are classified as contract work in progress.

 Recognition of Contract Revenue and Expenses


(a) Contract revenue and contract costs associated with the construction contract should be
recognised as revenue and expenses respectively by reference to the stage of completion of
the contract activity at the reporting date.
(b) The standard recognizes percentage completion method, and accordingly, contract revenue
is matched with the contract costs incurred in reaching the stage of completion, resulting in
the reporting of revenue, expenses and profit which can be attributed to the proportion of
work completed.

 Disclosure: The disclosure requirements under the standard requires a person report:
(a) the amount of contract revenue recognised as revenue in the period; and
(b) the methods used to determine the stage of completion of contracts in progress.
(c) amount of costs incurred and recognised profits (less recognised losses) up to the reporting
date;
(d) the amount of advances received; and
(e) the amount of retentions

4. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard IV relating to revenue recognition: This Income
Computation and Disclosure Standard deals with the basis for recognition of revenue arising in the
course of the ordinary activities of a person from (i) the sale of goods; (ii) the rendering of services;
and (iii) the use by others of the person‘s resources yielding interest, royalties or dividends.
 Definition of revenue: Revenue has been defined as the gross inflow of cash, receivables or
other consideration arising in the course of the ordinary activities of a person from the sale of
goods, from the rendering of services, or from the use by others of the person‘s resources
yielding interest, royalties or dividends. In an agency relationship, the revenue is the amount of
commission and not the gross inflow of cash, receivables or other consideration.
Other terms which have been used in the standard but not defined, shall have the meaning
attributed to them in the Income-tax Act.
 Recognition: The flowing are the revenue recognition criteria:
(a) Revenue shall be recognised when there is reasonable certainty of its ultimate collection.
(b) In a transaction involving the sale of goods, the revenue shall be recognised when the
seller of goods has transferred to the buyer the property in the goods for a price or all
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and the seller
retains no effective control of the goods transferred to a degree usually associated with
ownership.
(c) In a situation, where transfer of property in goods does not coincide with the transfer of
significant risks and rewards of ownership, revenue in such a situation shall be recognised
at the time of transfer of significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer.
(d) Revenue from service transactions shall be recognised by the percentage completion
method, in which revenue from service transactions is matched with the service
transactions costs incurred in reaching the stage of completion, resulting in the
determination of revenue, expenses and profit which can be attributed to the proportion
of work completed.

DIRECT TAXATION 367


 Disclosure: The following shall be disclosed:
(a) In a transaction involving sale of good, total amount not recognised as revenue during the
previous year due to lack of reasonably certainty of its ultimate collection along with
nature of uncertainty.
(b) The amount of revenue from service transactions recognised as revenue during the
previous year.
(c) the method used to determine the stage of completion of service transactions in progress.
(d) In the case of service transactions in progress, amount of costs incurred and recognised
profits (less recognised losses) up to end of previous year, amount of advance and
retentions shall be disclosed.

5. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard V relating to tangible fixed assets: The following
terms have been defined in the Standard:
 Tangible fixed asset: Tangible fixed asset‖ is an asset being land, building, machinery, plant or
furniture held with the intention of being used for the purpose of producing or providing goods
or services and is not held for sale in the normal course of business.
 Fair Value: ―Fair value‖ of an asset is the amount for which that asset could be exchanged
between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm‘s length transaction. Words and expressions
used and not defined in this Income Computation and Disclosure Standard but defined in the
Act shall have the meanings assigned to them in that Act.
 Cost of assets: The following shall be considered as part of the cost:
(a) The actual cost of an acquired tangible fixed asset shall comprise its purchase price,
import duties and other taxes, excluding those subsequently recoverable, and any directly
attributable expenditure on making the asset ready for its intended use. Any trade
discounts and rebates shall be deducted in arriving at the actual cost.
(b) Administration and other general overhead expenses are to be excluded from the cost of
tangible fixed assets if they do not relate to a specific tangible fixed asset. Expenses which
are specifically attributable to construction of a project or to the acquisition of a tangible
fixed asset or bringing it to its working condition, shall be included as a part of the cost of
the project or as a part of the cost of the tangible fixed asset.
(c) The expenditure incurred on start‐up and commissioning of the project, including the
expenditure incurred on test runs and experimental production, shall be capitalised. The
expenditure incurred after the plant has begun commercial production, that is, production
intended for sale or captive consumption, shall be treated as revenue expenditure.
 Self‐constructed Tangible Fixed Assets: In arriving at the actual cost of self‐constructed tangible
fixed assets, the same principles shall apply as those described in paragraphs 5 to 8. Cost of
construction that relate directly to the specific tangible fixed asset and costs that are
attributable to the construction activity in general and can be allocated to the specific
tangible fixed asset shall be included in actual cost. Any internal profits shall be eliminated in
arriving at such costs.
 Non‐ monetary Consideration: When a tangible fixed asset is acquired in exchange for
another asset, the fair value of the tangible fixed asset so acquired shall be its actual cost.
When a tangible fixed asset is acquired in exchange for shares or other securities, the fair value
of the tangible fixed asset so acquired shall be its actual cost.
 Improvements and Repairs: An expenditure that increases the future benefits from the existing
asset beyond its previously assessed standard of performance is added to the actual cost.
Similarly, the cost of an addition or extension to an existing tangible fixed asset which is of a
capital nature and which becomes an integral part of the existing tangible fixed asset is to be
added to its actual cost.
 Depreciation : Depreciation shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the
Income-tax Act.
 Transfers: Income arising on transfer of a tangible fixed asset shall be computed in
accordance with the provisions of the Act.
 Disclosures: The following are the requirements of disclosures:
(i) description of asset or block of assets;

DIRECT TAXATION 368


(ii) rate of depreciation;
(iii) actual cost or written down value, as the case may be;
(iv) additions or deductions during the year with dates; in the case of any addition of an asset,
date put to use; including adjustments on account of Central Value Added Tax credit
claimed and allowed under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004; change in rate of exchange of
currency; and subsidy or grant or reimbursement, by whatever name called;
(v) depreciation Allowable; and
(vi) written down value at the end of year.

6. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard VI relating to the effects of changes in foreign
exchange rates: This Income Computation and Disclosure Standard deals with: (a) treatment of
transactions in foreign currencies; (b) translating the financial statements of foreign operations; (c)
treatment of foreign currency transactions in the nature of forward exchange contracts.

 Definitions: The following definitions have been used in this Standard:


(a) ―Average rate‖ is the mean of the exchange rates in force during a period.
(b) ―Closing rate‖ is the exchange rate at the last day of the previous year.
(c) ―Exchange difference‖ is the difference resulting from reporting the same number of units of a
foreign currency in the reporting currency of a person at different exchange rates.
(d) ―Exchange rate‖ is the ratio for exchange of two currencies.
(e) ―Foreign currency‖ is a currency other than the reporting currency of a person.
(f) ―Foreign operations of a person‖ is a branch, by whatever name called, of that person, the
activities of which are based or conducted in a country other than India.
(g) ―Foreign currency transaction‖ is a transaction which is denominated in or requires settlement
in a foreign currency, including transactions arising when a person:
(i) buys or sells goods or services whose price is denominated in a foreign currency; or
(ii) borrows or lends funds when the amounts payable or receivable are denominated in a
foreign currency; or
(iii) becomes a party to an unperformed forward exchange contract; or
(iv) otherwise acquires or disposes of assets, or incurs or settles liabilities, denominated in a
foreign currency.
(h) ―Forward exchange contract‖ means an agreement to exchange different currencies at a
forward rate, and includes a foreign currency option contract or another financial instrument
of a similar nature;
(i) ―Forward rate‖ is the specified exchange rate for exchange of two Currencies at a specified
future date;
(j) ―Indian currency‖ shall have the meaning as assigned to it in section 2 of the Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999;
(k) ―Integral foreign operation‖ is a foreign operation, the activities of which are an integral part of
the operation of the person;
(l) ―Monetary items‖ are money held and assets to be received or liabilities to be paid in fixed or
determinable amounts of money. Cash, receivables, and payables are examples of monetary
items;
(m) ―Non‐integral foreign operation‖ is a foreign operation that is not an integral foreign operation;
(n) ―Non‐monetary items‖ are assets and liabilities other than monetary items. Fixed assets,
inventories, and investments in equity shares are examples of non‐monetary items;
(o) ―Reporting currency‖ means Indian currency except for foreign operations where it shall mean
currency of the country where the operations are carried out.

 Initial Recognition
A foreign currency transaction shall be recorded, on initial recognition in the reporting currency, by
applying to the foreign currency amount the exchange rate between the reporting currency and the
foreign currency at the date of the transaction. An average rate for a week or a month that
approximates the actual rate at the date of the transaction may be used for all transaction in each
foreign currency occurring during that period. If the exchange rate fluctuates significantly, the actual
rate at the date of the transaction shall be used.

DIRECT TAXATION 369


 Conversion at Last Date of Previous Year: At last day of each previous year:
(a) foreign currency monetary items shall be converted into reporting currency by applying the
closing rate;
(b) where the closing rate does not reflect with reasonable accuracy, the amount in reporting
currency that is likely to be realised from or required to disburse, a foreign currency monetary
item owing to restriction on remittances or the closing rate being unrealistic and it is not
possible to effect an exchange of currencies at that rate, then the relevant monetary item shall
be reported in the reporting currency at the amount which is likely to be realised from or
required to disburse such item at the last date of the previous year; and
(c) non‐monetary items in a foreign currency shall be converted into reporting currency by using
the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

 Recognition of Exchange Differences: In respect of monetary items, exchange differences arising


on the settlement thereof or on conversion thereof at last day of the previous year shall be
recognised as income or as expense in that previous year.
In respect of non‐monetary items, exchange differences arising on conversion.
There of at the last day of the previous year shall not be recognised as income or as expense in
that previous year.

 Integral Foreign Operations: The financial statements of an integral foreign operation shall be
translated using the principles and procedures in paragraphs 3 to 6 as if the transactions of the
foreign operation had been those of the person himself.

 Non‐integral Foreign Operations: In translating the financial statements of a non‐integral foreign


operation for a previous year, the person shall apply the following, namely:
(a) the assets and liabilities, both monetary and non‐monetary, of the non‐integral foreign
operation shall be translated at the closing rate;
(b) income and expense items of the non‐integral foreign operation shall be translated at
exchange rates at the dates of the transactions; and
(c) all resulting exchange differences shall be recognised as income or as expenses in that
previous year.

 Forward Exchange Contracts: Any premium or discount arising at the inception of a forward
exchange contract shall be amortised as expense or income over the life of the contract.
Exchange differences on such a contract shall be recognised as income or as expense in the
previous year in which the exchange rates change. Any profit or loss arising on cancellation or
renewal shall be recognised as income or as expense for the previous year.

7. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard VII relating to government

Grants: This standard deals with government grants (also called subsidies, cash incentives, duty
drawbacks, waiver, concessions, reimbursements, etc.), but it does not deal with Government
assistance other than in the form of Government grants; and Government participation in the
ownership of the enterprise.

 Definition: ―Government grants‖ have been defined as assistance by Government in cash or kind
to a person for past or future compliance with certain conditions. They exclude those forms of
Government assistance which cannot have a value placed upon them and the transactions with
Government which cannot be distinguished from the normal trading transactions of the person.
 Recognition of Government Grants: Government grants should not be recognised until there is
reasonable assurance that (i) the person shall comply with the conditions attached to them, and
(ii) the grants shall be received.
 Treatment of Government Grants

DIRECT TAXATION 370


(a) Where the Government grant relates to a depreciable fixed asset or assets of a person, the
grant shall be deducted from the actual cost of the asset or assets concerned or from the
written down value of block of assets to which concerned asset or assets belonged to.
(b) Where the Government grant relates to a non‐depreciable asset or assets of a person requiring
fulfilment of certain obligations, the grant shall be recognised as income over the same period
over which the cost of meeting such obligations is charged to income.
(c) Where the Government grant is of such a nature that it cannot be directly relatable to the
asset acquired, so much of the amount which bears to the total Government grant, the same
proportion as such asset bears to all the assets in respect of or with reference to which the
Government grant is so received, shall be deducted from the actual cost of the asset or shall
be reduced from the written down value of block of assets to which the asset or assets
belonged to.
(d) The Government grant that is receivable as compensation for expenses or losses incurred in a
previous financial year or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the person
with no further related costs, shall be recognised as income of the period in which it is
receivable.
(e) The Government grants other than covered by paragraph (a) to (d) shall be recognised as
income over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs which they are
intended to compensate.
(f) The Government grants in the form of non‐monetary assets, given at a concessional rate, shall
be accounted for on the basis of their acquisition cost.

 Refund of Government Grants


(i) The amount refundable in respect of a Government grant referred to in paragraphs (b), (d)
and (e) above shall be applied first against any unamortised deferred credit remaining in
respect of the Government grant. To the extent that the amount refundable exceeds any such
deferred credit, or where no deferred credit exists, the amount shall be charged to profit and
loss statement.
(ii) The amount refundable in respect of a Government grant related to a depreciable fixed asset
or assets shall be recorded by increasing the actual cost or written down value of block of
assets by the amount refundable. Where the actual cost of the asset is increased, depreciation
on the revised actual cost or written down value shall be provided prospectively at the
prescribed rate.

 Disclosures: Following disclosure shall be made in respect of Government grants:


(a) nature and extent of Government grants recognised during the previous year by way of
deduction from the actual cost of the asset or assets or from the written down value of block of
assets during the previous year;
(b) nature and extent of Government grants recognised during the previous year as income;
(c) nature and extent of Government grants not recognised during the previous year by way of
deduction from the actual cost of the asset or assets or from the written down value of block of
assets and reasons thereof; and
(d) nature and extent of Government grants not recognised during the previous year as income
and reasons thereof.

8. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard VIII relating to securities: This Income Computation
and Disclosure Standard deals with securities held as stock-in‐ trade.

The Standard does not deal with:


(a) the bases for recognition of interest and dividends on securities which are covered by the
Income Computation and Disclosure Standard on revenue recognition;
(b) securities held by a person engaged in the business of insurance;
(c) securities held by mutual funds, venture capital funds, banks and public financial institutions.

 Definitions: The following terms are used in this standard:

DIRECT TAXATION 371


(a) ―Fair value‖ is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between a knowledgeable,
willing buyer and a knowledgeable, willing seller in an arm‘s length transaction.
(b) ―Securities‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in clause (h) of Section 2 of the Securities
Contract (Regulation) Act, 1956.

 Recognition and Initial Measurement of Securities:


A security on acquisition shall be recognised at actual cost.
(a) The actual cost of a security shall comprise of its purchase price and include acquisition
charges such as brokerage, fees, tax, duty or cess.
(b) Where a security is acquired in exchange for other securities, the fair value of the security so
acquired shall be its actual cost.
(c) Where a security is acquired in exchange for another asset, the fair value of the security so
acquired shall be its actual cost.
(d) Where unpaid interest has accrued before the acquisition of an interest‐bearing security and is
included in the price paid for the security, the subsequent receipt of interest is allocated
between pre‐acquisition and post‐acquisition periods; the pre‐acquisition portion of the interest
is deducted from the actual cost.

9. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard IX relating to borrowing costs:


This Income Computation and Disclosure Standard deals with treatment of borrowing costs. This
Standard does not deal with the actual or imputed cost of owners‘ equity and preference share
capital.

 Definitions: The flowing definitions have been used:


(a) ―Borrowing costs‖ has been defined as interest and other costs incurred by a person in
connection with the borrowing of funds and include:
(i) commitment charges on borrowings;
(ii) amortised amount of discounts or premiums relating to borrowings;
(iii) amortised amount of ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of
borrowings;
(iv) finance charges in respect of assets acquired under finance leases or under other similar
arrangements.

(b) ―Qualifying asset‖ has been defined to mean:


(i) land, building, machinery, plant or furniture, being tangible assets;
(ii) know‐how, patents, copyrights, trademarks, licences, franchises or any other business or
commercial rights of similar nature, being intangible assets;
(iii) inventories that require a period of twelve months or more to bring them to a saleable
condition.

 Recognition:
(a) Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a
qualifying asset shall be capitalised as part of the cost of that asset. The amount of borrowing
costs eligible for capitalisation shall be determined in accordance with this Income
Computation and Disclosure Standard. Other borrowing costs shall be recognised in
accordance with the provisions of the Act.

 Borrowing Costs Eligible for Capitalisation: To the extent the funds are borrowed specifically for the
purposes of acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, the amount of borrowing
costs to be capitalised on that asset shall be the actual borrowing costs incurred during the period
on the funds so borrowed.

 Disclosure: The following disclosure shall be made in respect of borrowing costs:


(a) the accounting policy adopted for borrowing costs; and
(b) the amount of borrowing costs capitalised during the previous year.

DIRECT TAXATION 372


10. Income Computation and Disclosure Standard X relating to provisions, contingent liabilities and
contingent assets: This Income Computation and Disclosure Standard deals with provisions, contingent
liabilities and contingent assets, except those:
(i) resulting from financial instruments;
(ii) resulting from executory contracts;
(iii) arising in insurance business from contracts with policyholders; and
(iv) covered by another Income Computation and Disclosure Standard.

This Income Computation and Disclosure Standard does not deal with the recognition of revenue
which is dealt with by Income Computation and Disclosure Standard ‐ Revenue Recognition.

The term ‗provision‘ is also used in the context of items such as depreciation, impairment of assets and
doubtful debts which are adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and are not addressed in this
Income Computation and Disclosure Standard.

A. Recognition of provisions: Provisions shall not be recognized unless the following conditions are met:
(a) a person has a present obligation as a result of a past event;
(b) it is reasonably certain that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be
required to settle the obligation; and
(c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
B. Recognition of Contingent Liabilities: A person shall not recognise a contingent liability.
C. Recognition of contingent assets: A person shall not recognise a contingent asset. Contingent
assets are assessed continually and when it becomes reasonably certain that inflow of economic
benefit will arise, the asset and related income are recognised in the previous year in which the
change occurs.
D. Measurement: The amount recognised as a provision shall be the best estimate of the expenditure
required to settle the present obligation at the end of the previous year. The amount of a provision
shall not be discounted to its present value. The amount recognised as asset and related income
shall be the best estimate of the value of economic benefit arising at the end of the previous year.
The amount and related income shall not be discounted to its present value.
E. Reimbursements: Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to
be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement shall be recognised when it is reasonably
certain that reimbursement will be received if the person settles the obligation. The amount
recognised for the reimbursement shall not exceed the amount of the provision. Where a person is
not liable for payment of costs in case the third party fails to pay, no provision shall be made for
those costs. An obligation, for which a person is jointly and severally liable, is a contingent liability to
the extent that it is expected that the obligation will be settled by the other parties.
F. Review: Provisions shall be reviewed at the end of each previous year and adjusted to reflect the
current best estimate. If it is no longer reasonably certain that an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the provision should be reversed.
An asset and related income recognised as provided in para 11 shall be reviewed at the end of
each previous year and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer reasonably
certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, the asset and related income shall be
reversed.
G. Disclosures: Following disclosure shall be made in respect of each class of provision:
(a) a brief description of the nature of the obligation;
(b) the carrying amount at the beginning and end of the previous year;
(c) additional provisions made during the previous year, including increases to existing provisions;
(d) amounts used, that is incurred and charged against the provision, during the previous year;
(e) unused amounts reversed during the previous year; and
(f) the amount of any expected reimbursement, stating the amount of any asset that has been
recognised for that expected reimbursement.
(g) Following disclosure shall be made in respect of each class of contingent assets:
(i) a brief description of the nature of the asset and related income;
(ii) the carrying amount of asset at the beginning and end of the previous year;

DIRECT TAXATION 373


(iii) additional amount of asset and related income recognised during the year,
(iv) including increases to assets and related income already recognised; and
(v) amount of asset and related income reversed during the previous year.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Income Computation and Disclosure Scheme (ICDS)comes into effect from the assessment year :
A. 2015-16
B. 2014-15
C. 2016-17
D. 2017-18
Answer: C. 2016-17

2. ICDS are applicable to the computation of income chargeable to income-tax under the head:
A. All heads of income
B. Profits and gains of business or profession
C. Profits and gains of business or profession and Income from other sources
D. Capital gains
Answer: C. Profits and gains of business or profession and Income from other sources

3. The number of ICDS issued so far are :


A. 10
B. 12
C. 14
D. 8
Answer: A. 10

4. In the case of conflict between the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and ICDS, the provisions
of ….. shall prevail to that extent.
A. Income-tax Act
B. ICDS
C. Opinion of the Assessing Officer
D. Appellate Tribunal
Answer: A. Income-tax Act

5. ICDS II relates to:


A. Accounting policy
B. Inventory
C. Government Grants
D. None of these
Answer: B. Inventory

6. The number of cost formula recognized by ICDS II are:


A. Three
B. Four
C. Two
D. None of these
Answer: A. Three.

DIRECT TAXATION 374

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