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2014 (10) TMI 218 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:
1. Addition of Rs. 1,35,000/- as unexplained investment under Section 69 of the Income Tax Act.
2. Deletion of addition of Rs. 12,50,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of income from other sources.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Addition of Rs. 1,35,000/- as Unexplained Investment under Section 69:

The assessee contested the addition of Rs. 1,35,000/- made by the Assessing Officer (AO) as unexplained investment under Section 69 of the Income Tax Act. The assessee argued that the amount represented savings from family pension and agricultural income, which were not taxable in previous years. The assessee provided evidence of withdrawals amounting to Rs. 7,09,000/- from her bank account over several years to justify the accumulation of savings.

The AO, however, found the explanation unsatisfactory, noting that the assessee did not furnish returns of income for preceding years nor provided details and evidence of past savings. The AO's remand report reiterated these observations, leading the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)] to uphold the addition. The CIT(A) concluded that the pattern of withdrawals indicated consumption rather than savings, and there was no evidence of surplus funds in the form of bank deposits or fixed deposit receipts (FDRs).

The Tribunal agreed with the CIT(A)'s findings, noting that the assessee failed to provide details of household expenses, and considering her age and potential medical expenses, it was unlikely she could accumulate such savings. Consequently, the Tribunal upheld the addition of Rs. 1,35,000/- as unexplained investment under Section 69.

2. Deletion of Addition of Rs. 12,50,000/- as Income from Other Sources:

The Revenue challenged the CIT(A)'s decision to delete the addition of Rs. 12,50,000/- made by the AO on account of income from other sources. The AO had added this amount, arguing that there was no nexus between the date of purchase of new property and the amount received by the assessee as advance.

The assessee claimed that the amount represented an advance received from intended purchasers of plots, which was used to purchase land. The CIT(A) accepted the assessee's explanation, noting that the assessee provided affidavits from the purchasers and evidence of bank transactions supporting the claim. The CIT(A) observed that the word "Peshtar" in the sale deeds meant "advance received," not instant payment, and the AO had misconstrued this term.

The Tribunal, however, found that the authorities had not thoroughly examined the claim. The Tribunal noted discrepancies in the bank passbooks and the lack of clear evidence linking the advance payments to the purchase of land. Consequently, the Tribunal remitted the issue back to the AO for a detailed examination of the source of investment. The AO was directed to adjudicate the issue afresh, offering the assessee an opportunity to present evidence.

Conclusion:

The appeal of the assessee regarding the addition of Rs. 1,35,000/- was dismissed, upholding the CIT(A)'s decision. The appeal of the Revenue concerning the deletion of Rs. 12,50,000/- was allowed for statistical purposes, remitting the issue back to the AO for further examination. The order was pronounced in the open court on 30/09/2014.

 

 

 

 

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