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Issues involved: The judgment deals with the question of whether sales tax liabilities amounting to Rs. 38,139 could be allowed as deductible expenses in the computation of income, profits, and gains for the assessment year 1964-65.
Summary: The judgment addresses the unique circumstances where an individual, previously a partner in a firm, took over all assets and liabilities of the dissolved firm. The sales tax liabilities of both the firm and the individual were contested, with a demand notice issued in 1964. The Income Tax Officer (ITO) initially disallowed the deduction, citing the ongoing dispute and lack of supporting documents. However, the Appellate Assistant Commissioner (AAC) allowed the deduction without detailed discussion. The Income-tax Appellate Tribunal had conflicting views, with the Accountant Member supporting the AAC's decision and the judicial Member referencing a Supreme Court decision regarding the timing of liability determination. A third member of the Tribunal sided with the Accountant Member. The judgment delves into the application of the mercantile system of accounting and the timing of claiming deductions based on liability determination. It emphasizes that deductions can be claimed in the relevant assessment year even without prior entries in the accounts, as per the Supreme Court's ruling. However, in cases where liabilities are determined much later, deductions must be claimed accordingly. The judgment ultimately supports the assessee's claim based on the hybrid accounting system adopted and the timing of liability determination, ruling in favor of the assessee against the Department. In conclusion, the judgment clarifies the principles of law and accountancy governing the deduction of sales tax liabilities as expenses, highlighting the challenges posed by disputed liabilities and delayed determinations. It underscores the importance of aligning accounting methods with liability recognition and emphasizes the timing of claiming deductions based on liability assessments.
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