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2022 (1) TMI 1276 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:

1. Disallowance of Deduction u/s 80IA
2. Disallowance u/s 14A
3. Prior Period Expenses
4. Income through PE & u/s 115JB
5. Provision for Maintenance
6. Technical Know-how
7. CSR Expenses
8. Advances Written Off

Detailed Analysis:

1. Disallowance of Deduction u/s 80IA:
The assessee, engaged in infrastructure projects, claimed deductions under Section 80IA for profits earned from projects in J&K and Bihar. The CIT(A) disallowed the claim, labeling the assessee as a contractor rather than a developer. However, the Tribunal, referencing past decisions (AYs 2000-01, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2005-06), upheld the assessee's claim, stating that the assessee's activities met the criteria of development and not merely contracting. The Tribunal directed the AO to allow the deduction as claimed.

2. Disallowance u/s 14A:
The assessee earned tax-free income from bonds and claimed it as exempt. The AO disallowed a portion of the administrative expenses under Section 14A. The Tribunal, referencing earlier decisions, adjusted the disallowance to Rs. 20 lakhs, noting that Rule 8D was not applicable for the year under consideration but reasonable expenses should be disallowed.

3. Prior Period Expenses:
The AO disallowed certain prior period expenses due to lack of detailed submissions. The Tribunal remanded the issue back to the AO, directing the assessee to provide necessary details to claim the deduction as per the Act.

4. Income through PE & u/s 115JB:
The assessee computed income under DTAA provisions, which the AO and CIT(A) adjusted. The Tribunal, referencing past decisions, ruled that income from foreign projects should be taxed under normal provisions and MAT, but credit for taxes paid overseas should be given. The Tribunal directed the AO to exclude such income from the computation of book profit under Section 115JB.

5. Provision for Maintenance:
The AO disallowed the provision for maintenance, labeling it as unascertained liability. The CIT(A) and Tribunal, referencing past decisions, upheld the assessee's claim, noting that the provision was based on contractual obligations and past experience, thus allowable.

6. Technical Know-how:
The AO treated charges for survey and consultancy services as capital expenditure. The CIT(A) and Tribunal, referencing the Supreme Court decision in M/s Empire Jute Co. Ltd. Vs. CIT, held these as regular business expenses, providing no enduring benefit, thus allowable as revenue expenditure.

7. CSR Expenses:
The AO disallowed CSR expenses. The Tribunal noted that the Explanation 2 to Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, disallowing CSR expenses, was inserted in Finance Act 2015 and does not have retrospective applicability. Hence, the appeal of the assessee on this ground was allowed.

8. Advances Written Off:
The AO disallowed advances written off due to lack of details. The CIT(A) allowed a portion related to TDS credit but confirmed the disallowance of expenses incurred for a joint venture. The Tribunal, noting these were sunk costs, allowed the write-off and the claim.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal, largely referencing past decisions and consistent judicial interpretations, provided relief to the assessee on most grounds, directing the AO to allow claims or recompute disallowances based on established principles and detailed submissions.

 

 

 

 

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