2024 (9) TMI 788 - AT - Income Tax

Addition of income from Offshore Supply Contracts u/s 44BBB - scope of special provision computing profit and gains of foreign companies engaged in the business of civil construction, etc. in certain turnkey power projects - HELD THAT - On the above factual matrix on the case, it is evident that this issue has been consistently arising in the previous years since A.Y. 2007-08 and has been decided by the co-ordinate bench in favour of the assessee for this year and for the subsequent years. It is also observed that there has been no change neither in the terms of the agreements nor in the nature of work carried out as per the said contract. As decided in earlier years after analyzing the various case laws, statutory provisfonc, DTA/ provisions and contractual terms and respectfully following judgment of Ishikawajima- Harirna Heavy Industries Limited 2007 (1) TMI 91 - SUPREME COURT we are inclined to hold that Offshore Supply contracts were 'carried and concluded- outside India and hence no income therefrom deemed to accrue or arise in India as per section 9(1) and DTAA provisions and accordingly, not chargeable to tax. The receipts thereof do not form part of receipts for the purpose of computational provisions of section 44BBB. Explanation-4 could not overcome the limitation imposed by Explanation-l(a) to section 9(i)(i) and hence,the impugned income do not form part of business receipts for computation of income u/s 44BBB of the Act - Appeal filed by the assessee is allowed.

Summary

Issues:
Challenge to addition of income from Offshore Supply Contracts under section 44BBB of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Background and Facts:
The appeal was filed by the assessee against the final assessment order dated 26.10.2023 under section 143(3) r.w.s. 144C(13) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for the Assessment Year 2021-22. The assessee, a Joint Stock Company from the Russian Federation, was engaged in setting up power projects globally. The dispute arose regarding the taxation of income from Offshore Supply Contracts under section 44BBB of the Act.

2. Assessment Proceedings:
The Assessing Officer observed that the assessee received income from service contracts and supplying equipment to NPCIL for a nuclear power project. The AO proposed an addition on deemed income under section 44BBB and business income attributed to Permanent Establishment. The total income was determined at Rs. 328,14,60,573/-.

3. DRP Proceedings and Impugned Order:
The assessee objected before the DRP, which disposed of the objections, leading to the assessment order determining the total income at Rs. 515,59,03,600/-. The assessee appealed against this order.

4. Contentions of the Parties:
The assessee argued that the offshore supply contract receipts were not taxable in India, citing the decision in Ishikawajima Harima case. The Revenue contended that section 44BBB applied to all receipts related to the project, whether offshore or onshore.

5. Tribunal's Decision:
The Tribunal noted that the issue had been consistently decided in favor of the assessee for previous years. Citing the Ishikawajima Harima case, the Tribunal held that offshore supply contract receipts were not taxable in India. As there were no changes in the circumstances, the findings from earlier years were applicable, and the assessee's appeal was allowed.

6. Conclusion:
The Tribunal allowed the appeal, holding that the receipts from Offshore Supply Contracts were not taxable in India. As a result, other grounds of appeal raised by the assessee did not require further adjudication. The decision was pronounced on 06.09.2024.

This detailed analysis outlines the key aspects of the judgment, focusing on the taxation of income from Offshore Supply Contracts under section 44BBB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and the Tribunal's decision in favor of the assessee based on consistent precedents and legal principles.