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2024 (7) TMI 1017 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:

1. Disallowance of deduction for obsolete, damaged, expired stock.
2. Disallowance of deduction for foreclosure charges due to non-deduction of TDS.

Comprehensive, Issue-Wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Disallowance of Deduction for Obsolete, Damaged, Expired Stock:

The primary issue in the appeal was the disallowance of Rs. 52,51,027/- claimed by the assessee for obsolete, damaged, and expired stock. The assessee argued that the Ld. CIT(A) failed to appreciate the various facts and documents provided during the assessment and appellate proceedings. The assessee contended that the provision for inventory written off had been reduced from the closing value of inventory, and this was reflected in the Balance Sheet and Notes on Accounts.

The Assessing Officer (A.O.) had observed that the value of traded goods was taken at cost or Net Realizable Value (NRV), whichever was lower, and reducing the valuation of closing stock again for provisions for obsolete or damaged stock would result in a double benefit. Consequently, the amount of Rs. 52,51,027/- was added back to the taxable income.

During the appellate proceedings, the Ld. CIT(A) upheld the disallowance, noting that there was no rationale provided for the quantity and value of the inventory written off. The Ld. CIT(A) highlighted wide variations in the valuation of the stock and questioned the basis for only a portion of certain items being made obsolete.

The assessee argued that the inventory write-off was audited by an independent statutory auditor and disclosed in the notes to the account. The inventory written off was included in the traded goods and reflected in the Profit and Loss statement. The assessee cited the case of M/s BG Exploration and Production India Ltd. Vs. DCIT, where the Tribunal held that disallowance of obsolete inventory written off, prepared in accordance with accounting standards and audited by an independent auditor, was not sustainable.

The Tribunal found merit in the assessee's argument, noting that the inventory write-off was in compliance with accounting standards and duly audited. The Tribunal referred to precedents, including the cases of Alfa Laval India Ltd. vs. DCIT and Gillette India Ltd. Vs. ACIT, where similar disallowances were overturned. Consequently, the Tribunal deleted the disallowance made by the A.O. and confirmed by the Ld. CIT(A), allowing the assessee's appeal on this ground.

2. Disallowance of Deduction for Foreclosure Charges Due to Non-Deduction of TDS:

The second issue involved the disallowance of Rs. 10,54,784/- for foreclosure charges due to non-deduction of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) under Section 40(a)(ia) of the Income Tax Act. However, during the proceedings, the assessee's counsel submitted that they were not pressing this ground of appeal. Consequently, the Tribunal dismissed this ground as not pressed.

Conclusion:

The Tribunal partly allowed the appeal by deleting the disallowance of Rs. 52,51,027/- for obsolete, damaged, expired stock and dismissed the ground related to foreclosure charges as not pressed. The order was pronounced in the open court on 10th July 2024.

 

 

 

 

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