Interpreting Section 80G Provisions: ITAT's Stance on Charitable Institution Registration

Deciphering Legal Judgments: A Comprehensive Analysis of Case Law

Reported as:

2024 (3) TMI 1202 - ITAT KOLKATA

Introduction

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of a judgement delivered by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) concerning the registration of a charitable institution u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act. The case revolves around the rejection of the assessee's application for final approval u/s 80G(5)(iii) by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption) [CIT(E)]. The ITAT's decision sheds light on the interpretation of the relevant provisions and the procedures to be followed for obtaining registration u/s 80G.

Arguments Presented

The assessee, a charitable institution, was previously registered u/s 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act. However, due to an amendment introduced by the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Act, 2020, effective from April 1, 2021, the assessee was required to reapply for approval under Clause (i) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5) within three months.

Instead of applying under Clause (i), the assessee mistakenly applied for provisional approval under Clause (iv) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5), which is meant for institutions applying for the first time. The assessee was granted provisional approval under Clause (iv) on May 28, 2021.

Subsequently, the assessee applied for final approval under Clause (iii) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5). However, the CIT(E) rejected the application, observing that the assessee had already commenced its activities long before the grant of provisional registration, and the time period for making an application under Clause (iii) had expired.

Discussions and Findings of the Court

The ITAT observed that the issue was squarely covered by the decision of the Coordinate Kolkata Bench of the Tribunal in the case of TOMORROW’S FOUNDATION VERSUS CIT (EXEMPTION) , KOLKATA - 2024 (3) TMI 941 - ITAT KOLKATA. The Tribunal discussed the relevant provisions of Section 80G(5) and the procedures to be followed for obtaining registration.

The Tribunal noted that institutions already approved u/s 80G(5)(vi) before the amendment were required to reapply for fresh registration under Clause (i) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5) within three months from April 1, 2021. However, the assessee mistakenly applied under Clause (iv), meant for institutions applying for the first time.

The Tribunal held that once an institution has been granted provisional approval under Clause (i) or Clause (iv) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5), it is entitled to apply for final registration under Clause (iii) of the First Proviso. The application for final registration cannot be rejected on the ground that the institution had already commenced its activities before the grant of provisional registration.

Analysis and Decision by the Court

The ITAT analyzed the provisions of Section 80G(5) and the relevant CBDT circulars. It observed that the CIT(E) had misconstrued the proviso to Section 80G(5) and the applicability of the CBDT circulars regarding the extension of dates for final applications.

The Tribunal held that after the grant of provisional approval, the application for final registration cannot be rejected on the ground that the institution had already commenced its activities before the grant of provisional registration. The date of commencement of activity will be counted when an activity is undertaken after the grant of provisional registration under Clause (i) or Clause (iv) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5).

Consequently, the ITAT set aside the impugned order of the CIT(E) and directed the CIT(E) to grant provisional approval to the assessee under Clause (iii) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5), if the assessee is otherwise found eligible. The CIT(E) was instructed to decide the application for final approval within two months.

Furthermore, the Tribunal directed that if the assessee is granted final approval, the benefit of approval u/s 80G, available to the assessee prior to the amendment, will be deemed to have continued without any break. The assessee will not be deprived of the benefit during the period between March 31, 2021, and the date of grant of provisional approval under Clause (iv), due to technical errors and confusion in interpreting the relevant provisions.

Comprehensive Summary

The ITAT's judgement clarified the interpretation and application of the provisions of Section 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act, particularly concerning the procedures for obtaining registration as a charitable institution. The Tribunal held that after being granted provisional approval under Clause (i) or Clause (iv) of the First Proviso to Section 80G(5), an institution is eligible to apply for final registration under Clause (iii), irrespective of whether it had commenced activities before the grant of provisional registration.

The Tribunal set aside the CIT(E)'s order rejecting the assessee's application for final approval and directed the CIT(E) to grant provisional approval under Clause (iii) if the assessee is otherwise found eligible. The Tribunal also ensured that the assessee's benefit u/s 80G would continue without any break, considering the technical errors and confusion in interpreting the relevant provisions.

The judgement highlighted the importance of correctly interpreting and applying statutory provisions while considering the legislative intent and the object and purpose of the relevant provisions.

Full Text:

2024 (3) TMI 1202 - ITAT KOLKATA