HC ruled that mere signatory status on property conveyance does ...

High Court: Property Tax Liability Requires Proof of Actual Ownership Benefits, Not Just Signatures on Conveyance Documents - Section 26.

January 25, 2025

Case Laws     Income Tax     HC

HC ruled that mere signatory status on property conveyance does not automatically establish ownership or tax liability under Income Tax Act. Section 26 and 27 require clear determination of defined shares and actual beneficial ownership. Tax authorities erred by assuming 50% ownership solely based on appellant's signature without examining actual benefits derived from the property. Court emphasized that taxability must be determined based on who genuinely receives benefits from the property, not just documentary signatures. Absence of findings regarding appellant's actual beneficial ownership led to reversal of Tribunal's order. Appeal allowed in favor of assessee, rejecting presumptive attribution of property income based solely on documentary signatures.

View Source