SHALIMAR CHEMICAL WORKS(P)LTD,KOLKATA vs. CENTRALISED PROCESSING CENTRE, BANGALORE

This appeal of the assessee for the assessment year 2015-16 is directed against the order dated 02.03.2023 passed by the ld. Commissioner of Income-tax Appeals, NFAC, Delhi [hereinafter referred to as ‘the ld. CIT(A)’].

The only common issue raised in grounds of appeal is against the order of ld. CIT(A) upholding the order of AO wherein the AO has held that the assessee was not entitled to claim the credit of the dividend distribution tax paid of Rs. 20,50,960/- as per the provision u/s 115O(1)/115O(5) of the Act.

The facts in brief are that the assessee filed its return of income on 24.11.2015 which was processed u/s 143(1) of the Act wherein the assessee was denied the credit of Rs. 20,50,960/- paid as dividend distribution tax vide BSR Code 0510075 and Challan

The assessee has challenged the order passed u/s 143(1) of the Act by ITO, CPC but same was dismissed by ld. CIT(A) by holding that Rs. 20,50,960/- was not allowable since the same did not belong to the instant assessment year and therefore, upheld the order of the AO CPC.

After hearing the rival contentions and after perusing the material available on record, we observe that the assessee has declared the dividend on 14.10.2015 for A.Y. 2015-16 amounting to Rs. 1,00,72,962/- which was paid on 19.10.2015 and accordingly paid dividend distribution tax of Rs. 20,50,960/- on 28.10.2015 within 14 days in terms of provisions of section 115O(1) of the Act. According to the authorities below, the tax was paid for the next assessment year. In view of the entry in Form 26AS and ITR filed by the assessee, we observe that the DDT was paid on the dividend declared by the assessee in respect of A.Y. 2015-16 in the Annual General Meeting. We also note that the said amount of Rs. 20,50,960/- was never given credit in the subsequent years. Under Shalimar Chemical Works (P) Ltd. A.Y. 2015-16 these circumstances, we are of the considered view that the assessee has complied with the provisions of section 115O(1) of the Act and deposited the same within 14 days after declaration of dividend and duly claimed in the return of income. Therefore, the assessee cannot be punished for any technical and flimsy reasons and considering the facts and circumstances of the case we are inclined to set aside the order of ld. CIT(A) and direct the AO to allow the credit of Rs. 20,50,960/- as claimed by the assessee.