ACIT 3(3) (1) , MUMBAI vs. M/S. SIKRAFT INFOTECH PRIVATE LTD, MUMBAI

The solitary issue agitated by the Revenue in appeal is against findings of the CIT(A) in holding Software Development Expenditure as revenue in nature.

Shri Anuj Kisnadwala appearing on behalf of the assessee submitted that the assessee is engaged in the business of process automation software and hardware engineering including software development, export of technical services, etc. During the period relevant to the assessment year under appeal, the assessee had claimed expenditure towards Software Development Rs.7,09,55,807/-. The said expenditure was in the nature of salaries of Engineers, hotel expenses, insurance, travel expenses, etc. In assessment proceedings the Assessing Officer held the expenditure on Software Development as capital in nature. Aggrieved by the assessment order dated 20/12/2019, the assessee filed appeal before the CIT(A). The CIT(A) after examining the facts held that the expenditure on Software Development, is regular business expenditure and has been incurred for Development of Software for use of clients including export to overseas clients. The CIT(A) reversed the findings of Assessing Officer and held the expenditure to be on revenue account. The ld.Authorized Representative of the assessee supporting the findings of CIT(A) submitted that the Assessing Officer has erred in assuming that the Software Development expenditure is towards development of software for self use of the assessee, whereas, the aforesaid expenditure was towards development of software for the clients of the assessee.

Per contra, Shri Dilip K. Shah representing the Department vehemently defended the assessment order. The ld.Departmental Representative submitted that the CIT(A) has erred in holding Software Development Expenditure as revenue in nature.

Both sides heard. The Software Development expenses claimed by the assessee are in the nature of payment of salaries and allowances to the Engineers, travelling expenses, etc. The assessee is engaged in the process of providing automation, software and hardware engineering. The said expenditure is in the regular course of business of the assessee, which has been named as Software Development Expenditure. The CIT(A) has given a categoric finding that the said expenses are not towards Software Development for use by the assessee but for rendering services to the clients including overseas clients. Thus, the expenditure has been incurred in the regular course of business of the assessee and for earning revenue and profits, hence, the expenditure is on revenue account. The ld.Departmental Representative has not been able to controvert the findings of the CIT(A). We find no infirmity in the order of CIT(A) on this issue, hence, the same is upheld and the appeal of Revenue is dismissed being devoid of any merit.