No AI summary yet for this case.
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, CHANDIGARH BENCH “A”, CHANDIGARH
Before: SMT.DIVA SINGH & SMT.ANNAPURNA GUPTA
आदेश/ORDER
PER BENCH: All the above appeals have been preferred by the same assessee , against separate orders of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-I, Chandigarh [(in short ‘CIT(A)’] dated 26.4.2017, 7.3.2017 & 26.4.2017 ,relating to assessment years 2011-12 to 2013-14 respectively, passed u/s 250(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Act’).
2 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
At the outset it was stated by both the parties that
common issues were involved in all the appeals.All the
appeals were therefore taken up together for hearing and are
being disposed off by this common consolidated order.
We shall first be dealing with the appeal of the
assessee in ITA No.1014/Chd/2017 relating to A.Y 2011-12.
ITA No.1014/Chd/2017(A.Y. 2011-12):
Ground Nos.1 and 9, it was stated by the Ld.Counsel
for the assessee, were general in nature. The same therefore
need no adjudication.
Ground No.2 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“2. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred , both on facts and in law in having confirmed the addition of Rs.3,92,453/- made to the income of the appellant being the difference in the amounts of commission and interest received as per form No. 26AS and as accounted for in the books of accounts of the appellant.” 4. Briefly stated, the issue relates to addition made on
account of difference in income as reflected in the Annual
statement of tax deducted at source of the assessee in Form
No.26AS and that reflected in the books of the assessee,
amounting to Rs.3,92,453/-. Ld.Counsel for the assessee
contended that despite pointing out the specific reason for
3 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
the difference, the Ld.CIT(A) had upheld the addition
without dealing with the specific factual submissions made
before him. Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended that it
was pointed out to the Ld.CIT(A) and even the Assessing
Officer (A.0),that the assessee had earned commission
income on sale of garments of a party made on consignment
basis. That the assessee was to be reimbursed the VAT
component of the sales made on behalf of the said party
alongwith commission. That accordingly bill was raised on
the said party for both the commission and VAT
reimbursement and though the said party was required to
deduct TDS only on the commission, It deducted the same
on the VAT component also. Accordingly VAT reimbursed
was also disclosed as income on which TDS was deducted.
though it was not in the nature of income of the assessee.
That for the aforesaid reason there arose difference in the
income returned by the assessee and that shown in Form
26AS.Our attention was drawn to the submissions made by
the assessee in this regard before the CIT(A) reproduced at
para 4.1 of the order as under:
“The facts in brief are that during the course of assessment proceedings, the appellant was required to reconcile the income/payments which were reflected in Form NBo.26AS with the corresponding entries/income shown in the books
4 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
of the appellant. Necessary reconciliation along with the explanation was submitted. However, the AO was not satisfied with the explanation of the appellant and made an addition of Rs. 3,78,337/~ to the income of the appellant being the difference in the receipts from M/s Priority Marketing Put, Ltd, (Supplier of readymade garments) to the tune of Rs. 2,22,673/- and from M/s Mohan Clothing Co. Put. Ltd. (Supplier of readymade garments) to the tune of Rs. 1,69,780/- respectively and as reflected inform NO. 26AS and the books of the appellant. In this regard, it is submitted, that a statement showing the difference in the amounts as reflected in the payments inform No. 26AS and as shown in the books of the appellant was submitted during the course of assessment proceedings which forms Annexure 'B' of the assessment order itself. As per this statement there was a difference of Rs. 2,22,673/- in the payments received from M/s Priority Marketing Put. Ltd and Rs. 1,69,780 in the payments of M/s Mohan Clothing Co. Put Ltd. Subsequently, a revised statement (Annexure 'A' forming part of assessment order) was also furnished to the Assessing Officer showing the nil difference in the payments received from the above persons as reflected inform No. 26 and as per the books of the appellant. The reasons for filing the revised statement where no difference in the payments as per form No. 26AS and as per the books was shown in these two accounts was that the appellant was selling the goods of M/s Priority Marketing Put. Ltd. the on consignment basis. As per the arrangement with this company, the appellant was to receive commission on sales as also the vat paid on their behalf. A consolidated bill for the commission as well as vat charges was issued by the appellant to this supplier. However, instead of deducing TDS on commission only the supplier have deducted TDS on vat reimbursed in some cases because of oversight as a single bill for the commission and vat recoverable was raised by the appellant." 5. The Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended that the
CIT(A) did not even consider the contention of the assessee
and wrongly held that the assessee had not been able to
5 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
explain the reason in the difference. Our attention was
drawn to the findings of the Ld.CIT(A) at para 4.2 of the
order as under:
“4.2 I have examined the issue in detail. The Assessing Officer has rightly applied the section. The income is charged to tax in the year the right to that income has accrued or arisen as per section 5 of the Act.The Assessing Officer has taxed the amount in this year as mercantile system is being followed by the appellant. The appellant has not been able to explain the exact reasons for difference between the two amounts listed in Form 26AS and income tax return. In reply it is stated that the reason may be because the deductor has deducted on consolidated amount. The appellant is not sure. The addition is confirmed and Ground of appeal No.2 is dismissed” 6. The Ld. DR, on the other hand, relied upon the order of
the authorities below.
We have heard the rival contentions and carefully gone
through the orders of the authorities below. We find merit in
the contentions of the Ld.Counsel for the assessee that due
explanation for the difference in the income reflected in
Form No.26AS and that shown in the books of account was
given by the assessee. We have taken note of the
submissions made by the assessee before the Ld.CIT(A)
stating that in fact, there was no difference in the income
and TDS had been deducted on the service tax component of
6 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
certain bills raised which was not in the nature of income. A
detail explaining the difference as above was also filed. But,
we have noted from the order of the Ld.CIT(A), that no
cognizance of the same has been taken while adjudicating
the issue. The Ld.CIT(A) has in fact summarily dismissed
the ground raised by the assessee without dealing with the
factual contentions made before him. The findings of the
Ld.CIT(A) that the assessee himself was not sure about the
explanation being correct or not, we find, is ill conceived
since the written submissions of the assessee, reproduced in
the order of the CIT(A) show that specific detailed
submissions had been made and nowhere the assessee has
expressed uncertainty about his explanation. Since the
factual contentions of the assessee need verification, we
consider it fit to restore the issue back to the AO to verify
the contentions made by the assessee and thereafter
adjudicate the same in accordance with law. Needless to add
the assessee be granted due opportunity of hearing.
The ground of appeal No.2 raised by the assessee is
allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground No.3 raised by the assessee reads as under:
7 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
“3. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in confirming the disallowance of an amount of Rs 4,01,065/- under section 36(1)(iii) being the amount of interest paid on bank loan taken for acquiring of assets not put to use in the year under reference.” 9. Brief facts relating to the issue are that the AO noted
that the assessee had opened eight new stores during the
year and done renovation/alteration in them and also
furnished them. He further noted that the term loan has
been taken from bank for the same on which interest had
been paid and claimed as revenue expenditure. The AO
noted that interest expenditure pertaining to loans used for
acquiring new assets, had to be capitalized till the asset was
put to use, as per the provisions of section 36(1)(iii) of the
Act. Accordingly, the AO disallowed the proportionate
interest paid on loans used for acquiring assets/shops not
put to use during the year, which was calculated at
Rs.4,01,065/-.
The Ld.CIT(A) upheld the disallowance made by the AO.
Before us the Ld.Counsel for the assessee pointed out
that identical disallowance had been made in the case of the
sister concern of the assessee, M/s Kapsons Agencies
Private Limited in A.Y 2010-11,2011-12 & 2013-14 and the
8 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
matter had travelled upto the ITAT. It was pointed out that
the said assessee had challenged the disallowance in ground
No.2&3 of its appeal filed before the ITAT, in ITA No.1010 &
1011/Chd/2017, which had been heard on 18.07.2019. It
was contended that in those cases the assessee had pleaded
that it had not purchased any shops and that the entire
expenditure related only to renovation of shops which was
released by way of loan by the bank only after incurring the
expenses. That therefore the interest paid on the loans
pertained to the period after the asset was put to use and
therefore there was no occasion for making any disallowance
of interest u/s 36(1)(iii) of the Act. It was pointed out that
additional evidences to substantiate the contention was also
filed alongwith an application seeking admission of the same
stating that they could not be filed earlier since the
documents had got misplaced on shifting the office of the
assessee.
Ld.Counsel contended that its arguments in the
impugned ground were identical to that in the case of the
sister concern of the assessee M/s Kapsons Agencies
(supra).
9 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
Ld.DR conceded that the issue was identical to that of
the sister concern as stated by the Ld.Counsel for the
assessee.
We have heard the contentions of both the parties. It is
an admitted fact that the issue raised in the above ground
is identical to that raised in ITA No.1010/Chd/2017(supra)
in ground No.2. We have gone through the order passed in
that case which was pronounced on 23-08-19. The issue , we
find ,has been dealt with at para 8 &9 of the order
,admitting the additional evidences and thereafter restoring
the matter back to the AO for verifying the facts of the case
and adjudicating the issue afresh in accordance with law.
The said decision will squarely apply to the present case
also, following which we restore the issue back to the AO to
be decided afresh in accordance with law ,as per the
directions given in the case of M/s Kapsons Agencies (supra)
in ITA No.1010/Chd/2017 (supra).
This ground of appeal No.3 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground of appeal No.4 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
10 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
“4. (I) On the facts and circumstances of the case, the CIT (Appeals) has erred in having confirmed additions of Rs.1,59,572/- and Rs.1,24,782/- being the amount of expenditure incurred by the appellant towards rent by holding that as the expenditure incurred related to earlier assessment year, the same could not be allowed in the year under reference as the appellant was following mercantile system of accounting whereas the liability to pay the same crystallized in the year under reference itself.” 16. Brief facts relevant to the issue are that the AO on
perusal of the Profit & Loss Account of the assessee and
details attached thereto found that the assessee had claimed
the following expenditures pertaining to preceding year:
a) rent paid to M/s Alpha G. Corp. Development Pvt. Ltd. being for the month of March, 2010 amounting to Rs.1,59,572/- and
b) CAM charges paid to M/s Para Re-facilities for the month of March, 2010 amounting to Rs.1,24,782/-.
The AO accordingly disallowed the said expenditure
holding them to be prior period expenses. The same was
upheld by the Ld.CIT(A) stating that the assessee was
following mercantile system of accounting and therefore the
prior period expenses could not be allowed.
Before us the Ld.Counsel for the assessee pointed out
that identical disallowance had been made in the case of the
sister concern of the assessee, M/s Kapsons Agencies
11 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
Private Limited in A.Y 2011-12 and the matter had travelled
upto the ITAT. It was pointed out that the said assessee had
challenged the issue in ground no.4 of the appeal filed in
ITA No. 1011 /Chd/2017, which had been heard on
18.07.2019. It was contended that in the said case the
assessee had pleaded that the expenses accrued and arose
in the impugned year only on account of agreement for
incurring the same entered into in this year. It was pointed
out that additional evidences to substantiate the contention
was also filed alongwith an application seeking admission of
the same stating that they could not be filed earlier since
the documents had got misplaced on shifting the office of
the assessee.
Ld.Counsel contended that its arguments were identical
to that in the case of the sister concern of the assessee M/s
Kapsons Agencies (supra).
Ld.DR conceded that the issue was identical to that of
the sister concern as stated by the Ld.Counsel for the
assessee.
We have heard the contentions of both the parties. It is
an admitted fact that the issue raised in the above ground
12 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
is identical to that raised in ITA No.1011/Chd/2017(supra)
in ground No.4. We have gone through the order passed in
that case which was pronounced on 23.08.2019. The issue ,
we find, has been dealt with at para 32 of the order,
admitting the additional evidences and thereafter restoring
the matter back to the AO for verifying the facts of the case
and adjudicating the issue afresh in accordance with law.
The said decision will squarely apply to the present case
also, following which we restore the issue back to the AO to
be decided afresh in accordance with law ,as per the
directions given in the case of M/s Kapsons Agencies (supra)
in ITA No.1011/Chd/2017 (supra).
Ground of appeal No.4 raised by the assessee is
allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground of appeal No.5 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“5. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs.1,18,825/- being the amount of expenditure incurred on foreign travel of the Directors by treating the same as non business expenditure.” 23. The above ground raised relates to disallowance of
foreign travel expenses of the Director of the assessee
13 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
company Shri Vipin Kapoor being on account of visit to
China for the reason that the assessee was not able to
establish and prove that the said expenses were incurred in
connection with the business of the assessee.
The Ld.CIT(A) upheld the addition reiterating the
findings of the AO that no evidence regarding the business
purpose of foreign trip were filed by the assessee.
Before us the Ld.Counsel for the assessee pointed out
that identical disallowance had been made in the case of the
sister concern of the assessee, M/s Kapsons Agencies
Private Limited in A.Y 2011-12 and the matter had travelled
upto the ITAT. It was pointed out that the said assessee had
contested the disallowance in ground no.5 raised in the
appeal filed in ITA No. 1011 /Chd/2017, which had been
heard on 18.07.2019. It was contended that in the said case
the assessee had pleaded that the though the assessee was
not in possession of any direct evidence to prove the
business purpose of the trip but at the same time
considering the nature of the business of the assessee
dealing in selling branded cloths, the Directors are required
to make visit to foreign countries for reviewing the foreign
market trends and for making purchases and visiting
14 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
prospective suppliers of cloths and therefore the
disallowance of the entire amount of foreign travel was
totally unjustified.
Ld.Counsel contended that its arguments in the
present case were identical to that in the case of the sister
concern of the assessee M/s Kapsons Agencies (supra).
Ld.DR conceded that the issue was identical to that of
the sister concern as stated by the Ld.Counsel for the
assessee.
We have heard the contentions of both the parties. It is
an admitted fact that the issue raised in the above ground
is identical to that raised in ITA No.1011/Chd/2017(supra)
in ground No.5. We have gone through the order passed in
that case which was pronounced on 23-08-19. The issue, we
find, has been dealt with at para 38 of the order, restricting
the disallowance to 50% of the expenses. The said decision
will squarely apply to the present case also, following which
we restrict the disallowance of foreign travelling expenses
to 50% of that incurred, as per the directions given in the
case of M/s Kapsons Agencies (supra) in ITA
No.1011/Chd/2017 (supra).
15 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The ground of appeal No.5 raised by the assessee is
partly allowed.
Ground No.6 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“6. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs. 8,53,062/- made by the Assessing officer by taking resort to the provisions of section 40(a)(ia) by holding that as no TDS was deducted out of the expenditure incurred on which TDS was deductable as per the provisions of the Act, the same was as such not an allowable expenditure. 30. Briefly stated, the AO had made disallowance of the
following expenses on finding that the assessee had failed to
deduct tax at source on the same:
Head of Expenditure Name of party
Advertisement Roshan Studios 32,450.00 Advertisement Wire & Wireless 38,913.00 Advertisement Synergy 174,384.00 Media Entertainment AMC Cool Tech Corporation 35,394.00 Sales Promotion Hotel Mountview 394,621.00 Events Swastic Audio 77,300.00 Professional Charges Kuldip Singh (Advocate) 100,000.00 Total 8,53,062.00
The Ld.CIT(A) upheld the disallowance stating that the
assessee had contested only two amounts before him being
payment made to Roshan Studios and Wire & Wireless
payment made to Hotel Mountview. He further held that on
both the said amounts the contentions of the assessee were
16 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
not acceptable since TDS was deductible on the payment
made to Roshan Studios since it exceeded the amount on
which TDS was deductible and vis-à-vis the payment made
to Hotel Mountview, he stated that it was in the nature of
work contract and, therefore, rejected the assessee’s
contention that it was not so.
Before us the Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended
that he had made specific submissions before the Ld.CIT(A),
who had passed the order without specifically dealing with
the contention of the assessee thus passing a non speaking
order on the issue. The Ld.Counsel for the assessee drew
our attention to the submissions made before the CIT(A)
reproduced at para 8.1 of the order as under:
“Payment to Roshan Studios and Wire & Wireless amounting of Rs. 32,450/- and Rs. 38,913/- respectively have been made for photography/ providing of sound system at the time of opening of two stores of the appellant. There was no single contract with them and the amount paid was below the limit of Rs. 75,000/- on which TDS is required to be deducted as provided u/s 194C of the Act. Similarly, payment of Rs. 3,94,621 / - to Mount View has been made for booking of hall charges for organizing fashion show. This payment does not fall under the category of any work contract and as such, no TDS was required to be deducted for such payment as there was no single contract with the hotel In any case, no addition is called for in the hands of the appellant on account of non deduction of TDS in other cases as the expenditure were genuine and was incurred for
17 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
business expediency and were actually paid in the year under reference." 33. Referring to the same it was contended that the
assessee had pleaded before the Ld.CIT(A) that the payment
made to hotel Mountview was for booking of hall charges for
organizing fashion show and thus did not fall under the
category of work contract and no TDS was required to be
deducted on the same. Similarly, the Ld.Counsel for the
assessee pointed out that it was pleaded before the
Ld.CIT(A) that there was no single contract with Roshan
Studios and Wire & Wireless and the amount paid was below
the prescribed limit on which TDS was required to be
deducted as per section 194C of the Act. The Ld.Counsel for
the assessee contended that the Ld.CIT(A) had failed to deal
with the specific contention of the assessee and has
summarily dismissed the same without giving any proper
reasons. He drew our attention to the finding of the CIT(A)
at para 8.2 of the order as under:
“8.2 I have considered the reply of the appellant and perused the order of the Assessing Officer. The appellant has contested only 2 amounts and not given reply with respect to others. As regards the payment to Roshan Studios, TDS was deductible because the annual payment exceeded the amount on which TDS is deductible. As regards the payment to Hotel Mountview, the expense has been booked under sales promotion and from the nature of expense it is a work contract in which
18 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
TDS was deductible. Hence, the order of the Assessing Officer on this issue is upheld and ground of appeal No. 6 is dismissed.” 34. The Ld. DR, on the other hand, relied upon the orders
of the authorities below.
We have heard the rival contentions and have perused
the orders of authorities below. We agree with the
Ld.Counsel for the assessee that despite specific
submissions made by the assessee, the Ld.CIT(A) has upheld
the addition/disallowance ,giving no basis/reasoning for
arriving at his findings that the nature of expense relating
to Hotel Mountview was not in the nature of work contract
as contended by the assessee, nor has he given any basis for
stating that TDS was deductible on total payment made to
Rohan studios and every payment made was not to be
considered separately as pleaded by the assessee. The order
passed by the Ld.CIT(A), is, we find, not a reasoned and
speaking order on the issue. Since the facts pleaded by the
assessee need verification, we consider it fit to restore the
matter back to the AO to verify the contentions of the
assessee and thereafter adjudicate the issue in accordance
with law.
19 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The ground of appeal No.6 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground No.7 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“7. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs. 1,28,000/- made by the Assessing officer by invoking the provisions of section 40A(3) of the Act.” 37. Brief facts relating to the issue are that the AO noted
that the assessee had made payment for food and hospitality
during cricket match on 30.3.2011 of Rs.1,28,000/- in cash.
He held that the same was in violation of section 40A(3) of
the Act and accordingly, disallowed the same. The Ld.CIT(A)
upheld the disallowance so made by the AO.
Before us, the Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended
that it had been explained to the authorities below that the
expenditure had been incurred for buying tickets for cricket
match and food for staff during cricket match and was not
paid to any single party and therefore, the provisions of
section 40A(3) of the Act were not attracted. The Ld.Counsel
for the assessee pointed out that the Ld.CIT(A) without
appreciating the contentions made, had summarily upheld
the addition by simply stating that the purchases in cash
20 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
exceeded Rs.20,000/-, the disallowance had been rightly
made.
The Ld. DR, on the other hand, relied upon the orders
of authorities below.
We have heard the rival contentions and perused the
orders of authorities below. We do not find any merit in the
contentions of the Ld.Counsel for the assessee. The
assessee, we have noted, has consistently pleaded that the
payment was made in cash for purchasing tickets of cricket
match for its staff/customers and for providing food to them
during cricket match and that the payment was made to
different vendors at the spot where the cricket match was
conducted for buying food items. But no evidence has been
filed to substantiate the same. Therefore the fact remains
that the assessee has incurred expenditure in cash
exceeding Rs.20,000/-, thus violating the provisions of
section 40A(3) of the Act calling for disallowance of the
same. The order of the Ld.CIT(A) ,upholding the
disallowance of Rs.1,28,000/-,accordingly is upheld.
The ground of appeal No.7 raised by the assessee
dismissed
21 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
Ground of appeal No.8 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“8. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed an addition of Rs. 1,16,000.00 being the amount of pre- paid expenses relating to the subsequent assessment year. In any case. In all fairness, directions should have been issued to allow this expenditure in the year to which the expenditure related.” 42. Brief facts relating to the issue are that the assessee
had incurred the expenditure of Rs.1,74,000/- on account of
music permission expense and the said amount had been
paid for three years. On taking note of the aforesaid fact,
the AO apportioned the expenses to three years and allowed
the claim of only Rs.58,000/- for the impugned year
disallowing the balance of Rs.1,16,000/-.
The Ld.CIT(A) upheld the disallowance made by the AO.
Before us the Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended
that the payment had been made for acquiring the licence
pertaining to music permission for three years and having
incurred in the impugned year was allowable in the
impugned year only. The Ld.Counsel for the assessee
pointed out that this was not a capital expenditure and
there were no provisions under the Act for deferment of
22 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
revenue expenditure and the same had to be allowed in the
year in which it was incurred.
The Ld. DR, on the other hand, relied upon the order of
the authorities below.
We have heard the rival contentions. It is not disputed
that the expenditure incurred on acquiring music
permission for a period of three years, was in the nature of
revenue expenditure of the assessee. It is not the claim of
the Revenue that the impugned expenditure was a capital
expenditure. On the contrary, we find that the Revenue has
accepted that it was in the nature of revenue expenditure
but on finding that the permission pertained to three years,
the expenditure was spread over three years and the claim
allowed accordingly. The Ld. DR has been unable to
controvert the contention of the Ld.Counsel for the assessee
that having treated the expenses as revenue, the same was
allowable in the impugned year and could not be deferred in
the next two years. The Revenue has been unable to draw
our attention to any provision under the Income Tax Act for
deferring revenue expenditure. We, therefore, agree with the
Ld.Counsel for the assessee that the said revenue expenses
23 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
were to be allowed in the impugned year itself. The claim of
the assessee of Rs.1,16,000/- is, therefore, allowed.
The ground of appeal No.8 raised by the assessee is,
therefore, allowed.
In effect, the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed
for statistical purposes.
We now take up the appeal of the assessee in ITA
No.1015/Chd/2017 relating to A.Y 2012-13
ITA No.1015/Chd/2017(A.Y.2012-13):
Ground of appeal No.1 and 8, it was stated by the
Ld.Counsel for the assessee, were general in nature. the
same therefore need no adjudication.
Ground of appeal No.2 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“2. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law in having confirmed the addition of Rs.3,76,661/- made to the income of the appellant being the difference in the receipts as per form No. 26AS and as accounted for in the books of accounts of the appellant.”
24 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The above ground relates to addition made on account
of difference in income as per Form No.26AS and as per
income tax return.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 2
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.2 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restore the issue back to the AO to decide the same afresh
in accordance with our directions given at para 7 of our
order above.
The ground of appeal No.2 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground of appeal No.3 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“3. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in confirming the disallowance of an amount of Rs 7,23,239/- under section 36(1)(iii) being the amount of interest paid on bank loan taken
25 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
for acquiring of assets not put to use in the year under reference.” 53. The above ground relates to disallowance of an amount
of 7,23,299/- u/s 36(1)(iii) of the Act being the amount of
interest paid on bank loan taken for acquiring of asset not
put to use in the year under reference.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 3
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.3 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restore the issue back to the AO to decide the same afresh
in accordance with our directions given at para 14 of our
order above.
The ground of appeal No.3 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground No.4 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“4. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in
26 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
having confirmed the allowance of depreciation on electrical installations and fittings at 10% instead of 15% as claimed by the appellant thereby confirming an addition of Rs. 11,64,638/-to the income of the appellant.” 56. The issue raised in the above ground relates to
allowance of depreciation on electric installation & fittings @
15% as claimed by the assessee as against 10% allowed by
the revenue authorities.
At the outset itself the Ld.Counsel for the assessee
pleaded that its solitary prayer on the impugned issue was
that the claim of depreciation be allowed at the enhanced
WDV after allowing depreciation @ 10% on the impugned
assets. In view of the above, we direct the AO to recompute
the claim of depreciation on the impugned assets at the
prescribed rate in accordance with law. The ground of
appeal No.4 raised by the assessee is dismissed with the
above directions.
Ground of appeal No.5 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“5. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs. 13,61,132/- being the amount of expenditure incurred on foreign travel of the Directors by treating the same as non business expenditure.”
27 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The above ground relates to claim of foreign travel
expenses incurred on the directors of the assessee company
amounting to Rs.13,61,132/- which was entirely disallowed
by the AO treating the same as non business expenses in the
absence of any evidence furnished by the assessee for its
claim.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 5
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.5 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restrict the disallowance to 50% of the expenses ,in
accordance with our directions given at para 28 of our order
above.
The ground of appeal No.5 is partly allowed.
Ground of appeal No.6 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
28 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
“6. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs. 1,42,500/- made by the Assessing officer by taking resort to the provisions of section 40(a)(ia) by holding that as no TDS was deducted out of the expenditure incurred on which TDS was deductable as per the provisions of the Act, the same was as such not an allowable expenditure.” 63. The issue raised in the above ground relates to
disallowance of expenses on account of non deduction of
taxes at source by applying the provisions of section
40(a)(ia) of the Act. The AO had made disallowance on
account of the same of the following expenses:
1) Legal & Professional Fees = Rs.75,000/- 2) AMC = Rs.67,500/- Total = Rs.1,42,500/- 64. Before us at the outset itself the Ld.Counsel for the
assessee pleaded that the facts of the case are that the
assessee had deducted tax at source on both the expenses
and deposited the same also in the Government Treasury.
The Ld.Counsel for the assessee stated that the challans
evidencing the deduction of tax at source on these payments
and the deposit thereof in the Government Treasury was
available with the assessee and drew our attention to the
same filed in the Paper Book placed before us at page 5. Our
attention was also drawn to the acknowledgement of
statement of TDS, evidencing tax deducted on the impugned
29 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
payment and deposited in the Government Treasury. It was
contended that these documents were very relevant for
deciding the issue and the Ld.Counsel for the assessee
pleaded that the same may be admitted for adjudication. An
application for admission of the additional evidences was
filed before us dated 15.10.2018.
The Ld. DR objected to the same.
We have considered the contentions of the Ld.Counsel
for the assessee and we are in agreement with the same that
the disallowance having been made on account of non
deduction of tax at source on certain payments made, the
evidences now filed by the assessee proving to the contrary
are very relevant for the issue and allowance of the claim of
the assessee. We, therefore, admit the additional evidences
filed by the assessee in the form of challans evidencing
deposit of tax deducted at source and the statement showing
tax deducted at source on the impugned payments. We
further restore the issue to the AO with the direction to
verify the evidences now filed by the assessee and thereafter
adjudicate the issue in accordance with law.
30 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The ground of appeal No.6 raised by the assessee is,
therefore, allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground of appeal No.7 raised by the assessee was not
pressed before us and, therefore, the same is dismissed as
not pressed.
In effect the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed
for statistical purposes.
We now take up the appeal of the assessee in ITA
No.1016/Chd/2017 relating to A.Y 2013-14
ITA No.1016/Chd/2017(A.Y.2013-14):
Ground of appeal No.1 and 9 raised by the assessee are
general in nature and hence, need no adjudication.
Ground No.2 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“2. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred , both on facts and in law in having confirmed the addition of Rs.3,78,337/- made to the income of the appellant being the difference in the receipts as per form No. 26AS and as accounted for in the books of accounts of the appellant.”
31 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The above ground relates to addition made on account
of difference in income as per Form No.26AS and as per
income tax return.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 2
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.2 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restore the issue back to the AO to decide the same afresh
in accordance with our directions given at para 7 of our
order above.
The ground of appeal No.2 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground No.3 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“3. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in confirming the disallowance of an amount of Rs 6,95,680/- under section 36(1)(iii) being the amount of interest paid on bank loan taken for acquiring of assets not put to use in the year under reference.”
32 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
The above ground relates to disallowance of an amount
of 6,95,680/- u/s 36(1)(iii) of the Act being the amount of
interest paid on bank loan taken for acquiring of asset not
put to use in the year under reference.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 3
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.3 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restore the issue back to the AO to decide the same afresh
in accordance with our directions given at para 14 of our
order above.
The ground of appeal No.3 is allowed for statistical
purposes.
Ground of appeal No.4 raised by the assessee reads as
under:
“4. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in confirming the disallowance of an amount of Rs
33 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
5,26,052/- under section 36(1)(iii) being the amount of interest paid on loans that should have been capitalized on capital work in progress in the hands of the appellant at the end of the year.” 76. The facts relating to the issue are that the AO noticed
that the assessee had shown capital work in progress of
Rs.40,46,558/- which had not been put to use. Accordingly,
he disallowed the interest pertaining to the interest bearing
funds used for the same on a proportionate basis,
amounting to Rs.5,26,052/-. The Ld.CIT(A) upheld the same
The Ld.Counsel for the assessee contended that it had
been pleaded before the lower authorities that no interest
bearing funds had been used for the said purpose and the
assessee had used its own funds which were available with
it by way of free reserves. That no term loan or any
unsecured loan was raised during the year, which fact was
clear from the Balance Sheet of the assessee. The
Ld.Counsel for the assessee stated that the Ld.CIT(A)
without dealing with the specific assertion made by the
assessee had upheld the order of the AO. Our attention was
drawn to the pleadings made before the CIT(A) reproduced at
para 5.1 of the order As under:
“5.1 In appeal, following explanation was offered by the appellant.
34 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
"In this regard, it is submitted that the learned AO did not firstly appreciated the fact that opening of retail stores by the appellant was an ongoing process and the assets were not acquired by the appellant for any expansion of the existing business of the appellant Opening of stores to market its products for retail purposes was an integrated, part of the business of the appellant and cannot be termed as expansion of the existing business. Secondly, it was also submitted before the learned AO that as no term loan was either raised by the appellant nor any borrowings were made for acquiring the assets of these new stores, no interest out of the interest paid by the appellant was disallowable under the proviso to section 36(l)(iii) of the Act in as much as it is only the interest paid on capital borrowed for acquisition of assets not put to use in the year under reference which is required to be disallowed under the proviso and otherwise. As already submitted no capital was borrowed for the acquisition of these assets which were acquired by using its own funds which were available with the appellant by way of free reserves with it. Neither any term loan was raised from the bank nor any unsecured loan was raised by the appellant in the year under reference as will be evident from the copy of the balance sheet attached herewith. The accretion in the unsecured loans is only on account of interest payable to them on their loans. Copies of their accounts are also attached herewith for your ready reference and kind perusal." And at para 6.1 as under:
“6.1 In appeal, the Ld. Counsel for the appellant made the following reply:- "This ground of appeal relates to the disallowance of a sum of Rs. 5,26,052/- out of the interest paid by the assessee on loans raised by the appellant by taking resort to the proviso to section 36(l)(iii) being the amount of interest required to the capitalized on the capital work in progress of the assets not put to use or where no commercial activity has been started in the year under reference. Our submissions are the same as has been made against ground No. 3 above for this ground of appeal.
35 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
They may kindly be taken into consideration while deciding this ground of appeal by your honour.” 78. Our attention was drawn to the findings of the
Ld.CIT(A) at para 6.2 of his order as under:
“6.2 I have examined the arguments extended by the Ld. Counsel for the appellant and also perused the assessment order. It is observed that the borrowed funds were used by the appellant for making investment in capital work in progress and the interest has not been capitalized. Therefore, the claim of interest as a revenue expense gets covered by the proviso to section 36(1)(iii) and accordingly upheld. The addition is confirmed and ground of appeal No.4 is dismissed.” 79. The Ld. DR, on the other hand, relied upon the order of
the CIT(A).
We have heard the rival contentions. We find merit in
the contention of the Ld.Counsel for the assessee. The
assessee, we find, had made specific pleadings before the
Ld.CIT(A) of not having used any interest bearing funds for
investing in its capita work in progress and had also pointed
out that no fresh loans either secured or unsecured had
been taken by the assessee during the year. The Ld.CIT(A)
has, we find, upheld the disallowance of interest without
dealing with the specific submissions of the assessee and in
a summary manner. The order passed on the issue by the
CIT(A) is a non speaking order. Since the facts canvassed by
36 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
the assessee need verification, We restore the matter to the
AO to verify the facts and deal with the specific submissions
made by the assessee and thereafter decide the issue in
accordance with law. The ground of appeal No.4 raised by
the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground No.5 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“5. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred, both on facts and in law, in having confirmed the allowance of depreciation on electrical installations and fittings at 10% instead of 15% as claimed by the appellant thereby confirming an addition of Rs. 18,88,632/- to the income of the appellant.” 82. The issue raised in the above ground relates to
allowance of depreciation of electric installation of fittings @
15% as claimed by the assessee as against 10% allowed by
the revenue authorities.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 4
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2012-13, in ITA
No.1015/Chd/2017 .
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.4 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
37 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
dismiss the said ground in accordance with our directions
given at para 57 of our order above.
The ground of appeal No. 5 raised by the assessee is
dismissed with the above directions.
Ground No.6 raised by the assessee reads as under:
“6. On the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(Appeals) has erred in having confirmed disallowance of an amount of Rs.2,24,097/- being the amount of expenditure incurred on foreign travel of the Directors by treating the same as non business expenditure.” 85. The above ground relates to claim of foreign travel
expenses incurred on the directors of the assessee company
amounting to Rs.2,24,097/- which was entirely disallowed
by the AO treating the same as non business expenses in the
absence of any evidence furnished by the assessee for its
claim.
It was common ground that the issue raised in the
present ground was identical to that raised in ground No. 5
of assessee’s appeal for A.Y 2011-12, in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017 .
38 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
In view of the same, with the issue admittedly being
identical to that raised in ground No.5 in ITA
No.1014/Chd/2017, our decision rendered therein will
squarely apply to the said ground also, following which we
restrict the disallowance to 50% of the expenses ,in
accordance with our directions given at para 28 of our order
above.
The ground of appeal No.6 is partly allowed.
Ground of appeal Nos.7 and 8 raised by the assessee
read as under:
“7. The CIT(Appeals) has erred in not having adjudicated the ground of appeal taken before him as regards the disallowance of an amount of Rs. 25,159/- made by the Assessing officer by taking resort to the provisions of section 40(a)(ia) by holding that as no IDS was deducted out of the expenditure incurred on which IDS was deductable as per the provisions of the Act, the same was as such not an allowable expenditure. 8. The CIT(Appeals) has also erred in not having adjudicated the ground of appeal taken before him as regards the disallowance of an amount of Rs. 6,37,708/- .made by the Assessing officer being the amount of one fourth of the expenditure incurred by the appellant towards running and maintenance of cars including deprecation on the same by treating the same as personal expenses of the Directors.” 88. The above grounds were taken up together by the
Ld.Counsel for the assessee stating that both the issues had
39 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
not been adjudicated by the Ld.CIT(A). Drawing our
attention to the order passed by the Ld.CIT(A), the
Ld.Counsel for the assessee pointed out that in ground
Nos.7 and 8 raised before the Ld.CIT(A) the assessee had
challenged the disallowance made by the AO by invoking the
provisions of section 40(a)(ia) of the Act of interest
amounting to Rs.25,159/- and of 1/4 th of the expenditure
towards running and maintenance of cars amounting to
Rs.6,37,708/-. The Ld.Counsel for the assessee thereafter
took us through the order of the Ld.CIT(A) and pointed out
that the Ld.CIT(A) had dealt with only up to ground No.6
and had left the issues raised in ground Nos. 7 & 8
unadjudicated. The Ld. DR agreed to the same.
In view of the above, these issues need to be
adjudicated afresh but since we have restored certain issues
raised in this appeal to the AO, we restore these issues also
to the AO to deal with the same afresh. We direct the AO to
deal with the issue of disallowance of expenses incurred on
vehicle running and maintenance on account of personal
usage of the same by the Directors of the company on a
reasonable basis considering the past history of the
assessee, number of directors in the company, number of
40 ITA Nos.1014 to 1016/Chd/2017 A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2013-14
vehicles owned by the assessee company, the nature of business carried out by the assessee and such other factors. The AO is directed to provide due opportunity of hearing to the assessee and thereafter decide the issue in accordance with law.
Ground Nos.7 and 8 raised by the assessee are allowed for statistical purposes.
In effect, the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed for statistical purposes. 9 0 . In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are partly allowed for statistical purposes. Order pronounced in the Open Court.
Sd/- Sd/- अ�नपूणा� गु�ता �दवा �संह (ANNAPURNA GUPTA) (DIVA SINGH) �याय�क सद�य/Judicial Member लेखा सद�य/Accountant Member �दनांक /Dated: 29th August, 2019 *रती* आदेश क� ��त�ल�प अ�े�षत/ Copy of the order forwarded to : 1. अपीलाथ�/ The Appellant 2. ��यथ�/ The Respondent 3. आयकर आयु�त/ CIT 4. आयकर आयु�त (अपील)/ The CIT(A) 5. �वभागीय ��त�न�ध, आयकर अपील�य आ�धकरण, च�डीगढ़/ DR, ITAT, CHANDIGARH 6. गाड� फाईल/ Guard File आदेशानुसार/ By order, सहायक पंजीकार/ Assistant Registrar