MR. NIKHIL VIJAY CHAUHAN,MUMBAI vs. ITO 21(2)(4), MUMBAI

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ITA 1702/MUM/2019Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai01 March 2021AY 2012-132 pages

In favour of the assessee: the assessee's appeal was allowed. From the AI summary of this appeal.

AI SummaryAllowed

What did the Tribunal hold?

The Tribunal held that ad-hoc disallowances without pointing out defects in vouchers or specific reasons are not sustainable in law. The argument of 'personal element' was also deemed legally unsustainable.

What were the facts?

The assessee, a distributor and selling agent, faced ad-hoc disallowances on salary/incentives and general expenses by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A). The Assessing Officer did not dispute the assessee's explanation for reduced gross profit rate but made disallowances without specific reasons.

What were the issues?

Whether ad-hoc disallowances of business expenses are permissible without specific defects or reasons. Whether the 'personal element' can be a ground for disallowance without evidence.

Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?

None

AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, “SMC” Bench, Mumbai

For Respondent: Ms. Smita Varma
Hearing: 11.01.2021Pronounced: 01.03.2021

This appeal by the assessee is directed against the order of learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [in short learned CIT(A)] dated 31.01.2019 pertaining to assessment year (A.Y.) 2012-13.

2.

The grounds of appeal

read as under :-

1. On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the Ld. CIT(A) erred in confirming the adhoc disallowance of Rs. 4,04,798/- being 10% of the expenses of Rs. 40,47,980/- being Salary and incentives to Salesman, drivers, delivery boys and office staff in the course of business as distributor and selling agents of Hindustan Lever Limited - Rs. 1,25,082/-.

2. On the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law, the Ld. CIT[A] erred in confirming the adhoc disallowance of Rs. 79,864/- being 15% of general expenses of Rs. 5,32,425/- on account of conveyance, Travelling and telephone expenses – Rs. 24,678/-

3. In this case the assessee is a proprietor of M/s. Prasad Enterprises and is a distributor and selling agent of Hindustan Unilever Limited. In the assessment order the Assessing Officer noted that there was some reduction in gross profit rate. He obtained explanation from the assessee. He did not dispute the explanation. However, without giving any specific reason he made adhoc disallowance in salary and incentive to salesmen @ 10% and conveyance travelling and telephone charges @ 5%.

4. Upon assessee’s appeal learned CIT(A) confirmed the same. Against this order the assessee is in appeal before the ITAT.

5. I have heard learned Departmental Representative and perused the records. In my considered opinion adhoc disallowance without pointing out any defect in the vouchers whatsoever is not sustainable in law. That ‘personal element can be ruled out’ is not legally sustainable ground whatsoever. Hence, I set aside the orders of the authorities below and delete the disallowance.

6.

In the result, assessee’s appeal is allowed.

Pronounced in the open court on 1.3.2021.

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