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Facts
The assessee, Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society, applied for registration under Section 80G and Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which was denied by the Ld. CIT (Exemption) due to alleged non-compliance. The assessee appealed to the Tribunal, contending that inadequate opportunity was provided to furnish necessary documents and that it now possessed all required documentation.
Held
The Tribunal found that the CIT (Exemption) had denied registration due to non-compliance. Considering the assessee's claim of insufficient opportunity, the Tribunal set aside the CIT (Exemption)'s orders and remanded the matter back for fresh adjudication. The CIT (Exemption) is instructed to provide the assessee a proper opportunity of being heard and to consider all submissions and documents.
Key Issues
Whether the CIT (Exemption) was justified in denying registration under Section 80G and Section 12AA based on alleged non-compliance, particularly when the assessee asserted inadequate opportunity to present its case and documents.
Sections Cited
80G, 12AA, 12A(1)(ac)(iii)
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, GUWAHATI BENCH AT KOLKATA
Before: SHRI MANOMOHAN DAS & SHRI RAKESH MISHRA
PER RAKESH MISHRA, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER:
These appeals filed by the assessee are against the order of the Ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption)-Kolkata [hereinafter referred to as the ‘Ld. CIT (Exemption)’] passed in respect of registration u/s 80G and 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to I.T.A. Nos.: 259 & 260/GTY/2024 Assessment Year: 2024-25 Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society. as ‘the Act’) for AY 2024-25 dated 14.09.2024 and 09.09.2024, respectively.
The assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal raising the following grounds of appeal: I.T.A. No.: 259 /GTY/2024 “1. Inadequate Opportunity Provided by CIT(Exemptions) The Appellant respectfully submits that adequate opportunity was not provided to furnish all necessary documents. Due to a limited timeframe and procedural constraints, the Appellant was unable to gather the required documentation within the deadline imposed. The Appellant submits that this restricted timeframe prevented them from demonstrating their eligibility for registration under Section 80G(5) of the Income Tax Act,1961. 2. Lack of Legal Assistance and Guidance The Appellant faced challenges in procuring suitable legal consultancy within the stipulated period, which further hindered the proper and timely submission of relevant documents. Despite diligent efforts, the Appellant could not obtain professional assistance to appropriately address the compliance requirements of the CIT(Exemptions).
Availability of Necessary Documentation and Compliance with 80G Criteria The Appellant wishes to clarify that all required documents, which establish their eligibility for registration under Section 80G(5), are now available and prepared for submission. The Appellant assures that these documents demonstrate compliance with all statutory and procedural requirements for registration under Section 80G(5), confirming that the Appellant has been consistently working towards its stated social and charitable objectives since its inception.
Social and Charitable Work Conducted by the Appellant The Appellant has been continuously engaged in social and charitable activities in line with its stated objectives. The work undertaken by the Appellant has been for the benefit of the public and aligns with the requirements under Section 80G. Cancellation of the registration would disrupt the Appellant's efforts to serve the community and fulfill its intended charitable purposes. I.T.A. Nos.: 259 & 260/GTY/2024 Assessment Year: 2024-25 Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society.
Request for Opportunity of Being Heard and Submission of Supporting Documents In light of the above circumstances, the Appellant respectfully requests the Hon'ble Tribunal to grant an opportunity for a personal hearing and to allow the submission of all supporting documents, which substantiate the Appellant's claim for registration under Section 80G..” I.T.A. No.: 260/GTY/2024 “1. Inadequate Opportunity Provided by CIT(Exemptions) The Appellant respectfully submits that adequate opportunity was not provided to furnish all necessary documents. Due to a limited timeframe and procedural constraints, the Appellant was unable to gather the required documentation within the deadline imposed. The Appellant submits that this restricted timeframe prevented them from demonstrating their eligibility for registration under section 12A(l)(ac)(iii)of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 2. Lack of Legal Assistance and Guidance The Appellant faced challenges in procuring suitable legal consultancy within the stipulated period, which further hindered the proper and timely submission of relevant documents. Despite diligent efforts, the Appellant could not obtain professional assistance to appropriately address the compliance requirements of the CIT(Exemptions).
Availability of Necessary Documentation and Compliance with 12AA Criteria The Appellant wishes to clarify that all required documents, which establish their eligibility for registration under section 12A(l)(ac)(iii), are now available and prepared for submission. The Appellant assures that these documents demonstrate compliance with all statutory and procedural requirements for registration under section 12A(l)(ac)(iii), confirming that the Appellant has been consistently working towards its stated social and charitable objectives since its inception.
Social and Charitable Work Conducted by the Appellant The Appellant has been continuously engaged in social and charitable activities in line with its stated objectives. The work undertaken by the Appellant has been for the benefit of the public and aligns with the requirements under section 12A(l)(ac)(iii). Cancellation of the registration would disrupt the Appellant's efforts to serve the community and fulfill its intended charitable purposes. I.T.A. Nos.: 259 & 260/GTY/2024 Assessment Year: 2024-25 Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society.
Request for Opportunity of Being Heard and Submission of Supporting Documents In light of the above circumstances, the Appellant respectfully requests the Hon'ble Tribunal to grant an opportunity for a personal hearing and to allow the submission of all supporting documents, which substantiate the Appellant's claim for registration under Sectionl2A(l)(ac)(iii).”
Rival contentions were heard and the submissions made have been examined. During the course of appeals though the assessee sought adjournment, however, the Bench was of the view that the Ld. CIT(A) had denied the claim of exemption u/s 80G as well as 12AA of the Act on account of non-compliance by the assessee. Therefore, in the interest of justice, it was considered imperative that the assessee may be granted another opportunity to file its submission in response to the notice issued by the Ld. CIT (Exemption) for justifying the genuineness of the activities and claim of exemption. Hence, both the orders of the Ld. CIT (Exemption) are set aside and the matter is remanded to him for deciding the application afresh after granting an opportunity of being heard to the assessee and seeking the reply from the assessee in respect of the queries raised and in accordance with law.
In the result, both the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed for statistical purposes. Order pronounced on 25th March, 2025 under Rule 34(4) of the Income Tax (Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 1963. [Manomohan Das] [Rakesh Mishra] Judicial Member Accountant Member Dated: 25.03.2025 Bidhan (P.S.) I.T.A. Nos.: 259 & 260/GTY/2024 Assessment Year: 2024-25 Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society. Copy of the order forwarded to:
Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society, A Sector, Itanagar, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, 791111. 2. ITO, Ward-North Lakhimpur.
CIT(A)-
CIT-
CIT(DR), Guwahati Benches, Guwahati.
Guard File. //// By order