ACIT 6(3), MUMBAI vs. LUCID COLLOIDS LTD, MUMBAI

The assessee in its appeal is aggrieved for disallowance of Rs.1,18,39,722/- paid towards commission on export sales. The AO 2 disallowed commission paid to the non-resident agents of Rs.1,18,39,722/- on export sales. AO made the disallowance u/s.40(a)(i) of the Act on the ground of non-deduction of tax at source. By the impugned order CIT(A) confirmed the disallowance.

We have considered rival contentions and found from the record that the assessee has paid commission to agents situate outside India for export sales made by the assessee company. The assessee company continues to be in the business of manufacture and sale of guar gum powder and its derivatives in local and export markets. The assessee company does not have any office branch outside India. The export sales are made through the contacts of agents. The agents, situate in foreign countries, identify the potential customers. The agent thereafter introduces the assessee company to the potential customers. The assessee company thereafter interacts with the potential customer. The agent co-ordinates with the assessee company in regard to the orders placed by the customers and supply of material. The agent also facilitates and assists the assessee company in collection of sale proceeds, if required. Thus the export sales are made to a party outside India through the services rendered by the agent outside India. The commission is paid to agents outside India for the purpose of earning any income from any source outside India.

The said payment are covered by Circular Nos.23 dated 23rd July, 1969 and No. 786 dated 7th February, 2000 in this regard which clarifies that commission to the non-resident agent operating outside the country, 3 where no part of his income arises in India, would not be taxable in India. However, the AO ignored these Circulars on the plea that these circulars have been withdrawn by CBDT vide Circulars No.7/2009. However, these two Circulars were withdrawn on 22nd October, 2009 but were in force during the previous year relevant to the assessment year 2009-2010 i.e. year under consideration and hence are binding on the Income Tax Department for the year under consideration.