“fees for included services”

International TaxDTAA FTS ArticleDTAA FTS Article385 judgments

The decision most relied on for fees for included services is CIT v. De Beers India Minerals (P.) Ltd. (346 ITR 467), cited in 371 judgments on BharatTax.

Leading authorities on fees for included services

CIT v. De Beers India Minerals (P.) Ltd.

346 ITR 467 · 2012 · High Court

371

citing judgments

For fees for technical or consultancy services to 'make available' technical knowledge or know-how under a DTAA, the service must transmit such knowledge, allowing the recipient to derive an enduring benefit and utilize it independently in the future.

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. v. DIT

332 ITR 340 · 2011 · High Court

359

citing judgments

Payments for the use of equipment, such as satellite transponders, do not constitute 'royalty' under Section 9(1)(vi) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, or under applicable tax treaties, especially when there is no transfer of the right to use a process or underlying technology.

DIT v. Infrasoft Ltd.

39 Taxmann.com 88 · 2013 · High Court

269

citing judgments

Payments for the use of copyrighted software, without the transfer of any rights in the underlying copyright itself, do not constitute 'royalty' under the Income-tax Act or tax treaties. Such payments are often treated as business income, taxable only if a permanent establishment exists.

Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh v. CIT

239 ITR 587 · 1999 · Supreme Court

243

citing judgments

The Supreme Court lays down principles for deducting tax at source (TDS) under Section 195 on payments to non-residents, including aspects of income deemed taxable in India and the application of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) under Section 90.

CIT v. Kotak Securities Ltd.

383 ITR 1 · 2016 · Supreme Court

203

citing judgments

Fees for technical services under Section 9(1)(vii) can include payments for fully automated services even without direct human interface, as modern technological developments blur the specific human element in such processes.

Raymond Ltd. v. Dy. CIT

86 ITD 791 · 2003 · ITAT

154

citing judgments

For services to qualify as 'Fees for Technical Services' or 'Fees for Included Services' under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), they must 'make available' technical knowledge, experience, skill, or processes to the recipient, enabling them to apply such expertise independently.

EPRSS Prepaid Recharge Services India Pvt.Ltd. v. ITO

100 Taxmann.com 52 · 2018 · Reported

101

citing judgments

Payments made for the use of cloud space do not constitute royalty payments for the purpose of Indian income tax, especially when they relate to accessing standard and automated services rather than acquiring rights to copyrighted material.

Steria (India) Ltd. v. CIT

386 ITR 390 · 2016 · High Court

citing judgments

Managerial services are not considered 'fees for included services' under Article 13(4) of the India-UK Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, thus payments for such services are not taxable as FTS under the treaty.

Judgments citing fees for included services

Relx Inc, Gurgaon vs. ACIT, Circle Int Tax 3(1)(1), New Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the Assessee in ITA No

ITA 1877/DEL/2022[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi05 Apr 2023AY 2018-19

Bench: Dr. B. R. R. Kumar & Shri Yogesh Kumar U.S.I.T.A. No. 1877/Del/2022 (A.Y 2018-19)

For Appellant: Shri Ravi Sharma, Adv.; &For Respondent: Shri Anshuman Pattnaik

Section 270ASection 9(1)(vii)

addition of INR 18,65,00,000 received from the Indian customers as subscription fees by the Appellant by treating it as Fees for Included Services ('FIS') under Article 12 of the tax treaty between India and the United States of America (India-USA DTAA') without appreciating that even ... making an addition of INR 7.36,93,619 received from the Indian customers as subscription fees by the Appellant by treating it as Fees for Included Services (FIS) under Article 12 of the tax treaty between India and the United States of America ('India-USA DTAA') without appreciating that even

Relx Inc, Gurgaon vs. ACIT, Circle Int Tax 3(1)(1), New Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the Assessee in ITA No

ITA 1876/DEL/2022[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi05 Apr 2023AY 2019-20

Bench: Dr. B. R. R. Kumar & Shri Yogesh Kumar U.S.I.T.A. No. 1877/Del/2022 (A.Y 2018-19)

For Appellant: Shri Ravi Sharma, Adv.; &For Respondent: Shri Anshuman Pattnaik

Section 270ASection 9(1)(vii)

Inter Continental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd., Singapore vs. ACIT, Circle- 2(1)(1), International Taxation, New Delhi

In the result, the appeal is allowed

ITA 698/DEL/2021[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi05 Apr 2023AY 2017-18

Bench: Dr. B. R. R. Kumarsh. Yogesh Kumar Us

For Appellant: Sh. S. K. Aggarwal, CA &For Respondent: Sh. Anshuman Pattnaik, CIT DR

Section 143(3)

Treaty reads as under: 9 Inter Continental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd. “USA ARTICLE 12 ROYALTIES AND FEES FOR INCLUDED SERVICES 1. ………….. 2. …………… 3. The term "royalties" as used in this Article means : (a) payments of any kind received as a consideration for the use of, or the right ... offered the amount to tax as royalty. Article 12(4) of the Tax Treaty defines FIS as under: “USA ARTICLE 12 ROYALTIES AND FEES FOR INCLUDED SERVICES 1. ………….. 2. …………… 3. ………….. 4. For purposes of this Article, "fees for included services" means payments of any kind to any person in consideration

DCIT, Circle-19(2), New Delhi vs. Personiv Contact Centres India Pvt Ltd ( Formely Known As John Keels Bpo Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), Gurgaon

In the result, the appeal of the Revenue stands dismissed

ITA 7295/DEL/2019[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi22 Feb 2023AY 2016-17

For Appellant: Shri Pulkit Saini, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri K.K. Mishra, Senior DR

Section 143(3)Section 40Section 9(1)(vii)

business locations inside India and vice versa, which was squarely covered under Article 12(4)(b) of the Indo-US DTAA of the 'fee for included services' and was hence taxable under DTAA? 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case the Ld. CIT(A) has erred both ... considered under DTAA, since the recipient is stated to be a tax - resident of us. The DTAA clearly lays out the scope of fee for included services in article 12. The article 12 is reproduced hereunder :- "ARTICLE 12 ROYALTIES AND FEES FOR INCLUDED SERVICES 1. Royalties and fees for included

Inter Continental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd., Gurgaon vs. DCIT, Circle- 2(1)(1), International Taxation, New Delhi

In the result, the appeal is allowed

ITA 4608/DEL/2019[2013-14]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi11 Jan 2023AY 2013-14

Bench: Shri G.S. Pannu & Shri Saktijit Dey

Section 144C(3)

Article 12(3) of the Tax Treaty. Article 12(3) of the Tax Treaty reads as under: “USA ARTICLE 12 ROYALTIES AND FEES FOR INCLUDED SERVICES 1. ………….. 2. …………… 3. The term "royalties" as used in this Article means : (a) payments of any kind received as a consideration ... royalty. Article 12(4) of the Tax Treaty defines FIS as under: “USA 1. ………….. 2. …………… 3. ………….. 4. For purposes of this Article, "fees for included services" means payments of any kind to any person in consideration for the rendering of any technical or consultancy services (including through the provision

Inter Continental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd., Singapore vs. ACIT, Circle- 2(1)(1), International Taxation, New Delhi

In the result, the appeal is allowed

ITA 2986/DEL/2019[2014-15]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi11 Jan 2023AY 2014-15

Bench: Shri G.S. Pannu & Shri Saktijit Dey

Section 144C(3)

ACIT, International Taxation, Circle 3(1)(2), New Delhi vs. Sabre Decision Technologies International Llc, Usa

In the result, the appeal of the revenue is dismissed

ITA 7354/DEL/2017[2013-14]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi03 Jan 2023AY 2013-14

Bench: Sh. Saktijit Deydr. B. R. R. Kumar

For Appellant: Sh. Tarandeep Singh, AdvFor Respondent: Sh. Gangadhar Panda, CIT-DR

Section 234ASection 44DSection 9Section 9(1)(vi)

service fee received from non-resident television channels for use of its transponder to transmit signals to Indian viewers is neither Royalty nor Fees for included services, as no secret formula or process was involved therein • Skycell Communications Limited (251 ITR 53), the Hon'ble Madras High Court held that

Sabre Decision Technologies International Llc, New Delhi vs. ACIT, International Taxation, Circle 3(1)(2), New Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the revenue is dismissed

ITA 5782/DEL/2017[2014-15]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi03 Jan 2023AY 2014-15

Bench: Sh. Saktijit Deydr. B. R. R. Kumar

For Appellant: Sh. Tarandeep Singh, AdvFor Respondent: Sh. Gangadhar Panda, CIT-DR

Section 234ASection 44DSection 9Section 9(1)(vi)

M/S. Partners Medical International Inc., Mumbai vs. The DCIT (Intl Tax) -3(3) (2), Mumbai

In the result, the appeal by the assessee is partly allowed for statistical purposes

ITA 1737/MUM/2020[2011-12]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai29 Dec 2022AY 2011-12

Bench: Shri G.S. Pannu & Shri Sandeep Singh Karhail

For Appellant: Ms. Chandabi Shah a/wFor Respondent: Shri Amit Kumar Soni

Section 143(3)Section 144C(13)Section 254

Royalties, and hence, the payment falls outside the scope of Article 12(3) of the DTAA. Ground No. 3-Addition on account of Fees for Included Services 3.1 On the facts and circumstances of the case, and in law, the learned DCIT erred in concluding that 10% of the receipts ... Appellant during the year amounting to Rs. 55,25,013 constitute 'Fees for Included Services (FIS) under Article 12(4)(b) of the DTAA and thus liable to tax in India. 3.2 It is prayed that the learned DCTT be directed to hold that the entire payment received

Owens-Corning(Singapore)Pte.Ltd., Mumbai vs. The Deputy Commissioner of Income-Tax (Internatioal Taxation) Circle-3(2)(2), Mumbai

In the result, appeal of assessee is allowed

ITA 6529/MUM/2018[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai26 Dec 2022AY 2015-16

Bench: Shri Amit Shukla & Shri Gagan Goyal

For Appellant: Ms. Megha Shah, ARFor Respondent: Sh. Soumendu Kumar Dash, Sr. DR

Section 234Section 234BSection 9(1)(vii)

Indian company in terms of Para 3 or Article 12 and hence the fees received do not fall within the definition of fees for included services as per Article 12(4)(a) of the DTAA. Since as per Article 12(4)(a) of the DTAA 'Fees for Included Services' should ... OCIPL or to Owens Owens-Corning (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Corning Industries India Pvt. Ltd and hence does not fall within the definition of fees for included services' as per Article 12(4)(b) of the DTAA." 11. The Assessing Officer (AO) and Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) were not agreed with

Edenred Sa, Mumbai vs. ACIT (It) 2(2)(1), Mumbai

In the result, this appeal by the assessee is allowed

ITA 5193/MUM/2018[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai23 Dec 2022AY 2015-16

Bench: Shri S. Rifaur Rahman & Shri Sandeep Singh Karhail

For Appellant: Shri Jitendra SinghFor Respondent: Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash

Section 143(3)Section 144CSection 144C(13)Section 144C(5)

skill, know how, or processes, or consist of the development and transfer of a technical plan or technical design are taxable as FTS/ fees for included services. 4. Erred in computing gross tax Erred in computing gross tax as INR 66,45,335 as against ... know-how, or process, which has enabled its Indian group companies to apply the technology contained therein as per the restrictive definition of ‘fees for included services’ under Article 12(4) of the India USA DTAA. 35. On the contrary, the learned DR vehemently relied upon the orders passed

Edenred Sa, Mumbai vs. DCIT (It) 2(1)(2), Mumbai

In the result, this appeal by the assessee is allowed

ITA 7248/MUM/2017[2014-15]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai23 Dec 2022AY 2014-15

Bench: Shri S. Rifaur Rahman & Shri Sandeep Singh Karhail

For Appellant: Shri Jitendra SinghFor Respondent: Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash

Section 143(3)Section 144CSection 144C(13)Section 144C(5)

Edenred Sa, Mumbai vs. DCIT (It) 2(1)(2), Mumbai

In the result, this appeal by the assessee is allowed

ITA 7247/MUM/2017[2013-14]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai23 Dec 2022AY 2013-14

Bench: Shri S. Rifaur Rahman & Shri Sandeep Singh Karhail

For Appellant: Shri Jitendra SinghFor Respondent: Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash

Section 143(3)Section 144CSection 144C(13)Section 144C(5)

Edenred Sa, Mumbai vs. DCIT (It) 2(2)(1), Mumbai

In the result, this appeal by the assessee is allowed

ITA 508/MUM/2016[2012-13]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai23 Dec 2022AY 2012-13

Bench: Shri S. Rifaur Rahman & Shri Sandeep Singh Karhail

For Appellant: Shri Jitendra SinghFor Respondent: Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash

Section 143(3)Section 144CSection 144C(13)Section 144C(5)

Michael Page International Pte Limited, Mumbai vs. Dy CIT (International Tax) -3(2)(2) Mumbai, Mumbai

In the result, appeal by the assessee is partly allowed

ITA 751/MUM/2022[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai02 Dec 2022AY 2018-19

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri Gagan Goyalआअसं. 751/मुं/ 2022 ("न.व. 2018-19) Michael Page International Pte Limited, C/O.Michael Page International Recruitment Pvt. Ltd., 5Th Floor, 2North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Compelx, Mumbai -400 051 Pan:Aahcm-6965-A ...... अपीलाथ" /Appellant बनाम Vs. The Deputy Commissioner Of Income-Tax (International Tax), Circle – 3(2)(2) Mumbai, Room No.X. 16Th Floor, Air India Bldg., Nariman Point,Mumbai – 400 021 ..... ""तवाद"/Respondent अपीलाथ" "वारा/ Appellant By : Shri Pratik Shah & Ms.Riddhi Maru ""तवाद" "वारा/Respondent By : Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash सुनवाई क" "त"थ/ Date Of Hearing : 06/09/2022 घोषणा क" "त"थ/ Date Of Pronouncement : 02/12/2022 आदेश/ Order Per Vikas Awasthy, Jm: This Appeal By The Assessee Directed Against The Assessment Order Dated 23/02/2022 Passed U/S. 143(3) R.W.S. 144C(13) Of The Income Tax Act, 1961 [In Short ‘The Act’]For The Assessment Year 2018-19. 2 2. The Assessee In Appeal Has Assailed The Assessment Order By Raising Following Grounds:

For Appellant: Shri Pratik Shah & Ms.Riddhi MaruFor Respondent: Shri Soumendu Kumar Dash

Section 143(3)Section 270ASection 9(1)(vii)

Explanation -2. Thus, the Assessing Officer held that the fees paid by Indian entity to the assessee is covered under “fees for included services” as the “make available” clause is duly satisfied. The ld. Authorized Representative for the assessee points that in assessment year 2017-18 addition in respect ... that the amount paid by Michael Page International Recruitment Pvt. Ltd. for managerial/ advisory/consultancy/technical support services provided by the assessee is covered under “fees for included services” as the “make available” clause is fully satisfied. The Assessing Officer further held that the aforesaid income has deemed to accrue or arise

Shell Informaation Technology International Bv, Mumbai vs. Dy Commissioner of Income Tax (International Taxation)-4(2)(1), Mumbai

In the result, appeal of the assessee is partly allowed

ITA 996/MUM/2022[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai28 Nov 2022AY 2018-19

Section 143(3)Section 144C(13)Section 144C(5)Section 2(24)Section 234BSection 270A

receipt as royalty do not require any direction from the penal as we have already upheld the taxability of the services as "fees for included service". 10. The learned Counsel for the assessee explained the facts that the SITI BV is a company registered in the Netherlands ... IndoNetherlands Double Taxation Avoidance Convention. The learned counsel for the petitioner had also raised the plea that the memorandum of understanding concerning fees for included services referred in Article 12(4) of the Indo USA DTAA concerning the expression? Available? was also not considered by the Authority for Advance Rulings

Shellinformation Technology International Bv, Mumbai vs. DCIT (It) 4 (2)(1), Mumbai

In the result, appeal of the assessee is partly allowed

ITA 2308/MUM/2022[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai28 Nov 2022AY 2019-20

Section 143(3)Section 144C(13)Section 144C(5)Section 2(24)Section 234BSection 234DSection 270A

Tyco Fire and Security India Private Limited, Bangalore vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle-7(1)(1), Bangalore

In the result, the appeal of the Assessee is partly allowed

ITA 270/BANG/2021[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore28 Nov 2022AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri N. V. Vasudevan & Shri Chandra Poojariit(Tp)A No.270/Bang/2021 Assessment Year : 2016-17 Acit, M/S. Tyco Fire & Security India Private Limited, Vs. D-601, Rmz Centennial, Circle - 7(1)(1), Kundalahalli Main Road, Bengaluru. Bengaluru – 560 048. Pan : Aabct 0087 C Appellant Respondent Assessee By : Shri. Rajan Vora, Ca Revenue By : Shri. Sumer Singh Meena, Cit(Dr)(Itat), Bengaluru Date Of Hearing : 27/11.09.2022 Date Of Pronouncement : 28.11.2022 O R D E R Per N V Vasudevan

For Appellant: Shri. Rajan Vora, CAFor Respondent: Shri. Sumer Singh Meena, CIT(DR)(ITAT), Bengaluru

Section 143(3)Section 144C(13)Section 92Section 92(1)Section 92B(1)

nature of services, these could at best be managerial or consultancy services and hence could be characterised as Fees for technical services (“FTS”) / Fees for included services (“FIS”) as per the provisions of the Act but cannot be taxed in India as per the applicable DTAA. In this regard ... India–US DTAA and India–Singapore DTAA is as follows: IT(TP) A No. 270/Bang/2021 Tyco Fire and Security India Pvt.Ltd.  Definition of fees for included services as provided under Article 12(4) of India – US DTAA “4. For purposes of this Article, "fees for included services" means payments

M/S Infosys Limited, Bangalore vs. The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle-3(1)(1), Bangalore

In the result, the appeal filed by the assessee stands partly allowed

ITA 718/BANG/2017[2012-13]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore28 Nov 2022AY 2012-13

Bench: Shri Chandra Poojaria & Smt. Beena Pillaiassessment Appeal No. Appellant Respondent Year M/S. Infosys Ltd., The Assistant Electronic City, Commissioner It(Tp)A No. Hosur Road, Of Income Tax, 2012-13 718/Bang/2017 Bangalore – 560 Circle – 100. 3(1)(1), Pan: Bangalore. Aaaci4798L : Shri Padamchand Khincha, Assessee By Ca : Shri K.V. Arvind & Shri Dilip, Revenue By Standing Counsels For Dept. Date Of Hearing : 15-09-2022 Date Of Pronouncement : 28-11-2022 Order Per Beena Pillaipresent Appeal Arises Out Of Final Assessment Order Dated 28/02/2017 Passed By The Ld.Acit, Circle – 3(1)(1), Bangalore For A.Y. 2012-13 On Following Grounds Of Appeal: General & Legal Grounds 1. The Order Passed By The Learned Assessing Officer & The Directions Of Hon’Ble Drp To The Extent Prejudicial To The Appellant Is Bad In Law & Liable To Be Quashed. Grounds On Denial Of Deduction Claimed Under Section 10Aa In Respect Of 4 Sez Units Viz., Chennai – Unit 1, Chandigarh, Mangalore - Unit 1 & Pune Unit 1 2. The Learned Assessing Officer Has Erred In Denying Deduction Claimed Under Section 10Aa In The Return Of Income Totally Amounting To Rs. 2227,82,65,630 In Respect

Section 10ASection 14ASection 2Section 2(24)Section 40

commission paid to agent in USA, did not ‘make available’ technology, knowledge, skills, process etc. He submitted that, as per the definition of ‘Fees for included services under the India – USA DTAA unless the make available clause is not satisfied, the payment cannot be treated as FTS. He relied

M/S. Biesse Manufacturing Company Private Limited, Bengaluru vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle-1(1)(1), Bengaluru

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed

ITA 338/BANG/2021[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Bangalore31 Oct 2022AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri George George K. & Ms. Padmavathy S

For Appellant: Shri, Tata Krishna, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Sankar K. Ganeshan, CIT(DR)(ITAT), Bengaluru

Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 234ASection 234BSection 92C

Article 12(4)-(5) of India USA, DTAA deals with “Fees for technical services’, as under: “4. For purposes of this Article, "fees for included services" means payments of any kind to any person in consideration for the rendering of any technical or consultancy services (including through the provision ... skill, know-how, or processes, or consist of the development and transfer of a technical plan or technical design. 5. Notwithstanding paragraph 4, "fees for included services" does not include amounts paid: (a) for services that are ancillary and subsidiary, as well as inextricably and essentially linked, to the sale