“self occupied property”
The decision most relied on for self occupied property is CIT v. Bhaskar Mitter (73 Taxmann 437), cited in 52 judgments on BharatTax.
Leading authorities on self occupied property
The annual letting value of a property can be determined at a figure lower than that returned by the assessee if the returned value is not in accordance with the principles for determining annual letting value under section 23. Assessees can contend for a value based on the correct application of law.
The annual value of a self-occupied property, for both wealth tax and income tax purposes, is the reasonable rent expected from a hypothetical tenant. When using municipal ratable value, statutory deductions permissible under municipal law must be added back to arrive at this expected rent.
The annual value of a house property for income tax purposes is to be determined based on the higher of the actual rent received or the annual value determined by the municipal/local authority, provided the municipal assessment is contemporaneous and reflects the true annual value. In cases where the property is self-occupied or not actually let, the municipal valuation serves as a reasonable guide for determining the annual letting value.
The annual letting value (ALV) of a property occupied by the owner or close relatives, in the absence of a better method, can be reasonably determined by applying a rate of interest on the cost of the building and land. An 8% return on cost may be considered fair and reasonable given the property's size, construction quality, and capital invested.
The annual letting value (ALV) of a property that remains vacant for the entire year and is not self-occupied is to be determined as 'NIL' under section 23(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act.
The annual value of a property that remained vacant throughout the year is to be assessed at 'NIL' under section 23(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act.
The annual letting value of a property can be deemed NIL under Section 23(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act when it is self-occupied with the intent of letting.
The annual value of a property is its annual letting value. This is determined by the rent it would fetch if let out, even if it is self-occupied.