“project completion method”
The decision most relied on for project completion method is CIT v. Bilahari Investment (P) Ltd. (299 ITR 1), cited in 206 judgments on BharatTax.
Leading authorities on project completion method
The project completion method and the percentage of completion method are both recognized methods for recognizing income from real estate contracts.
The Supreme Court held that the 'project completion method' and the 'percentage of completion method' are recognized accounting methods for ascertaining profit for contracts. The case affirms these methods in the context of contract accounts.
Real estate developers' profits arise only upon the transfer of title, and advances received from customers cannot be treated as trading receipts in the year of receipt.
Income from the sale of immovable property, including any 'on-money' component, is taxable only when the sale is complete, marked by the execution and registration of the sale deed and/or transfer of possession to the buyer.
When a partner admits to undisclosed income during a survey, and that income is linked to future sale deed registrations, it can be considered as income received for the purpose of assessment under Section 145 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, even if it is subject to conditions.
The Assessing Officer accepted the assessee's claim of being in the construction business and its use of the project completion method, and the Revenue did not take remedial measures under sections 263 or 147, indicating acceptance of the assessment.
Accounting Standard 7 is not applicable to real estate developers, and therefore, the percentage of completion method cannot be imposed on them. Assessees are justified in following the project completion method as per Accounting Standard 9.
A real estate developer adopting the completed contract method of accounting cannot be forced to follow the percentage completion method under AS-7 if AS-7 has not been specified by the Central Government under section 145(2). The Assessing Officer cannot reject accounts under section 145(3) solely on this ground.