Wednesday, July 16, 2008

TAX AUDIT CHECKLIST

FORM 3CD

Download Guidance Note on Tax Audit -2014 Edition by ICAI



P A R T - A
1 Name of the Assessee:

2 Address:· Check the address as per Income Tax record and obtain any evidence available in this regard.
· If there is any change in the address till the date of signing of the report, check that new address is mentioned in Form 3CD.

3 Permanent Account Number: Verify from the PA Card or any other document.

4 Status: Company/Firm/AOP etc.

5 Previous Year Ended:31st March 2008

6 Assessment Year:2008-09
P A R T – B 7(a) If firm or Association of Persons, indicate names of partners/ members and their profit sharing ratios. :Verify from the Partnership Deed/AOP agreement.

(b) If there is any change in the partners or members or in their profit sharing ratio since the last date of the preceding year, the particulars of such change.: - do -
Note: In case of any change attach copy of partnership deed with the Income-tax return if required.

8(a) Nature of business or profession (if more than one business or profession is carried on during the previous year, nature of every business of profession).:· In respect of each class of business, it is necessary to mention whether assessee is manufacturer, dealer, service provider, etc.

(b) If there is any change in the nature of business or profession, the particulars of such change.:· Review audited Balance Sheet and other relevant records to ascertain whether there is any apparent change in the business carried out by the assessee, which may need to be highlighted under this clause. In particular, examine whether any business or activity has been discontinued, any new activity has been commenced or whether there has been any expansion of the existing business.
· Additional activity started with in the same business carried on by the assessee does not mean change in nature of business or profession e.g. if the assessee is in the business of manufacturing shirts also starts manufacture of trousers.
· Obtain management representation.
· For change in business besides LOR go through the following :
· Any notes given in Notes to Accounts.
· Any notes given by Board of Directors in their report.
· Compare the Segment Reporting of this year with last year.
· Compare quantitative details of this year with last year.

9(a) Whether books of account are prescribed under section 44AA, if yes, list of books so prescribed.:Applicable for assessee carrying profession for the time being.

(b) Books of account maintained.:· Check complete list of all primary books of accounts maintained by the assessee.
(In case books of account are maintained in a computer system, mention the books of account generated by such computer system)· Check whether books of accounts have been generated from computer system or not.
· Obtain management representation.

(c) List of books of account examined.:Disclose the list of books of account examined.

10 Whether the profit and loss account includes any profits and gains assessable on presumptive basis, if yes, indicate the amount and the relevant section (44AD, 44AE, 44AF, 44B, 44BB, 44BBA, 44BBB or any other relevant section).:Generally Not applicable.
However go through the consolidated Profit & Loss account to see whether it includes any such profit.

11(a) Method of accounting employed in the previous year.:· Review Accounting policies from audited accounts. Check whether assessee is following Mercantile or Cash method of accounting.
· While following Mercantile basis of accounting, check whether any item of income or expense is accounted for on cash basis. Since Hybrid method of accounting is not allowed, state the nature and amounts of such items.

(b) Whether there has been any change in the method of accounting employed vis-a-vis the method employed in the immediately preceding previous year.:· Scrutinize the last week of last month’s journal vouchers thoroughly to see provisions for expenses made & whether they are on same basis as in earlier year. Payment vouchers for first two months of subsequent year should be scrutinized to verify the correctness thereof.
· Ensure that following heads of accounts are scrutinized thoroughly and compared with earlier year to check whether accounting is on same basis as in earlier years.;
- Refund for income-tax, sales tax, etc.
- Export incentives
- Claims for loss or damage
- Grants/Subsidies
- Interest on delayed payments
· Determine whether there has been any change in the method of accounting employed vis-à-vis the method employed in the immediately preceding year.

(c) If answer to (b) above is in the affirmative, give details of such change, and the effect thereof on the profit or loss.:· Ensure that any change in the method of accounting employed is appropriately disclosed and the effect thereof on the profit/loss is also disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.

(d) Details of deviation, if any, in the method of accounting employed in the previous year from accounting standards prescribed under section 145 and the effect thereof on the profit or loss.:· Check whether there is any deviation from the Accounting Standard (IT) – I & Accounting Standard (IT) – II notified under section 145(2) of IT Act regarding;
a) Fundamental accounting assumption of Accrual, Consistency & Going Concern.
b) Prudence, Substance over form & Materiality in accounting policies.
c) Disclosure of significant accounting policies and changes in such policies with the resultant impact, if material on accounts of year of change or subsequent year.
d) Disclosure of prior period and extraordinary items or change in accounting estimate in Profit & Loss Account and report the effect thereof on profit & loss.
· Ensure that deviation from such standards is appropriately disclosed and the effect thereof on the profit/loss is also indicated.

12(a) Method of valuation of closing stock employed in the previous year.:· Closing stock would include raw material, finished goods, work in progress, stores, spare and loose tools and shares/units in case of investment companies..
· Change in the method of valuation of opening and closing stock, including effect of change, is now covered under clause 11.
· Agree the method of valuation with audited working papers and audited financial statements.

(b) Details of deviation, if any, from the method of valuation prescribed under section 145A, and the effect thereof on the profit or loss.:Deviation normally occurs in case of stock of Raw Material, Stores, WIP etc. only and in case of finished goods to the extent of cost of raw material etc. comprised therein which are valued net of VAT. Although there may not be any impact due of Cenvat and VAT. Give appropriate note/working (existing note if any needs amendment).

12A Give the following particulars of the capital asset converted into stock-in-trade:-Verify any fixed asset converted into stock in trade. Give the necessary details.
(a) Description of capital asset;
(b) Date of acquisition;
(c) Cost of acquisition;
(d) Amount at which the asset is converted into stock-in-trade

13 Amounts not credited to the profit and loss account, being -:
(a) The items falling within the scope of section 28;:· Enquire whether any item of income chargeable under `Profit and Gains of Business of Profession’ has not been credited to the profit and loss account. Section 28 covers :
- Profits and gains of business or profession
- Compensation received on termination of employment, agency, etc.
- Income of trade or professional or similar association from specific services to members
- Export incentives
- Perquisites received during the course of business
- Interest, salary, bonus, remuneration, etc. received by a partner from firm, which is allowable under section 40B.
- Amount received under key man’s insurance policy
· Thus, if any such item is taken to any account directly in the Balance Sheet, it will be covered under this clause.
· Review the audited schedules and financial statements to determine whether such income has been credited directly to reserves or retained as a credit under the head `current liabilities and provisions’ or any other head.
· Obtain management representation.
(b) The proforma credits, drawbacks, refunds of duty of customs or excise, or service tax, or refund of sales tax or value added tax where such credits, drawbacks or refunds are admitted as due by the authorities concerned;:· Obtain a schedule indicating the details of the following claims admitted as due by the concerned authorities but not credited to the profit and loss account. The schedule should also indicate the year in which it was admitted as due.
- Proforma credits
- Duty drawbacks
- Excise/Custom duty refunds
- Sales tax refunds
- Service tax refunds
- VAT refunds
· Obtain an understanding of the relevant accounting policies [refer clause 11(a)].
· Agree the schedule with the claim papers and relevant correspondence files. Further ensure that the claims have been admitted as due by the concerned authorities.
· Review the relevant assessment orders to determine whether any such claims are due.
· Obtain management representation.

(c) Escalation claims accepted during the previous year;:· Obtain a schedule indicating details of escalation claims accepted during the year but not credited to the profit and loss account. The schedule should also indicate the year in which it was accepted as due. Certain instances of escalation claims may be in relation of contract with government customers and other sales to customers having escalation clause in contracts.
· Obtain an understanding of the relevant accounting policies [refer clause 11(a)].
· Agree the claims accepted with contracts and other relevant documents and ensure that claims have been accepted by the concerned authorities.
· Obtain management representation.

(d) Any other item of income;:· Enquire whether any item of income chargeable to tax under heads of income other than `Profits and Gains of Business or Profession’ has not been credited to profit and loss account.
· Report all items of income which are credited to expense heads with a note that this has no impact on the net profit.
· Review the audited schedules and financial statements to determine whether such income has been credited directly to reserves or retained as a credit under the head `current liabilities and provisions’ or any other head.
· Obtain management representation.

(e) capital receipt, if any.:· Enquire whether any capital receipt ha s not been credited to profit and loss account. For instance, capital receipts may be in the nature of grants/subsidies,
Note: In case of non-compete fees directly taken to reserves or capital account report the same in clause 13(a) also.
· Furnish details of gifts received during the year.
· Share premium account.
· Share forfeiture.
· Capital reserve arising on merger and demerger.
· Furnish details of the amount of capital nature received or receivable on transfer of technology, knowhow, and patent during the financial year and treatment thereof in accounts.
· Obtain an understanding of the relevant accounting policies [refer clause 11(a)].
· Review the audited schedules and financial statements to determine whether such capital receipt has been credited directly to reserves or retained as a credit under the head `current liabilities and provisions’ or any other hand.
· Obtain management representation.

14 Particulars of depreciation allowable as per the Income-tax Act,1961 in respect of each asset or block of assets, as the case may be, in the following form :-:· Obtain a schedule providing the relevant details indicated in the aforesaid clause in respect of each asset or block of assets. In particular, ensure that the following have been included :
Description of asset/block of assets- Written down value at the beginning of the year.
Rate of depreciation.- Assets acquired during the year have been segregated between the assets put to use for less than 180 days and those used for more than 180 days
Actual cost or written down value, as the case may be.- Deductions during the year represent the sale proceeds of assets sold
Additions/deductions during the year with dates; in the case of any addition of an asset, date put to use; including adjustments on account of-- Rates of depreciation.
(i) Modified Value Added Tax credit claimed and allowed under the Central Excise Rules, 1944, in respect of assets acquired on or after 1st March, 1994,(i) Refer Appendix 1 and Appendix 1A as the case may be.
(a) (ii) Change in rate of exchange of currency, and(ii) Appendix 1A is applicable in respect of Power Generation companies.
(iii) Subsidy or grant or reimbursement, by whatever name called.- Even in a case where the auditee has decided not to claim depreciation in part or full, give full details of depreciation allowable.
(b) Depreciation allowable.· Review assessments completed/ prior year tax returns to examine the basis adopted in earlier years for determination of depreciation allowable. Also ascertain whether any aggressive positions have been adopted by the clinet and examine implications thereof.
(c) Written down value at the end of the year.· For additions during the year ensure that the classification of assets or block of assets and the rates of depreciation is in accordance with the requirements of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
· Agree the written down value at the beginning of the year to the return of income of the immediately proceding year.
(d) · Agree the additions with the audited schedules and ensure that adequate tests have been carried out for `actual cost’ capitalized and the dates the assets were `put to use’. Obtain a reconciliation to the additions as per the audited schedules, where necessary. Certain instances of such reconciling items may be capital expenditure on scientific research, leasehold improvements, etc.
· Ensure that the policies followed are consistent with the requirements of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
· For assets acquired during the year, obtain an understanding of the accounting policy for the following :
- Modvat credit
- Exchange fluctuation including in respect of realized gains/ losses, unrealized gain/losses and treatment of forward exchange contracts.
- Subsidy or grant or reimbursement.
· Depreciation capitalized.
· Any expenditure which does not relate to acquisition of P&M but capitalized as part of preoperative expense.
· Ensure capitalisation of interest in respect of borrowed capital as per Section 36(1)(iii).
· Agree the amounts included as adjustments on account of modvat, change in exchange rates and subsidy/grant with the audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.
· Check the implications of section 43A of Income Tax Act.
· Agree the deductions during the year with audited schedules and ensure that such amount reconciles with the amount considered for determining the profit/loss on assets sold, discarded etc.
· Review the depreciation computation and ensure the arithmetical accuracy of the depreciation allowable and the written down value at the end of the year.
· Ensure that additional depreciation u/s 32(ii)(a) is compiled and reduced from WDV.

15 Amounts admissible under sections-:· Obtain a schedule giving details of deduction admissible under the relevant sections, indicating separately, the amounts debited to profit and loss account and not debited to profit and loss account. The relevant sections are as follows:
(a) 33AB - 35 Expenditure on scientific
(b) 33ABA research
(c) 33AC (wherever applicable) - 35CCA Expenditure by way of payment to associations and institutions for carrying out rural development programmes.
(d) 35 :- 35CCB Expenditure by way of payment to associations and institutions carrying out programmes of conversa-tion of nature resources.
(e) 35ABB- 35D Amotisation of certain preliminary expenses.
(f) 35AC- 35DD
(g) 35CCA- 35DDA
(h) 35CCB· Review the computation of the amounts admissible under the aforesaid sections and agree the same with the audited schedules, financial statements and other relevant supporting documents.
(i) 35D:· Obtain management representation.
(j) 35DD
(k) 35DDA
(l) 35E”

(a) Debited to the profit and loss account (showing the amount debited and deduction allowable under each section separately);

(b) not debited to the profit and loss account.

16(a) Any sum paid to an employee as bonus or commission for services rendered, where such sum was otherwise payable to him as profits or dividend [Section 36(1)(ii)].:· Furnish details of bonus or commission, if any, to an employee for services rendered which otherwise was payable as profits or dividend.
· Normal bonus or commission to employees including directors even as percentage of profits is not covered under this sub-clause unless the same was otherwise payable as profits or dividend.

(b) Any sum received from employees towards contributions to any provident fund or superannuation fund or any other fund mentioned in section 2(24)(x) and due date for payment and the actual date of payment to the concerned authorities under section 36(1)(va).:· Furnish details of any sum received from the employees towards the contribution to:
a) Provident Fund
b) ESI Fund
c) Superannuation Fund
d) Any other fund for the welfare of employees.
· Furnish details of due date of payment and actual dates of payment for the amount received from employees towards various funds stated in above para.
· The due date of PF Contribution is 15 days and in case of ESI Contribution is 21 days from the end of the month to which salary relates.
· Refer to Circular No. E128(I) 60- III dated 19.03.1964 as modified by circular E11/128/73 dated 24.10.73 issued by the concerned authorities granting 5 days of grace period for payment for payment of PF Contribution . The due date will be determined accordingly.

17 Amounts debited to the profit and loss account, being :-:
(a) expenditure of capital nature;:· Furnish detail of following expenditure debited to Profit & Loss Account:
a) Capital Expenditure;
b) Capital Items which are fully or partly written off in P&L Account;
c) Scientific Research Expenses & Technical Know How Fees;
d) Write of advance paid for capital expenditure/ capital project.
e) Fees or Expenditure connected with increase in authorised capital, issue of bonus shares, travelling & other expenses connected with purchase of capital assets etc.
f) Amount debited on account of preliminary expenses (35D), VRS expenses (35DDA), Merger/Demerger expenses (35DD).
· Check the following head of accounts minutely:
a) Store & spare parts consumed
b) Repair & Maintenance
c) Misc. Expenses
d) Legal & Professional
· If in your opinion, any item of expenditure debited to the P&L Account is not of capital nature but there is possibility of holding such a view, furnish details with your views on the same.
· Obtain an understanding of the capitalization policy followed by the client.
· If any amount reported as capital expenditure is in the nature of fixed asset item include the same in clause No.14.
· Obtain management representation letter.

(b) expenditure of personal nature;:· Under section 227(1A)(c) of the Companies Act, 1956, the auditor is required to enquire whether personal expenses have been charged to the revenue account. If there is any such comment in the auditor’s statutory report then obtain a schedule of personal expenses debited to the profit and loss account.
· In case of expenditure incurred at club the same are to be reported under clause 17(d). However to the extent of personal element in the said expenditure, the same should be reported here also.
· Expenses of personal nature paid under a contractual obligation need not be disclosed.
· Agree with the audited schedules supporting the comments in the auditor’s statutory report.
· Review the relevant accounts to ensure that no other expenditure of personal nature has been charged to the profit and loss account.
· Obtain management representation.

(c) expenditure on advertisement in any souvenir, brochure, tract, pamphlet or the like, published by a political party;:· Furnish details of the expenses incurred on advertisement if any published for a political party
· Furnish details of expenditure incurred on advertisement in souvenir, brochure, tract, pamphlet or journal published by trade union, labour union or any other body formed by political party.
· Agree the schedule with the relevant supporting documents.
Note : Political parties would include both national and regional parties, which are approved by the Election Commission.
· Review the advertisement, sales promotion and other relevant accounts to ensure that all such expenditure has been appropriately disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.

(d) expenditure incurred at clubs -:
(i) as entrance fees and subscriptions;· Furnish the detail of expenses made to clubs under following heads:
- Entrance fees
- Subscriptions
(ii) as cost for club services and facilities used;- Catering Bills
- Residential Accommodation Charges
- Expenditure towards use of club services and facilities i.e. health club. Bar. Conference & entertainment expenses etc.
· Reimbursement of club payments to directors/employees should be included in the above statement.
· Subscriptions and other payments made to service organizations like Lions Club, Rotary Club, Giants, Jaycees etc. would not be included under this clause.
· Payments made to credit agencies like Diners Club would not be included under this clause.
· Payments to clubs would include payments to Gymkhanas.
· Review the relevant accounts and ensure that all expenditure incurred at clubs has been appropriately disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.

(e) (i) expenditure by way of penalty or fine for violation of any law for the time being in force;:· Furnish the detail of expenditure by way of penalty or fine debited during the financial year.
(ii) any other penalty or fine;· Furnish detail of compensation debited for breach of contract during the financial year.
(iii) expenditure incurred for any purpose which is an offence or which is prohibited by law;· Furnish copies of penalty orders passed during the financial year under relevant laws, which are applicable to assessee.
· Furnish detail of gifts given to government officials.
· Furnish details of expenditure incurred such as protection money, extortion money, regular hafta, bribe etc.
· Furnish detail of penalty debited which are in the nature of interest under any statue.
· Review the legal and professional fees, rates and taxes, sales tax paid or any other taxes paid, general charges account and other relevant accounts and ensure that all such expenditure has been appropriately disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.
· Unsupported expenditure may need to be reviewed to determine whether it needs to be included under `expenditure, which is an offence or prohibited by law’.

(f) amounts inadmissible under section 40(a);:· Furnish detail of Interest, royalty, fees for technical know how, services and other sums, which are payable outside India, on which tax has not been paid or deducted or deducted and paid at rate less than the prescribed rate.
· Furnish detail of expenses payable as reimbursement of expenses outside India on which tax has not been deducted or paid at source.
· Furnish details of payment, which is chargeable under the head salaries payable outside India and on which Tax has not been deducted.
· Furnish any interest, commission, brokerage, fees for professional services or for technical services, amount paid/payable to contractor and rent, royalty on which tax has not deducted or deducted at rate less than the prescribed rate or after deduction of TDS is not deposited within the due date (Ignore late deposit of TDS cases if the same is deposited by the end of financial year). [Section 194C, 194A, 194H, 194I, 194J and section 9(1)(vii) & 9(1)(vi)].
· Furnish any payment made towards a provident fund or other fund established for the benefit of employees for which tax has not been deducted at source.
· Furnish any tax actually paid u/s 10(CC).
· Furnish Fringe benefit tax (below the line or above the line).
· Furnish Securities transaction tax if debited to Profit & Loss account or if not debited to Profit & Loss Account.
· In case STT component is adjusted in the cost of investment/sale price then appropriate amount shall also be disclosed as amount not debited to Profit & Loss Account.
· Furnish any amount paid on account of rate or tax levied on profits (including any tax paid on profit outside India).
· Review all expenses payable and provision for expenses for 43B & TDS default.
· Furnish details of Income Tax & Wealth Tax debited to P&L Account during the year.
· Agree the details with audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.
· Obtain management representation.

(g) interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration inadmissible under section 40(b)/ 40(ba) and computation thereof; :Applicable only for partnership firms.

(h) (A) whether a certificate has been obtained from the assessee regarding payments relating to any expenditure covered under section 40A(3) that the payments were made by account payee cheques drawn on a bank or account payee bank draft, as the case may be, (Yes/No):· Obtain a schedule of all payments made in excess of Rs.20,000 made in cash. If such payments are exempt under any of the clauses (a) to (l) of Rule 6DD, indicate in the schedule. Ensure that the conditions for specific exemption under any of the clauses (a) to (l) of Rule 6DD are satisfied. Ensure that the schedule indicates the computation of disallowance as per section 40A(3).
· Payments exceeding Rs.20,000 otherwise than by Account payee cheque or draft will attract 100% disallowance.
(B) amount inadmissible under section 40A(3), read with rule 6DD [with break-up of inadmissible amounts] · Furnish details of Outstanding Expenses of the financial year for which payments are made in subsequent year at the time in excess of Rs. 20,000/- otherwise than by a Account payee cheque/draft.
· This should include payments to staff by way of salary, travel allowance etc.
· Only revenue payments would be covered. Purchase of fixed assets for which cash payments are made in excess of Rs.20,000 would not be covered.
· Payment for purchase of raw materials and stocks would be covered.
· As per the ICAI, in case no proper evidence for verification of the payments by Account payee cheque or draft is available the report should comment that it is not possible for us to verify whether the payments in excesss of Rs.20,000 have been made otherwise than by Account payee cheque or bank draft as the necessary evidence is not in the possession of the assessee.
· Review the payments in the cash book and adjustments to advances/deposits to ensure that all cash payments exceeding Rs.20,000 have been included in the schedule.
· Obtain certificate from auditee that all payments exceeding 20,000/- for expenses if made by cheque/ draft are made by Account payee cheque or Account payee draft.

(i) provision for payment of gratuity not allowable under section 40A(7);:· Furnish a copy of the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax granting recognition to the gratuity fund.
· Furnish certificate that the contribution made does not exceed permissible limit as per rules 103 & 104 of Income Tax Rules.
· Obtain a schedule indicating the provision for payment of gratuity not allowable under section 40A(7)..
· Agree the amounts provided with the audited schedules, financial statements and other relevant supporting documents and ensure that all such expenditure hs been appropriately disclosed.
· Whether contributions have been made to approved gratuity fund, review the copy of the trust deed and rules.
· Obtain management representation.
· Enquire whether CIT or RPFC has withdrawn the exemption during the year.
· Verify that the PF Trust recognized by CIT is also recognized by PF authorities.

(j) any sum paid by the assessee as an employer not allowable under section 40A(9); :· Obtain a schedule indicating the sum paid by the assessee as an employer, not allowable under section 40A(9) i.e. towards setting up or formation or contribution to any fund, trust, company, etc. other than ;
- Recognised provident fund
- Any PF for exemption is withdrawn by CIT.
- Recognised gratuity fund
- Recognised superannuation fund
- As required by or under any other law.
· Agree the details with audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.
· Review the staff welfare and other relevant accounts to ensure that all such sums not allowable under section 40A(9) have been appropriately disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.

(k) particulars of any liability of a contingent nature. :· Furnish the detail of contingent liabilities debited to the profit and loss account indicating the nature of the demand and the reasons for making provisions in the accounts.
· Review the audited accounts, in particular the notes to the accounts to ensure that all liabilities of a disputed nature have been identified for further discussion.
Note : As per the ICAI these are normally expenses connected with disputed claims which will be revealed only on the basis of the scrutiny of correspondence relating to cases pending in a court of law.

(l) amount of deduction inadmissible in terms of section 14A in respect of the expenditure incurred in relation to income which does not form part of the total income. i) Go through the return filed and assessment order for last 2 to 3 year to verify details and categories of exempt income.
ii) Obtain management representation as to income which it is going to claim as exempt in this year.
iii) Go through the expenses disallowed in the earlier year.
iv) Obtain details of expenses pertaining to exempt income such as interest on funds borrowed, personal cost, rent, traveling and other administrative cost.
v) In case there are no direct expenses then disallowance has to be worked out as per Rule 8D.
vi) If adhoc expenses are stated then give note/disclaimer.
vii) In case of company having undertaking of the nature of 10A/10B/10C then the appropriate note be given disclosing both income and expenditure as per the Audit Report issued u/s 10A/10B.

(m) amount inadmissible under the proviso to section 36(1)(iii).(a) Obtain details of fixed asset which are acquired by borrowing loans.
(b) In case of funds of C/C account used and which cannot be correlated determine interest cost as per AS-16.


18 Particulars of payments made to persons specified under section 40A(2)(b).:· Obtain a schedule from the client indicating the following:
- List of persons specified under section 40A(2)(b)
- Details of payments made to persons specified in above list.
· Agree the schedule with ;
- Relevant contracts/ agreements with specified persons.
- Relevant supports for payments made to such specified persons.
· Review the relevant accounts to identify any payments made to persons specified under section 40A(2)(b).
· Compare the detail shown under Tax Audit with the Related Party Schedule of IGAAP.
· Obtain management representation.

Notes :
(i) Salaries and perquisites etc paid to directors or persons having substantial interest in the company should be included in the list referred to above.
(ii) Since disallowance in this case is at the discretion of the Income Tax Officer the total amount paid to such persons should be indicated in the schedule.
(iii) As per the ICAI, in the case of a large company, it may not be possible to verify the list of all persons covered by this section therefore the information supplied by the assessee can be relied upon. It has further stated that it may be difficult to identify all payments in each and every case where the volume of transactions is rather huge and voluminous, and therefore, it may be necessary to restrict the scrutiny only to such payments in excess of certain monetary limits depending upon the size of the concern and volume of the business of the assessee.
(iv) Suggested disclosure where the information is not available with client is as follows :

The company does not have necessary information in respect of the following :
(a) directors and their relatives of companies having a substantial interest in the company; and
(b) any person, in whose business or profession, the directors or their relatives have a substantial interest as defined in the explanation to Section 40A(2)(b).

19 Amounts deemed to be profits and gains under section 33AB or 33ABA or 33AC.:Go through the relevant sections.

20 Any amount of profit chargeable to tax under section 41 and computation thereof.:· Obtain a schedule indicating amount of profit chargeable to tax under the aforesaid clause and the computation thereof.
· Agree the details with audited schedules and other relevant support documents.
· Review the relevant accounts to ensure that all such sums have been appropriately disclosed.
· Obtain management representation.

21*(i) In respect of any sum referred to in clause (a),(b),(c),(d),(e) or (f) of section 43B, the liability for which;:

(A) pre-existed on the first day of the previous year but was not allowed in the assessment of any preceding previous year and was
(a) paid during the previous year;
(b) not paid during the previous year;
· Obtain a schedule indicating the following information in respect of the items referred to in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of section 43B :
- Liability at the beginning of the year
- Amount paid during the year including the date of payment
- Amount not paid during the year
· Agree the amounts and dates with audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.

· Obtain a schedule in respect of the items mentioned above, specifically indicating the following :
(B) was incurred in the previous year and was- Liability incurred during the year
(a) paid on or before the due date for furnishing the return of income or the previous year under section 139(1);- Amount paid on or before the due date for furnishing the return of income under section 139(1) along with date of payment.
(b) not paid on or before the aforesaid date.- Amount not paid on or before the aforesaid date.
· The expenses, which are capitalized, would also be covered under this clause.
· Check that all the figure shown in annexure are in agreement with IGAAP.
· In case there is any mismatch of figures with books of accounts, prepare reconciliation for the same.
· Take the copies of challan to verify that amounts payable as on last day of the financial year are paid in subsequent year.
· To verify if any conversion of interest into loan or funded interest has taken place during the year.
· Agree the amounts and dates with audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
* State whether sales tax, customs duty, excise duty or any other indirect tax, levy, cess, impost etc. is passed through the profit and loss account.

22(a) Amount of Modified Value Added Tax credits availed of or utilised during the previous year and its treatment in the profit and loss account and treatment of outstanding Modified Value Added Tax credits in the accounts.:(i) State the treatment given in the books to Modvat/ Cenvat. Give details w.r.t. opening balance/ credit availed/credit used/ closing balance of all Cenvat account as per Account books and Excise record with reconciliation.
(ii) Go through the reconciliation and report the difference under the respective clause of 3CD.

(b) Particulars of income or expenditure of prior period credited or debited to the profit and loss account.:· Furnish a detail of income/expenditure relating to prior period credited/ debited to the profit and loss account during the year.
· Agree the details with audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
· Review the items under the head prior period adjustment and the notes to the accounts to ensure all such expenditure/income has been disclosed in the above schedule.
· In order to ascertain the correct meaning of term “Prior Period Item” refer to the text of Accounting Standard- 5 issued by ICAI.
· Obtain management representation.

23 Details of any amount borrowed on hundi or any amount due thereon (including interest on the amount borrowed) repaid, otherwise than through an account payee cheque [Section 69D].:· Obtain a schedule of borrowing and repayments (including interest) of hundi loans otherwise than by account payee cheques.
· Agree the details with the audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
· Obtain management representation.
· Obtain a schedule of borrowing and repayments (including interest) of hundi loans otherwise than by account payee cheques.
· Agree the details with the audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
· Obtain management representation.

Note : As per the ICAI in the absence of conclusive or satisfactory evidence a suitable comment in the report as suggested in clause 17(h) shou0ld be made. : As per the ICAI in the absence of conclusive or satisfactory evidence a suitable comment in the report should be made.

24(a)* Particulars of each loan or deposit in an amount exceeding the limit specified in section 269SS taken or accepted during the previous year:-:

(i) name, address and permanent account number (if available with the assessee) of the lender or depositor;:· Obtain a schedule of loans and deposits of Rs.20,000 or more taken or accepted during the year giving the relevant details as per the aforesaid clause.
(ii) amount of loan or deposit taken or accepted;:· The amount of Rs. 20,000/- or more is to be computed inclusive of opening Balance in the party account and for the purpose of prepayment also, amount credited as interest.
· For the purpose of this clause, loan/deposit would include, among others, the following:
a) Security Deposits from staff, agents, customers with or without interest
b) Loans from financial institutions.
c) Advance in the nature of loan deposit.
d) Fixed deposit from public.
· Agree the details with the audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.

(iii) whether the loan or deposit was squared up during the previous year;:· Review the loan, deposit and other relevant accounts to ensure all such particulars have been appropriately disclosed.

(iv) maximum amount outstanding in the account at any time during the previous year;:· Obtain certificate from management that loans accepted during the year and their repayment has been through an account payee cheques/draft.

Note :
(v) whether the loan or deposit was taken or accepted otherwise than by an account payee cheque or an account payee bank draft.:(i) As per the ICAI information of each loan or deposit of Rs.20,000 or more alone would be required by this clause and where each such loan or deposit is less than Rs.20,000 and aggregate alone exceeds Rs.20,000, the particulars need not be furnished.
* (These particulars need not be given in the case of a Government Company, a banking company or a corporation established by a Central, State or Provincial Act).(ii) Advance received against agreement of sale of goods is not a loan/deposit.
(iii) Loan taken from financial institutions are covered under this clause.
(iv) Security deposits against contracts etc. will be covered by the definition of `deposit’ and the information for the same will have to be provided.

(b) Particulars of each repayment of loan or deposit in an amount exceeding the limit specified in section 269T made during the previous year :-:

(i) name, address and permanent account number (if available with the assessee) of the payee;:· Obtain a schedule of loans and deposits of Rs.20,000 or more repaid during the year giving the relevant details as per the aforesaid clause.

(ii) amount of the repayment;:· Agree the details with the audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.

(iii) maximum amount outstanding in the account at any time during the previous year.:· Review the loan, deposit and other relevant accounts to ensure all such particulars have been appropriately disclosed.


(iv) whether the repayment was made otherwise than by account payee cheque or account payee bank draft.:· Obtain management representation.

Note :
i) Refer note (i) to (v) above.
ii) Obtain a certificate from the assessee as prescribed in above clause.
iii) This clause is not applicable in respect of loan taken and repaid from/to Bank, Govt., Govt. company.

(c) Whether a certificate has been obtained from the assessee regarding taking or accepting loan or deposit, ore repayment of the same through an account payee cheques or an account payee bank draft (Yes/No)
The particulars (i) to (iv) at (b) and the Certificate at (c) above need not be given in the case of a repayment of any loan or deposit taken or accepted from Government, Government company, banking company or a corporation established by a Central, State or Provincial Act

25(a) Details of brought forward loss or depreciation allowance, in the following manner, to the extent available :· Obtain a schedule indicating the details as per the aforesaid clause. The clause will cover the following :



- Serial Number- Business loss (Section 72)
- Assessment Year- Unabsorbed depreciation
- Nature of loss/allowance (in rupees)- Speculation loss (Section 73)
- Amount as returned (in rupees)- Loss under the head capital gains.(Section 74)
- Amount as assessed (give reference to relevant order)· Furnish the information as to when returns of income for which the above brought forward loss/depreciation arises were filed and whether they were filed in time as provided under section 139(1) or late (any extension granted by CBDT to be indicated).
- Remarks· Agree the basis and details with the return of income, assessment orders etc. and other relevant supporting documents.
· If there are differences in figures as per returns filed and as assessed, also furnish separately reconciliation’s and whether matters are pending in appeals and/or rectification or under revision proceedings, etc. if appeal is decided but order giving effect thereof is not received, indicate the same.
· Take the copies of all relevant orders.

(b) Whether a change in share-holding of the company has taken place in the previous year due to which the losses incurred prior to the previous year cannot be allowed to be carried forward in terms of section 79.· In case of all unlisted company to see whether there was any change in shareholding affecting the benefit of C/F loss (Section 79).
· Details of shareholding be obtained at the end of 31st March of all the years upto 31st March 2006 to verify whether 49% or more shareholding has changed during the period from the year for which loss is carried forward and upto 31st March 2006.
· Any change in shareholding on account of death of a shareholder or gift by the shareholder to the relative and as per second proviso (applicable in case shareholder is a foreign holding company) be ignored.

26 Section-wise details of deductions, if any, admissible under Chapter VIA.:· This is an exhaustive clause to cover all eligible deductions available under chapter VI-A of Income Tax Act, 1961.
· Obtain a schedule indicating the section-wise details of deductions claimed under Chapter VIA.
· Ensure that deductions claimed by the client are admissible under Chapter VIA.
· Agree the details with the audited schedules and other relevant supporting documents.
· If the assessee is claiming deduction under a particular section for the first time, furnish a note giving reasons as to how the assessee is qualified for such a deduction with due evidence and that the assessee has compiled with all the conditions laid down in the relevant section. (with the necessary documentary evidence).
· Review assessments completed/ prior year tax returns to examine the basis adopted in earlier years.
· Verify the basis and computation of deductions.
· Obtain management representation.
Important
In case any report u/s 80IA/ 80IB or any other section of chapter VIA is issued by any other Chartered Accountant then go through the same to verify whether the amount arrived is in accordance with the Provisions of the relevant Section.

27(a) Whether the assessee has complied with the provisions of Chapter XVII-B regarding deduction of tax at source and regarding the payment thereof to the credit of the Central Government (Yes/No):· Obtain a schedule indicating the details as per the aforesaid clause.
· Agree the details with the relevant supporting documents and returns submitted for the purpose.
· Go through the quarterly TDS returns filed.

(b) If the provisions of Chapter XVII-B have not been complied with, please give the following details*, namely:-· Review the relevant accounts to ensure that tax has been deducted as per XVII-B e.g. salaries, interest on securities, other interest, dividends, royalties, payments to non-residents, payments to contractors and sub-contractors etc.
(i) Tax deductible and not deducted at all· Above detail should also include particulars of tax deducted in the financial year but paid to the Govt. in subsequent year.
(ii) Shortfall on account of lesser deduction than required to be deducted· Report cases where TDS has not been deducted or deducted at lesser rates than applicable.
(iii) Tax deducted late· TDS is required to be deducted on the component of service tax also.
(iv) Tax deducted but not paid to the credit of the Central Government Important note regarding Tax Audit
“Please give the details of cases covered in (i) to (vi) above.”
Scrutinize balances appearing at the end of the period of the following account heads carefully:
1) Provision for expenses.
2) Outstanding liabilities.
3) Bill adjustables.
4) Other liabilities or any other account opened in books which is similar in nature to above.
The above accounts normally comprise of credit entries pertaining to provision for expenses made. Such expenses may fall into following categories:
a) Government taxes and statutory dues.
b) Staff payments.
c) Expenses liable to TDS deduction.
d) Other items.
i) Government taxes and statutory dues have to be reported u/s 43B. This clause will also include bonus and incentive to staff by various name called.
ii) The expenses which are liable to TDS are to be reported in the TDS clause (in case of defaults) and also simultaneously in clause 17(l) of tax audit report to the extent applicable.
iii) Further sometime the interest payable to parties is also included in the above head which is liable to TDS.
iv) For CARO purposes one must go through the tax audit report of last year and if items which were liable to TDS are reported but the TDS has not been deducted and paid till 31st March then the same will have to be reported in CARO also.

28(a) In the case of a trading concern, give quantitative details of principal items of goods traded::· Obtain a schedule indicating the details as per the aforesaid clause.
(i) Opening stock;· Agree the details with audited schedules and the stock records maintained by the company.
(ii) Purchases during the previous years;:· Review the relevant accounts to ensure all such particulars have been appropriately disclosed.
(iii) Sales during the previous year;· Furnish the reasons for short/excess with proper explanation and state whether it is normal or abnormal as per industry standards.
(iv) Closing stock;:· Obtain management representation.
(v) Shortage/excess, if any

(b) In the case of a manufacturing concern, give quantitative details of the principal items of raw materials, finished products and by-products::
A. Raw Material :
(i) Opening Stock;Furnish details as required.
(ii) Purchases during the previous year;
(iii) Consumption during the previous year;
(iv) Sales during the previous year;
(v) Closing stock;
(vi)* Yield of finished products;
(vii)* Percentage of yield;
(viii)* Shortage/excess, if any.

B. Finished products/By-products :
(i) Opening Stock;Furnish details as required.
(ii) Purchases during the previous year;
(iii) Quantity manufactured during the previous year;
(iv) Sales during the previous year;
(v) Closing stock;
(vi) Shortage/excess, if any.

* Information may be given to the extent available.

29 In the case of a domestic company, details of tax on distributed profits under section 115O in the following form:-:· Furnish the date of payment of tax on dividend with the copies of receipted Challans, showing the date, amount and name of the bank.
(a) Total amount of distributed profits;· Agree the details referred to the audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
(b) total tax paid thereon;
(c) dates of payment with amounts.

30 Whether any cost audit was carried out, if yes, enclose a copy of the report of such audit [See section 139(9)].:· Check if cost audit is applicable; check whether the audit has been carried out during the year.
· If the Cost audit is not carried by the time Tax Auditor gives the report, state the fact accordingly.
· Obtain a copy of the report if any cost audit was carried out during the year.
· Obtain management representation.

31 Whether any audit was conducted under the Central Excise Act, 1944, if yes, enclose a copy of the report of such audit.:Enquire & obtain LOR and copy of report of audit conducted by Excise department.

32 Accounting ratios with calculations as follows :-:· Obtain a schedule indicating the aforesaid ratios.
(a) Gross Profit/Turnover;· Verify the schedule for arithmetical accuracy and calculations.
(b) Net Profit/Turnover;· Give details of any change on the basis of calculations of ratio as compared to the preceding year.
(c) Stock-in-trade/Turnover;· Agree the values used for calculating the ratios to the audited schedules and relevant supporting documents.
(d) Material consumed/Finished goods produced.· As different interpretations are possible of the items like gross profit, net profit etc., it is recommended that a note explaining the basis adopted by the company be provided.

INFLATION

...........................CONTINURD FROM YESTARDAY

Issues in measuring inflation
Measuring inflation requires finding objective ways of separating out changes in nominal prices from other influences related to real activity. In the simplest possible case, if the price of a 10 oz. can of corn changes from $0.90 to $1.00 over the course of a year, with no change in quality, then this price change represents inflation. But we are usually more interested in knowing how the overall cost of living changes, and therefore instead of looking at the change in price of one good, we want to know how the price of a large 'basket' of goods and services changes. This is the purpose of looking at a price index, which is a weighted average of many prices. The weights in the Consumer Price Index, for example, represent the fraction of spending that typical consumers spend on each type of goods (using data collected by surveying households).
Inflation measures are often modified over time, either for the relative weight of goods in the basket, or in the way in which goods from the present are compared with goods from the past. This includes hedonic adjustments and “reweighing” as well as using chained measures of inflation. As with many economic numbers, inflation numbers are often seasonally adjusted in order to differentiate expected cyclical cost increases, versus changes in the economy. Inflation numbers are averaged or otherwise subjected to statistical techniques in order to remove statistical noise and volatility of individual prices. Finally, when looking at inflation, economic institutions sometimes only look at subsets or special indices. One common set is inflation excluding food and energy, which is often called “core inflation”.
Effects of inflation
A small amount of inflation can be viewed as having a beneficial effect on the economy.[3] One reason for this is that it can be difficult to renegotiate prices and wages. With generally increasing prices it is easier for relative prices to adjust.
Many prices are "sticky downward" and tend to creep upward, so that efforts to attain a zero inflation rate (a constant price level) punish other sectors with falling prices, profits, and employment. Efforts to attain complete price stability can also lead to deflation, which is generally viewed as a negative by Keynesians because of the downward adjustments in wages and output that are associated with it.
With inflation, the price of any given good is likely to increase over time, therefore both consumers and businesses may choose to make purchases sooner rather than later. This effect tends to keep an economy active in the short term by encouraging spending and borrowing, and in the long term by encouraging investments. But inflation can also reduce incentives to save, so the effect on gross capital formation in the long run is ambiguous.
Inflation is also viewed as a hidden risk pressure that provides an incentive for those with savings to invest them, rather than have the purchasing power of those savings erode through inflation. In investing, inflation risks often cause investors to take on more systematic risk, in order to gain returns that will stay ahead of expected inflation.[citation needed]
Inflation also gives central banks room to maneuver, since their primary tool for controlling the money supply and velocity of money is by setting the lowest interest rate in an economy - the discount rate at which banks can borrow from the central bank. Since borrowing at negative interest is generally ineffective, a positive inflation rate gives central bankers "ammunition", as it is sometimes called, to stimulate the economy. As central banks are controlled by governments, there is also often political pressure to increase the money supply to pay government services, this has the added effect of creating inflation and decreasing the net money owed by the government in previously negotiated contractual agreements and in debt.
For these reasons, many economists see moderate inflation as a benefit; some business executives see mild inflation as "greasing the wheels of commerce." But other economists have advocated reducing inflation to zero as a monetary policy goal - particularly in the late 1990s at the end of a long disinflationary period, when the policy seemed within reach; and some have even advocated deflation instead of inflation.
In general, high or unpredictable inflation rates are regarded as bad:
Uncertainty about future inflation may discourage investment and saving.
CONTIUNED TOMORROW..............................

Golden Quotes

The duck looks smooth & calm on top of the water but underneath there is restless peddling………In life nothing worthwhile comes without struggle.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Tea factories apply for energy audit

In the first instance, 15 bought-leaf tea factories in Nilgiris have applied for energy audit under the energy conservation project launched by Tea Board in co-operation with United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility and implemented by Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE).
“Detailed energy audit is our first step towards conserving thermal and electrical energy in factories. Our project engages accredited energy auditors and regularly monitors the progress of the audit. The project will bear up to 75 per cent of the audit cost as per a slab-spread,” said Mr R.D. Nazeem, Tea Board’s Executive Director.

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Growth of cyber cafes declining sharply

The growth of cyber cafes, which are the largest source of Internet access in India, is declining sharply. According to a CII-IMRB Broadband report, the number of cyber cafes, which was growing at almost 60% in 2004 and 2005, has fallen to almost 20% in 2008. There are 1,80,000 cyber cafes in the country. Large industry players attribute the decline to lack of subsidy and support provided by the government coupled with increased security concerns and harassment of cyber cafe owners.

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Time's ticking for AMCs to file NFOs in new format

Time is ticking for fund houses who have filed offer documents in the old format and are awaiting Sebi approval for launching their NFOs. Effective July 31, asset management companies (AMCs) will have to file offer documents in the new format prescribed by the regulator early this year.

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INCOME TAX RECENT CASE LAWS

The Commissioner of Income Tax Versus M/s. Dodsal Ltd. - 2008 TMI - 4603 - HIGH COURT BOMBAY
Income Tax - Deletion of penalty levied u/s158 BFA(2) - 1st proviso to Sec. 158 BFA(2) is directory or mandatory - Merely because the expression used is shall not be less than the amount of tax leviable or not exceeding three times the tax, doesn’t result in reading the first part of the section as mandatory - C.I.T. & I.T.A.T. have recorded reasons for exercise of their discretion - uphold the decision of I.T.A.T. that the section is directory, not mandatory & that the word “may” cannot be read as “shall”

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX Versus. FRONTLINE SOFTWARE AND SERVICES P. LTD. - 2008 TMI - 4591 - MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT

Income Tax - Assessee is utilising the technical know-how for imparting training in the computer operation for coaching the students, which is neither manufacture nor processing of goods - this activity as such is also not an activity of a mine, oil well or other sources of mineral deposits (including the searching for, discovery or testing of deposits or the winning of access thereto) – hence it is not a capital expenditure in terms of section 35AB

RELLA RAM SANT RAM Versus COMMISISONER OF INCOME TAX - 2008 TMI - 4590 - DELHI HIGH COURT

Income Tax - AO observed that Assessee has not been maintaining any stock register for any of the F.Y. comprised with the block period & the closing stock was being worked out by the Assessee only as a balancing figure, so inventory prepared by Assessee after the date of search has no meaning – additions on account of undervaluation of stock is justified – at the time of the search inventory was prepared by dept. with the aid of Asseessee’s partner, hence such valuation can’t be challenged by assessee

MEWA LAL DWARIKA PRASAD Versus COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX - 2008 TMI - 4589 - ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT

Income Tax - Taxability of seized goods – held that seized goods u/s 132(5) are treated as security for the demand – assessee remains owner of seized goods & only possession is taken away by dept. – hence value of seized goods has to be reflected in the balance sheet & profit and loss account as before – seized goods bear the character of stock-in trade in hands of assessee, hence liable to be valued for the purposes of computing the taxable income of assessee


COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX Versus USHA STUD AGRICULTURAL FARM LTD. - 2008 TMI - 4566 - DELHI HIGH COURT

Income Tax - Assessee failed to confirm that advance received by him was received towards advance breeding charges – detailed not furnished by assessee – held that credit balance appearing in the accounts of the Assessee, does not pertain to the year under consideration, under these circumstances, the Assessing Officer was not justified in making the impugned addition under Section 68 - no fault can be found with the order of the Tribunal which has endorsed the decision of the CIT(A)

DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION TAX

DIVIDEND IS CHARGED WITH INCOME TAX AT DISTRIBUTION STAGE SO IT IS NOT EXEMPT INCOME IN CONTEXT OF INCOME TAX ACT 1961 AND THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION - A revised article

Summary:
An income can be considered as exempt only if tax in not collected on it in any manner. If a tax on income is collected directly or indirectly and such tax is not refundable of adjustable against any other liability of tax on income, then tax has been finally collected and the related income has suffered tax under the I.T.Act and it is not an exempt income or income not chargeable to tax.
Dividend - in old scheme tax was paid by shareholders, wherein a large portion of dividend was exempt from tax for several reasons. The additional tax payable by companies and mutual funds, on distribution made all dividends taxable and tax collected from companies and mutual funds are finally collected tax. Only as a consequence to tax on distribution exemption for dividend is granted in computation of shareholders. Therefore, it is wrong to say that dividend referred to in section 115 O is not part of taxable income, in the overall context of tax on income or 'total income' in the Act. Shares and units of mutual funds are purchased mainly to earn gains by way of appreciation and dividend is merely incidental. Average yield by way of dividend is about 1%, therefore, no one will invest in shares merely to receive dividend. Merely because dividend is earned and it is excluded from income of shareholder that too because tax is already paid by the company, section 14A should not be applied to disallow interest and other expenses incurred in connection with purchasing and holding shares and units of mutual funds, which is also a systematic and organized activity and share are capital assets of such business activity just like land, building , furniture and plant and machinery used in any business sale of which also results profit or gains or loss under the head 'capital gains'.
Purpose of the Income -tax Act, 1961: The preface and object of the Act reads as follows:
INCOME-TAX ACT, 1961*
[43 OF 1961]
[AS AMENDED BY FINANCE ACT, 2008]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to income-tax and super-tax
As per above preamble the 1961 Act is to consolidate and amend the law relating to income-tax and super-tax. Going into history of the income-tax laws we find that the purpose of the Income-tax, Act 1961 is basically to provide for provisions relating to charge of tax on income, different manner of levying and collecting tax like by way of income tax on different type of assesses, income tax by way of FBT and tax on distributed profits, determination of taxable income for levy of tax as may be charged as per any Central Enactment (usually the annual Finance Act), collection of tax which may be so charged, assessments, appeals, revisions, recovery, and other related issues for administration of income tax levy and collection. Though in the preamble it is stated that it is an Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to income-tax and super tax.
Chargeable income -Total income:
In the Income-tax Act, 1961 the expression 'total income' is used to mean 'taxable income' or 'chargeable income'. In section 14A also the expression ' which does not form part of total income under this Act' is used , this can mean only such income on which no tax at all is chargeable under the Act for example, agricultural income, or interest on some tax free bonds etc. and not such income which are taxed in some other manner or in hands of some other person. Once income tax is levied in any manner under the Act, it cannot be said that 'it is does not form part of total income under the Act', though it may not be included in particular hands. Thus, tax paid on income whether directly or indirectly under any provisions of the Income-tax Act, or any Finance Act is tax on income. Once a tax is levied on any income, in any manner by the Central Government, it is a tax on income and nothing else. Under our Constitution the Central Government is empowered to impose tax on income (other than agricultural income). The tax can be imposed and collected in any suitable manner provided it is tax on income.
Tax on distributed profits S. 115-O:
As per sub-section (1) tax imposed is additional income-tax, as per sub-section(4), the tax paid by the company at the time of distribution of profits, shall be treated as the final payment of tax in respect of the amount of dividend declared, distributed or paid and no further credit of such tax shall be claimed by the company or by any other person in respect of the amount of tax so paid.
As per sub-section (5) no deduction under any other provision of the Act shall be allowed to the company or a shareholder in respect of the amount which has been charged to tax under sub-section (1) and the amount of tax paid thereon.
Similarly, in respect of divided distributed by some mutual funds similar provisions are made in section 115 R.
From these provisions it is clear that the dividend paid by the company, UTI or Mutual Fund which is subjected to tax at the time of distribution is not to be allowed as an expenditure to the company or the mutual find and the tax paid by the company, UTI or mutual fund as the case may be is treated as final payment of tax for which no further credit or refund can be claimed or allowed to any one:- in particular the company or its shareholders and the mutual fund and its unit holders.
Dividend distribution tax (DDT) and Security Transaction Tax (STT) are nothing but tax on income:
From the provisions of S. 115O and 115 R it is clear that the tax paid by the company or mutual fund is an additional income-tax collected from the person who distribute dividend. Fifth proviso to S. 48 also prescribes that Security Transaction Tax (STT) shall not be allowed while computing capital gains. STT is not an allowable deduction against business income vide S.40 (a) (ib) till assessment year 2008-09 however a tax rebate is allowed. From A.Y. 2009-10 STT will be allowed as deduction from business income however tax rebate shall not be allowed. All these provisions clearly shows that DDT and STT are nothing but income-tax. Therefore, in the overall context of the income-tax Act, 1961 dividend as well as long term capital gains which are exempted u/s 10 are already taxed in other manner and the tax imposed as DDT or STT is income tax levied and collected in an easy and convenient manner.
Exemption under section 10:
Vide sub-sections (34) and (35) any income by way of dividends referred to in section 115 O and 115 R respectively are not to be included in total income.
The Income-tax Act is a self-contained code and entire enactment needs to be considered:
The income-tax Act, 1961 is a self contained code and it has to be considered as a whole and not in piecemeal manner. Therefore, it would be wrong to read section 10 (34) and 10 (35) in isolation of section 115O and 115R.
One provision cannot be read in isolation with other provisions. Though some provisions may have limited application to a particular head of income or to a particular purpose but in that case it is clearly mentioned expressly or it may be implied by the provisions.
So far the provisions relating to tax on distribution of income as contained in Chapter XIID and XIIE relating to tax on distribution of profit by companies and mutual funds respectively are concerned, it is found that the Chapters were inserted by the Finance Act, 1997 w.e.f. 01.06.97 and finance Act, 1999 w.e.f. 01.06.1999 respectively. Correspondingly S. 10 was amended by insertion of subsection 33 to provide for exemption of dividend referred to in section 115-O and then amended to income distributed by mutual funds.
Thereafter an amendment was brought and tax payable by companies on distributed profit was withdrawn and simultaneously exemption u/s 10 was also withdrawn. Again these sections were amended w.e.f. from 1.4.2003 and tax on distributed profit was again imposed and simultaneously exemption u/s 10 was again reintroduced. From the history of tax on distributed income and exemption of dividend under section 10 we can observe that the exemption u/s 10 was granted only when tax was levied at the time of distribution on the companies and the mutual funds.
Thus, it is clear that tax has all along been charged on dividend, it is only for the simplicity and easiness to collect that tax has been levied at the time of distribution and made exempt in hands of recipients of dividend. The implicit purpose is to tax entire amount of dividend distributed by companies and not to grant exemption to any dividend.
By tax on distribution and non-taxable dividend has also been made taxable:
When there was no tax u/s 115 O and 115R at the time of distribution the following categories of dividend declared was fully or partially exempted:-
a) In hands of individuals and Hindu undivided families there was exemption due to basic exemption.
b) In case of individuals and Hindu undivided families there was also exemption due to deduction provided u/s 80L.
c) Dividend paid to the companies was also partially exempted by application of section 80M.
d) Dividend paid to registered charitable institutions, other exempted institutes , mutual funds etc. whose income was exempt u/s 10 or 11 was also exempted.
e) Dividend declared in favor of the Government was exempt.
f) Dividend earned by assesses also became non-taxable because of reason that the assesses could set off their business loss, depreciation, loss under other sources etc. against dividend income.
Therefore, it can be seen that prior to tax on distribution a larger portion of dividend declared and distributed was exempted and no tax was paid thereon due to some or other exemptions or applicability of set off of losses.
No exemption on any distribution
As per provisions of section 115-0 and 115-R, there is no exemption on dividend declared, distributed and paid. The dividend is also not allowed as expenditure. The tax paid is also not allowed as expenditure. The tax collected is final tax collected. Therefore, entire amount of dividend declared, distributed or paid by companies or mutual find is subjected to compulsory and final tax payment.
Dividend is not exempt under Income-tax Act
In view of above discussion we find that although dividend is not included in the income of shareholder because of provisions of section 10 but in fact, the exemption is only because tax is already paid on such dividend and such payment is final. Earlier when there was no exemption u/s 10 tax was deducted at source at the time of payment of dividend and the records shows that a larger part of such TDS was refunded.
Simultaneous amendments in section 115-O, 115-R , Section 80L, 80M and section 10 clearly indicate that exemption u/s 10 exists only as a matter of scheme of collection of tax on entire dividend and not as a scheme to grant exemption. The tax is levied and collected in one or other form and manner. Therefore, it cannot be said that dividend covered by section 115-O or 115-R is not taxable under the Act. Dividend is definitely taxable and tax is collected in bulk at the stage of distribution instead of from shareholders or unit holders.
The provision can be compared with provisions of clubbing of income. Suppose an item of income is included in hands of parent or spouse or other relatives as per provisions of section 64. The same item of income cannot be included in the income of person to whom the income belongs ( minor child , spouse or relative as the case may be). Does it mean that the income earned by minor is not taxed merely because it is not included in income of minor but income of parent? The obvious answer is No. the income has born tax in hands of parent, therefore, it is a taxable income in the overall context of the Act.
Similarly tax is paid on dividend by companies or mutual fund as per the relevant provisions. it does not mean that the dividend is not taxable or that it has not been included in 'total income', for levy of tax.
Tax under income tax Act:
Under the provisions of the income Tax Act, tax is imposed on income. The purpose of imposing tax is achieved even when tax is collected at the time of distribution of income by companies or mutual funds. Therefore, there is no gain saying that dividend is exempt under the income Tax Act, 1961.
If it is argued that tax on distribution of dividend is not a tax on income earned by way of dividend by shareholders or unit holders, then it is felt that the provisions may be ultravirse the purpose of the Income-tax Act, as well as our constitution. By imposing tax at the stage of distribution itself, it is assumed that there is element of taxable income in the dividend distributed, and to keep a balanced overall tax rate for collection relatively lower rate of tax has been imposed on distributed income.
Section 14A vis-à-vis dividend
Section 14A was inserted by the Finance Act, 2001 with retrospective effect from 1.4.1962 and a proviso thereto was inserted by the Finance Act, 2002 with retrospective effect from 11.5.2001. The section as stands now reads as follows:-
Expenditure incurred in relation to income not includible in total income.
14A. For the purposes of computing the total income under this Chapter, no deduction shall be allowed in respect of expenditure incurred by the assessee in relation to income which does not form part of the total income under this Act:
[Provided that nothing contained in this section shall empower the Assessing Officer either to reassess under section 147 or pass an order enhancing the assessment or reducing a refund already made or otherwise increasing the liability of the assessee under section 154, for any assessment year beginning on or before the lst day of April, 2001.]
A reading of the above section clearly shows that this provision will apply only when the particular expenditure is in relation to only such types of income, which do not form part of total income under all provisions of the Act. The expression 'total income' is used in the context of 'taxable income'. Once we find that dividend suffers a payment of tax, it cannot be said that dividend is an exempt income and does not form part of the total income under the whole Act.
The expression 'total income', has been used in the context of taxable income. In Section 14A it is not stated that the expenses will not be allowed when any income does not form part of the total income of an assessee. Rather the words used are 'does not form part of the total income under this Act'. Thus, the clear meaning is that when the income is not exigible to tax under the Act in any manner, then only section 14A would apply.
Merely because dividend is not included in income of the person who received it does not mean that the dividend is not included in total income ( meaning chargeable or taxable income) under the Act.
Thus, section 14A can be applied in relation to only such income which does not attract tax liability in any manner under the Act. For example, agricultural income is one such income which cannot be taxed under the income tax Act by the Central Government. Or some other income which does not attract tax in hands of any person - the recipient or the payer can only be considered to be subject to section 14A.
Merely because the dividend is exempted u/s 10 while computing income of share holder it cannot be said that section 14A would be applicable. Section 10 cannot be read in isolation of other special provisions under which tax is imposed and collected on dividend.
Therefore, it appears that in the context of such income which bears tax at the time of distribution, the context require that the expression total income as used in section 14A should not be confined to the total income of an assessee. Rather, it must be looked from the point of view of income which has been subjected to tax under any provision of the Act, and therefore, the section needs to be interpreted in a manner to restrict its applicability in respect of only such income which is not at all taxable at any stage and no where under the Income Tax Act.
Section 4:
In this regard section 4, which is a charging section, is relevant. According to S.4 tax is charged where any Central Act enacts that income tax shall be charged for any assessment year at any rate ---. Now tax on distributed profits are also charged as per Central Act, tax on shareholders who receive dividend is also charged as per such Central Act. In case of distributed profits the basis of tax is the amount of dividend distributed. Therefore, for this purpose and in this context it can be said without any doubt that dividend distributed is the 'total income' or 'chargeable income' or 'taxable income' on which tax is paid under section 115O or 115R, as the case may be.
This factual position also becomes clear when we notice that the rate of tax on dividend paid to different types of assesses is different. This is because the average rate of tax on different types of assesses is different. Therefore, the rate of tax on distributed profits has been kept low in case of individuals and HUF who enjoys basic exemption and lower rate as per slab of income. On other hand rate of tax is higher in case of companies and firms who do not enjoy any basic exemption and there is flat rate of tax on their income.
Dividend as compared to other exempted incomes:
There are several other types of income which are exempted under the Income Tax Act , from being included in total income at any stage and in any hand. Most of incomes prescribed in Chapter III are such which are not at all taxed at any stage and in any hand.
Apparently cases of tax in hands of other persons are income received from HUF and firm. The income may be taxable in hands of HUF or it may be exempt due to basic exemption in hands of HUF, the income received by member will be exempt (except when S. 64(2) is applicable), share in profit of firm which is assessed in hands of firm is exempt in hands of partner.
Thus applying corollary of HUF and Firm it can be said that dividend which bears tax at the stage of distribution itself is not exempt while computing total income under the Act though it may not be included in income of recipient.
Shareholding is not only for earning dividend
On a long term analysis of price earning ratio of the overall share market capitalization, we find that earning by way of dividend is hardly 1.5 to 2%. There are large number of companies which do not declare any dividend. If we consider average market capitalization at BSE and total amount of dividend declared by all companies, the yield by way dividend will not be more than 1%. Therefore, it is clear that shares are not purchased merely to earn the dividend, rather, the purpose of earning dividend though implicit, comes much after in priority. The purpose of investment in shares can be given priority as follows:-
a) To diversify portfolio of investment in liquid, appreciating assets with a greater element of risk. And to diversify in different sectors of economy, different industries and different companies thereby to reduce risk and have a balance portfolio.
b) To earn capital gains by way of short term to long term capital gains;
c) To have a controlling stake in companies and to manage companies (this will apply to investment as promoter or controller of company);
d) To earn by taking advantages of cyclical movement in profitability of industry.
e) To earn by way of intra day trading as a hedging activity and keeping portfolio active and performing.
f) To earn dividend.
Thus we find that earning of dividend is last in priority. In fact many wise investors find it more advantageous to sell shares and units cum dividend to fetch higher price. In many cases it is noticed that while selling shares cum dividend, one may realize many times more by way of price than dividend. A share sold cum dividend of Rs. 5/- at a price of say Rs.125/- may be available at a price of Rs.100-110 or even lower after some days when it becomes ex dividend. Thus, by sacrificing dividend of Rs.5/- one may earn Rs.10-25 or more extra by way of price realization by selling share cum dividend. This is because:
a. Before the date of book closure or record date there is usually short supply and Extra demand for shares so price is increased.
b. After book closure and record date, there is selling pressure and supply increase.
c. some investors have fancy of earning dividend as they consider it tax free.
Taxable earnings in hands of share holders:
Even in hands of share or unit holders the earnings by way of share trading as trading profit or speculative profit is taxable. The profit by way of capital gains is also taxable by way of income tax and now by way of Security Transaction Tax and / or Income tax. Similarly, profits derived by managing or controlling companies is also taxable as income form business or profession or other sources. The dividend is also taxable may be in the hands of the recipient or in the hands of dividend distributor. Therefore, it can be said that any direct or indirect income derived by purchasing, holding, transferring shares in companies or units of mutual fund is taxable in one or other form under the Income Tax Act , and it is wrong to say that dividend is exempt all together.
Distribution policy:
It is worth to note that good companies devise dividend policy in such a manner as to maximize shareholders wealth. Where it is considered that the company can deploy funds in more effective manner and by deployment of Funds Company can increase shareholders worth, the company may not pay dividend or pay lower dividend. In most of cases profits are ploughed back ( fully or partly) and it forms part of shareholders funds. Increased shareholders funds added advantages of improving book value per share and earning per share. When company's share quote at substantially higher price to book value ratio and at higher price earning ratio, the share price may improves much higher by such retention.
For a simple example, suppose a company's share is quoted at price to book value ratio of 10.
The present book value is Rs.30 including to date profits.
The present market price is Rs. 30 X 10 = 300
Suppose the company declare dividend of Rs. 3 per share in that case book value per share shall come down to Rs.27 and therefore revised market price of share would be 27 X 10 = 270/-
In this case the shareholder will loose Rs. 30 in market price per share and gain Rs.3 by way of dividend, therefore there would be a loss of Rs.27 to the shareholder. In such a situation it may be preferable for the company and its shareholders to retain maximum profits.
However, for maintaining goodwill and market price of shares it is also necessary to pay some regular dividend. Market price of shares is based on number of factors including book value, earning per share, dividend per share and profits retained per share etc. which reflects current scenario and past performance. Furthermore it is also dependent on future prospects of the company. Therefore, dividend policy is also based on all these factors. The same being very complex, and not very relevant to reach the desired point, is not discussed in this write-up.
Long term capital gain and security transaction tax (STT)
With effect from 1.10.04, security transaction tax has been imposed and when a transfer of share or unit of mutual fund bears STT then only exemption in case of long term capital gains is allowed. Therefore, it is clear that the STT is in lieu of long term capital gain tax on shares and units. The scheme of STT is also designed to tax all long term capital gains and to have an easy method of collection and there is no scope for any refund. Whereas when long term capital gain tax was imposed it was found that in many cases no tax was payable because of indexed cost being more than sale value, brought forward long term capital loss or short term capital loss, set off of losses under other heads of income etc. Whereas when STT is levied the tax is collected whether there is a profit or a loss in the transaction. Therefore, in the context of overall taxation of long term capital gains also it can be said that the long term capital gains are not fully exempt from tax though it may be exempt from Income-tax but every purchase and sale is subject to STT.
Where transaction is not subject to STT e.g in case of off market deals, STT is not chargeable and the transaction is subject to normal provisions of tax on capital gains.
For an example we can consider sale of quoted shares sold through private negotiations on 'spot delivery' basis and not through stock exchange. In such case the sale will not be subject to STT and the gains arising will also not be exempt. Therefore, it is clear case that STT is in lieu of income tax.
Though STT is not levied under the provisions of the income-tax Act, 1961, but is nothing but tax on income, charged and levied in a different manner. As per the provisions of the Indian Constitution it can be and has been levied under the entry and enabling provision for taxes on income and not under any other entry.
Shares purchased as stock-in-trade
In case of a trader in share he purchases shares for the purpose of trading. Therefore, capital is borrowed for the purpose of share business and it is capital borrowed for the purpose of business and therefore, interest payable on such borrowed capital shall be allowable u/s 36 and such interest cannot be disallowed by applying section 14A although dividend earned, if any, will be exempt in hands of recipient.
Shares purchased for controlling companies
Shares purchased by persons as promoter, manager or controller of companies is acquisition of shares for the purpose of business and profession of promoting, managing or controlling companies. Therefore, interest payable on capital borrowed for purchasing shares by such persons will be allowable and section 14A cannot be applied though dividend received may not be taxable, if the company has paid tax under section 115 O .
In this regard we can consider another issue of deemed dividend under section 2(22)(e), by way of loan , advance etc. such dividend is not considered dividend for the purpose of section 115 O vide explanation given at the end of the Chapter XII D. Therefore, such dividend is not a dividend referred to in section 115 O. accordingly the shareholder is liable to include such dividend in his total income and pay tax.
Shares purchased to derive capital gains
When shares are purchased as an investor the immediate purpose is to gain out of fluctuation in price of shares over short to long period. Short term capital gains are taxable. While purchasing shares, one cannot envisage the period of holding if the price appreciates the investor will not wait for share becoming a long term capital asset. From the statistics of high and low price during 52 weeks period it is apparent that the price may go up several times or may come down several times. Therefore, when share is purchased it cannot be assumed that share is purchased to gain long-term capital gain only. Therefore, even purchase of share by investors is basically to earn capital gains mostly, within short term which is taxable and in case of long term capital gain also there is tax by way of STT or if the shares are not sold through stock exchange then also long term capital gain tax will be payable. In case of unquoted shares the sale through stock exchange and the levy of STT is out of question and therefore in that case long term capital gain will be taxable. Furthermore, the future is contingent the shares, which are quoted and traded on a stock exchange today, may not be treated or remain quoted at the stock exchange in long term. The cases of de listing of companies, suspension of trading of shares is not uncommon. Many shares which were highly traded sometimes ago are now suspended, de listed or not traded for some other reason. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the shares are purchased only to derive income by way of dividend and long term capital gain, which are exempt u/s 10.
Therefore, for whatever purpose share may be purchased it cannot be said that shares were purchased to earn tax-free income. No wise man will purchase shares to earn 1- 2% of investment by way of dividend. If the capital is borrowed to purchase shares, it cannot be said that interest is an expenditure incurred to earn income by way of dividend, which is not included in total income under the Act and which has not suffered tax. The commitment of interest begun at the time of borrowing and not when a dividend is earned. Similarly the opportunity to earn by deploying funds in other manner is lost once money is invested in shares. Payment of interest or loss of other earnings take place even when on dividend is earned. Therefore, it cannot be said that interest is expenditure to earn dividend.
Even if it is so said, it cannot be said that the dividend is not included in 'total income' / chargeable income or taxable income under the Act, when we find that tax is finally and compulsorily collected at the time of distribution.
A possible way out
As discussed earlier shares may be purchased as a share-trader in that case capital borrowed for purchasing shares shall be for the purpose of business and interest will be allowable. Even purchase of shares by investors is basically to gain out of capital gains - which are taxable. On change of circumstances, if required, stock-in-trade of share may be transferred to investment account and held as capital asset. Considering legal provision that a holding period of one year makes shares and units as long-term capital asset a reasonable period of one month can be considered to change the character of shares or units to investment account from trading account. Therefore, a policy decision may be taken that if any share or unit is held for more than 30 days, then it will be consider as an investment - a capital asset. In such a case interest paid on capital borrowed at the time of purchasing of the shares or units as stock- in- trade will be allowable though subsequently such shares or units may be treated as capital asset.
Investment in shares ,units , bonds, debentures, saving certificates and even fixed deposits is a systematic and organized activity. This also requires organized and specialized actions. Services of experts are available for such business also. Thus, the investment activity is also a business or professional activity.
Some decisions of ITAT :
In ACIT vs. Dakshes S. Shah decided by Mumbai Bench ITAT 272 ITR (AT) 131 the assessee had made investment in shares by obtaining loans in earlier years. The Assessing Officer disallowed the interest of Rs.4,97,090/- payable to an investment company for the assessment year 1998-99 on the ground that the dividend income had been excluded from the computation of taxable income by virtue of its being exempt from tax under the provisions of section 10(33) read with section 115-O of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Since the dividend income was not chargeable under the head "Income from other sources" the Assessing Officer disallowed the interest expenditure referable to the investment under section 57 of the Act. However, the Commissioner (Appeals) allowed the interest payable amounting to Rs.4,97,090/-. On appeal by revenue before the ITAT, the Tribunal while allowing appeal held, that dividend income was exempt from tax by virtue of the provisions of section 10(33). Section 14A expressly prohibits allowance of such claims. If the intention of the Legislature was only to collect the tax from the recipients of the dividend through the medium of the company, then there should have been a provision whereby the company should not be made to pay tax in respect of that part of the dividend, which was attributable to the assessee who has no taxable income. In the absence of such a provision it could not be said that the tax was collected from the company though the Legislature intended to collect tax from the recipients of the dividends. Section 14A is couched in specific terms which did not leave any room for doubt or dispute with regard to the fact that in order to claim deduction of expenditure in relation to a particular income, the assessee has to show that the said income forms part of the total income. Hence, the assessee was not entitled to claim deduction of the interest referable to the amount borrowed for the purpose of investment in shares.
The Revenue filed appeal before the Tribunal and contended that in view of section 14A inserted by the Finance Act, 2001 with retrospective effect from 1.4.62 interest payment cannot be allowed. The Tribunal considered the provisions of section 14A, the memorandum explaining the provisions in the Finance Act, 2001 which read as follows:-
"No deduction for expenditure incurred in respect of exempt income against taxable income.
Certain incomes are not includible while computing the total income as these are exempt under various provisions of the Act. There have been cases where deductions have been claimed in respect of such exempt income. This in effect means that the tax incentive given by way of exemptions to certain categories of income is being used to reduce also the tax payable on the non-exempt income by debiting the expenses incurred to earn the exempt income against taxable income. This is against the basic principles of taxation whereby only the net income, i.e., gross income minus the expenditure, is taxed. On the same analogy, the exemption is also in respect of the net income. Expenses incurred can be allowed only to the extent they are relatable to the earning of taxable income."
Thereafter the Tribunal held as follows:-
Section 14A is part of Chapter IV. In other words, it applies to expenditure referable to any head of income referred to in section 14 of the Act, 1961. The contention of learned counsel is that dividend income is not exempt from tax but the Legislature intended to collect the tax indirectly by deducting tax in the hands of the company. I am unable to appreciate the contention of the assessee. There are lakhs of shareholders whose income falls below the taxable limit and in their case there may not be any assessable income which is liable to tax even if dividend income is held to be taxable in the hands of such assesses. Hence, if the intention of the Legislature is only to collect the tax from the recipients of the dividend through the medium of the company, then there should have been a provision whereby the company should not be made to pay tax in respect of that part of dividend, which is attributable to assesses who has no taxable income. In the absence of such a provision it cannot be said that the tax is collected from the company though the Legislature intended to collect tax from the recipients of the dividends. At any rate, section 14A is couched in specific terms which does not leave any room for doubt or dispute with regard to the fact that in order to claim deduction of expenditure in relation to a particular income, the assessee has to show that the said income forms part of the total income. Thus, looking at from any angle, I am of the opinion that the assessee is not entitled to claim deduction of the interest referable to the amount borrowed for the purpose of investment in shares. No doubt, learned counsel raised an alternative plea that the shares as and when they are sold, the income/loss is assessable to tax under the head "capital gains" in which event, expenditure has to be allowed as deduction. However, it may be noticed that the assessee has not sold any shares till date and so far as this year is concerned, the contention of the assessee is academic. The case laws cited by the learned Authorised Representative are distinguishable on facts, particularly in the light of section 14A of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
On consideration of the above, the order of the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), on this issue, was reversed and the order of the Assessing Officer is upheld.
There are many other cases decided by the Tribunal in which the learned Tribunal has taken similar view that dividend earned being exempt u/s 10 (33), expenses incurred for earning dividend cannot be allowed in view of section 14A. Some of the decisions are referred to below:
Mohan T.Advani Finance P. Ltd V ITO (2006) 9 SOT 675 (MUM.)
Everplus securities & finance P. Ltd V Dy. CIT (2006) 101 ITD 151 (Delhi)
Punjab National Bank V Dy. CIT (2006) 103 TTJ (Delhi) 908.
Dy.CIT V S.G.Investment & Industries Ltd (2004) 84 TTJ (Kol) 143/ 89 ITD 44 (KOL).
Case of a share trader - purpose being trading gain expenses were allowed:
In case of Vidyut Investment Ltd V ITO (2006) 10 SOT 284 (Delhi) the Tribunal held that where shares were held as trading stock with a view to earn trading profits, earning of dividend was incidental to share trading and therefore, the Assessing Officer was not justified in disallowing a par to expenses by invoking section 14A.
Authors point of view on Tribunals orders:
In view of author with due respect to the tribunals section 14A was applied merely on the ground that dividend earned was not included in the income of assessee. It is felt that section 14A has not been interpreted correctly and a very narrow view has been taken ignoring the purpose of purchasing and holding of shares as appreciation and deriving gains which will be taxable in due course.
As noted earlier dividend earning is merely incidental to share holding and not the sole purpose of holding shares. Furthermore, tax on dividend is paid by company in lieu of shareholders, which is result of the legislative intention to collect tax on all dividend payments and to simplify collection and achieve finality of collection. It is not the case that the tax is not levied or cannot be levied due to some other policy reasons.
In view of the author it can be put in other manner that the legislative intention is to consider entire amount of dividend distributed as a taxable income which is part of 'total income' but because tax is paid separately by the company, at source, so it is excluded while making individual computations of share holders. Tax on distribution is apparently to make a final collection on dividend to whomsoever paid without granting any exemption for any reason and without granting any credit for tax paid by companies.
With due respect the author feels that the cases before the Tribunal were nor properly argued and / or considered and they requires reconsideration in view of reasoning as discussed in this write-up.
The author is of the view that what is applicable in case of a share trader is equally applicable in case of investor also. Investment is also a systematic and organized activity and is in nature of an adventure in nature of commerce. Therefore, investment is also a business. In case of a business or profession also certain incomes may fall under heads of income other than business or profession. For example, gains on sale of fixed assets used in business fall under the head 'capital gains', because the asset was a capital asset and not a trading asset. Similarly investments are capital assets of investment business, the gains may be taxable under the head 'capital gains', yet the assets are held in the course of business of investment. Therefore, so far purpose of holding of shares is concerned, there is no difference in holding as stock-in-trade or as investment. Accordingly authors view is that in overall context of the provisions and the purpose of holding of shares and securities, section 14A should not be applied to investor merely because dividend earned is not included in taxable income of shareholder assessee.