Section 50C-CA-Jagdish-Punjabi
Section 50C-CA-Jagdish-Punjabi
Section 50C-CA-Jagdish-Punjabi
Section 50C
Provided that where the date of the agreement fixing the amount of consideration
and the date of registration for the transfer of the capital asset are not the same,
the value adopted or assessed or assessable by the stamp valuation authority on
the date of agreement may be taken for the purposes of computing full value of
consideration for such transfer: [inserted by FA, 2016 w.e.f. 1.4.2017]
Section 50C
Provided further that the first proviso shall apply only in a case where the
amount of consideration, or a part thereof, has been received by way of an
account payee cheque or account payee bank draft or by use of electronic
clearing system through a bank account 38[or through such other electronic mode
as may be prescribed] [Inserted by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 w.e.f. 1.4.2020], on
or before the date of the agreement for transfer:]
Provided also that where the value adopted or assessed or assessable by the
stamp valuation authority does not exceed one hundred and five per cent of the
consideration received or accruing as a result of the transfer, the consideration so
received or accruing as a result of the transfer shall, for the purposes of section
48, be deemed to be the full value of the consideration [FA, 2020 has w.e.f.
1.4.2021 increased the tolerance limit to ten per cent]
(a) the assessee claims before any Assessing Officer that the value adopted [or assessed
or assessable] by the stamp valuation authority under sub-section (1) exceeds the fair
market value of the property as on the date of transfer;
(b) the value so adopted [or assessed or assessable] by the stamp valuation authority
under sub-section (1) has not been disputed in any appeal or revision or no reference
has been made before any other authority, Court or the High Court,
the Assessing Officer may refer the valuation of the capital asset to a Valuation Officer
and where any such reference is made, the provisions of sub-sections (2), (3), (4), (5)
and (6) of section 16A, clause (i) of sub-section (1) and sub-sections (6) and (7) of
section 23A, sub-section (5) of section 24, section 34AA, section 35 and section 37 of
the Wealth-tax Act, 1957 (27 of 1957), shall, with necessary modifications, apply in
relation to such reference as they apply in relation to a reference made by the
Assessing Officer under sub-section (1) of section 16A of that Act.
Section 50C…
[Explanation 1] - For the purposes of this section, "Valuation Officer" shall have the same
meaning as in clause (r) of section 2 of the Wealth-tax Act, 1957 (27 of 1957).
[Explanation 2 - For the purposes of this section, the expression "assessable" means the
price which the stamp valuation authority would have, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in any other law for the time being in force, adopted or assessed, if it
were referred to such authority for the purposes of the payment of stamp duty.]
(3) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (2), where the value ascertained under
sub-section (2) exceeds the value adopted [or assessed or assessable] by the stamp
valuation authority referred to in sub-section (1), the value so adopted [or assessed or
assessable] by such authority shall be taken as the full value of the consideration
received or accruing as a result of the transfer.]
Provided that in the case of 50[a security (other than a unit) listed in a
recognized stock exchange in India] 51[or a unit of the Unit Trust of India
established under the Unit Trust of India Act, 1963 (52 of 1963) or 52[a unit of an
equity oriented fund]] 53[or a zero coupon bond], the provisions of this clause
shall have effect as if for the words "thirty-six months", the words "twelve
months" had been substituted:
Decision of SC in
UOI v. Satish P. Shah [2000 (12) TMI 5 – Supreme Court]
Supreme Court in the case of UOI v. Satish P. Shah [2000 (12) TMI 5 –
Supreme Court] has laid down salutary principle that where the Revenue
has accepted the decision of the Court / Tribunal on an issue of law and not
challenged it in appeal, then a subsequent decision following the earlier
decision cannot be challenged.
Section 40(3) of the Act defined assets inter alia as land other than agricultural
land.
The assessee had taken a plot of land on lease from MIDC, a part of which was
open land and the balance was used for constructing a factory building.
In its return of wealth, the assessee had in computing its net wealth, not taken into
account its leasehold interest in the said plot or any part thereof.
The AO included the open land in the net wealth of the assessee by regarding the
open land to be an `asset’.
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 26
Decision of Bombay High Court in
Jai Hind Sciaky Ltd. v. DCIT [2017 80 taxmann.com 105]
The substantial question of law for consideration of the Court was –
Whether on the facts and in the circumstances and on a proper interpretation of
Lease Deed dated 29/9/1978, the tribunal was right in law in holding that for the
purposes of S. 40 of Finance Act 1983, the expression "land" will include
any interest in land also?
The assessee submitted to the Court that a lease hold interest in open land is not
includable in net wealth under Section 40(2) of the Act as it is not an asset in terms
of Section 40(3) of the Act.
The Court held that that leasehold interest in open land will for purposes of Section
40 of the Act would be an asset as on the valuation date for A. Y. 1998-99
The limit of 5% has been increased to 10% by the Finance Act, 2020 w.e.f. 1.4.2021.
A question arises as to whether the tolerance limit is prospective from the date of its
introduction or is retrospective? If it is retrospective, it is retrospective since when?
Amendment made in scheme of section 50C(1), by inserting third proviso thereto and
by enhancing tolerance band for variations between stated sale consideration vis-à-
vis stamp duty valuation from 5 per cent to 10 per cent are effective from date on
which section 50C, itself was introduced, i.e 1-4-2003 - Maria Fernandes Cheryl v.
ITO, International Taxation [(2021) 123 taxmann.com 252 (Mumbai - Trib.)]
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 38
Is the tolerance limit of 10% retrospective?
The Tribunal noted that –
Central Board of Direct Taxes circular No. 8 of 2018, explaining the reason for the
insertion of the third proviso to section 50C(1), has observed that 'It has been pointed out
that the variation between stamp duty value and actual consideration received can occur
in respect of similar properties in the same area because of a variety of factors, including
the shape of the plot or location'.
Once the CBDT itself accepts that these variations could be on account of a variety of
factors, essentially bona fide factors, and, for this reason, section 50C(1) should not come
into play, it was an 'unintended consequence' of section 50C(1) that even in such bona
fide situations, this provision, which is inherently in the nature of an anti-avoidance
provision, is invoked.
Once this situation is sought to be addressed, this situation needs to be addressed in
entirety for the entire period in which such legal provisions had effect, and not for a
specific time period only.
Explanatory Memorandum ….
It is proposed to provide by inserting a new section 43CA that where the consideration for
the transfer of an asset (other than capital asset), being land or building or both, is less
than the stamp duty value, the value so adopted or assessed or assessable shall be
deemed to be the full value of the consideration for the purposes of computing income
under the head “Profits and gains of business of profession”.
It is also proposed to provide that where the date of an agreement fixing the value of
consideration for the transfer of the asset and the date of registration of the transfer of
the asset are not same, the stamp duty value may be taken as on the date of the
agreement for transfer and not as on the date of registration for such transfer. However,
this exception shall apply only in those cases where amount of consideration or a part
thereof for the transfer has been received by any mode other than cash on or before the
date of the agreement.
These amendments will take effect from 1st April, 2014 and will, accordingly, apply in
relation to the assessment year 2014-15 and subsequent assessment years. [Clause 8]”
The section is introduced as a tax avoidance measure. The Memorandum states that
this provision is intended to apply to stock-in-trade since the provisions of S. 50C are
applicable only to capital asset. This objective will have to be kept in mind while
interpreting the provisions in case two interpretations are possible due to ambiguity in the
language of the provisions.
(2) The provisions of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 50C shall,
so far as may be, apply in relation to determination of the value adopted or
assessed or assessable under sub-section (1).
(3) Where the date of agreement fixing the value of consideration for transfer of
the asset and the date of registration of such transfer of asset are not the
same, the value referred to in sub-section (1) may be taken as the value
assessable by any authority of a State Government for the purpose of payment
of stamp duty in respect of such transfer on the date of the agreement.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (3) shall apply only in a case where the
amount of consideration or a part thereof has been received by any mode other
than cash on or before the date of agreement for transfer of the asset.
[Words "by way of an account payee cheque or an account payee bank draft or
by use of electronic clearing system through a bank account" shall be
substituted for "by any mode other than cash" by the Finance Act, 2018,
w.e.f. 1-4-2019.]
Since the language of S. 43CA and that of S. 56(2)(v) / (vi) / (vii) is identical reliance can be
placed on the ratio of the abovementioned decisions for the proposition that section 43CA
does not envisage only monetary consideration.
In cases where the consideration is not monetary consideration but is received in kind possibly
the value of the property / thing received may have to be compared with the stamp duty value
of the asset but in cases where it is not possible to do so e.g., in case where a person gives
up a personal legal right (eg right to file a suit to contest the will of the parent of the assessee)
and receives the asset in lieu thereof, it cannot be said that the receipt is without
consideration. Also S. 43CA may not apply since it requires comparison of the consideration
with the stamp duty value. Since the consideration in such case is not capable of
measurement it can be argued that the charge fails on the ground that the computation
machinery does not contemplate such a situation. Illustrations of consideration not being
capable of measurement could be giving up of a right to contest a will, inconvenience /
hardship suffered in the course of redevelopment.
The consideration could even be a detriment to the giver or a promise not to do a certain act.
The applicability of the section in such cases may be doubtful since the consideration is not
capable of being received / accrued eg promise not to enter a refuge area in a building.
Supreme Court has in various decisions in the context of tax levied by Municipal Coproration
held that building under construction cannot be subjected to a valuation for levy of corporation
tax. These decisions lay down the proposition that a building under construction is not a
building.
There are provisions in the Act eg. Ss. 35, 35D, 54G, 54H, 269UAB which extend the meaning
of the words land and building by having leasehold rights, etc into the meaning of land and
which. However, for the purposes of S. 43CA it appears that rights which are attached to or
incidental to or connected with land or building or both do not come within the scope of s.
43CA.
In a case where the assessee transferred both land and building, the Andhra Pradesh High
Court held that the transfer of both will have to be subjected to a valuation of both and not a
split valuation as was suggested by the assessee.
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 52
Analysis of Section 43CA …
Cases where date of agreement fixing value of consideration for transfer of the asset and
the date of registration of such transfer are not the same {S. 43CA(3) and S. 43CA(4)} -
Sub-section (3) of S. 43CA deals with cases where date of agreement fixing value of
consideration for transfer of the asset and the date of registration of such transfer are not the
same. The language of this sub-section is identical to the language of first proviso to S.
56(2)(vii)(b)(ii) with the only difference being that this sub-section uses the expression `value of
consideration’ whereas the first proviso to S. 56(2)(vii)(b)(ii) uses the expression `amount of
consideration’. The provisions of sub-section (3) apply when the following conditions are
cumulatively satisfied –
1. there is an agreement;
2. the agreement is dated;
3. the agreement is for transfer of the asset;
4. the agreement fixes value of consideration;
5. the date of agreement and date of registration of such transfer are not the same;
6. the amount of consideration or a part thereof has been received by any mode other than
cash;
7. the amount referred to in 6 above is received on or before the date of the agreement.
If all the above mentioned conditions are cumulatively satisfied the consequence is that the
stamp duty value of the asset on the date of agreement shall be deemed to be full value of
consideration received or accruing as a result of such transfer.
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 53
The Bombay High Court has held that the provisions of Section 43CA are
prospective and apply w.e.f. AY 2014-15.
The Jaipur Bench of the Tribunal, in the case of Indexone Tradecone Pvt. Ltd. v.
DCIT [ITA No. 470/JP/2018; Assessment Year : 2014-15] was dealing with the case
of an assessee for AY 2014-15 where the assessee had in earlier years entered into
agreements and had received amounts thereunder. Small amounts were received in
cash at the time of entering into agreement. In fact, possession was also handed
over and profits offered for taxation in earlier years. It was in Financial Year 2013-14
that the agreement was registered.
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 56
Are the provisions applicable to transfers happening post AY 2013-14 but
agreements whereof were entered into in AY 2013-14 or earlier years
The Tribunal held as under –
12. The provisions of section 43CA have been inserted by the Finance
Act, 2013 w.e.f 01.04.2014 relevant to assessment year 2014-15 and if we look
at the provisions of sub-section (3) and sub-section (4), it emphasizes a scenario
where the date of agreement fixing value of consideration for transfer of the
assets and date of registration are not the same and provides that the value as
on the date of agreement would be considered provided the amount of
consideration or part thereof has been received by any mode other than cash on
or before the date of agreement for transfer of the assets.
The provisions of Section 43CA are pari materia the provisions of Section 50C
except that section 50C applies to transfer of capital asset being land or buildings or
both whereas section 43CA applies to transfer of an asset (other than capital asset)
being land or building or both.
The provisions of Section 43CA are effective from AY 2014-15 whereas the
provisions of Section 50C are in force since Assessment Year 2003-04.
A question arises as to whether the ratio of the decisions rendered in the context of
Section 50C would also apply to similar issues arising in the context of Section
43CA. Pune Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Buttepatil Properties v. ITO SMC Bench
Pune [ITA No. 682/PUN/2018; Assessment Year : 2014-15] has held as under -
“7. We have perused the case records and considered the relevant provisions of
the Act i.e. Section 50C and Section 43CA. Section 50C deals with special
provision for full value of consideration in certain cases with regard to capital
asset. Section 43CA is also special provision for full value of consideration for
transfer of assets other than capital assets in certain cases. In this context, the
application of the case laws with regard to Section 50C is applicable to Section
43CA as well.”
The Pune Bench was dealing with a case where the difference between the stamp
duty value and the consideration, as per deed of transfer, was less than 10%. The
Tribunal held that –
“8. With these observations, we refer to the decision of the Co-ordinate Bench of the
Tribunal, Pune in the case of Rahul Construction Vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax
(supra.). In that case, assessee received an amount of Rs.19,00,000/- as sale
consideration on account of sale of basement of a building. Stamp Valuation authorities
have adopted the value at Rs.28,73,000/- for the purpose of stamp duty on being objected
by the assessee for substitution of the same figure under section 50C(2). The Assessing
Officer referred the matter to the DVO who determined the fair market value of the
property on the date of sale at Rs.20,55,000/-. The Pune Bench of the Tribunal observed
that this itself shows that there is a wide variation between the two values and that they
are based on some estimate. Difference between the sale consideration shown by the
assessee and the fair market value determined by the DVO is only Rs.1,55,000/- which is
less than 10%. In view of the fact that valuation is always a matter of estimation where
some difference is bound to occur. The Assessing Officer was not justified in substituting
the value determined by the DVO for the sale consideration disclosed by the assessee.
Therefore, Assessing Officer was directed to take Rs.19,00,000/- only as the sale
consideration of the property.
Jagdish T Punjabi June 17, 2021 61
This case of Rahul Construction Vs. DCIT (supra.) was also followed by the Pune Bench
of the Tribunal in ITA No.2704/PUN/2016, therein also, the benefit of 10% difference of
sale value was allowed in favour of the assessee.
Thus, following the aforesaid decisions, we are of the considered view that difference
between the sale consideration of the property shown by the assessee and the fair market
value determined by the DVO under section 50C(2) being less than 10%, the Assessing
Officer is not justified in substituting the value determined by the DVO for the sale
consideration disclosed by the assessee.
9. In view of the matter, we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(Appeal) and allow the appeal
of the assessee.”
Section 43CA applies to transfer of an asset (other than capital asset) being land or
building or both.
In the case of Shree Laxmi Estate Pvt. Ltd. v. ITO, the Mumbai Bench of the Tribunal
was dealing with the case of an assessee who had during the previous year relevant
to AY 2014-15 registered 14 agreements respect of properties under construction out
of which allotment letters for 7 were issued and monies received prior to 31.3.2013.
The assessee was following project completion method and had offered profits for
taxation based on sale consideration in the A.Y. 2015-16 when the project was
completed. The assessee pleaded that the difference, if it needs to be taxed, may
be taxed in AY 2015-16, being the year in which the project was completed. The AO
added the difference to the income of AY 2014-15 as the transactions were entered
during the year under consideration. CIT(A) confirmed the action of the AO.
The Tribunal noted that only the agreement was registered during the year under
consideration. The agreement mentioned that the property was under construction.
The Tribunal held that the agreement which was registered was `property under
construction’ and not property per se. The Tribunal raised a question whether
provisions of S. 43CA would apply to such a case? It noted that S. 43CA applies
when there is transfer of land or building or both. It observed that in the instant case
neither has happened. In respect of allotments made prior to 31.3.2013 the Tribunal
noticed that the allottees had agreed that till such time as agreement is executed no
right is created in favor of flat buyer and allotment is just a confirmation of booking
subject to execution of agreement to be drafted at a later point of time. The allotment
letter specified that the relevant office has been allotted to the flat buyer with rights
reserved to the assessee to amend the building plans as it may deem fit.
The Tribunal held that since the assessee had not completed the construction of the
office during the relevant year. It could also be inferred that pursuant to registration of
agreement with the stamp duty valuation authorities, a right is created in favour of the
flat buyer. Hence what the assessee had transferred pursuant to registration of the
agreement was only the rights in the flat/office (which is under construction) and not
the property per se. Hence it could be safely concluded that there was no transfer of
any land or building or both by the assessee in favour of the flat buyers pursuant to
registration of the agreement in the year under appeal. The Tribunal held that the
provisions of section 43CA of the Act cannot be made applicable to the same. For
this proposition the Tribunal relied upon the following decisions
ITO vs Yasin Moosa Godil in ITA No. 2519/Ahd/2009 dated13.4.2012
Mrs Rekha Agarwal vs ITO reported in (2017) 79 taxmann.com 290(Jaipur Trib.)
dated 17.2.2017
66
General background
Gift Tax Act, 1957 – applicable to gifts made on or after 01.04.1957.
Finance (No. 2) Act, 1998 abolished the Gift Tax Act, 1957 and proposed to tax value of any
movable or immovable property received on or after 01.10.1998 by any person without
consideration in money or money’s worth as income. This provision did not see the light of
the day.
S. 56(2)(v) introduced by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2004 – applicable to gifts made on or after
01.09.2004.
S. 56(2)(vi), introduced by Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2006, replaced S. 56(2)(v) –
applicable to gifts made on or after 01.04.2006.
S. 56(2)(vii), introduced by Finance (No. 2) Act, 2009, replaced S. 56(2)(vi) – applicable to
gifts made on or after 01.10.2009. Property in kind covered.
S. 56(2)(viia) introduced by Finance Act, 2010 – applicable to firms or closely held
companies receiving shares of closely held companies, on or after 01.06.2010, without
consideration or for inadequate consideration.
Rules 11U and 11UA notified on 07.04.2010 w.e.f. 01.10.2009 for determination of fair market
value of the property other than immovable property – Valuation Rules for Ss. 56(2)(vii) and
56(2)(viia).
S. 56(2)(viib) introduced by Finance Act, 2012, w.e.f. 01.04.2013 – applicable to closely held
companies receiving consideration for issue of shares in excess of FMV of the shares.
Provided that this clause shall not apply to any sum of money or any
property received—
(I) from any relative; or
(II) on the occasion of the marriage of the individual; or
(III) under a will or by way of inheritance; or
(IV) in contemplation of death of the payer or donor, as the case may be; or
(V) from any local authority as defined in the Explanation to clause (20) of
section 10; or
(f) "stamp duty value" means the value adopted or assessed or assessable by any
authority of the Central Government or a State Government for the purpose of
payment of stamp duty in respect of an immovable property;”
Father Mother
Father
Sister &
Spouse
Daughter Son &
& Spouse Spouse
In case of an immovable property situate outside India, there will not be any such
value and therefore the charge will fail. Therefore, one can conclude that, the
provisions of clause (vii) / (x) are not applicable to immovable property situate
outside India.
‘Immovable Property’
S. 56(2)(x) interalia applies to an assessee receiving ‘immovable property’ without
consideration or for a consideration which is less than its stamp duty value and the
difference is greater than either Rs. 50,000 or 5% / 10% / 20% of consideration.
Explanation to clause (vii) defines various words for the purpose of this clause.
Explanation (d) defines “property”. The word `property’ is exhaustively defined as
follows –
“(d) “property” means the following capital asset of the assessee, namely:-
(i) immovable property being land or building or both;
(ii) .......
(iii) .......”
In the context of provisions of section 50C, in the following cases, it has been held
that rights in immovable property are not covered –
DCIT v Tejinder Singh (2012) (50 SOT 391) (Kol) - Transfer of leasehold rights
in a building do not attract provisions of S. 50C.
Atul G. Puranik v. ITO (132 ITD 499)(Mum) - Leasehold rights in plot of land is
not `land or building or both’.
Kishori Sharad Gaitonde v. ITO ((ITA No. 1561/M/09), BCAJ Pg. 28, Vol 41 B
Part 5, February 2010).
Fleurette Marine Novell Hatam v. ITO (2015) 61 taxmann.com 362 (Mum Trib).
Kancast (P.) Ltd. v. ITO (2015) 55 taxmann.com 171 (Pune Trib).
ITO v. Pradeep Steel Re-Rolling Mills (P) Ltd., (2013) 39 taxmann.com 123
(Mum Trib)
Voltas Ltd. v. ITO [(2016) 74 taxmann.com 99 (Mum.-Trib.)]
In the following decisions it has been held that the provisions of S. 56(2)(vii)(b) do
not apply to receipt of rural agricultural land as the same is not a capital asset –
Yogesh Maheshwari v. DCIT – 2021(1) – TMI – 832 – ITAT - Jaipur
Premchand Jain v. ACIT 2020(7) – TMI – 188 – ITAT - Jaipur
Ram Prasad Meena v. ITO – 2020(9) – TMI – 568 – ITAT - Jaipur
Sachin Arun Dhotre v. ITO – 2021 (5) – TMI – 60 – ITAT - Mumbai
Mubarak Gafur Korabu v. ITO – 2019(4) – TMI – 1877 – ITAT - Pune
Does the provision apply to agreements entered into after the date of its
introduction
The provisions will be applicable only if the agreement is entered into after coming
into force of the provisions of s. 56(2)(vii)(b)(ii) –
In a case where the transferor and transferee had put their signatures on sale
deed on 30.3.2013 which was registered on 1.4.2013, the Rajkot Bench of the
Tribunal in Babulal Shambhubhai (Rajkot Trib) held that the provisions of s.
56(2)(vii)(b) would not apply as the same have been introduced w.e.f. 1.4.2014.
In a case full consideration was paid in FY 2011-12, mere registration at a later
date would not cover a transaction already executed in the earlier years and
substantial obligations have been discharged and a substantive right has
accrued to the assessee therefrom. The Tribunal held that the pre-amended
provisions would apply and the Revenue was debarred to cover transactions
where inadequacy in purchase consideration is alleged - Bajranglal Naredi v.
ITO – 2020(1) – TMI – 1359 – ITAT – Ranchi
The AO is not permitted to invoke the provisions of section 56(2)(vii)(b)(ii) in the
absence of sub clause (ii) in the Act as on the date of agreement - ACIT v.
Anala Anjibabu – 2020 (8) – TMI – 597 – ITAT – Vishakapatnam
In the case above mentioned case, the assessee did not take up the contention
that the provisions are not applicable as the agreement was entered into before
the provisions came into force.
Meaning of receives
In the following decisions it has been held that the receipt would be `defacto’ receipt-
The de facto ownership, recognized in Podar Cement Pvt. Ltd. is for the purpose of
section 22 of the Act. The reason/s therefor is not far to seek, i.e., the object of the
Act, being to tax the person who is in the effective control of the asset (property),
and who has a better title thereto than anyone else, receiving income therefrom in
his own right.
No doubt, the word employed in section 56(2)(vii) is ‘receives’. The same, again,
could only mean receipt in his own right, assuming effective control over and right
on the usufruct of the property, implying a de facto ownership. It is only a de facto
transfer, which stands recognized u/s. 2(47)(vi) of the Act, that would result in a de
facto ownership, fulfilling the requirement of a ‘receipt’ u/s. 56(2)(vii) inasmuch as it
enables one to exercise, for all practical purposes, rights in and over the property
‘received’. While the sale, resulting in a de jure ownership, is complete only on
24/4/2013, the de facto transfer, leading to a de facto ownership, gets completed
earlier on 30/3/2013 on the execution of the instrument of sale, with each party
having fulfilled his part of the contract to transfer. ITO v. Rakhi Agrawal – 2020(10)
– TMI – 1115 – ITAT - Jabalpur
June 17, 2021 104
Jagdish T Punjabi
Receives would mean de facto receipt
In the following decisions it has been held that the receipt would be `defacto’ receipt-
In the instant case, the assessee has entered into a registered sale deed on
1.11.2013 which effectively means he has lawfully received the immoveable
property in terms of title and possession though for an inadequate consideration
on 01.11.2013 which falls during the financial year 2013-14 relevant to
assessment year 2014-15. The provisions of section 56(vii)(b)(ii) are thus
clearly applicable in the instant case - Ram Ratan Jangir v. ITO – 2018(10) –
TMI – 1162 – ITAT - Jaipur
Receipt by POA holder is not a receipt envisaged by this clause – Sh Gurudev
Singh v. ITO – 2019(4) – TMI – 1365 – ITAT - Amritsar
Power of Attorney does not give ownership rights to the assessee and that the
document referred to and relied upon to infer transfer of the plot was nothing but
the Power of Attorney executed by the lady owner in assessee’s favour.
Thus a general POA was given to the assessee by Smt. Harsharan Kaur to
maintain the property, it cannot be said that the assessee received the property
and was liable to pay the tax on the stamp duty value of the said property.
Meaning of agreement
Poonam Ramesh Sahajwani v. ITO – 2020(11) – TMI – 817 – ITAT - Mumbai
It is pertinent to mention here that the term ‘agreement’ used in proviso to sub-
clause (b) does not necessarily mean a document with the title agreement. This
would also include a first document by whatever name called, that reflects the
intention of the parties mutually agreeing to fix amount of consideration.
The provision of Section 56(2)(vii)(b) of the Act does not envisage transfer of
ownership for determination of stamp duty value. The determination of stamp duty
value hinges on the date of agreement fixing the amount of consideration for transfer
of immovable property.
Similarly, in the case of Sh. Dev Brat Sharma v. ITO, the Amritsar Bench of the
Tribunal camping at Jalandhar in ITA.No. 493/Asr/2018 dated 17.01.2019 also
considered identical situation and deleted the addition made by the Assessing
Officer
However, a strong argument against retroactivity would be that the provisions were
enacted to be effective from 1.10.2009 but later the Finance Act, 2010 deleted the
same with retrospective effect from 1.10.2009 thereby giving an impression that the
difference between stamp duty value and consideration is not intended to be
charged. Now, the very same transaction cannot be sought to be covered under this
clause.
A better view appears to be that the section is prospective and would apply to
transactions entered into after the clause has come into force.
It may be argued that the provision does not apply to a flat under construction on the ground
that it is not land or building or both or that flat is only part of a building and part of the building
is not covered. Wherever Legislature has sought to cover part of a building, specific provisions
have been made in this regard for e.g. Section 194IA of the Act. Considering the judicial trend,
such a view is not likely to be upheld by the Tribunals or the Courts.
Qua the assignee, the provision of this clause will apply with reference to stamp duty value on
the date on which he takes the assignment. Stamp duty value on the date of assignment will
have to be compared with the aggregate of amount paid to the assignor and amount payable
to the builder. The charge of tax will be in the year of receipt of possession of the flat.
Jagdish T Punjabi
B.Com., B.G.L., FCA .