2010 (5) TMI 715 - AT - Income Tax

Tribunal allows interest at 24% to relatives under Income Tax Act, citing consistency and legal precedents.

The Tribunal overturned the disallowance of interest paid at 24 percent to relatives under section 40A(2)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Tribunal ... Disallowance u/s 40A(2)(b) - assessee has paid interest to relatives at the rate of 24 percent whereas interest is allowed to the outsiders at 12 percent HELD THAT:- When the income-tax authorities have found that the borrowing transactions were not illusory or colourable and that the capital was borrowed by the assessee for the purpose of business and the amount of interest was paid, they have no jurisdiction to determine whether the rate of interest agreed to pay was reasonable or not and to disallow a portion of the interest which has been paid. As in the case of Omkarmal Gaurishankar [1990 (9) TMI 123 - ITAT AHMEDABAD-C] held that the rate of 24 percent cannot be treated as unreasonable or excessive and therefore, directed allowance of the entire interest. Further, it is held that deposits being old, interest thereupon was never disallowed in the past, no disallowance in respect of interest is validly being made. In this case also, interest has been paid in the past at the rate of 24 percent In view of the above, it is held that funds being used for business purposes coming over from the preceding assessment years, in the past years it having been allowed at the rate of 24 per cent., interest of 24 percent being not excessive or unreasonable in view of the factum that the assessee did not have to pledge any title deeds or security for obtaining loan as against banking formalities which being cumber some and lot of compliances, the funds being like a deposit in the account of the assessee, the disallowance being unjustified and deserves to be deleted. Thus the same is deleted and the appeal of the assessee is allowed. Issues:Disallowance of interest paid at the rate of 24 percent to relatives under section 40A(2)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.Analysis:The appellant contested the disallowance of interest paid at 24 percent to relatives, arguing that it was fair and reasonable as interest was also received at the same rate. The Assessing Officer disallowed Rs. 2,58,625 under section 40A(2)(b) of the Act, claiming the rate was excessive. The Commissioner upheld the disallowance, despite the appellant's submission that interest rates varied based on agreements. The appellant's counsel highlighted the nature of the business, emphasizing the consistency of interest rates and the absence of harm in paying 24 percent when received at the same rate. Additionally, the appellant's relative fell under the Act's definition, with past payments at the same rate. The appellant detailed the challenges of bank loans, justifying the choice of interest payment method.Judgment:The Tribunal analyzed the interest transactions, noting the net income declared after payments at different rates. Citing legal precedents, the Tribunal emphasized the taxpayer's discretion in determining reasonable rates. Referring to past cases, the Tribunal found the 24 percent rate justifiable, especially considering the business nature and lack of security requirements. Relying on previous allowances and the absence of illusory transactions, the Tribunal deemed the disallowance unjustified and deleted it, ultimately allowing the appellant's appeal.