1998 (10) TMI 21 - HC - Wealth-tax

Court clarifies treatment of advance tax for wealth tax valuation & limits trustee liability in trust net wealth assessment.

The Court held that advance tax paid should not be deducted from the provision for taxation while computing the market value of equity shares for wealth ... Wealth Tax, Valuation Of Assets, Trust, Assessment Issues:1. Computation of market value of equity shares for wealth tax purposes - treatment of advance tax paid.2. Inclusion of corpus of trust in net wealth for wealth tax purposes.Issue 1: Computation of market value of equity shares for wealth tax purposes - treatment of advance tax paid:The case involved a dispute regarding the deduction of advance tax paid from the provision for taxation while computing the market value of equity shares for wealth tax purposes. The Tribunal held that advance tax paid should not be deducted from the provision for taxation appearing on the liabilities side. However, the High Court referred to a Supreme Court judgment in Bharat Hari Singhania v. CWT [1994] 207 ITR 1, which clarified that advance tax paid, if shown as a liability in the balance sheet, should be excluded from the liabilities side. The Court explained that advance tax, although shown as an asset, should be treated as a liability if included in the provision for taxation. The judgment emphasized the correct interpretation of the relevant clauses to determine the actual tax liability. Consequently, the Court answered the question in the negative, favoring the Revenue.Issue 2: Inclusion of corpus of trust in net wealth for wealth tax purposes:The second issue revolved around the inclusion of the corpus of trust in the net wealth for wealth tax assessment. The dispute arose from whether the entire corpus of the trust or only the beneficial interest of the beneficiaries should be considered for wealth tax calculation. The Tribunal held that only the beneficial interest of the beneficiaries should be included. The High Court referred to a Supreme Court judgment in CWT v. Trustees of H. E. H. Nizam's Family (Remainder Wealth) Trust [1977] 108 ITR 555, which stated that only the beneficial interests of the beneficiaries are taxable in the hands of the trustees. The Court emphasized that the liability of the trustee cannot exceed the aggregate liability of the beneficiaries, and hence, no part of the corpus of the trust properties should be assessed. Consequently, the Court answered the question in the affirmative, favoring the assessee.In conclusion, the High Court's judgment clarified the treatment of advance tax paid in computing the market value of equity shares for wealth tax purposes and the inclusion of trust corpus in net wealth assessment, providing a clear interpretation of relevant legal provisions and precedents from the Supreme Court.