Tribunal overturns CIT(A)'s order, rules in favor of assessee on disallowance under section 14A.
M/s Coffeeday Enterprises Ltd. Versus The Dy. Commissioner of Income-tax, Circle-2 (1) (1), Bangalore.
M/s Coffeeday Enterprises Ltd. Versus The Dy. Commissioner of Income-tax, Circle-2 (1) (1), Bangalore. - TMI
Issues:Challenge to the order of CIT(A) confirming the enhancement of disallowance made under section 14A of the Act.
Analysis:The appellant, engaged in managing hotels and resorts, challenged the decision of the CIT(A) to uphold the enhancement of disallowance made by the AO under section 14A of the Act. The appellant had earned dividend income of Rs. 205.44 lakhs and disallowed Rs. 3023.29 lakhs under section 14A. The AO increased the disallowance under Rule 8D(2)(iii) to Rs. 658.90 lakhs, resulting in an additional disallowance of Rs. 557.39 lakhs. The appellant contended that the disallowance should not exceed the dividend income received during the year. The appellant relied on precedents and argued that the voluntary disallowance already made exceeded the dividend amount, hence no further disallowance was necessary.
The appellant cited a decision by a coordinate bench in a similar case to support their argument. They highlighted that the disallowance voluntarily made was more than the dividend received from a single company. After considering the arguments, the Tribunal agreed with the appellant. It was noted that the disallowance already made by the appellant exceeded the dividend income received, satisfying the requirements of section 14A. Therefore, the Tribunal held that the further disallowance by the AO and confirmed by the CIT(A) was unwarranted in the given circumstances. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the CIT(A)'s order and directed the AO to delete the additional disallowance made under section 14A of the Act.
In conclusion, the appeal filed by the assessee was allowed, and the order was pronounced in the Open Court on 10th June 2019.