2021 (11) TMI 4 - HC - VAT and Sales Tax

Court upholds Tribunal decision on labour charges deduction in works contracts

The Commissioner Of Commercial Taxes Bengaluru Versus M/s. K.M.S. Coach Builders Pvt. Ltd.,

The Court ruled in favor of the assessee, upholding the Tribunal's decision and dismissing the revision petition filed by the State. The interpretation of ... Valuation - difference in labour charges - in excess of eligibility or not - standard rate of deduction in respect of labour and like charges - applicability of Rule 3(2)(m) of Karnataka Value Added Tax Rules on the gross turn over of the dealer inclusive of the tax collected from its customers - HELD THAT:- The total amount paid or payable to the dealer for consideration for transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of works contract including any amount paid as advance to the dealer as a part of such consideration, the entire contract of such value has to be considered as per clause (l) of Rule 3(2) - Even the payment of tax under composition scheme under Section 15(1)(b) of the KVAT Act which employs the phrase “total consideration” of contract necessarily is inclusive of tax collected as there is a deduction provided before the taxable value is determined. The meaning assigned to the phrase “value of the contract” by the Tribunal that it includes all the amount received whether as taxes or labour cannot be faulted with - there are no perversity or illegality in the order impugned. Revision petition dismissed. Issues involved:Interpretation of Rule 3(2)(m) of the Karnataka Value Added Tax Rules for deduction of labour charges in works contract under the KVAT Act.Detailed Analysis:1. Issue: Interpretation of Rule 3(2)(m) of the KVAT Rules- The revision petition challenged a judgment allowing the appeal of the assessee regarding the deduction of labour charges claimed as in excess of eligibility under Rule 3(2)(m) of the KVAT Rules.- The State contended that the standard rate of deduction should be applied only to the sale value of goods exclusive of taxes collected by the assessee.- The respondent argued that the contract was executed inclusive of taxes as per the agreement between the parties, and the Tribunal rightly allowed the appeal based on the evidence presented.2. Analysis:- The Tribunal analyzed Rule 3(2)(l) and 3(2)(m) of the KVAT Rules, which allow deductions for labour and like charges in works contracts.- The relevant portion of the Rule specifies the percentage of labour charges to be deducted from the value of the contract.- The determination of taxable turnover under the KVAT Act involves deductions specified in Rule 3(2), including amounts collected by way of tax.- The meaning of 'value of the contract' includes amounts received, whether as taxes or labour charges, as interpreted by the Tribunal.- The Court found no fault in the Tribunal's interpretation, stating that the total consideration of the contract includes all amounts received, including taxes and labour charges.3. Conclusion:- The Court ruled in favor of the assessee, upholding the Tribunal's decision and dismissing the revision petition filed by the State.- The interpretation of Rule 3(2)(m) regarding the deduction of labour charges in works contracts was affirmed, emphasizing that the value of the contract includes all amounts received, including taxes and labour charges.- The judgment provides clarity on the application of deductions in determining taxable turnover under the KVAT Act, ensuring compliance with the prescribed rules and regulations.