1984 (12) TMI 119 - AT - Income Tax

Firm granted registration despite filing delay; ITAT cites accountant error as reasonable cause

The ITAT allowed the appeal, directing the ITO to grant registration to the firm. The delay in filing Form No. 11 was deemed reasonable due to the ... - Issues:- Whether the Appellate Assistant Commissioner (AAC) erred in upholding the decision of the Income Tax Officer (ITO) to refuse registration to the firm due to the non-filing of Form No. 11 in time.Detailed Analysis:1. Factual Background:The firm was constituted on 14th Aug., 1979, and applied for registration on 18th Aug., 1979. The application was filed on 16th April, 1980, causing a delay of four months. The ITO refused registration due to the delay in filing Form No. 11 by the specified deadline of 31st Dec., 1979.2. Arguments Before the ITO and AAC:The assessee explained that the delay was due to the accountant's mistake in not filing Form No. 11 on time. The ITO and AAC upheld the refusal of registration, stating that the explanation provided was unsatisfactory.3. Appeal Before ITAT:The assessee appealed to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), arguing that the delay was reasonable as the accountant mistakenly believed Form No. 11 would be filed with the return. The genuineness of the firm was not in question, and registration for the subsequent year had been granted.4. ITAT's Decision:ITAT considered the admissions of the accountant and partners regarding the accountant's mistake and misunderstanding about the filing requirements. Citing a precedent (CIT vs. Raghunandan Prasad Mohanlal), ITAT found the refusal of registration unjustified and directed the ITO to grant registration.5. Precedent Consideration:Referring to a case where a delay in filing registration was condoned due to a valid reason, ITAT emphasized the similarity in circumstances and the reasonableness of the delay in the present case.6. Conclusion:ITAT allowed the appeal, emphasizing the genuine nature of the firm, the reasonable cause for the delay, and the lack of defects in the firm's constitution. The decision to grant registration was based on the acknowledgment of the mistake by the accountant and partners, leading to the direction for the ITO to approve the registration.This detailed analysis highlights the key arguments, decisions, and legal principles considered by the ITAT in overturning the refusal of registration based on the delay in filing Form No. 11.