Section 80P deduction claim restored for fresh examination after audit records showed return filed within extended due date.

The deduction claim under section 80P was restored for fresh consideration because the assessee produced audit report material, an auditor's certificate, and an acknowledgment indicating that the return had been filed within the extended due date applicable to audited co-operative societies. The prior denial had rested on the absence of audit particulars in the return and the rejection of rectification under section 154, but those supporting documents had not been examined by the lower authorities. The Assessing Officer was directed to re-examine the deduction claim afresh on the basis of the newly produced records.

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Issues: Whether the assessee's claim for deduction under section 80P could be restored for fresh consideration on the basis of the audit report and supporting material showing that the return was filed within the extended due date applicable to audited co-operative societies.

Analysis: The return was filed on 13.09.2018 and the claim under section 80P had been denied because the audit particulars were not entered in the return and the rectification application under section 154 was rejected. Before the Tribunal, the assessee produced the audit report, the auditor's certificate, and the acknowledgment showing that the audit was completed and filed before the return was submitted. On that basis, the record suggested that the return fell within the extended time permitted for audited co-operative societies. Since these materials had not been placed before the lower authorities, they had not been examined on merits.

Conclusion: The issue was restored to the Assessing Officer for fresh consideration, and the deduction under section 80P was to be examined afresh on the basis of the documents now produced.

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