Intra-group services closely linked to core business operations...

Intra-group services closely linked to core business operations may be benchmarked together under TNMM; where facts and the business model remain unchanged, earlier transfer-pricing treatment should be followed despite pending departmental appeals. The related transfer-pricing adjustments and connected branch-office expenditure and depreciation/depletion disallowances were accordingly deleted or allowed. Arm's-length interest on external commercial borrowings required fresh determination by the AO/TPO. Site-restoration costs incurred to discharge a contractual decommissioning obligation were allowable business expenditure despite utilisation of a provision. Refund interest depended on verification of issuance and encashment; TDS credit required verification of corresponding income; and interest for filing and advance-tax defaults could not apply where withholding covered total tax liability.