Reassessment initiated beyond three years was tested against the statutory precondition in section 149(1)(b) that the AO must have material to form a reasonable belief that income escaping assessment was likely to be ₹50 lakh or more. The tribunal held that "likely to amount" cannot be inferred merely from gross bank transactions without a preliminary analysis of the nature of entries and the taxable component. On the facts, even treating the credits as receipts yielding commission income, the taxable income could not reasonably exceed ₹50 lakh, and the ultimately assessed escaped income was far below the threshold. The reopening was therefore barred by limitation and without jurisdiction; the appeal was allowed. - ITAT
Reassessment initiated beyond three years was tested against the statutory precondition in section 149(1)(b) that the AO must have material to form a reasonable belief that income escaping assessment was likely to be ₹50 lakh or more. The tribunal held that "likely to amount" cannot be inferred merely from gross bank transactions without a preliminary analysis of the nature of entries and the taxable component. On the facts, even treating the credits as receipts yielding commission income, the taxable income could not reasonably exceed ₹50 lakh, and the ultimately assessed escaped income was far below the threshold. The reopening was therefore barred by limitation and without jurisdiction; the appeal was allowed. - ITAT
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