<h1>CBDT Clarifies Tax Treatment for EPC Consortiums, Avoiding AOP Classification Disputes; Excludes Associated Enterprises u/s 92A.</h1> The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued Circular No. 7/2016 to clarify the tax treatment of consortium members involved in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts or turnkey projects. The circular aims to resolve disputes between the Income-tax Department and consortiums by outlining attributes that prevent a consortium from being classified as an Association of Persons (AOP). This guidance is not exhaustive and excludes cases involving Associated Enterprises under section-92A of the Income-tax Act. The circular seeks to reduce litigation in this area and is accessible on the department's website.