Thursday 18 July 2019

Penalty under section 270A for under-reporting and misreporting of income


Section 270A has been inserted by the Finance Act, 2016, with effect from 01.04.2017 i.e. from the assessment year 2017-18. Section 270A contains the provisions relating to penalty for under-reporting and misreporting of income. The provisions of section 270A provide for various situations for the purposes of levy of penalty under this section. Under this section, the Assessing Officer, Commissioner (Appeals) or Principal Commissioner or Commissioner may, during the course of any proceedings under the Act, levy penalty if a person has under-reported his income. The penalty may range from 50% to 200%.

Under-reported income [Section 270A(2)]
A person shall be considered to have under-reported his income, if –
(a)   the income assessed is greater than the income determined in the return processed under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143;
(b)  the income assessed is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has been furnished; or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148
(c) the income reassessed is greater than the income assessed or reassessed immediately before such reassessment;
(d)  the amount of deemed total income assessed or reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income determined in the return processed under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143;
(e)   the amount of deemed total income assessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has been filed or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148
(f)    the amount of deemed total income reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income assessed or reassessed immediately before such, reassessment;
(g)   the income assessed or reassessed has the effect of reducing the loss or converting such loss into income.
Computation of under- reported income [Section 270A(3)]
(i)   Income is assessed for the first time
       (a)   Return is furnished
Ø  Assessed income – Income as per intimation under section 143(1)(a)
       (b)   Return is not furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148
                (A)   In the case of a Company, firm or local authority
Ø  Assessed income
                (B)   Others
Ø  Assessed Income – Maximum amount not chargeable to tax
(ii)   Income is reassessed
        (a)    Reassessed income – Assessed income as per preceeding order
        (b)    Loss case
Ø  Difference between income or loss assessed and loss claimed

Intangible Addition Section 270A (4) & (5)
Section 270A(4) is somewhat similar to erstwhile explanation 2 to section 271(1) and provides that where the source of any receipt, deposit or investment in any assessment year is claimed to be an amount added to income or deducted while computing loss, as the case may be, in any preceding assessment year and no penalty was levied in such preceding assessment year then, the underreported income shall include such amount as is sufficient to cover such receipt, deposit or investment.
Further, section 270A(5) specifies that the amount for the purpose of subsection (4) shall firstly be from the immediately preceding assessment year and then from the year preceding that and so on.

Under-reporting exclusions - Addition to returned Income – No Under-Reported Income [Section 270A(6)]
Section 270A(6) prescribe following six situations, when addition to retuned income will not be considered as under-reported income.
(i)   Bona fide
       (a)   Assessee offer an explanation
       (b)   Assessee should have disclosed all material facts to substantiate the explanation
       (c)  the Assessing Officer or the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner or the Principal Commissioner, as the case may be is satisfied that the explanation is bona fide and the assessee has disclosed all the material facts to substantiate the explanation offered
(ii)   Estimated amount of under-reported income if :
       (a)   Amounts are correct and complete
       (b)   But method employed is such that income cannot be deducted therefrom
(iii)   Estimated amount of under-reported income if :
         (a)  Ahas estimated addition/ disallowance on same issue but on a lower side
         (b)  offered to tax such lower amount
         (c)  Disclosure of all related material facts
(iv)   Additions on account of ALP (arm’s length price) determined by Transfer Pricing Officer (TPO)
         The amount of under-reported income is represented by any Transfer Pricing addition made in conformity with the ALP (arm’s length price)  determined by the Transfer Pricing Officer, where the assessee had maintained information and documents as prescribed under section 92D, declared the international transaction under Chapter X, and, disclosed all the material facts relating to the transaction Transfer Pricing adjustments of information maintained, transaction reported ad disclosure of facts

(v)    Search cases covered by Section 271AAB
The amount of undisclosed income referred to in section 271AAB


Penalty For Under-Reporting [Section 270A(7)]
The penalty referred to in section 270A(1) shall be a sum equal to 50% of the amount of tax payable on under-reported income

Where the under-reporting is because of misreporting than provision of Section 270A(6) shall not apply [Section 270A(8)]
Section 270A(8) provides that incase where the under-reporting is because of misreporting than provision of sub-section(6) shall not apply (i.e. exceptions not applicable in case of Misreporting) and also that the penalty shall be levied at 200% of the amount of tax payable on under reported income.
“Misreporting of income” means [Section 270A(9)]
As per section 270A(9), the cases of misreporting of income reffered to in section 270A(8) shall be the following namely:-
(a)    Misrepresentation or suppression of facts;
(b)   Failure to record investments in the books of account;
(c)    Claim of expenditure not substantiated by any evidence;
(d)   Recording of any false entry in the books of account;
(e)    Failure to record any receipt in books of account having a bearing on total income; and 
(f)     Failure to report any international transaction or any transaction deemed to be an international transaction or any specified domestic transaction, to which the provisions of Chapter X apply.

(g)  Consideration received for issue of share that exceeds the fair market value of such share shall be deemed to be the income of that company chargeable to income-tax for the previous year in which such failure has taken place and, it shall also be deemed that the company has underreported the said income in consequence of the misreporting referred to in sub-section (8) and sub-section (9) of section 270A for the said previous year.


KEY NOTE
In the above cases penalty @ 200% of the tax leviable on the amount of Unreported Income. Under-reporting shall be considered as misreporting.

Tax payable in respect of the under-reported income [Section 270A(10)]
The tax payable in respect of the under-reported income shall be—
(a)  where no return of income has been furnished and the income has been assessed for the first time or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148, the amount of tax calculated on the under-reported income as increased by the maximum amount not chargeable to tax as if it were the total income;
(b)  where the total income determined under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143 or assessed, reassessed or recomputed in a preceding order is a loss, the amount of tax calculated on the under-reported income as if it were the total income;
(c)   in any other case determined in accordance with the formula—
        (X - Y)
        where,
        X =  the amount of tax calculated on the under-reported income as increased by the total income determined under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143 or total income assessed, reassessed or recomputed in a preceding order as if it were the total income; and
        Y =   the amount of tax calculated on the total income determined under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143 or total income assessed, reassessed or recomputed in a preceding order.
      
Quantum of penalty that can be levied under section 270A
If income is under-reported due to misreporting of income, then penalty shall be levied at 200% of tax payable on such under-reported income. However, if income is under-reported due to any other circumstances, then penalty shall be 50% of tax payable on under-reported income.

In case of under reporting
50% of the amount of tax payable on the under reported income
In case of Misreporting of income
200% of the amount of tax payable on under reported income
KEY NOTE
For Example 
If your income is say Rs. 20,00,000 and you have not reported an income of Rs 4,00,000 while filing your ITR. Then Assessing Officer can impose a penalty under section 270A of about Rs. 60,000 (50% of the tax on under-reported income, i.e., Rs 1,20,000 (400000*30%)). However, If the under reporting is due to misreporting of income then penalty can be up to 200% of the tax on unreported income. That means  200% of Rs. 1,20,000 (400000*30%) amounting to Rs. 2,40,000.

Guidance note to Assessing Officer on penalty provisions for under section 270A
from Assessment year 2017-18 onwards
S. No.
Nature of Additions
Assessment  under section
Additions under section
Tax rate provisions
Applicable penal proceedings
Rate of penalty
Remarks
1.
Wrong claims of deductions Chapter VIA by Salaried employees
143(3) / 144 / 147
16
Normal tax rates
270A(1) r.w. 270A(9)(a)
200%
The Assessing Officer has given finding of wrong claim rather than assessee failure to furnish the evidences.
2.
Not offering ALV on the property
143(3)
22
Normal tax rates
270A(1) r.w. 270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee is supposed to offer ALV as per Return of Income. Not offering the house property income is suppression of fact.
3.
Unaccounted sales, not recorded in the books of account – gross profit brought to tax
143(3)
28
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with 270A(9)(e)
200%
Failure to record receipt in books of account and consequently profit was under reported which amounted to misreporting under section 270A(9)(e).
4.
Suppression of receipts- current year (if assessee paid taxes in the relevant previous year itself)
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
-
-
No penalty. However, since suppression of current year receipts can be a finding in surveys, the evidence of suppression can be used against the assessee in the event of failure to pay the admitted taxes based on such suppressed receipts.
5.
Suppression of receipts of earlier years
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section 270A(9)(e)
200%
Failure to record receipts in books of account is misreporting under section 270A(9)(e). Even in case of assesses where books were not maintained it amounts to misrepresentation of facts.
6.
Difference in valuation of stock
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
Normally the valuation in stock may differ on application of accounting standards. In such cases there may be addition but it may not be due to any misrepresentation of the fact.
7.
Depreciation on vehicles – higher rate of 30% restricted to 15%, not considering the contract with travel agencies as business activity on plying of vehicles
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
The addition made by the Assessing Officer is on the interpretation of legal provisions and not with any dispute on facts.
8.
Sources for cash deposits explained as turnover with evidences addition made on estimation basis
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section 270A(9)(e)
200%
The deposits beyond the receipts shown in the Return of Income are treated as turnover which means “suppression of receipts which clearly falls under 270A(9)(e)” and even though estimation is made there was no full disclosure on the part of the assessee. As such assessee cannot claim exception of under reporting under section 270A(6)(c).
9.
Receipts as per 26AS more than 1 crore. Assessee admitted only commission in the Return of Income Proved by the Assessing Officer as assessee did transport business and estimated the income on receipts.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section 270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee offered income on commission basis but during the proceedings he could not substantiate the same. The Assessing Officer proved that the assessee did transport business and estimated the income. Since there was no full disclosure exception under section  270A(6) is not available to assessee.
10.
Books rejected and profits estimated by the Assessing Officer
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
The Assessing Officer rejected the books of account for the failure of the assessee to substantiate the claims of expenditure but there was no finding of misrepresentation of facts.
11.
Disallowance of additional depreciation (like eligible in the year of installation but claimed in other years)
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Assessee misrepresented the fact by claiming additional depreciation in different year – other than the years of installation. Hence considered as misrepresentation of fact.
12.
Provisions made and debited to P & L A/c but expenditure not incurred during the year. Provisions disallowed.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
The provisions were disallowed but there was no specific finding of falsification of account. In such case it is only underreporting.
13.
Income offered under section  44AD claimed excess remuneration not allowable 40(b)(v)
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The claim of partners remuneration beyond what is allowable as per partnership deed and sec. 40(b)(v) is misrepresentation of fact.
14.
Excess turnover as per VAT returns -
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(e)
200%
Failure to record receipts in books of account is misreporting under section 270A(9)(e). Even in case of assesses where books were not maintained it amounts to misrepresentation of facts.
15.
Difference of gross receipts in 26AS and Return of Income
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(e)
200%
Failure to record receipts in books of account is misreporting under section 270A(9)(e). Even in case of assesses where books were not maintained it amounts to misrepresentation of facts.
16.
Trading of commodities and derivatives not shown in Return of Income
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
In case of assessing the profit, it amounted to suppression of fact by the assessee.
17.
The assessee purchased immovable properties worth Rs.70,22,140/-.  On verification of sources for investment, it was found that part of the investment was made out of borrowed funds of the business of the assessee.  Hence, the proportionate interest attributable to the investment in personal property of the assessee was disallowed and added to the income returned.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee failed to prove that the non-interest bearing funds were invested in purchase of personal asset.  Further, the Assessing Officer also proved that interest bearing funds were diverted for purchase of personal asset. As such it is treated as misrepresentation of fact.
18.
The assessee admitted Short Term Capital loss of Rs.25,23,525/- in the Return of Income from purchase and sale of shares. During the course of assessment proceedings, the assessee was asked to furnish details of intra-day transactions and other than intra-day transactions. The assessee submitted scrip-wise profit and loss statement for the above transactions. On verification of the same, it is found that assessee made profit of Rs.6,37,861/- from intra-day trading transactions, which is a speculation profit, and the assessee incurred Short Term Capital Loss of Rs.31,61,386/- . Since Short Term Capital Loss cannot be set off against speculation profit, the Short Term Capital Loss is allowed to be carried forward to subsequent years for setoff as per the provisions of the Act. The Speculation Profit of Rs.6,37,861/- is brought to tax without any set off of loss against it under the head ‘Profits and Gains from Business/Profession’
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The Assessing Officer has given finding of wrong claim rather than assessee failure to furnish the evidences.
19.
Disallowance was made under section 14A.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The Assessing Officer made addition by invoking Rule 8D and the diversion of funds for earning exempted income is also clearly discussed by the Assessing Officer. By not making the disallowance or not correctly computing the disallowance under section 14A, the assessee misrepresented the facts.
20.
Assessee claimed set off of business loss to the salary income, thereby reducing the Total Income of the assessee.  The claim of business loss was restricted to other heads of income except salary.  The income of the assessee was recomputed accordingly.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
21.
The assessee treated  Grants from Govt. as Capital Grants.  However, while completing the assessment, the said grants were treated as Revenue Grants.  Disallowance under section  80P(2)(d) was also made for wrong claim.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
The disallowances not with any dispute on fact but the interpretation of the facts with the due legal provisions. Hence, the same is to be considered as underreporting only.
22.
Expenditure towards Income Tax / Wealth tax Payments were not added back
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
The act of the assessee is underreporting the income. There is no element of suppression of fact.
23.
Capital expenditure claimed as revenue by the assessee. In the assessment the Assessing Officer disallowed the claim treating the same as capital expenditure.
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
Where the claim of the assessee is not allowable on due appreciation of the facts, but there was no finding of any misrepresentation. However, if a claim is not substantiated by the evidence, apparently capital in nature, the Assessing Officer shall highlight the misrepresentation of fact.
24.
Addition on account of trade payables brought to tax under section 41(1)
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
Since the assessed income Is varied from the income in 143(1) it is a case of underreporting. There was no finding of any misrepresentation of fact.
25.
Disallowance on loss of sale of asset
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
Since the assessed income Is varied from the income in 143(1) it is a case of underreporting. There was no finding of any misrepresentation of fact.
26.
Disallowance under section  40(a)(ia)
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee has an obligation to disclose the amounts to be disallowed in the Return of Income. By not disallowing the amount material fact is misrepresented.
27.
Disallowances for delayed payments of PF & ESI
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
since the disallowance of delayed payments is debatable issue. It is to be considered as underreporting only.
28.
Disallowances under section  35D
143(3)
28
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
since the disallowance is only restriction of expenditure is considered as underreporting only.
29.
Disallowance of claim of 80IA
143(3)
28
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee failed to substantiate the claim of 80IA rather than legal interpretation of the provisions.
30.
Claim of prior period expenditure
143(3)
28
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee claimed royalty which found to be pertaining to previous year. The assessee while following the merchantile system, made the claim against the consisting accounting method.
31.
Bogus purchases
143(3)
28
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
As the purchases itself are bogus, it is a false entry in the books of account.
32.
Claim of exemption under section 54F (for investment in residential flat) denied because assessee purchased one more flat in the same assessment year – LTCG brought to tax as per section 54F(2) – (there is no column in the ITR to disclose second investment in the same assessment year – wrong claim which is not debatable and not allowable is made in the Return of Income)
143(3)
45
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee is not eligible for making the claim since he purchased another asset within the same year other than the new asset. Since he is aware of the purchase of the asset, claiming deduction under section 54F is misrepresentation of fact. This amounted to knowingly making an ineligible claim.
33.
Capital gains from sale of immovable property not offered to tax
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee suppressed the fact of having the capital gains income in the ROI already filed .
34.
Claim exemption under section  54F evidences submitted were not to the extent of claim made – part of the claim disallowed
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
Evidences given but could not be proved the satisfaction of the Assessing Officer but there is no finding of wrong claim
35.
Sale of immovable property – LTCG shown by the assessee tax as STCG by the Assessing Officer
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
In the case Assessing Officer treating the period of holding different from the view of the assessee and the assessee’s view is on bonafide belief, it is only underreporting. However, if the period of holding is undebatedly pertains to STCG it may amount to misreporting.
36.
Assessee claimed the asset as agriculture land but asseessed as capital asset (where the distance is more than stipulated kms but assessed due to the factors like development, cost etc.)
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
 Since the asset was treated as capital asset on appreciation of facts prone for interpretation, it is treated only as underreporting.
37.
Assessee claimed exemption as agriculture land but Assessing Officer proved that within the prescribed distance
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The distance is an irrefutable fact and as such claiming exemption is misrepresentation of fact.
38.
Capital gains arising in Joint Development Agreements (JDA) not admitted in the Return of Income
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
For the AY 2017-18, assessee ought to have offer capital gains on transfer of asset in JDA. By not admitting the capital gain income the fact of deriving capital gains income is suppressed.
39.
Restricting cost of acquisition based on SRO value and no material facts disclosed by the Assessee are proved to be wrong
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
In the case of Assessing Officer adopting the SRO value rejecting the value adopted by the assessee and assessee furnishes reasonable evidence for his claim, it is to be treated as underreporting only.
40.
Sale cum GPA agreements where the GPA holder transfers in Assessment year 2017-18 or afterwards
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
In case of sale cum GPA holder transferring the property, it is the sale cum GPA holder who derived the capital gains. As such he ought to have offer capital gains to tax but suppressed the same.
41.
Deduction under section 54G claimed but not eligible
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Misrepresentation of fact by claiming wrong deduction.
42.
Cost of acquisition disallowed based on the details as per BRS application
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Assessee claimed excess value of construction both in terms of area and value which clearly misrepresentation of facts.
43.
Disallowance of claim of section 54B since the property was not agriculture land
143(3)
45
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Misrepresentation of fact by claiming wrong deduction.
44.
LTCG brought to tax by invoking sec. 50C – (Relevant column of 50C in the ROI is not filled in or wrongly filled in)
143(3)
50C
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Failure to report the correct value under section 50C and thus by suppressed/ misrepresented the fact of “deemed sale consideration”.
45.
Invoking of section 50C – notice under section  148 issued – no ITR filed in response to notice under section 148 – LTCG brought to tax
144
50C
Normal Tax Rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee suppressed the fact of having the income chargeable to tax by his act of not filing the return even in response to notice under section 148.
46.
Interest on Fixed Deposits not offered to tax
143(3)
56
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Suppression of the fact of earning interest income is misreporting.
47.
Purchase of immovable property – difference between document value and govt. value – difference added under section  56(2)(vii)(b)
143(3)
56
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
The assessee ought to have reported the difference under the head income from other sources. But by not reporting the same is suppressed the fact of having deemed income to this extent.
48.
Cash deposits – in excess to the sale consideration and accepted as such by the AO (on money receipts)
143(3)
56
Normal tax rates
270A(1) read with section  270A(9)(a)
200%
Not showing the entire amount of on money receipts is a suppression of fact amounting to misrepresentation
49.
Deemed dividend u/s. 2(22)(e)
143(3)
56
Normal tax rates
270A(1)
50%
There is no column in return for the director to disclose deemed income under section 2(22)(e). Facts were diclosed before the Assessing Officer. Hence, underreporting only.
50.
Agricultural income brought to tax as income from other sources
143(3)
56
Normal tax rates
-
-
Assessing Officer assessed the excess amount under the head other sources after estimation of agricultural income. Such estimation comes within section 270A(6) out of the purview of underreporting of income.
51.

143(3)
68/69A
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attracts penalty under section 271AAC. Here the Assessing Officer has given a finding that neither the extent of land holdings nor the claim of lease proved to be bogus. The addition is made under section 68 in case where books of account were maintained and sec.69A in case where books of account were not maintained.
52.
Cash credit entries in books of accounts not explained
144
68
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
53.
Cash Deposits in Bank, which are not recorded in books of account
144
68
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
54.
Opening cash balance not explained
143(3)
68
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
55.
Unexplained credits in capital account
143(3)
68
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Sources for credits in capital account were not explained. Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
56.
penny stock cases where exemption under section 10(38) was claimed
143(3)
68
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
57.
Difference in stock found at the time of Survey, treated by the AO as unexplained investment
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
58.
Purchase of immovable property – failure of assessee to explain the sources of investment – where the assessee is not required to maintain books of account (salaried employees, assessee covered under section 44AD etc.)
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
59.
Purchase of immovable property – failure of assessee to explain the sources of investment – where the assessee is required to maintain books of account but not maintained (auditable cases but did not maintain books)
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
60.
Purchase of immovable property – failure of assessee to explain the sources of investment – where the assessee has maintained books of accounts
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
61.
Acquisition of immovable property – sources not explained –unexplained investment
144
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
62.
Investment in shares not explained
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Sources for Investments was not explained. Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
63.
Sources for investment – creditors confirmed the loan but AO brought to tax partial amount as no creditworthiness
143(3)
69
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
The Assessing Officer to the extent of creditworthiness is not proved treated the sources of investment as unexplained. Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
64.
Assessee paid credit card bills could not explain the sources
143(3)
69A
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
65.
Cash deposits – sources explained as receipts from unregistered sale agreements proved to be not genuine
143(3)
69A
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC
66.
Expenditure incurred (not debited to P&L A/c) being personnel in nature – sources not explained
143(3)
69A
115BBE (78%)
271AAC
10%
Source for fee paid to medical college towards daughter’s education is not explained. Additions under section 115BBE attract penalty under section 271AAC

KEY NOTE
No penalty under section 271AAC shall be levied in respect of income referred to in section 68, section 69, section 69A, section 69B, section 69C or section 69D to the extent such income has been included by the assessee in the return of income furnished under section 139 and the tax in accordance with the provisions of clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 115BBE has been paid on or before the end of the relevant previous year.

Under-reported income, for the purposes of section 270A
The under-reported income, for the purposes of section 270A, shall not include the following, namely:—
(a)  The amount of income in respect of which the assessee offers an explanation and the Assessing Officer or the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner or the Principal Commissioner, as the case may be, is satisfied that the explanation is bona fide and the assessee has disclosed all the material facts to substantiate the explanation offered.

(b)  The amount of under-reported income determined on the basis of an estimate, if the accounts are correct and complete to the satisfaction of the Assessing Officer or the Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner or the Principal Commissioner, as the case may be, but the method employed is such that the income cannot properly be deduced therefrom.

      In contractor's cases addition was made on estimation due to low profit relying on case laws, profit was estimated as few vouchers were not amenable for verification. However, cases where the Assessing Officer gives finding on correctness of the vouchers or the entries in account books is not covered by exception in this clause. Similarly round some disallowances of expenditure from particular heads of expenses (travelling, conveyance, repairs and maintenance, staff welfare etc.) are also covered under this clause provided there is no specific finding on genuineness of the expenditure or correctness of the account books.

(c)  The amount of under-reported income determined on the basis of an estimate, if the assessee has, on his own, estimated a lower amount of addition or disallowance on the same issue, has included such amount in the computation of his income and has disclosed all the facts material to the addition or disallowance;
     
      Disallowance due to personal use of cars etc.,

     
       Where the arm's length price is adjusted on PLI under TNMM method and all the international transactions were declared by the assessee.

(e) The amount of undisclosed amount referred to in section 271AAB.
     Additions made in case of assessments under section 153A are not covered under section 270A. This clause  refers to such additions.

Cases of misreporting of income referred to in sub-section (8)
The cases of misreporting of income referred to in sub-section (8) shall be the following, namely:—

(a)  Misrepresentation or suppression of facts
  Any fact which ought to have been declared in the return of income or during the course of assessments proceedings is either suppressed or facts were misrepresented. For example capital gains income was not at all shown in the return of income, claims of improvement were made but proved to be wrong, incorrect claim of section 54/54F, wrong claims under chapter VIA etc.

(b)  Failure to record investments in the books of account
Prima facie unaccounted investments are brought to tax under section 115BBE and penalty is leviable under section 271AAC.

(c)  Claim of expenditure not substantiated by any evidence;
 When the Assessing Officer asked for specific evidence on expenditure but no evidence is submitted or assessee failed to substantiate the expenditure claim. Here the assessing officer gave finding that assessee failed to produce any evidence on the claim of expenditure (roundsome additions are not covered under this clause). The AO shall clearly give a finding that claim is not proved.

(d)  Recording of any false entry in the books of account
       Bogus purchases, accommodation entries and any other entry which is proved to be false entry.

(e)  Failure to record any receipt in books of account having a bearing on total income;    and Suppression of turnover, not recording interest income, rents etc where books of accounts were maintained.

(f)  Failure to report any international transaction or any transaction deemed to be an international transaction or any specified domestic transaction, to which the provisions of Chapter X apply. The report furnished by the assessee omits certain international transactions and the TPO / Assessing Officer determained arm's length price on such transactions which results in addition.

(g) Consideration received for issue of share that exceeds the fair market value of such share shall be deemed to be the income of that company chargeable to income-tax for the previous year in which such failure has taken place and, it shall also be deemed that the company has underreported the said income in consequence of the misreporting referred to in sub-section (8) and sub-section (9) of section 270A for the said previous year.
KEY NOTE
Notice should be issued by invoking underreporting due to misreporting which attracts 200% penalty, but later after considering assessee's reply can the penalty be restricted to 50% considering it as a case of underreporting only not involving misreporting and vis-a-vis.

Examples:
[1] Under Reported Income - Income assessed is greater than the income determined in the return processed under section 143(1)(a) [Section 270A(2)(a)]
Where the income assessed is greater than the income determined in the return processed under section 143(1)(a). The amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
(a)  Amount of under reported income will be determined as under
Under Reported Income = Assessed Income (-) Processed Income under section 143(3)(1)
(b)  Tax on under reported income will be Tax On 
(Under Reported Income + Total income assessed)
 (-) minus = Tax on Total Income assessed
(c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of underreporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Mis-Reporting

 PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 1
Under Reported Income - Section 270A(2)(a)]
1
Income as per Return

5,00,000

Add : Permitted adjustment under section 143(1)(a)

1,00,000
2
Income processed under section 143(1)(a)

6,00,000
Add :


(a)   Disallowance of bonafide Expenses

1,00,000
(b)   Bogus purchases

3,00,000
(c)    Bogus Salary claimed

2,00,000
3
Income assessed under section 143(3)

12,00,000
4
Under Reported income (3-2)

6,00,000
5
(a)  Under Reported = 2(a)
1,00,000
30,000
(b)  Misreported Income – Bogus Claims = (2b + 2c)
5,00,000
1,50,000
6
Tax on under reported Income
6,00,000
1,80,000
7
Penalty on under reported income 5(a) = 50% of the tax
50%
15,000
Penalty on Misreported income 5(b) = 200% of the tax
200%
3,00,000
8
Total Penalty under section 270A

3,15,000



[2]  Under Reported Income - No return of income has been furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148 [Section 270A(2)(b)]
Where the income assessed is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has been furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148. The amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
(a)   Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
        Under Reported Income =  Income assessed (-) Basic Exemption Limit
        (b) Tax on under reported income will be Tax on :
       Under Reported Income + Basic Exemption Limit

        (c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income

 PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 2
Where no return of income has been furnished or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148
S. No.
Particulars
Company, Firm etc.
Individual,
HUF etc.
1
Income assessed under section 143(3)
5,00,000
5,00,000
2
(-)  Basic Exemption Limit
-
2,50,000
3
Underreported Income (1-2)
5,00,000
2,50,000
4
Underreported Income (For Tax purpose) [3+2]
5,00,000
5,00,000
5
(a) Tax on under reported Income  (4) = 30% For Companies
1,50,000
-

(b) Tax on under reported Income  (4) = At Slab Rates
-
12,500
6
Tax on under reported income
1,50,000
12,500
7
Penalty under section 270A = 50% of the tax on under reported tax
75,000
6,250

[3] Under Reported Income - On Reassessment of Income [Section 270A(2)(c)]
      Where the income reassessed is greater than the income assessed or reassessed immediately before such reassessment. The amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
       (a)   Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
       Under Reported Income =  Income reassessed (-) Income assessed in a preceding order
        (b) Tax on under reported income will be Tax on :
       Under Reported Income (+) the Reassessed total income (-) Tax On {the preceding assessed total income
        (c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income

 PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 3
Where the income reassessed is greater than the income assessed or reassessed immediately before such reassessment
S. No.
Particulars

Company, Firm etc.
Individual,
HUF etc.
1
Income assessed under section 143(3)

5,00,000
5,00,000
2
(+) Bogus Purchases

3,00,000
3,00,000

(+) Undisclosed Investment

2,00,000
2,00,000
3
Income reassessed under section 147
(1+2)
10,00,000
10,00,000
4
Underreported Income
(3-1)
5,00,000
5,00,000
5
Underreported Income (For Tax purpose)
(4+3)
15,00,000
15,00,000
6
(a) Tax on under reported Income  (5) = 30% For Companies

4,50,000
-

b) Tax on under reported Income  (5) = Slab Rate

-
2,62,500
6
Tax on under reported income

1,50,000
12,500
7
Tax on income assessed under section 147 on (3)

3,00,000
1,12,500
8
Tax on under reported income

1,50,000
1,12,500
9
Since the under reported income arises due to misreporting of income, Penalty will be equal to 200% of the tax

3,00,000
2,25,000

[4]  Under Reported Income - On MAT Income [Section 270A(2)(d)]
Where the amount of deemed total income assessed or reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income determined in the return processed under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 143. The amount of under reported income will be determined as under :
       (a)   Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
       Under Reported Income =  Deemed total income assessed under section 115JB or section 115JC (-) minus Deemed total income under section 143(1)(a)
       (b)  Tax on under reported income will be Tax on :
             Under Reported Income (+) (Deemed Total Income Assessed) (-) minus
Tax On (Deemed Total Income Assessed)
 (c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income

PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 4
Under Reporting in case of MAT
S. No.
Particulars
Section 115JB/
115JC  
1
Deemed Total Income processed under section 143(1)(a)

20,00,000
2
(+) Provision of Income Tax

2,00,000
3
(+) Provision of Income Tax

1,00,000
4
Deemed Total Income  Assessed under section 115JB

23,00,000
5
Underreported Income
(4-1)
3,00,000
6
Underreported Income (For Tax purpose)
(4+5)
26,00,000
(a) Tax on under reported income on (6)

4,81,000
(b) Tax on assessed income under section 115JB on (4)

4,26,000
7
Tax on under reported income
(6a - 6b)
55,000
8
Since the under reported income arises due to addition of disallowble expenses , Penalty will be equal to 50% of the tax

27,500

[5]  Under Reported Income  [First proviso to Section 270A(3)]
       Provided that where under-reported income arises out of determination of deemed total income in accordance with the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC, the amount of total under-reported income shall be determined in accordance with the following formula:
       PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 5
S. No.
Particulars
Normal Provisions
 Sec 115JB  Book Profit MAT
1
Deemed Income processed under section 143(1)(a)
10,00,000
20,00,000
(+)  Bogus purchases

3,00,000
-
(+) Add: Provision of Income Tax


2,00,000
(+) Add: Provision of Deferred Tax

3,00,000
2
Deemed Total Income  Assessed under section 115JB

25,00,000
3
Underreported Income (2-1)
(10,00,000)
5,00,000
4
Underreported Income for Tax Purposes (3+2)
(10,00,000)
30,00,000
5
Tax on Under Reported Income (30%) & (18.5%) on (4)
(3,00,000)
5,55,000
6
Tax on Assessed  Income (30%) & (18.5%) on (2)
-
4,63,000
7
Tax on Under Reported Income (5-6)
(3,00,000)
92,000
8
Penalty @200% & 50% of the Tax (On both the amounts)
(6,00,000)
46,000
9
Total Penalty Leviable
5,54,000

In this case under reporting happened under both the provisions, so both will be added. Under Normal provisions, the under reporting is due to to misrepresentation which is liable to penalty @ 200% while under the MAT provision, the under reporting is not due to misrepresentation therefore penalty will be levied @ 50% of the tax.

[6]  Under Reported Income - Return not filed on MAT [Section 270A(2)(e)]
Where the amount of deemed total income assessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC is greater than the maximum amount not chargeable to tax, where no return of income has been filed or where return has been furnished for the first time under section 148. The amount of under reported income will be determined as under :
       (a)   Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
Under Reported Income =  The amount of deemed total income assessed or reassessed under section 115JB or section 115JC (-) minus The Basic Exemption Limit
       (b)  Tax on under reported income will be Tax on :
             Under Reported Income (+) (Basic Exemption Limit)
(c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income

      PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 6
MAT where no return of income has been filed
S. No.
Particulars
Section 115JB
Section 115JC
1
Book Profit 
10,00,000
15,00,000
(+)  Undisclosed Book Profit
5,00,000
4,00,000
(-) Basic Exemption Limit

2,50,000
2.
Deemed Total Income under section 115JB/115JC
15,00,000
16,50,000
3
Underreported Income
5,00,000
1,50,000
4
Underreported Income (For Tax Purposes)
5,00,000
4,00,000
5
Tax on under reported income
= (4) @ 18.5%)
93,000
74,000
6
Tax on Deemed Total Income = 
(2) @ 18.5%)
2,70,000
2,97,000
7
Tax on under reported income (5-6)
1,77,000
2,23,000
8
Penalty @ 200% on (7)
3,54,000
4,46,000

[7] Under Reported Income - On Reassessment of MAT Income [Section 270A(2)(f)]
Where the amount of deemed total income Reassessed as per the provisions of section 115JB or section 115JC, as the case may be, is greater than the deemed total income assessed or reassessed immediately before such reassessment-Reassessed under section 147. The amount of under reported income will be determined as under :
(a)  Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
Under Reported Income =  The Deemed Total Income Reassessed (-) minus
The Deemed Total Income Previously Assessed
        (b)  Tax on under reported income will be Tax on :
 Under Reported Income (+) Reassessed Deemed Total Income (-) minus
         Tax on the previously Deemed Assessed Total Income
        (c)  Penalty on under reported income
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income

      PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 7
Under Reported Income - On Reassessment of MAT Income
S. No.
Particulars
Company, Firm etc. Income Section 115JB
Individual, Firm etc. Income Section 115JC




1
Deemed Total Income – Assessed
10,00,000
15,00,000
(+) Provision for DDT
1,00,000
-
(+) Expenses disallowed
3,00,000
3,00,000
(-) Amount of Revaluation Reserve
     (if Credired)
1,00,000
-
2.
Deemed Total Income – Reassessed
13,00,000
18,00,000
3
Underreported Income
3,00,000
3,00,000
4
Underreported Income for Tax purposes
16,00,000
21,00,000
5
Tax on under reported income @18.5% as Reassessed on (4)
2,96,000
3,89,000
6
Tax on under reported income @18.5% as Assessed on (1)
2,41,000
3,33,000
7
Tax on under-reported income (5-6)
55,000
56,000
8
Penalty @ 50% on under reported income
27,500
28,000

[8] Under Reported Income - Assessed Income has the effect of reducing the loss or converting such loss into income [Section 270A(2)(g)]
Where the income assessed or reassessed has the effect of reducing the loss or converting such loss into income, the amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
 (a)  Amount of under reported income will be determined as under:
(i) The Difference between the loss determined under section 143(1)(a)  and the Assessed Loss whereby the amount of Loss is reduced.
(ii) The Difference between the loss determined under section 143(1)(a) and the Assessed Loss where by the amount of Loss is converted in to Income
        (b)  Tax on under reported income will be :
              Tax on Under Reported Income as if the Under Reported Income is the Total   Income
        (c)  Penalty on under reported income:
50% on the tax on under reported income – In case of under reporting
200% on the tax on under reported income – In case of Misreporting of income
    
      PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED – 8
Assessed Income has the effect of reducing the loss or converting such loss into income
1
Loss as per Return
(5,00,000)

(+) Expenses disallowable as per Tax Audit Report
50,000
2
Income processed under section 143(1)(a)
(4,50,000)
3
(+) Hawala Purchases
3,00,000
(+) Undisclosed Income
5,00,000
4
Income under section 143(3)
8,00,000
5
Underreported Income- to be treated as Total income
12,50,000
6
Tax on under reported income
3,75,000
7.
Penalty under section 270A = 200% of the tax on under reported tax – being Mis Reported Income
7,50,000




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