Case Law Details
Belur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. Vs ITO (ITAT Bangalore)
Introduction: The recent order by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bangalore in the case of Belur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. vs ITO addresses a crucial aspect of interest income on Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). The ITAT directed readjudication, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination by the Assessing Officer (AO). This article delves into the details of the ITAT Bangalore order, shedding light on the intricacies of the case and its implications.
Detailed Analysis: Belur Urban Co-operative Bank, a registered co-operative society, contested the Assessment Year 2017-18 order that determined a total income of Rs. 31,17,724/-. The dispute revolved around the addition of Rs. 36,60,891/- on account of the difference in interest income on accrual basis. The AO, during the assessment proceedings, reconciled interest income and expenses, leading to the addition.
The appeal before the First Appellate Authority (CIT(A)) argued that the interest receivable was not accounted for, aligning with Rule 22 of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960. The CIT(A), however, distinguished the case law cited by the assessee and asserted that interest, though not credited, is recoverable due to state government assurance. The CIT(A) ruled that the hybrid accounting system cannot be allowed, and interest income must be assessed on an accrual basis.
In response, the assessee filed an appeal before the ITAT, challenging the addition on several grounds, including the sustainability of the interest receivable on Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). The ITAT acknowledged the mistake in the submission before lower authorities regarding the state government’s role as a guarantor for interest reimbursement.
The ITAT, emphasizing the need for justice and equity, directed the matter for fresh examination by the AO. It instructed the assessee to provide proof that the unaccounted interest pertains to NPAs and is unrecoverable. Additionally, the ITAT sought evidence that interest, when subsequently received, was duly offered for taxation in the year of receipt.
Conclusion: The ITAT Bangalore’s order in the Belur Urban Co-operative Bank case underscores the significance of accurate accounting and the relevance of a consistent approach to interest income, especially concerning NPAs. The direction for readjudication reflects a commitment to fairness and thorough scrutiny by tax authorities. The outcome of this case may influence how financial institutions handle interest income on NPAs and reinforces the importance of adherence to accounting principles. Tax professionals and entities involved in similar disputes can draw insights from this order, recognizing the nuances of interest taxation in the context of co-operative societies.
In conclusion, the ITAT’s decision for readjudication provides an opportunity to reevaluate the intricacies of the case, ensuring a fair and informed assessment of interest income related to Non-Performing Assets. The implications of this order extend beyond the specific case, contributing to the evolving landscape of tax treatment for co-operative societies and financial institutions.
FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF ITAT BANGALORE
This appeal at the instance of the assessee is directed against CIT(A)’s order dated 27.03.2023, passed under section 250 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter called ‘the Act’). The relevant Assessment Year is 2017-18.
2. Brief facts of the case are as follows:
Assessee is a co-operative society registered under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959. For the Assessment Year 2017-18, return of income was filed on 3 1.01.2017 declaring loss of Rs.5,43,167/-. The return was selected for scrutiny and notice under section 143(2) of the Act was issued on 24.09.2018. During the course of assessment proceedings, the AO got reconciled the interest income and interest expenses on accrual basis and assessment was completed under section 143(3) of the Act on 12.12.2019 by determining the total income of Rs.31,17,724/-. The AO made an addition of Rs.36,60,891/- on account of difference in interest income on accrual basis.
3. Aggrieved by the Assessment Order, assessee filed appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA). Assessee contended before the FAA that it had not accounted the interest receivable. It was submitted that it is in consonance with Rule 22 of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960. Further, the assessee relied on the judgment of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court in the case of CIT Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., in ITA No.471/2013 (judgment dated 30.06.2014). The CIT(A), however, distinguished the case law relied on by the assessee and held that interest is recoverable (though not credited in the P & L account) since the state government had assured the reimbursement of interest. Further, the CIT(A) held that assessee cannot be allowed to have hybrid system of accounting and interest income has to be assessed on accrual basis. The CIT(A) also noted at para 9.7 of the impugned order that assessee did not press the ground relating to the taxability of interest income only in the year of receipt as per the provisions of section 145B(3) of the Act. Thus, the appeal of assessee was dismissed by the CIT(A).
4. Aggrieved by the order of the CIT(A), assessee has filed the present appeal before the Tribunal raising the following grounds:
1. Does the addition made for Interest Receivable on Loans amounting to Rs. 36,60,891/-in the impugned Order is sustainable even when the said interest was not realized and hence not taken to profit as the same relates to Non-Performing Assets;
2. Whether the accounting of interest by the appellant in consonance with the governing statute, viz: Rule 22 of Karnataka Co-op. Societies Rules, 1960 (involving cash basis as well as mercantile basis) being consistently followed be disputed to make addition;
3. The additions made in the impugned order run contrary to the judgement of CIT vs. Parikh Petro Chemical Agencies (P) Ltd. [2002] 81 ITD 18 (Mum.-Trib.)
4. In the absence of income computation/ disclosure standards notified by the Central Govt. for appellant society in accordance with Sec. 145(2) of the Act, the addition made in the impugned order is in violation of Sec. 145(3) of the Act and hence liable to be deleted.
5. The addition made is also opposed to the decision of jurisdictional Hon. High Court of Karnataka in ITA: 471/2013 in CIT & anr. vs. Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd. Shikaripura.
6. The appellant craves leave to add, delete, to amend, modify and /or to alter any of the foregoing grounds and also urge such other grounds at the time of hearing.
5. The learned AR submitted that there was a mistake in submission before the lower authorities. It was stated that the state government has not stood as a guarantor for the reimbursement of interest which is not recovered in respect of loans which has become Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). In this context, the learned AR relied on the judgment of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court in the case of CIT Vs. Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., (supra). The learned AR further submitted that some of the interests were recovered and duly offered to tax in the year of receipts. It was submitted that in the interest of justice and equity, the matter needs to be examined afresh by the AO.
6. The learned Standing Counsel supported the orders of the AO and CIT(A).
7. I have heard the rival submissions and perused the material on record. It is the claim of the learned AR that the asses see had computed income in consonance with Rule 22 of Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960 which reads as under:
“22. Manner of determining net profits under sub-section (1) of Section 57 and rate at which dividend may be paid by Co-operative Societies.—(1) In determining net profits from which not less than 25 per cent are to be taken to the reserve fund under sub-section (2) of Section 57, the following procedure shall be adopted.—
(a) All interest accrued due, but not actually realised shall be deducted from the gross profits for the year, before the net profits are arrived at. So much of the accrued interest that has been so deducted from the profits :of the year, as are actually recovered during the subsequent year, may be added to the profits of the subsequent year. The Registrar may, in special cases and after due enquiry, permit a society to treat interest accrued due for a period not exceeding one year as profits; but, if the amount so permitted to be treated as profits is not actually recovered during the subsequent year, it shall be deducted from the profits of such subsequent year before the net profits of that year are arrived at;”
8. However, it is to be noted that section 145 of the Act does not permit the asses see to follow the hybrid system of accounting. In other words, if the interest income has accrued, the same is to be brought to tax in the year of accrual though it is received in the subsequent year. Further, question is whether there is a right to receive / accrual in the relevant Assessment Year. It is the case of the assessee before the Tribunal that principal amount itself has not been recovered much less the interest on the same. Consequently, the interest on these NPAs is never accounted for since there is no right to receive the same in the relevant year. In the interest of justice and equity, I am of the view that the matter requires reconsideration at the level of the AO. Assessee shall provide the necessary proof to show that interest which is not accounted for in the books of accounts is on the NPAs which is not recoverable. Assessee is also directed to furnish necessary material to prove when interest income was received subsequently, the same was offered to tax in the year of receipt. To examine these aspects, the matter is restored to the files of the AO. It is ordered accordingly.
9. In the result, appeal filed by the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.
Pronounced in the open court on the date mentioned on the caption page.
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