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Joint Development Arrangement (JDA) has always been a bone of contention between the assessee and the tax department. The dispute lies is in measuring the correct amount of tax both under Direct and Indirect Taxes. Hence it has always been an area of litigation. But inspite of this fact, JDA is the most common and popular form of arrangement for constructing properties in our Country. It is a preferable form both to the developer and to the Land owner. In this write up the author has tried to put a broad concept of taxability of JDA under Income Tax law and GST law.

Joint Development Agreement –Meaning & Benefits

There is no specific definition of the term ‘Joint Development’ prescribed under the law. But generally in a JDA, a landowner contributes his land for the construction of a real estate project and developer undertakes the responsibility for the development of property, obtaining approvals, performing legal formalities and marketing the project. The landowner enters into an agreement and gives a General Power of Attorney to the developer, assigning him duty to obtain the mandatory approvals from various authorities and allows the developer to enter the land and do all necessary things for undertaking the construction. It will also give the Developer the rights to sell and register agreed portions of land with respective undivided shares by way of flats to other buyers. When the construction is completed, the landowner is handed over flats allocated to his share which he will normally keep for personal use or may even rent out or sell outright to the buyers.

The landlord may also get his share at a specified percentage of the sale consideration of the entire project as and when actual collection from customers made. Sometimes the developer would give a lump sum amount to the landowner as refundable security deposit on entering into JDA.

Handshack Image 1Key benefits arising out of Joint Development Agreement

  • Huge investment for purchasing land is saved/minimized  by the Developer.
  • Payment of stamp duty is avoided for transfer of land.
  • Lucrative offer / consideration for the landlord.
  • Speedy construction of property by the developer.

‘Joint Development’ should not be understood as ‘Joint Venture’ because both the terms are quite different having different meaning, areas of operation, taxability etc.

Taxability of Joint development agreement under Income Tax Law

The income arising to the developer under a JDA, in the form of sale consideration of his share in the developed property is considered as his Business Income and is taxed as per the applicable provisions. On the other hand, the amount received by the landowner either as a percentage of the sales consideration or as a percentage of the built up area in the developed property is considered as Capital Gain in his hands. But this calculation of Capital Gain is the most controversial part where consideration is in the form of built up area. JDA model is generally challenged by the assessing officers due to the lack of clarity in respect of point of taxation in the hands of landowner and the determination of the amount of taxable consideration received by the landowner.

Taxability of JDA entered till 31.03.2017 (AY 2017-18):

Prior to 01.04.2017, capital gain was chargeable to tax under the provisions of section 45 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in the year in which the transfer take place except in certain cases. The definition of ‘transfer’ u/s 2(47) (v), inter alia, includes any arrangement or transaction whereby any rights are handed over in execution of part performance of contract of the nature referred to in section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 (4 of 1882) even though the legal right has not been transferred. In such a case, execution of Joint Development Agreement between the owner of immovable property and the developer triggered the capital gain tax liability in the hands of the owner in the year in which the agreement is entered into and the possession of immovable property is handed over to the developer for development of a project. The taxing authorities consider this as the point of time u/s 45(1) at which the landlord was supposed to pay the Capital Gain tax as against the fact that the landlord, in real, never received any consideration at that point of time. Contrary to that, the actual receipts or consideration starts accruing only after the property starts developing or developed. So the taxable event was never triggered merely on signing of the agreement. So it caused genuine hardship to the land owners to pay capital gain tax from his pocket in absence of realization of actual consideration. Not only this, the authorities determined fair market value of the project including land as deemed consideration u/s 50D for such transfer when the project is just on papers at the time of signing of JDA, with no real existence. The above provision of law as existed till 31.03.2017 was ambiguous and caused several litigations.

Taxability of JDA entered on or after 01.4.2017 (AY 2018-19)

But with the view to minimize the genuine hardship which the owner of land may face in paying capital gains, it was proposed in the Union Budget 2017 to insert a new sub section (5A) in section 45. The same was made effective from 01.04.2017 onwards i.e. from the F.Y.2017-18 onwards. Let’s us understand the new provisions of section 45(5A) of the Income Tax Act’1961.

According to this new provision, the individuals/ HUF who enters registered Joint Development Agreement with the builder/developer are liable to capital gains in the year in which the certificate of completion for the whole or part of the project is issued by the competent authority. Therefore, the tax liability is postponed from the year of transfer of land to the year of completion of project. Further the Stamp Duty Value (SDV) of land or building or both, of the landowner’s share in the project, on the date of issue of said certificate, as increased by the consideration received in cash, if any, shall be deemed to be the full value of consideration.

However, in case where the landowner transfers his share in the project on or before the date of issue of said certificate, the capital gains shall be deemed to be the income of the previous year in which such transfer takes place. Also, the provision of section 45(5A) shall not be applicable in such cases and thus the recourse to other normal provisions of section 45 as applicable prior to insertion of new section has to be made. Also, consequential amendment in section 49 was made so as to provide that the cost of acquisition of the share in the project being land or building or both, in the hands of the land owner shall be the amount which is deemed as full value of consideration under the said provision of section 45(5A).

Thus the key points of the newly inserted sub -section 5A can be summarized as follows:

  • Applicable in respect of JDA entered on or after 01.04.2017.
  • Applicable only to the Individual and HUF assessees.
  • Land or building is held or treated as capital asset by the land owner.
  • Not applicable where entire sale consideration is received/receivable by landowner in monetary terms.
  • Applicable only where a registered agreement/deed is executed.
  • Not applicable where share is transferred before completion.

The author feels that though the liability of landowner in terms of the newly inserted sub-section is postponed till the completion of the project but still one has to be very careful in drafting the JDA. A small slip may give impression to the AO that there is a ‘transfer’ on the date of agreement itself as per section 2(47) read with section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882. So the various clauses of the agreement should be drafted as per the spirit of the law so that one may not unnecessarily interpret it to be ‘transfer’ within the four walls of section 2(47).

Some contentious issues still unanswered by section 45(5A):

  • Why the Govt. has not extended the benefit of this section to the assessees other than the Individual and HUF?
  • Whether the indexation will be given up to the date of Joint Development Agreement or to the date of completion certificate or to the date of registration of constructed flats?
  • When will be the time limit to make investment u/s. 54 and 54F will be reckoned- From date of Joint Development Agreement or from the date of completion certificate?
  • Whether reference to the valuation officer u/s 50C is permissible in case the SDV is higher than FMV?
  • Whether capital gain on entire land shall be attracted in the year in which certificate of completion for even part of the project is issued or in such a situation capital gains on land should be attracted on proportionate basis in the ratio of the land utilized for the part of the project for which certificate of completion has been issued?
  • In case agricultural land, not covered within the definition of capital asset u/s 2(14) is contributed for joint development – Whether capital gain liability shall be attracted?
  • Whether section 45(5A) can be applied retrospectively?

Provision of TDS introduced w.e.f.01.04.2017 for JDA:

A new section 194IC has been inserted whereby deduction of tax at source (TDS) @ 10% is made applicable by the developer on any monetary consideration paid/payable to the resident individual /HUF landowner. Further no threshold limit is provided meaning thereby it is applicable irrespective of quantum of payment.

So the above discussed provisions are presently governing JDA arrangements under the Income Tax Act.

Taxability of Joint development agreement under the GST Law

Under a Joint development agreement, the land owner normally transfers development right or permits activities on his land and developer/builder in turn construct the building on the land owned by landowner. In consideration, the builder gives certain built up area or flats as agreed upon to the land owner and the remaining area or flats is to be sold by the builder to the buyers. The landowner may keep his share of built up area or flats for own use or he may also sale such area or flats to the buyers. So this type of arrangement has got the following limbs:

i. Transfer of development right from landowner to the builder.

ii. Service provided by builder to landowner in the form of transfer of constructed area or flats in lieu of land development right given.

iii. Sale of under construction area or flats to the ultimate buyer by the builder.

iv. Sale of under construction area or flat by the landowner to the buyer out of his own share.

Before discussing the GST impact on the above transactions (i) to (iv) let us first understand the provision of law for the sake of clarity.

Under the GST, the term ‘supply’ is defined u/s 7 in a very wide term which also includes barter/ exchange of goods or services whereas the term ‘services’ is defined to be anything other than goods. Further, entry no. 5 of Schedule III of the CGST Act, 2017, excludes sale of land from the scope of supply. There is still a debate regarding taxability of transfer of development rights under JDA, as to whether the same are liable to GST or not. The argument advanced is that the transfer of development right is as good as sale of immovable property and thus should be out of the GST purview. However, time and again the Govt. has clarified its intention and made it clear through notifications/ FAQs etc. that the transfer of development rights from the landowner to a developer is a taxable service. Further the same was also clarified by AAR Maharashtra Ruling in the case of Vilas Chandanmal Gandhi dt. 15.01.2020 and also by the AAR Karnataka in the case of Maarq Spaces Pvt. Ltd. (order no. KAR ADRG/199/2019).

The GST provision in respect of real estate sector has undergone a sea change w.e.f.01.04.2019 onwards. Prior to 01.04.2019 there were higher rates of tax and further lack of clarity in respect of some areas. So in order to get a clear idea of the taxability we have divided our discussion into two parts viz: taxability prior to 01.04.2019 and taxability after 01.04.2019.

Taxability of JDA under GST upto 31.03.2019:

GST on Land owner

Liability to pay tax

The land owner is liable to charge 18% GST on supply of development rights. [S.No. 16(iii) of Notification No. 11/2017-CT(R) dt. 28.06.2017]

Time of supply

Liability to pay tax shall arise at the time when the said builder, transfers possession or the right in the constructed complex, building or civil structure, to the person supplying the development rights by entering into a conveyance deed or similar instrument. [Notification No. 4/2018-CT(R) dt. 25.01.2018]

Value of supply

Value of TDR, shall be equal to the amount charged by the promoter for similar apartments from the independent buyers booked on the date that is nearest to the date on which such development rights or FSI is transferred by the land owner to the promoter.

GST on Developer/ Builder

Liability to pay tax

The builder is required to charge GST on supply of flats @12% (18% less 1/3 value of land).

ITC on tax paid to land owner & other ITC on materials etc. consumed is available.

However, No GST is required to be charged on supply of constructed flats after obtaining completion certificate.

Time of supply

At the time of sale or receipt of advance against sale. [Notification No. 4/2018 C.T.(R) 25.01.2018]

Value of supply

Sale Value of the project (Including transfer of flats against development rights to Land Owner)

Let us take an example:

Total Sale Value of the project = 30 Crore
Share of Land owner’s value = 12 Crore
Other sales to buyers = 18 Crore
ITC on materials claimed by builder =  1 Crore

Assumed: Area/Flats are sold before completion

GST liability of the Landowner = On 12 Crore @ 18% =  2.16 Crore
GST liability of the Builder = On 30 Crore @ 12% =  3.60 Crore
Less: ITC available:

Paid to Landowner

= 2.16 Crore

Other ITC

= 1.00 Crore 3.16 Crore
  Net Liability of the Builder   = 0 .44 Crore

TDR in between 01.07.2017 to 31.03.2019 but actual allotment after 31.03.2019

In case where the Development rights are supplied by the Landowner to the Builder, under an area/flat sharing arrangement between 01.07.2017 and 31.03.2019, but the allotment of constructed area in an ongoing project is made by the Builder to the Landowner on or after 01.04.2019, Tax liability on service by way of transfer of development rights prior to 01.04.2019 is required to be discharged in terms of Notification No. 4/2018-Central Tax (Rate) dated 25.01.2018 i.e in the old manner only.

Taxability of JDA under GST w.e.f. 01.04.2019:

GST on Land owner

Liability to pay tax

GST is though applicable on supply of development rights, but w.e.f.01.04.2019 the responsibility to pay tax is no more in the hands of land owner rather it is shifted to builder under reverse charge mechanism (RCM). It is immaterial whether the landowner is registered under GST or not. So it can be construed that transfer of development right is not taxable in the hands of landowner w.e.f.01.04.2019. [Notification No. 13/2017-CT (R) dt. 28.06.2017 as amended by Notification No. 05/2019-Central Tax (Rate)] Dated: 29th March, 2019]

In cases where land owner further sales his share of constructed area or flats allotted by builder and he receives any amount as advance from the prospective buyers during the construction stage then landlord will be liable to pay GST on it. No GST applicable if such sales are made after completion construction.

Rate of tax

In case of further sales of area/flats by the landowner he will be liable to pay tax @ 1% or 5% depending on the nature of the residential apartments viz: affordable or non-affordable category. However, if the developer opted for existing system of 8%/12% then landowner has also to opt for the same. (Refer FAQs dated: 14.05.2019). Further he is also entitled to claim ITC charged by the builder in both the situation (old rates and new rates) on the consideration value against transfer of development right in land.

Time of supply

Landowner will be liable to pay GST on receipt of advance /booking amount from the customers against sales.

Value of supply

The actual sales value realizable from buyers will be the value of supply.

GST on Developer/ Builder

Liability to pay tax /Rate of Tax

New GST rates (1% and 5% without ITC) effective from 01-04-2019 are applicable to construction of residential apartments in a project which commences on or after 01-04-2019. [Notification No. 03/2019-Central Tax (Rate) 29/03/2019]

1% GST    — It is applicable on Affordable housing project.

5% GST — It is applicable on project in which the carpet area of the commercial apartments is not more than 15 % of the total carpet area of all the apartments in the project.

The new tax rates shall be available subject to following conditions,-

(a) Input tax credit shall not be available and GST liability to be discharged in cash only,

(b) 80% of inputs and input services (other than capital goods, TDR/ JDA, FSI, long term lease (premiums), electricity, high speed diesel, motor spirit, natural gas) shall be purchased from registered persons. On shortfall of purchases from 80%, tax shall be paid by the builder @ 18% on RCM basis u/s 9(4). However, Tax on Cement purchased from unregistered person shall be paid @ 28% under RCM, and on capital goods under RCM at applicable rates only.

Reverse Charge on TDR

Supply of TDR or FSI or long term lease of land used for the construction of residential apartments in a project that are booked before issue of completion certificate or first occupation is exempt vide S.N. 41A of notification number 12/2017-CT(Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

Supply of TDR or FSI or long term lease of land, on such value which is proportionate to construction of residential apartments that remain un-booked on the date of issue of completion certificate or first occupation, would attract GST at the rate of 18%, but the amount of tax shall be limited to1% or 5% of value of apartment (un-booked) depending upon whether the residential apartments for which such TDR or FSI is used, in the affordable residential apartment category or in other than affordable residential apartment.

TDR or FSI or long term lease of land used for construction of commercial apartments shall attract GST of 18%. However, the same has to be paid by the builder on reverse charge basis u/s 9(3). [S.No. 16(iii) of Notification No. 11/2017-CT(R) dt. 28.06.2017 as confirmed by AAR Maharashtra Ruling in the case of Vilas Chandanmal Gandhi dt. 15.01.2020]

Thus builder is liable to pay GST @18% on TDR or floor space index supplied on or after 01-04-2019 on reverse charge basis and can take ITC thereof.

Time of supply

The liability to pay GST on development rights shall arise on the date of completion or first occupation of the project, whichever is earlier. Therefore, builder shall be liable to pay tax on reverse charge basis, on supply of TDR on or after 01-04-2019, which is attributable to the residential apartments that remain un-booked on the date of issuance of completion certificate, or first occupation of the project. The same is applicable both in case of monetary and non-monetary consideration given for residential complex.

However, liability to pay tax shall arise immediately if such FSI is relatable to construction of commercial apartments.  [Press Release 07/05/2019]

In case of sales of constructed area/flats to the buyer by the builder, the time of supply shall be time of sale or receipt of advance against such sale.

Value of supply

Value of TDR, shall be equal to the amount charged by the builder for similar apartments from the independent buyers booked on the date that is nearest to the date on which such development rights or FSI is transferred by the land owner to the builder. [Press Release 07/05/2019]

In case of sales of constructed area /flats to buyers the actual sale price of flats to the buyers will be the value of supply.

Let us take an example:

Total Sale Value of the non-affordable residential project = 30 Crore
Share of Land owner’s value = 12 Crore
Other sales to buyers = 18 Crore

Case-I: Project booked/sold before completion

GST liability of the Landowner = NIL ( RCM on builder, if at all applicable)
GST liability of the Builder:
 On Sales value of Project ( including value of area/flats given to landowner)  30 Crore @ 5% =1.50 Crore
 On TDR under RCM NIL (as the project is sold/booked fully before completion)

Case-II: Project booked/sold after completion

GST liability of the Landowner = NIL ( RCM on builder is applicable)
GST liability of the Builder:
 On Sales value of Project ( including value of area/flats given to landowner) NIL since it sold after completion only
 On TDR on unsold area /flats under RCM 18 Crore @ 18% = 3.24 Crore
But it will not exceed 5% of the un-booked value of the project 18 Crore @  5% = 0.90 Crore
Therefore liability of builder under RCM   =0.90 Crore

Some contentious issues still needs legal scrutiny under GST:

  • Whether transfer of rights in land/TDR (being immovable property) really liable to GST?
  • Whether 1/3rd deduction on account of land value and thereby deeming cost of construction equals to 2/3rd is mandatory in nature?
  • Three tier taxing system in the form of ITC denial, Output Tax and Stamp Duty is justifiable?
  • Applicability of RCM on the supply from unregistered vendors in case where the project is fully sold after completion may cause dispute.

Conclusion:

The above discussion reveals that both the laws were earlier recognizing date of agreement /deed/conveyance as the date of transfer of property in development rights. It was the biggest problem for assessees as well as tax dept. and causing litigations after litigations. However, the Govt. has made efforts from time to time to streamline, synchronize and simplify the law. Further various definitions and provisions under GST law are also linked to RERA Act 2016. It is evident from the fact that the point of taxation and taxable value under IT & GST laws are now more or less synchronized.

Under Income Tax law, the point of taxation u/s 45(5A) is on completion of project only. Similarly, post 01.04.2019 the GST liability of the landowner on account of transfer of development right is shifted on the builder under reverse charge mechanism. Further the point of taxation of the same is also made on completion of project only. The taxable value under Income Tax law for transfer of development right is stamp duty value adopted for constructed area/flat. Moreover, the draft ICDS on Real Estate transactions issued by Income Tax/CBDT also talks about Fair value in case of giving up of rights over existing structures or open land. In the same line, the consideration for such transfer under GST is now equals to the amount charged by the builder for similar apartments from the independent buyers. So it gives an impression that the Govt. has tried to adopt a Fair Market Value based on Stamp duty valuation and sales price of similar apartment.

Disclaimer: The above expressed views are purely the personal views of the author. The possibility of other views on the subject matter cannot be ruled out. So the readers are requested to check and refer relevant provisions of statute, latest judicial pronouncements, circulars, clarifications etc before acting on the basis of the above write up. The author is not responsible in anyway.

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20 Comments

  1. Hemant BHathar says:

    Sir, I appreciate your discussion in simple form but I have one doubt of example after oc as u have considered only 18 crores although the unsold flat value is 30 crore please clarify

  2. Darshan Suram says:

    Great work. I think taxguru is like Google for all professionals in tax laws. Every time I search in Google taxguru has always provided solutions for my queries.
    You really have treasury of articles and providing daily updates time to time. one can get huge knowledge , different view on this platform.I really appreciate work of team taxguru

  3. Kshitiz Bilala says:

    This is an excellent write-up.
    I have one question. If under JDA, the land owner recognizes the land (investment) as stock in trade, then I assume the taxability by land owner will be basis ‘business income’ and not capital asset.

    Therefore if the revenue recognised is as business income, then will the revenue be recorded through percentage completion approach or completed contract approach? My view is that it will be at the discretion of land owner.

    Further, on the stamp duty issue under JDA, there are contradictory write-ups which suggests that if a JDA is entered between Land Owner and Developer, then stamp duty has to be paid basis stamp duty law of respective states. However I totally agree by your interpretation of Stamp duty assessment that stamp duty should not be paid as it is merely licensing of construction rights + both Land owner & developer will normally be co-promoters under RERA.

  4. GV Nair says:

    1. JDA entered by land owner for area sharing with a builder in June 2014, when there was no GST Act
    2. Builder completes the project and get OC in Feb 20.

    Please clarify whether GST will be paid by the land owner or the builder. Builder says that the land owner has to pay GST for JDAs entered prior to April 2019. The land owner’s contention is that when JDA was entered, there was no GST and GST ACT came into force only in April 2017 and GST cannot be made restrospective .

    Would appreciate the opinion of the this expert professionals. Thanks – GV Nair

  5. Ajit yadav says:

    Sir.
    What is liability in JDA on builder if flats are unsold on completion certificate? And sir please give some examples of residential and real estate appartment rates.

  6. Nilesh Vohra says:

    Dear Sir,

    Appreciate your analysis on GST liabilities in JDA agreements. But you have only considered an AREA SHARE agreement between land owner and developer. What GST Implications when the agreement is REVENUE SHARE??

    Nilesh

  7. Efiling says:

    As you mention benefit of JDA as per my knowledge the builder ought to pay the stamp value of the property while entering into agreement as through this he gets the development rights over the property

  8. Nikhil Jain says:

    Many of our Clients has opted for old scheme in the Real Estate Sectors (12%) for ongoing projects. The issues are –

    1. The Developers has entered into a JDA before 31.03.2019 in which they will allot Flats to the Land owners, So How will they Pay Gst on the Such Flats – Whether Under RCM on the value similar to such Flats or some other way. Please suggest

    2. Under JDA, when the developer is making monetary payment to the Landowners, Whether Gst is payable for such payment – If yes, then under which procedure (I have read Notification 6/2019 dated 29th March 2019)

    3. As per Notification dated 29th March 2019, which states that Gst has to be paid on TDR even if Completion Certificate is issued, on the unsold flats. Gst on unsold Flats after Completion Certificate is justifiable or not as they will have to pay under RCM and cannot collect from buyers. Hence, loss for Builder.
    It is applicable to those builders also who have opted for old scheme also?

  9. CA sanjay Jain says:

    Wonderful article
    Keep it up Manoj Nahata
    Clarity on the subject is highly appreciated at such younger age on this ticklish issue.

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