CIRCULAR NO 2/2010,
Dated: January 29, 2010

Sub: Adjustment of “Advance Tax in respect of Fringe Benefits” for Assessment Year 2010-11 against “Advance Tax” – matter regarding.

The Finance Act, 2005 introduced a levy namely Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on the value of certain fringe benefits as contained in Chapter XII H (Sections 115 W to 115 WL) of Income Tax Act, 1961. By the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2009 a new Section 115 WM was inserted to abolish the FBT with effect from Assessment Year (A.Y.) 2010-11. Consequently, benefits given to employees are taxed as perquisites in the hands of employees in terms of amendments to Clause 2 of Section 17 of Income Tax Act, 1961. However, during the current Financial Year 2009-10 some assessees have paid “advance tax in respect of fringe benefits” for Assessment Year 2010-11. In such cases the Board has decided that any installment of “advance tax paid in respect of fringe benefits” for A.Y. 2010-11 shall be treated as Advance Tax paid by assessee concerned for A.Y. 2010-11. The assessee can adjust such sum against its advance tax obligation in respect of income for A.Y. 2010-11 or in case of loss etc claim such payment as refund as advance tax paid in A.Y. 2010-11.

2. This circular may be brought to the notice of all officers in the field for compliance.

Hindi version to follow

F. N0.385/05/2010- IT (B)

(Ansuman Pattnaik)
Director (Budget)

F. No. 142/22/2009-TPL (Pt. II)
Central Board of Direct Taxes,
Department of Revenue,
Ministry of Finance,
Government of India,
New Delhi 110001

20th January 2010

The Director General of Income-tax (International Taxation),
Room No. 406, Drum Shape Building,
I. P. Estate, Delhi.

Subject: Clarification regarding filing of Objections before Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) – reg

A new section 144C was inserted in the Income-tax Act, 1961 vide Finance (No. 2) Act of 2009. Section 144C provides for constitution of a Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) to decide cases of an eligible assessee as defined in sub-section (15) of section 144C of the Income-tax Act. The Dispute Resolution Panel Rules were notified vide SO No. 2958 (E) dated 20th November 2009.

2. A query has been raised as to whether it is compulsory for an assessee to file an objection before the DRP or whether he can choose to file an appeal through the normal appellate channel of CIT (Appeals).

3. The provisions of sub-section (2) to sub-section (5) of section 144C are quite clear that a choice has been given to the assessee either to go before the DRP or to prefer the normal appellate channel. It is again clarified that it is the choice of the assessee whether to file an objection before the Dispute Resolution panel against the draft assessment order or not to exercise this option and file an appeal later before CIT (Appeals) against the assessment order passed by the Assessing Officer.

4. This position may also be brought to the notice of taxpayers at large.

C. S. Kahlon,
Member (L&C).

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Writ Petition bearing No. 50 of 2010 (Indian Exporters Grievances Forum & Other vs. CIT) challenging the constitutional validity of Rule 8D has been admitted on 12.1.2010 by Hon’ble Shri Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud and Hon’ble Shri Justice J.P. Devadhar of the Bombay High Court.

All those having matters relating to interpretation of section 14A which are pending before the High Court are requested to give the Appeal Nos. to the Associate for grouping matters.