Oxford Softech P.Ltd vs. ITO (ITAT Delhi)

(i) The assessee has made a claim u/s 80 IA of the Act. Along with the return of income the assessee filed report from a Chartered Accountant in form no.10 CCB as required u/s 80 IA(7) of the Act. The claim was made on the advice of the auditors. A perusal of this audit report demonstrates that the auditors of the assessee also believed that the assessee was eligible for deduction u/s 80 IA of the Act. It was a conscious claim made by the assessee supported by an audit report. The assessee has also made an application to STPI for setting up the infrastructure facilities under the STPI Scheme. All details of the claim made u/s 80 IA are filed by the assessee, along with the return of income. Under these circumstances we are of the considered opinion that the explanation given by the assessee that it was under a genuine belief that it was entitled for relief u/s 80 IA of the Act is bonafide. The assessee acted under the guidance and advice of a Chartered Accountant. Hence in our view it was under a bonafide belief that it is entitled to the claim for deduction under provisions of s.80 IA of the Act.

(ii) The provisions under the Income Tax Act are highly complicated and its different for a layman to understand the same. Even seasoned tax professionals have difficulty in comprehending these provisions. Making a claim for deduction under the provisions of S.80 IA of the Act which has numerous conditions attached, is a complicated affair. It is another matter that the assessing authorities have found that the claim is not admissible. Under these circumstances we hold that it cannot be said that this is a case of furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income.