Ericsson India (P) Ltd. v. ACIT (2022) 287 Taxman 230/ 113 CCH 330 / 217 DTR 414/ 328 CTR 649/(2023) 456 ITR 523(Delhi)(HC)

S. 241A : Refunds-Withholding of refund in certain cases-Estimated tax liability-Revenue neutral-Method of accounting-Income offered for tax when services were rendered-Withholding of tax is held to be not valid. [S. 143(3), 145]

Held that since petitioner followed a consistent accounting policy to show unearned revenue as current liability in its books of account and offered it for tax as and when services were rendered, transaction in effect being revenue neutral would not affect revenue’s interest. Accordingly   withholding of tax without taking into account financial wherewithal of petitioner was not founded on cogent grounds and refund claimed by petitioner was directed  to be released.  (AY.  2018-19)