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2021 (10) TMI 1203 - AT - Income TaxRejection of books of accounts - best judgment assessment - gross profit estimation - CIT(A) was of the view that 1% to 2% on profits may be estimated depending upon the market situation in such cases - CIT(A) noted that all transactions in assessee`s case are with the associated concerns and no physical transfer of goods took place thus profit cannot be estimated at a normal market rate. In fact, it calls for appropriate rate HELD THAT:- It is well settled that in a best judgment assessment there is always a certain degree of guesswork. No doubt the authorities concerned should try to make an honest and fair estimate of the income even in a best judgment assessment and should not act totally arbitrarily. Department must act judiciously, while passing the order u/s 144 of the Act and must be guided by judicial consideration and by rule of justice, equity and good conscience. And also that there must be honest and fair estimate of the proper figure of assessment, for which consideration of local knowledge and repute, besides the previous returns an assessment of the assessee concerned, and all other matters must be taken into account for fair and proper estimate which of course, would fall in the category of guesswork, but a honest guesswork. In the assessee`s case under consideration, we note that assessee did not submit books of accounts. On examination of the profit and loss account of the assessee, the ld CIT(A) noted that total expenditure other than purchases mentioned in the profit and loss account, is a negligible amount of ₹ 2,71,150/- for business turnover of ₹ 2,39,05,01,881/-. Therefore, books of accounts of the assessee cannot be believed. The breakup of these expenses also shows that no expenses were recorded towards transportation. With negligible amount of transportation cost, how the assessee has achieved turnover of ₹ 2,39,05,01,881/-? Therefore, it simply implies that the transactions of purchase and sales are made through book entry. Needless to say, that no physical transfer of goods has taken place in view of the fact that there was no transportation expenses recorded. Hence, we are of the view that Gross Profit rate at 1% sustained by ld CIT(A) is quite reasonable. There is gross failure on the part of the assessee, as the assessee has deliberately refrained from producing the books of account till the very last stage of the assessment proceedings. The reason being that the books of account were not good enough to pass the test of verification of the Assessing Officer. It needs to be appreciated that verification of the books of account is a primary and fundamental tool for finalizing the assessment under section 143(3) - in the light of the judgment of the Hon`ble Apex Court in the case of CIT Vs. Simon Carves Ltd [1976 (8) TMI 4 - SUPREME COURT], and taking into account the assessee`s facts, as narrated above, we are of the view that estimation made by ld CIT(A) is based on sound reasoning. That being so, we decline to interfere with the order of Id. CIT(A) in sustaining the additions at the rate of 1% of gross profit. His order on these additions are, therefore, upheld and the grounds of appeal of the assessees, as well as Revenue are dismissed.
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