2010 (10) TMI 927 - AT - Income Tax

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Application of net profit rate.
2. Rejection of books of account u/s 145(3).
3. Consideration of past history in assessment.
4. Estoppel against agreed surrender.

Summary:

1. Application of Net Profit Rate:
The Department objected to the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) directing the application of an 8% net profit rate subject to depreciation and interest, instead of the 10% rate applied by the Assessing Officer. The Department argued that the assessee had admitted to defects in the books and agreed to a 10% rate. The Assessing Officer noted discrepancies and concluded the assessee earned more profit than disclosed, applying a 10% rate based on precedents like Singh Construction and Co. v. Asst. CIT and CIT v. Govinda Choudhury and Sons.

2. Rejection of Books of Account u/s 145(3):
The Assessing Officer invoked section 145(3) due to discrepancies in the books of account, rejecting them and computing income by applying a 10% net profit rate. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) upheld the rejection but directed an 8% rate, considering the past history and undue pressure on the assessee to agree to a 10% rate.

3. Consideration of Past History in Assessment:
The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) found that the Assessing Officer did not consider the past history, where an 8% net profit rate was approved for previous years. The Tribunal agreed, noting that past history is the best guide for assessments under section 145(3), citing cases like CIT v. Gotan Lime Khanij Udhyog and Ajay Goyal v. ITO.

4. Estoppel Against Agreed Surrender:
The Tribunal held that there is no estoppel against the assessee's right to appeal, even if they initially agreed to a higher net profit rate. This principle is supported by various judgments, including Pullangode Rubber Produce Co. Ltd. v. State of Kerala and Board's Circular No. 286/2/2003, which advises against additions based solely on confessions not supported by credible evidence.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal confirmed the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals)'s direction to apply an 8% net profit rate, dismissing the Department's appeal. The decision emphasized the importance of considering past history and the right to appeal against agreed assessments. The order was pronounced on October 12, 2010.