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2021 (11) TMI 1101 - AT - Income TaxTP Adjustment - selection of MAM - addition to the returned income of the appellant by re-computing the arm's length price (ALP) of the international transactions under section 92 - rejection of internal TNMM applied by the assessee - HELD THAT:- DRP was not correct in considering the services/scope of work from the agreement entered into by the assessee with its AE for ‘procurement of IT Services’ and comparing the same with the back-end ITeS Services provided by the assessee to AEs. In the present case best suited method is that of internal TNMM. The financial data pertaining to internal segmentation is more reliable and accurate, as compared to financial data of external comparable companies, therefore, it will be appropriate to apply internal benchmarking analysis over external benchmarking analysis. This finds support from the “OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations” which highlight the preference of internal comparables over external comparables. In fact, the United Nations Practical Manual on Transfer Pricing for Developing Countries, released in 2013 (UN manual) also provides that TNMM is less dependent on product comparability because net margins are less influenced by differences in products and functions, as compare to other methods like CUP. Therefore, we direct the TPO/AO to adopt internal TNMM for benchmarking provision of ITeS. Ground Nos. 4 and 5 are allowed. Adjustment on account of notional interest on receivables - HELD THAT:- It is pertinent to note that the assessee is admitting that the business model of the assessee is such that receivables as well as payables are generally outstanding with both the AEs and non AEs for a period exceeding one month. But the contention of the Ld. AR that this is purely because of business reasons and it was not with an intention to extent indirect credit facility to the debts or obtain credit facility from creditors is not sustainable. Hence, we find that the DRP has rightly directed the TPO to compute the adjustment applying the rate of LIBOR plus 400 basis points on receivables due from its AE in US$ for the year under consideration. There is no need to interfere with the said directions. Hence, Ground No. 9 and 10 are dismissed.
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