Continuity of Tonnage Tax Benefits in Shipping Amalgamations : Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025 Vs. Section 115VY of the Income-tax Act, 1961

Clause 233 Amalgamation and demerger.

Income Tax Bill, 2025

Introduction

The Indian shipping industry has long been recognized as a strategic sector, meriting special tax treatment to promote its growth and competitiveness. The tonnage tax regime, introduced by the Income-tax Act, 1961, provided a concessional and simplified method for computing the taxable income of qualifying shipping companies, thereby aligning Indian law with international best practices. Section 115VY of the 1961 Act, and now Clause 233 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, specifically address the continuity and application of the tonnage tax scheme in the context of corporate restructuring-namely, amalgamations and demergers. This commentary provides a detailed analysis of Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, examining its objectives, structure, and implications, and compares these provisions with the existing Section 115VY to elucidate changes, continuities, and potential legal consequences.

Objective and Purpose

The legislative intent behind both Section 115VY and Clause 233 is to ensure the seamless application or transition of the tonnage tax scheme when qualifying shipping companies undergo amalgamation or demerger. The tonnage tax regime offers significant advantages, such as tax certainty and administrative simplicity, which are crucial for an industry characterized by high capital intensity and global competition. Recognizing that corporate restructuring is common in the sector, lawmakers sought to prevent disruption of tax benefits and to provide clarity regarding the eligibility and continuity of the tonnage tax option in such scenarios.

The key policy considerations underpinning these provisions include:

• Preserving the incentive effect of the tonnage tax regime even after restructuring events.
• Ensuring that only qualifying companies continue to benefit from the scheme.
• Preventing abuse or unintended extension of the scheme beyond its intended scope or period.
• Providing legal certainty to taxpayers and tax administrators alike.

Detailed Analysis of Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025

Clause 233(1): Continuity of Tonnage Tax Scheme Post-Amalgamation

Text: "Where there has been an amalgamation of a company with another company or companies, then, subject to the other provisions of this section, the provisions relating to the tonnage tax scheme shall, as far as may be, apply to the amalgamated company, if it is a qualifying company."

Analysis: Clause 233(1) establishes the foundational rule that, upon the amalgamation of a company (or companies), the tonnage tax scheme will continue to apply to the amalgamated company, provided it meets the definition of a "qualifying company." The phrase "as far as may be" suggests that the application is not absolute but subject to modifications necessitated by the context of amalgamation. The provision is subject to other sub-clauses within the section, indicating that exceptions or further conditions may override this general rule.

The requirement that the amalgamated company be a "qualifying company" is crucial. This term is typically defined in the statute and incorporates criteria such as ownership or operation of qualifying ships, compliance with Indian registration requirements, and other regulatory conditions. The rationale is to ensure that only entities genuinely engaged in shipping activities continue to benefit from the concessional regime.

Comparative Note: Section 115VY of the 1961 Act contains an almost identical opening provision, reinforcing the principle that the tonnage tax regime should not be disrupted solely due to amalgamation, provided the successor entity qualifies.

Clause 233(2): Option for Non-Tonnage Tax Amalgamated Companies

Text: "Where the amalgamated company is not a tonnage tax company, it shall exercise an option for tonnage tax scheme u/s 231(1) within three months from the date of the approval of the scheme of amalgamation."

Analysis: Clause 233(2) addresses the scenario where the amalgamated company, post-amalgamation, is not already under the tonnage tax scheme. It mandates that such a company must opt for the scheme within a strict time frame-three months from the approval of the amalgamation scheme. The reference to section 231(1) (presumably the provision in the Bill governing the exercise of the tonnage tax option) underscores the procedural requirements for such an election.

This clause serves two purposes:

• It prevents retroactive or indefinite exercise of the tonnage tax option, ensuring that companies make a timely and deliberate choice.
• It aligns the tax status of the amalgamated company with the intended policy, i.e., only those who actively opt in and comply with procedural requirements can access the scheme.

Comparative Note: The corresponding provision in section 115VY of the 1961 Act is the first proviso, which similarly requires the amalgamated company (if not already under the scheme) to exercise the option within three months, albeit referencing section 115VP(1) instead of section 231(1). The mechanics and policy rationale remain unchanged.

Clause 233(3): Duration of Scheme in Case of Multiple Amalgamating Tonnage Tax Companies

Text: "Where the amalgamating companies are tonnage tax companies, the provisions of this Part shall, as far as may be, apply to the amalgamated company for such period as the option for tonnage tax scheme which has the longest unexpired period continues to be in force."

Analysis: Clause 233(3) deals with the situation where more than one amalgamating company is already under the tonnage tax scheme. Since the option for the tonnage tax scheme is typically for a fixed period (e.g., ten years under the 1961 Act), the question arises as to the applicable duration for the amalgamated entity. This provision stipulates that the amalgamated company will enjoy the tonnage tax regime for the longest remaining period among the amalgamating companies.

For example, if Company A has five years left under the scheme and Company B has three years, the amalgamated company will be entitled to five years. This approach avoids the administrative complexity of pro-rating or averaging and ensures that the benefit is not curtailed due to amalgamation. However, it also prevents the possibility of an extended or "reset" period, which could be exploited for tax advantage.

The use of "as far as may be" again indicates that the application is subject to necessary adjustments, perhaps to account for the specific facts of each amalgamation.

Comparative Note: The second proviso to section 115VY of the 1961 Act is in pari materia with this clause, using similar language and embodying the same policy choice.

Clause 233(4): Pre-Option Qualifying Company Exception

Text: "Where one of the amalgamating companies is a qualifying company as on the 1st October, 2004 and which has not exercised the option for tonnage tax scheme before the 1st January, 2005, the provisions of this Part shall not apply to the amalgamated company and the income of the amalgamated company from the business of operating qualifying ships shall be computed as per the other provisions of this Act."

Analysis: Clause 233(4) introduces a specific exception. If an amalgamating company was a qualifying company as of 1st October 2004 but did not opt for the tonnage tax scheme before 1st January 2005 (the initial window for exercising the option under the original scheme), the tonnage tax regime will not apply to the amalgamated company. Instead, the income from operating qualifying ships will be computed under the general provisions of the Act.

This clause is a transitional provision, rooted in the initial implementation of the tonnage tax regime in 2004-05. Its purpose is to prevent companies that failed to opt into the scheme during the initial period from gaining access to the regime through subsequent amalgamation. It upholds the sanctity of the initial election window and prevents back-door entry into the concessional regime.

Comparative Note: The third proviso to section 115VY of the 1961 Act is identical in substance, referencing the same dates and conditions. The legislative intent and effect are preserved in the new Bill.

Practical Implications

The practical impact of these clauses is multi-faceted:

• For Shipping Companies: The provisions provide clarity on the tax consequences of amalgamation and demerger, allowing for better planning and risk assessment. They ensure that tax benefits are not lost solely due to restructuring, provided the qualifying conditions are met.
• For Tax Administrators: The rules facilitate straightforward administration by setting clear eligibility criteria, deadlines for option exercise, and rules for determining the applicable period.
• For Advisors and Auditors: The provisions necessitate careful due diligence in transactions, particularly in verifying qualifying status, compliance with deadlines, and the calculation of unexpired periods.
• Potential Issues: Ambiguities may arise in complex cases, such as amalgamations involving multiple entities with differing option periods, or where qualifying status is in doubt. The transitional clause (sub-clause 4) may require interpretation in edge cases involving legacy companies.

Comparative Analysis: Clause 233 (2025 Bill) vs. Section 115VY (1961 Act)

Textual Comparison

A close reading reveals that Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025 is, in substance and structure, substantially similar to Section 115VY of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Both provisions:

• Apply the tonnage tax scheme to the amalgamated company if it is a qualifying company (Clause 233(1) / main provision of 115VY).
• Require a non-tonnage tax amalgamated company to exercise the option within three months (Clause 233(2) / first proviso to 115VY).
• Apply the longest unexpired option period where all amalgamating companies are tonnage tax companies (Clause 233(3) / second proviso to 115VY).
• Exclude companies that failed to exercise the option in the initial period from the benefit post-amalgamation (Clause 233(4) / third proviso to 115VY).

The main differences are in drafting style and cross-references. For example, Clause 233(2) refers to section 231(1) (the 2025 Bill's tonnage tax option provision), while Section 115VY refers to section 115VP(1). Similarly, the 2025 Bill's language is more segmented, using numbered sub-clauses, whereas the 1961 Act uses a main section with a series of provisos.

Substantive Analysis

1. Continuity of the Tonnage Tax Scheme

Both provisions ensure that the tonnage tax regime is not disrupted by amalgamation, provided the resulting company is a qualifying company. This approach supports commercial certainty and aligns with international practices in the shipping sector.

2. Option Exercise by Non-Tonnage Tax Companies

The requirement to exercise the option within three months is identical in both statutes. This maintains the discipline of the regime and prevents opportunistic behavior. The only change is the reference to the relevant section in the new Bill.

3. Determining the Applicable Period

The rule that the amalgamated company inherits the longest unexpired option period is a direct carryover. This prevents indefinite rolling over of the benefit and ensures a fair outcome.

4. Transitional Provision for Initial Window

Both statutes contain a transitional rule for companies that failed to exercise the option during the initial window in 2004. This prevents retrospective benefit through amalgamation.

5. Scope and Coverage

Clause 233 of the 2025 Bill is broader in that it also contains sub-clauses (5) and (6) dealing with demergers, which are not present in Section 115VY but are addressed elsewhere in Chapter XII-G of the 1961 Act. However, for the purposes of this commentary, the focus is on sub-clauses (1)-(4), which are functionally equivalent to Section 115VY.

Interpretational and Policy Considerations

Given the near-identical substantive content, the interpretational issues that have arisen u/s 115VY are likely to persist under Clause 233. These include:

• Defining "qualifying company" post-amalgamation, especially where the new entity's activities or ownership structure change.
• Calculating the "longest unexpired period" in complex amalgamations involving staggered option periods.
• Determining the consequences of failing to exercise the option within the prescribed period, including whether any relief or extension is possible under the new law.

From a policy perspective, the 2025 Bill's approach reflects a desire for continuity and stability, with no apparent intention to alter the substantive rules governing shipping company amalgamations. This is consistent with the government's broader policy of maintaining a favorable tax environment for shipping operators.

Comparative Table :- The key points of comparison are as follows:

Provision	Section 115VY of the Income-tax Act, 1961	Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025	Comparison/Comment
General Rule	Main paragraph: Tonnage tax applies to amalgamated company if qualifying	Sub-clause (1): Same rule	Substantially identical; maintains continuity principle
Option for Non-Tonnage Tax Amalgamated Company	First proviso: Must opt within 3 months u/s 115VP(1)	Sub-clause (2): Must opt within 3 months u/s 231(1)	Same rule with updated cross-reference
Duration in Multi-Tonnage Tax Amalgamation	Second proviso: Longest unexpired period applies	Sub-clause (3): Same rule	No substantive change
Transitional Exception	Third proviso: Companies qualifying as of 1.10.2004 but not opting by 1.1.2005 excluded	Sub-clause (4): Same	Identical; preserves original policy

The only notable change is in the cross-referencing of sections, reflecting the renumbering and restructuring in the new Bill. There is no substantive change in eligibility, timing, or duration rules. The legislative approach is one of continuity, preserving the existing regulatory architecture while updating references to fit the new statutory framework.

A further point of comparison is the language used. Both provisions employ the phrase "as far as may be," which introduces a degree of interpretive flexibility. This may be significant in cases where the facts of amalgamation are complex or where the application of the tonnage tax scheme requires adjustment to fit the new entity's circumstances.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

• Shipping Companies: The provisions provide assurance that legitimate restructuring will not jeopardize access to the tonnage tax regime. However, companies must ensure that they maintain qualifying status and comply with procedural requirements, especially in exercising the option within the stipulated period.
• Tax Authorities: The clarity and continuity of the provisions facilitate effective administration and reduce the scope for disputes. However, vigilance is required to prevent abuse, particularly in the manipulation of qualifying status or option periods.
• Legal Advisors and Auditors: Due diligence is crucial in M&A transactions involving shipping companies. Advisors must scrutinize the qualifying status, option periods, and compliance history of all entities involved to avoid adverse tax consequences.
• Policy Makers: The retention of these provisions in the 2025 Bill suggests satisfaction with the existing framework. However, ongoing monitoring is warranted to ensure that the regime continues to serve its intended purpose without facilitating avoidance.

Comparative Analysis with International Practice

The Indian tonnage tax regime, including its treatment of amalgamations and demergers, is broadly consistent with international practice. Many maritime jurisdictions provide for continuity of tonnage tax benefits in the event of restructuring, subject to qualifying conditions. The Indian approach, with its focus on qualifying status, option periods, and anti-abuse measures, aligns with these standards and supports the global competitiveness of Indian shipping companies.

Conclusion

Clause 233(1)-(4) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, represents a faithful restatement and modest modernization of Section 115VY of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Both provisions serve the critical function of ensuring that the tonnage tax regime remains effective, equitable, and administratively workable in the context of corporate restructuring. By maintaining clear eligibility criteria, procedural safeguards, and anti-abuse measures, the legislation strikes an appropriate balance between incentivizing the shipping sector and protecting the integrity of the tax base. While the 2025 Bill introduces updated references and a more segmented structure, the substantive rules remain unchanged, reflecting a policy of continuity and stability. Stakeholders must continue to exercise diligence in compliance, and policymakers should remain alert to evolving industry practices and potential areas for refinement.

---

Full Text:

Clause 233 Amalgamation and demerger.

 

Dated: 28-5-2025