Microfinancing Entity Denied Tax Exemption Due to Profit Motive and Lack of Charitable Activities Benefiting Low-Income Groups.

The ITAT Bangalore considered whether an organization engaged in microfinancing activities qualified for exemption u/s 11 as a charitable entity or if its activities were commercial in nature. The tribunal emphasized that if an organization's primary activity is trade or business, it must not have a dominant profit motive and should not use charity as a cover for commercial activities. The tribunal noted that charging exorbitant interest rates akin to commercial banks indicated a profit-driven motive, making it ineligible for exemption. The organization's activities did not align with benefiting low-income groups as required for charitable status. The tribunal ruled in favor of the revenue authority, denying the organization's claim for exemption u/s 11. .....

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