16 March 2020
If there is actually an explicit service provided by such partner using his technical know-how, then you can pay him professional fees which will be treated as an expense in the books of the firm. However you would have to prove that such payment relates to the professional service actually provided by the partner and is reasonable in case of a scrutiny.
Partner remuneration subject to section 40b is permissible whether or not you pay professional fees to a partner.
16 March 2020
but sec 40b says, any payment of salary, bonus, commission or remuneration, by whatever name called (hereinafter referred to as "remuneration")
16 March 2020
Yes it does say that. But if the partner is applying his professional skills and technical know-how and providing a service to the firm outside the scope of his duties under the deed, he can charge professional fees and that shall not be included in remuneration. However, this a point of debate and the A.O. may require substantial evidence to accept the fact that the professional fees charged by the partner is valid and reasonable.
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