07 February 2012
Ms. Roshell Roudrics entered into sale agreement with Mr. Frederick Furtado for a sum of Rs. 6,000,000. The Agreement was registered on March 28, 2009 on a payment of Rs. 500,000. In Clause 4 of the aforesaid Agreement, it was clearly stated that the seller would hand over possession of the flat only after the receipt of the balance payment for the consideration of the sale of the flat. In clause 7 of the Agreement, it was stated that on receipt of balance payment of RS. 5,500,000, the Vendor shall handover quite, peaceful, and vacant possession of the property. Sub-clause (ii) of clause 7 of the Agreement stated that the vendor shall grant, assign, transfer, and assure all her rights, title, and interest in the said flat on receipt of the balance consideration of RS. 5,500,000. The balance amount was received by Ms. Roshell on April 23, 2009. Possession was given on April 28, 2009. Society transferred the share certificates in the name of buyer on August 12, 2009. Thus, Ms. Roshell offered the capital gains from this flat during Assessment Year 2010- 11 and claimed exemption under section 54EC after making investment in eligible bonds on October 17, 2009. The Assessing Officer during course of Assessment opined that, since Agreement was registered on March 28, 2009, capital gains were chargeable in Assessment Year 2009-10. He further denied benefit of exemption under section 54EC as the investment was not made within six months from the date of transfer.
13 February 2012
In this case the AO is on wrong footing. . Ask him for the date of acquisition for the purchaser of the property,Ms. Roshell, had she been selling the property. . Without transferring the possession, and merely on the basis of Agreement to Sale/Purchase, it can't be said that the transfer has taken place. There is a difference in Registration of Agreement and a Registered Sale Deed. . Capital Gains arises only when transfer of the property takes place. . Vide Section 2(47)(v), on part performance of a contract, the transaction can be termed as "Transfer" only when, possession of of immovable property has been taken by the purchaser. .