We have invested on our company office building Rs.3.10cr as on 31.01.2014 but its not completed and not enter to office. Is there any possibility to consider depreciation? is there any exemptions for SME orations to show depreciation to avoid portion of tax ? Please suggest us.
21 July 2024
In the scenario you described, where your company has invested in an office building but it is not completed and not yet in use, here’s how depreciation and tax implications typically apply:
### Depreciation on Construction in Progress:
1. **Depreciation on Construction in Progress (CIP):** - Under the Income Tax Act, depreciation is not allowed on assets that are under construction or not put to use. This includes buildings that are still under construction and not yet ready for occupation. - Since your office building is not completed and not entered into for use as of 31.01.2014, depreciation cannot be claimed on it until it is ready for use.
2. **Commencement of Depreciation:** - Depreciation can only commence once the building is ready for occupation or use. This is typically when construction is completed, and the building is put to use for business purposes.
### Exemptions for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises):
1. **General Rules for Depreciation:** - SMEs follow the same rules for depreciation as other companies under the Income Tax Act. There are no specific exemptions from claiming depreciation based on SME status alone. - Depreciation is calculated based on the asset’s useful life and the rates prescribed in the Income Tax rules.
2. **Tax Benefits and Incentives:** - While there are no specific exemptions from depreciation for SMEs, there may be other tax benefits or incentives available under different provisions of the Income Tax Act or other laws. These could include deductions for certain capital expenditures or investments.
### Practical Considerations:
- **Completion and Occupation:** Once your office building is completed and ready for use, depreciation can be claimed starting from the month it is put to use.
- **Documentation:** Maintain proper documentation of the construction progress, completion date, and commencement of use for future tax compliance and audit purposes.
### Conclusion:
Until your office building construction is completed and it is ready for occupation or use, depreciation cannot be claimed. Once completed, depreciation can be calculated based on the applicable rates and method (Straight Line Method or Written Down Value Method). Ensure to comply with all Income Tax rules regarding depreciation to effectively manage tax implications for your SME.