15 December 2011
Hello Friendz if there is take-over of partnership firm made by company then what will status of VAT on transfer of stock lying and fixed assets transferred
We are planning this take-over through succession of firm by take-over Plz help me in this regard relating to VAT status as i have gone through income tax aspect there is direct provision u/s 47(xiii) covering this aspect
15 December 2011
Mr Madhur Gupta, In many states(like Karnataka)sale of business as a whole is exempt from VAT. So, the stock transferred also gets exemption, along with any assets. MJK
26 July 2025
Regarding the **take-over of a partnership firm by a company** in the context of **VAT on transfer of stock and fixed assets** (specifically for Punjab):
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### 1. **VAT Treatment on Transfer of Business as a Going Concern**
* Many states, including Punjab, have provisions exempting the **transfer of business as a going concern** from VAT. This means that if the entire business (including stock and fixed assets) is transferred by way of succession, it is **not treated as a ‘sale’** for VAT purposes.
* This exemption generally applies **if the business is transferred as a whole** and is continuing under the new entity (the company, in your case).
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### 2. **Relevant Legal Provisions in Punjab VAT**
* **Section 8(5) of Punjab VAT Act, 2005** (or the corresponding provision) often exempts transfer of business as a going concern.
* The key is that the transfer should be of the entire business and assets, not a piecemeal sale.
* This is aligned with **Section 47(xiii) of Income Tax Act**, which also provides that succession in business is not a transfer for capital gains, indicating a similar policy intent for VAT.
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### 3. **Stock and Fixed Assets**
* **Stock-in-trade:** If transferred as part of the business, generally exempt under the ‘going concern’ exemption.
* **Fixed assets:** Transfer of fixed assets as part of the business transfer is also exempt, provided the business continues and the transfer is not a separate sale.
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### 4. **Case Laws / Clarifications**
* While specific Punjab case law may not be easily available online, the general interpretation across states follows the exemption for transfer as a going concern.
* You may check with Punjab Commercial Taxes Department or a local VAT consultant for circulars or clarifications confirming this exemption.
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### 5. **Practical Recommendations**
* Ensure the take-over agreement clearly states the transfer is by way of succession of the business as a going concern.
* Keep documentation ready to prove the continuity of business post-transfer.
* Consult local VAT officer or tax consultant to get a formal opinion or advance ruling, if possible.
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**Summary:** In Punjab, **transfer of a partnership firm’s business to a company by succession is generally exempt from VAT on stock and fixed assets**, provided the business continues as a going concern under the company. This is consistent with income tax provisions and common VAT practice.
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If you want, I can help draft a detailed note or assist with references to similar state VAT acts or model VAT laws for further clarity. Would that help?