Tax Audit clause 24 (a) rws 269 SS

This query is : Resolved 

14 September 2009 Whether assets taken on finance lease will be covered under clause 24 (a) of tax audit r.w.s. 269 SS , assesse has shown the lease liability as an unsecured load and capitalised the leased assets

14 September 2009 IT IS NOT LOAN , IT IS AMOUNT PAYABLE AGAINST PURCHASE OF ASSETS

14 September 2009 will it a difference if it shown under the grouping of secured and unsecured loan in the audited accounts

26 July 2025 Regarding your query on **Tax Audit Clause 24(a)** and **Section 269SS** in context of **finance lease**:

---

### 1. **Finance Lease Liability Treatment:**

* Finance lease creates a **debt-like liability** because the lessee essentially finances the purchase of the asset over time.
* However, legally, it is **not a loan** but a contractual obligation to pay lease rentals.
* The leased asset is capitalized on the balance sheet, and the lease liability is shown as a liability.

---

### 2. **Clause 24(a) of Tax Audit (Form 3CD):**

* Clause 24(a) requires disclosure of **details of loans and advances taken from parties** covered under Section 269SS (prohibition on taking loans or deposits exceeding Rs 20,000 otherwise than by account payee cheque or draft).
* The key is whether the finance lease liability **qualifies as a loan** under the meaning of Section 269SS.

---

### 3. **Is Finance Lease Liability Covered under Section 269SS?**

* **No, it is generally not considered a loan under Section 269SS.**
* Finance lease is a form of credit for asset purchase but does not constitute a loan or deposit under the Income Tax Act.
* Hence, **finance lease liability is not subject to Section 269SS restrictions**.

---

### 4. **Presentation in Books:**

* If the lease liability is shown under **"secured loans" or "unsecured loans"**, it might create confusion.
* Ideally, lease liabilities should be shown under a **separate head like 'Lease Obligations' or 'Finance Lease Liability'** in the balance sheet.
* Showing it as a loan may not be accurate from an accounting and tax perspective.

---

### **Summary:**

| Aspect | Treatment |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Finance lease liability | Not a loan under Income Tax Act |
| Covered under Section 269SS? | No |
| Disclosure under Clause 24(a) | Not required for lease liability |
| Presentation in accounts | Should be shown separately, **not under loans** |

---

If your audit accounts show it as unsecured loan, it is **not technically correct** and may cause issues during scrutiny. Best practice is to **classify separately** and disclose clearly.

---


You need to be the querist or approved CAclub expert to take part in this query .
Click here to login now


CCI Pro
CAclubindia's WhatsApp Groups Link


Similar Resolved Queries


loading


Unanswered Queries



CCI Pro
Meet our CAclubindia PRO Members

Follow us
add to google news



Answer Query