02 August 2025
Good question! Here’s a detailed answer about **transfer of company property to a director** and tax implications, including gift transfer:
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### 1. **Can a company transfer property to its director?**
* Yes, a company can transfer property to its director, but it must be done at **fair market value** (FMV) to avoid tax complications. * The transaction should be properly **approved by the Board of Directors** and comply with company law and accounting standards. * The sale should be at **arm’s length** to prevent tax scrutiny.
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### 2. **Procedure for transfer of property from company to director:**
* **Board Resolution:** Approve transfer, specify consideration (FMV). * **Valuation Report:** Obtain a professional valuation to fix FMV. * **Agreement for Sale:** Draft and execute. * **Payment:** Director to pay agreed consideration. * **Register the sale deed** with relevant authority. * **Accounting entries:** Remove asset from company books; record sale proceeds. * **Tax filings:** Reflect the transaction in Income Tax and GST returns, if applicable.
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### 3. **Tax implications if transferred at market price:**
* **In the hands of company:**
* Transfer of a capital asset results in **Capital Gains Tax**. * Since it’s sale at FMV, the difference between sale price and cost of acquisition is chargeable as capital gain. * For depreciable assets, **Section 50** applies (capital gains computed on written down value). * Company must pay **corporate tax** on capital gains. * **GST may apply** on transfer of immovable property as per current laws.
* **In the hands of director:**
* Director acquires property at FMV; no immediate tax on acquisition. * Future capital gains on sale by director will be based on FMV as cost.
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### 4. **What if the property is transferred as a *gift* to director?**
* The company can gift the property, but this has important tax consequences.
* **In the hands of the company:**
* Transfer without consideration is treated as **deemed sale** at FMV. * Company must pay **capital gains tax** on FMV minus cost of acquisition.
* **In the hands of director:**
* As per **Section 56(2)(x)**, property received without consideration from a company (which is a non-relative) is taxable as income from other sources. * Director will have to pay tax on FMV of property received as gift (except in cases where shares are transferred under certain conditions, not applicable here).
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### 5. **Summary Table:**
| Transfer Type | Tax in Company’s Hands | Tax in Director’s Hands | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Sale at FMV | Capital Gains Tax on difference | No immediate tax | | Gift (No consideration) | Capital Gains Tax on FMV | Taxable as Income from Other Sources on FMV |
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### 6. **Other legal considerations:**
* Board approval and possibly shareholders' approval (depending on company law and value of asset). * Compliance with Companies Act provisions regarding related party transactions (Section 188). * Stamp duty on transfer and registration charges.
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### **Conclusion:**
* Best practice is to transfer at FMV with proper approvals and documentation. * Gift transfer is generally **not tax-efficient** due to tax liability in hands of director. * Consult tax and legal experts before proceeding.
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Would you like me to help draft the board resolution or sale agreement format for this transfer?