CA
1215 Points
Joined June 2021
No, this arrangement will NOT work for claiming full capital gains exemption. Here's why:
Key Issue with Your Proposal:
1. Section 54 Exemption (for Residential Property):
- The husband's flat sale (₹65L gains) can ONLY claim exemption under Section 54
- Section 54 requires investment in a RESIDENTIAL HOUSE property
- A shop is a COMMERCIAL property and does NOT qualify
- Therefore, buying a shop for ₹40L will NOT provide any capital gains exemption
2. Section 54F Exemption (for Plot/Land):
- The wife's plot sale (₹7L gains) requires exemption under Section 54F
- Section 54F has a strict condition: "You should NOT own more than ONE residential house (other than the new house) on the date of transfer"
- If the husband buys a shop AND you jointly buy a flat, you'll end up with TWO residential properties
- This violates the Section 54F condition
Correct Approach:
To claim FULL exemption on both capital gains (₹7L + ₹65L = ₹72L total):
✓ Buy ONLY ONE residential flat in joint names before August 2026
✓ Invest the combined sale proceeds (₹25L + ₹1.25Cr) or at least the combined gains (₹72L)
✓ Do NOT buy any commercial property (shop) if you want capital gains exemption
✓ Do NOT buy multiple residential properties
Alternative Option:
If the husband wants to buy a shop:
- He can buy the shop, but will have to pay capital gains tax on the proportionate amount NOT invested in residential property
- Only the amount invested in the residential flat (₹1.1Cr) will qualify for Section 54 exemption
- The ₹40L spent on shop will attract capital gains tax
Recommendation:
Invest the full ₹1.5Cr (or at least ₹1.4Cr to cover your investment cost + gains) in a SINGLE residential flat in joint names to avoid any capital gains tax liability.
Note: Maintain proper documentation showing investment from both sale proceeds for claiming exemption in your respective ITRs.