Practising CA at Surat
26263 Points
Joined November 2009
The proviso to section 40A(3) runs as under:
Provided that no disallowance shall be made and no payment shall be deemed to be the profits and gains of the business or profession under sub-section 3 where a payment or aggregate of payments made to a person in a day, otherwise than by an account payee cheque drawn on a bank or account payee bank draft exceeds 20,000 rupees, in such cases and under such circumstances as may be prescribed (Rule 6DD), having regard to the nature and extent of banking facilities available, considerations of business expediency and other relevant factors.
Provided further than in the case of payment made for plying, hiring or leasing goods carriages, the provisions of sub-section 3 shall have effect as if for the words 20,000 rupees, the words 35,000/- had been substituted (w.e.f. 01 10 2009).
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Rules 6DD(g) provides as under:
where the payment is made in a village or town, which on the date of such payment is not served by bany bank, to any person who ordinarily resides, or is carrying on any business, profession or vocatin any such village or town;
Rules 6DD(k) provides as under:
where the payment is made by any person to his agent (other than employee) who is required to make payment in cash for goods or services on behalf of such peerson;
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From the facts of the case; it seems that every time transporter renders services to different unknown people. Other factors are that drivers are illiterate persons not knowing how to operate bank accounts and if cheques are given; they are not in a position to first deposit these at unknown places where banking facilities are not available. And except driver; nobody is there to represent the truck owner. Practically; in most of the cases; they unload goods at factory premises of the receipient where no such banking facilities are available. The drivers cannot wait after goods are unloaded. They immediately leave the place and load goods of other parties as per the instructions of the master. The situations are also not in control of their master. In some cases; they convey the position of booking of goods to the master and accordingly go away for next destination.
As per wording of the section; having regard to the nature and extent of banking facilities available, considerations of business expediency and OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS.
it is not so difficult to prove to the AO about the business needs.
So you can "satisfy" the AO with above contention.
CA Surendra Rakhecha
Surat