ITAT dismisses Cong’s ₹199-cr exemption plea

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has dismissed the Congress party's appeal against a ₹199.15 crore demand for the assessment year 2018-19 because the party could not file its returns within the prescribed due date, a key condition to enjoy a tax exemption.

- HT Correspondent

A two-member bench of the ITAT on Monday rejected the Congress’ claim for tax exemption under Section 13A of the Income-Tax Act, 1961. According to Section 13A, the income of political parties is exempt from tax, provided they meet certain specific conditions.

The bench said the assessee did not meet conditions required for availing tax exemption under the Section 13A as it did not file its return within the prescribed “due” date.

The Congress filed its return on February 2, 2019, which according to the assessing officer, was way beyond the due date for availing the tax exemption for its income accrued in the financial year 2017-18.