February 2026
Activity of nurturing entrepreneurship through educational, networking and mentoring assistance / events cannot be regarded as “education” but falls within the limb of “advancement of object of general public utility” under section 2(15). Fees from events organised for entrepreneurs could be regarded as business receipt which was subject to the threshold of 20% under proviso to section 2(15); however, membership fees received from members could not be regarded as business receipt.
By Jagdish T Punjabi, Chartered Accountant Devendra Jain & Aditya Bhatt, Advocates
Reading Time 4 mins
80. (2025) 181 taxmann.com 318 (Hyd Trib)
Indus Entrepreneurs vs. DCIT
A.Y.: 2018-19 Date of Order : 02.12.2025
Section: 2(15)
Activity of nurturing entrepreneurship through educational, networking and mentoring assistance / events cannot be regarded as “education” but falls within the limb of “advancement of object of general public utility” under section 2(15).
Fees from events organised for entrepreneurs could be regarded as business receipt which was subject to the threshold of 20% under proviso to section 2(15); however, membership fees received from members could not be regarded as business receipt.
FACTS
The assessee was a registered society under the A.P. Societies Registration Act, 2001 with the main objects of encouraging entrepreneurship by providing educational, networking and mentoring assistance to existing and potential entrepreneurs and professionals in all areas, supporting entrepreneurs for exploring new areas of business, building network bridges between enterprises and individuals, corporate and other entities in India and abroad, and organising events and informal mentoring activities constantly for exploring professional ideas and achieving higher business goals etc. It was one of the chapters of TIE Global, a global non-profit organisation devoted to the entrepreneurs in all industries, at all stages, from
