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June 2023

Penalty is not maintainable where AO does not pass an order accepting or rejecting an application filed by the assessee under section 270AA(4)

By Jagdish Punjabi, Chartered Accountant
Devendra Jain, Advocate
Reading Time 3 mins
12. Okasi Ceramics vs. ITO
ITA No.: 779/Chny/2022 (Chennai-Trib.)
A.Y.: 2017-18
Date of order: 8th February, 2023
Sections: 270A, 270AA

Penalty is not maintainable where AO does not pass an order accepting or rejecting an application filed by the assessee under section 270AA(4)

FACTS

For A.Y. 2017-18, the assessee firm did not file its return of income for the A.Y.2017-18 within the time provided in the notice issued under section 142(1) of the Act, nor within the time allowed under section 139(4) of the Act. Therefore, the AO issued a show cause notice under section 144 of the Act and proposed to pass a best judgment assessment order on the basis of material available on record. Subsequently, the assessee filed a copy of profit and loss account and admitted business income of Rs. 10,15,730. The assessment was completed under section 144 determining the total income to be Rs. 10,15,730. The AO initiated proceedings for imposition of penalty under section 270A of the Act.

The assessee paid the tax demanded within thirty days and applied for grant of immunity under section 270AA. The AO did not dispose-off the application and proceeded to levy penalty under section 270A on the ground that the assessee has under-reported its income in consequence of misreporting. Thus, the assessee is not entitled for immunity as provided under section 270AA of the Act and levied penalty of 200 per