Fringe Benefit Tax

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Khushbu (Querist)
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22 November 2008 whether directors are employees of the company for the purpose of FBT?
If yes, then which category of directors are employess.

Ravikumar.G

Ravikumar.G (Expert)
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22 November 2008 A director of a company as such is not a servant of the company and the fees he receives are by way of gratuity. As director simpliciter, he is not a servant. But he may enter into a contract of employment to serve as a managing director or as a manager or to enter any special service to company apart from his duty as a director. In such as event he will also be an employee.

How ever mere passing a resolution allotting work and payment of remuneration is not sufficient without providing and establishing on record that services were rendered by the director as an employee. In any case, where the person holds the office of a director of a company, remuneration by virtue of that office does not bring about the relationship of master and servant. [ CIT V Shanti Devi (1993) 199 ITR 800 (Ori)]

Hence the fees paid to a director, independent of the contract of service would be taxable under the head " Income from other sources".

As per Q. No. 2 of circular 8/2005 dated 29/08/2005 :-

Whether employer - employee relationship is a pre-requisite for the levy of FBT?

THe answer is Yes.

So it can be concluded that the mere presence of a director in a company will not make the company liable for FBT. Other conditions as mentioned above are also necessary. You will have to prove that the director has entered into contract for employment with the company by entering into a service agreement or the aricles of association of the company authorizes the same.

Bhaskaran Chackrapani Warrier

Bhaskaran Chackrapani Warrier (Expert)
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22 November 2008 Directors are employees of the company. Pl refer 1)CIT Vs.Travancore Chemical mfg co (1982)133 ITR 818(Ker). 2)Ram prasad Vs.CIT 1972 (86) ITR 122 (Sc). 3)CIT Vs. B.P.Dalmia (1994) 207 ITR 267 (SC).These are the decisions based on the Income tax Act,1961 and can be followed for FBT purposes also.

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