26 November 2012
one of my Clint is doing realestate business. he sold some of his agricultural lands acquired for resale. He claimed exemptions from profit from the sale. The department disallowed the his claim. Is the department is right or my client is right. please clarify. thanks in advance.
27 November 2012
Agricultural Land does fall not under definition of capital Asset under section 2(47) of Income Tax Act. How ever Agriculture land kept as Stock in trade does not attract exemption from Tax because it does not fulfill the requirement to become a land, an agriculture land, more over sale of Stock in Trade is taxable under the head Income from Business (PGBP) hence contention of Income Tax Officer is correct and your client cann't avail exemption.
29 November 2012
If transaction of purchase and sale of agricultural land is treated as adventure in trade, same will be liable for capital gain. Agri. land purchased by assessee as an investment and agri. operations are continuously done, it may not attract capital gain, if out of notified area. Depends on circumstances and facts of case depending on Number of transaction and holding period.