afd
134 Points
Joined May 2010
Whether, in cases where the residential house is constructed within the specified period, the cost of such residential
house can be taken to include the cost of the plot also
1. Sections 54 and 54F provide for a deduction in cases where an assessee has, within a period of one year before or two years after the date
on which the transfer of a capital asset takes place, purchased, or has within a period of three years after that date constructed, a residential
house. The quantum of deduction is itself dependent upon the cost of such new asset. It has been represented to the Board that the cost of
construction of the residential house should be taken to include the cost of the plot as, in a situation of purchase of any house property, the
consideration paid generally includes the consideration for the plot also.
2. The Board has examined the issue whether, in cases where the residential house is constructed within the specified period, the cost of such
residential house can be taken to include the cost of the plot also. The Board are of the view that the cost of the land is an integral part of the
cost of the residential house, whether purchased or built. Accordingly, if the amount of capital gain for the purposes of section 54, and the
net consideration for the purposes of section 54F, is appropriated towards purchase of a plot and also towards construction of a residential
house thereon, the aggregate cost should be considered for determining the quantum of deduction under section 54/54F, provided that the
acquisition of plot and also the construction thereon, are completed within the period specified in these sections.
Circular : No. 667, dated 18-10-1993.