Thanks Amirbhai for your prompt reply, I have been through your other posts as well, your answers are quiet precise, I really appreciate that!!!
But I am confused because: Section 80C doesn’t explicitly bar the rebate on account of “Principal repayment and Stamp Duty & Reg. Charges” when the property is under construction. However, a look at the law suggests that tax rebate on principal repayment and Stamp Duty & Reg. Charges may not be allowed when the property is under construction.
Firstly Section 80C states that:
any payment made by an individual or HUF for the purposes of purchase or construction of a residential house property
Secondly it says that:
the income from which is chargeable to tax under the head “Income from house property” (or which would, if it had not been used for the assessee’s own residence, have been chargeable to tax under that head), where such payments are made towards or by way of—. . . . . . . .
(1) So it is clear that Section 80C allows deductions on payments towards (supra) under construction properties
(2) Secondly a close look at clause (xviii) (supra) suggests that for the payment (supra) to be considered for tax rebate under Section 80C, there should be an income (or notional income) from the house property. When a property is under construction, there is no likelihood of income, and hence an contrary interpretation concludes that the (supra) payments will not be eligible for any deductions.
I had arguments on this subject with my other friends, who are practicing in Taxation, some says that:
Look at the former part and claim deduction and leave the interpretation of the later part upon the A.O(on query) solely. Firstly the said section doesn’t explicitly bar the rebate on account of (supra) when the property is under construction. Secondly nowhere in the said section it has been stated that provided you should get possession of the said property on or before 31st March or the construction should be completed on or before 31st March. Further tax experts know that the intention of the legislators was to provide deductions for (supra) without any proviso, but due to drafting error, this became a loop hole favoring the taxman. (I know that once an act in enacted the intentions have no meaning and the words are to be construed in strict sense) Thus the said deduction can be claimed and to be left alone on the A.O for contrary interpretations. Also they say that most of the practitioners, company filing returns of their employees and other return filers don’t pay attention to the later part and file their returns accordingly claiming the deductions.
while others says that it would not be appropriate to claim the said deduction in view of the interpretation of the later part of the said section.
I want to know through suggestions as to what would be appropriate?
To claim or not to claim?
“Can anyone suggest any case laws (High court of tribunal) which have interpreted the said section?”
Thanks! I expect some answer please.