Refer to the decision of ITAT Mumbai in case of, Pentagram Properties Private Limited vs. DCIT (Order attached below).
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Relevant Extract:
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> Section 24(b) allows deduction in respect of any interest payable on capital borrowed for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, repairing or renewing the property.
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> Section 2(28A), defines "interest" as interest payable in any manner in respect of any moneys borrowed or debt incurred (including a deposit, claim or other similar right or obligation) and includes any service fee or other charge in respect of the moneys borrowed or debt incurred or in respect of any credit facility which has not been utilized.
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> It is seen from the definition that even a service fee paid in respect of the moneys borrowed is included in the definition of "interest".
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> The processing fee is charged by the lender since the processing of the loan application and connected documents involves a service rendered by him to the borrower.
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> By virtue of the definition of the word "interest", the processing fee, which perhaps may not otherwise fall to be considered as interest, is to be treated as interest and allowed as a deduction under section 24(b) of the Act.
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> If we may say, that with respect, the CIT(A) would appear to have lost sight of the fact that it is by definition of the word "interest" that the processing fee is to be treated as interest and the fact that the processing is done before the grant of the loan cannot be put against the assessee in the light of the definition.
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> The assessee's contentions are also supported by the order of the Single Member, Pune Bench in the case of Chintamani Hatcheries (P) Ltd. vs. DCIT (2000) 75 ITD 116 (Pune) (SMC), where it has been held that processing fee for obtaining a loan is a service fee and has to be allowed as interest in view of the definition in section 2(28A).
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> The Circular No. 202, dated 5th July 1976, issued by the CBDT while explaining the provisions of section 2(28A) also clarify the position.
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> We therefore accept the assessee's claim based on section 2(28A) and direct the Assessing Officer to allow the processing fee of Rs. 55,00,000/- as deduction under section 24(b) while computing the property income. The appeal is allowed.