TRFR OF OFFICE PREMISES, IN PARTNER'S NAME

Snarayanaswamy (PRACTISING COMPANY SECRETARY )   (38 Points)

10 May 2007  
KINDLY LET ME KNOW, WHETHER AN OFFICE PREMISES, A FLAT ( IN A POSH RESIDENTIAL AREA) WHICH WAS USED BY THE PARTNERS FOR THEIR OFFICIAL PURPOSE, AND ALSO CLAIMED DEPRECIATION  BENEFITS ON THE PREMISES, CAN BE TRANSFERRED IN THE NAME OF A PARTNER, FOR HIS PERSONAL USE.  IF THE FLAT IS SOLD TO SUCH A PARTNER, FOR A PRICE MORE THAN THE BOOK VALUE, AND THE RESULTANT PROFIT IS WHETHER TO BE TREATED AS A CAPITAL GAIN OR AS A BUSINESS PROFIT OF THE PARTNER SHIP FIRM.  THE PREMISES IN THE QUESTION IS USED MORE THAN 36 MONTHS.