S. 147: Failure to compute capital gains u/s 50C does not lead to escapement of income

ITO vs. Haresh Chand Agarwal HUF (ITAT Agra)

The assessee sold property for Rs.6 lakh and offered capital gains on that basis. The AO accepted the claim without examining the applicability of s. 50C. He later (within 4 years from the end of the AY) reopened the assessment on the basis that the stamp duty valuation was Rs. 25 lakhs and the capital gains had to computed on that basis u/s 50C. The assessee challenged the reopening inter alia on the ground that the failure to apply s. 50C did not mean income had escaped assessment. The CIT(A) accepted the plea. On appeal by the department to the Tribunal HELD dismissing the appeal:

S. 50C is not a final determination to prove that it is a case of escapement of income. The report of the approved valuer may give estimated figure on the basis of facts of each case. Therefore, mere applicability of s. 50C would not disclose any escapement of income in the facts and circumstances of the case. The AO at the original assessment stage considered all the documents and material produced before him and has accepted the cost of property as was declared by the assessee. The reassessment is on change of opinion which is not justified