Commission paid to an agent for services rendered abroad and payment by way of reimbursement of expenses are not taxable in India

DIT vs. Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt.Ltd (Bombay High Court)

The assessee paid remuneration to the artists, to the agent and reimbursed the expenses in connection with the visit and performance of the artists in India. The assessee deducted tax at source on fees paid to the international artists in India. Tax was deducted at source on the payment made to artists for performance in India but it was not deducted at source on the commission paid to Mr. Colin Davie who acted as an agent between the assessee and the artists performed in India. Under Article 18 of the India-UK DTAA, the payment made to the artists and by way of reimbursement has been completely misconstrued inasmuch as the agreements with the artists and the understanding with Mr. Colin Davie would indicate that the payment of commission to him is not covered by Article 18. Mr. Colin Davie never took part in the event organised. He did not exercise any personal activities in India. Mr. Colin Davie did not act as a performing artist or entertainer, all that he was concerned are the services which were rendered outside India. He contacted the artists and negotiated with them for performance in India in terms of the authority given by the assessee. The CIT(A) and Tribunal rightly arrived at the conclusion that Mr.Colin Davie did not perform any services in India, but they were rendered outside India. Therefore, commission income to the agent is not liable to tax in India and there was no obligation on the part of the assessee to deduct the tax at source at the time of making of payment. In so far as payment or reimbursement of expenses in connection with the visit and performance of the artists in India, the amount reimbursed to them was towards air travel and was supported by documents. On that tax need not be deducted.