With effect from 01-10-2020, the Finance Act, 2020 inserted Sub-Section (1H) in Section 206C. This provision requires a seller to collect tax at source from the amount received as consideration for the sale of goods if it exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs in any previous year.
Tax is required to be collected by a person carrying on business whose total sales,
gross receipts or turnover exceeds Rs. 10 crores in the financial year immediately
preceding the financial year of sale.
Example, the liability to collect tax in the financial year (FY) 2020-21 arises if the turnover was more than Rs. 10 crores in FY 2019-20. There is no obligation to collect TCS in FY 2020-21 if turnover was less than Rs. 10 crores in FY 2019-20.
2. From whom tax shall be collected?
Vide Circular No. 22/2016, dated 8-6-2016, the CBDT has clarified that the provisions of Section 206C(1F) will not apply on sale of motor vehicles by manufacturers to dealers/distributors. The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020 now clarifies that the tax shall be collected under Section 206C(1F) in the case of sale of a motor vehicle to a consumer (B2C), and sub-section (1H) shall apply for the sale of motor vehicle to the dealers or distributors (B2B). Hence, the sale of Motor vehicles to dealers which is not covered in section 1(F) shall be subject to TCS under this new provision. Further, sales to consumer where the consideration for a single vehicle is less than Rs. 10 lakhs but the aggregate value of which exceeds Rs. 50 Lakhs during a previous year, it shall be subject to TCS under this new provision.
9. Whether TCS is required to be collected on transaction in electricity?
The tax shall be collected by the seller of goods at the rate of 0.1% of the sale consideration exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs if the buyer has furnished his PAN or Aadhaar, otherwise, the tax shall be collected at the rate of 1%. The rate shall not be further increased by Surcharge and Health & Education Cess if the sum is collected from a resident person. However, the rate of TCS shall be increased by the applicable surcharge and health and education cess if the payee is a non-resident person or a foreign company.
To provide more funds at the disposal of the taxpayers for dealing with the economic situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of TCS for the specified receipts have been reduced by 25% for the period from 14-05-2020 to 31-03-2021 vide The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of certain provisions) Act, 2020. Hence, the rate of TCS on sale of goods shall be 0.075% till 31-03-2021. However, if the buyer does not submit the PAN or Aadhaar the benefit of the reduced rate shall not be available.
16. From which date the threshold limit of Rs. 50 lakhs will be computed?
Example, the liability to collect tax in the financial year (FY) 2020-21 arises if the turnover was more than Rs. 10 crores in FY 2019-20. There is no obligation to collect TCS in FY 2020-21 if turnover was less than Rs. 10 crores in FY 2019-20.
2. From whom tax shall be collected?
The tax shall be collected from a buyer if the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) There is a sale of goods to such a person;
(b) The seller receives any amount as consideration for the sale of any goods of the value or aggregate of such value exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs in any previous year; and
(c) The buyer should not be in the list of persons excluded from the provision for collection of tax.
“Every person, being a seller, who receives any amount as consideration for sale of any
goods of the value or aggregate of such value exceeding fifty lakh rupees in any
previous year, other than the goods being exported out ofIndia or goods covered in sub-section
(1) or sub-section (1F) or sub-section (1G) shall, at the time ofreceipt ofsuch amount, collect
from the buyer, a sum equal to 0.1 per cent of the sale consideration exceeding fifty lakh
rupees as income-tax”.
Following three interpretations can be derived after a plain reading of the provision:
5.
In absence of any definition of ‘goods’, what shall be construed as a sale of goods?
(a) There is a sale of goods to such a person;
(b) The seller receives any amount as consideration for the sale of any goods of the value or aggregate of such value exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs in any previous year; and
(c) The buyer should not be in the list of persons excluded from the provision for collection of tax.
The tax shall not be collected under this provision if the goods are sold by way of
export out of India, or the tax is deducted or collected under any other provision.
Further, the tax shall not be collected if the buyer is:
(a) Central Government;
(b) State Government;
(c) An Embassy, High Commission, a Legation, a Commission, a Consulate or Trade Representation of a Foreign state;
(d) Local Authority;
(e) A person importing goods into India; and
(f) Any other notified person.
(a) Central Government;
(b) State Government;
(c) An Embassy, High Commission, a Legation, a Commission, a Consulate or Trade Representation of a Foreign state;
(d) Local Authority;
(e) A person importing goods into India; and
(f) Any other notified person.
3. What shall be the timing of collection of tax?
goods of the value or aggregate of such value exceeding fifty lakh rupees in any
previous year, other than the goods being exported out ofIndia or goods covered in sub-section
(1) or sub-section (1F) or sub-section (1G) shall, at the time ofreceipt ofsuch amount, collect
from the buyer, a sum equal to 0.1 per cent of the sale consideration exceeding fifty lakh
rupees as income-tax”.
Following three interpretations can be derived after a plain reading of the provision:
(a) Tax to be collected when both the amount of sale and the amount received as sale
consideration exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs during the previous year;
(b) Tax to be collected when the amount of sale exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs irrespective of the amount of sale consideration received during the previous year; or
(c) Tax to be collected when the amount received as sale consideration exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs irrespective of the amount of sale made during the previous year.
The interpretation in the point (c) above shall be more convenient, realistic and reasonable and in support of this, we have the arguments discussed in the ensuing paragraphs. On the doubt of applicability of the TCS provision on the consideration received before 01-10-2020,
(b) Tax to be collected when the amount of sale exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs irrespective of the amount of sale consideration received during the previous year; or
(c) Tax to be collected when the amount received as sale consideration exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs irrespective of the amount of sale made during the previous year.
The interpretation in the point (c) above shall be more convenient, realistic and reasonable and in support of this, we have the arguments discussed in the ensuing paragraphs. On the doubt of applicability of the TCS provision on the consideration received before 01-10-2020,
the CBDT in Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020, at Para 4.4.2(ii) has
clarified that
“this provision applies on receipt of sale consideration, thus the provision of this sub-section shall not apply on any sale consideration received before 01-10-2020. Consequently, it would apply on all sale consideration (including advance received for sale) received on or after 01-10-2020 even if the sale was carried out before 01-10-2020”.
Though
the clarification has been given in respect of another issue, but the language of the
CBDT’s circular indicates that the tax should be collected when the consideration
received during the previous year exceeds the threshold limit.
Further, it brings administrative convenience both for the collector and the revenue as
it will be easy to correlate the actual receipt during the previous year with the tax so
collected during the same period.
Thus, the tax should be collected at the time of receipt of amount from the buyer if the
value of sale consideration received in a previous year exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs.
4. Is a non-resident, selling goods from outside India, required to collect tax at source under this section?
The definition of a buyer in Explanation to Section 206C(1H) specifically excludes ‘any
person importing goods into India’ from its ambit. Hence, the obligation to collect tax at source is not triggered in the hands of the non-resident seller.
person importing goods into India’ from its ambit. Hence, the obligation to collect tax at source is not triggered in the hands of the non-resident seller.
The term ‘goods’ is not defined in the Income-tax Act. The term ‘goods’ is of wide
import. Anything which comes to the market can be treated as goods. However, this
term ‘Goods’ has been defined under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 and Central Goods
and Services Tax Act, 2017.
6. Whether a transaction in securities through stock exchanges shall be subject to TCS under this provision?
6. Whether a transaction in securities through stock exchanges shall be subject to TCS under this provision?
Concerns have been raised about the applicability of the TCS provision in respect of
transactions through stock exchanges (or commodity exchange)as there is no one-to one contract between the buyers and sellers.
The CBDT has clarified that provisions of this section shall not be applicable in
relation to transactions in securities (and commodities) which are traded through
recognized stock exchanges or cleared and settled by the recognized clearing
corporation, including recognized stock exchanges or recognized clearing
corporations located in International Financial Service Centre (IFSC).
7. Whether TCS to be collected on the sale of immovable property by a developer?
As referred to above, ‘goods’ means every kind of movable property subject to certain exceptions and inclusions. Thus, the immovable property shall not be treated as ‘goods’. Consequently, the TCS shall not be collected from the sale of immovable property by a developer.
8. Whether TCS shall be collected on the sale of a motor vehicle?
7. Whether TCS to be collected on the sale of immovable property by a developer?
As referred to above, ‘goods’ means every kind of movable property subject to certain exceptions and inclusions. Thus, the immovable property shall not be treated as ‘goods’. Consequently, the TCS shall not be collected from the sale of immovable property by a developer.
8. Whether TCS shall be collected on the sale of a motor vehicle?
There is a specific provision in Section 206C(1F) for the collection of tax on the sale of
a motor vehicle. Under this provision, the tax shall be collected from every buyer who
pays any amount as consideration for the purchase of motor vehicle of value
exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs. The Finance Act 2020 has introduced a general provision for
collection of TCS on sale of goods under section 206C(1H). This provision specifically
excludes TCS on motor vehicle, which is covered under section 206C(1F), from its
ambit.
Vide Circular No. 22/2016, dated 8-6-2016, the CBDT has clarified that the provisions of Section 206C(1F) will not apply on sale of motor vehicles by manufacturers to dealers/distributors. The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020 now clarifies that the tax shall be collected under Section 206C(1F) in the case of sale of a motor vehicle to a consumer (B2C), and sub-section (1H) shall apply for the sale of motor vehicle to the dealers or distributors (B2B). Hence, the sale of Motor vehicles to dealers which is not covered in section 1(F) shall be subject to TCS under this new provision. Further, sales to consumer where the consideration for a single vehicle is less than Rs. 10 lakhs but the aggregate value of which exceeds Rs. 50 Lakhs during a previous year, it shall be subject to TCS under this new provision.
9. Whether TCS is required to be collected on transaction in electricity?
Section 206(1H) provides for the collection of tax on the sale consideration received
for the sale of goods. The Apex Court in the case of State of Andhra Pradesh v. National
Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) (2002) 5 SCC 203, held that electricity is a movable property though it is not tangible. It is a 'good'. Further, Custom Tariff Act has covered ‘Electricity’ under heading 2716 00 00, which also clarifies that Electricity is a goods. Thus, it is clear that electricity is a good. Thus, the tax shall be collected from the consideration received in respect of the transaction in electricity.
Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) (2002) 5 SCC 203, held that electricity is a movable property though it is not tangible. It is a 'good'. Further, Custom Tariff Act has covered ‘Electricity’ under heading 2716 00 00, which also clarifies that Electricity is a goods. Thus, it is clear that electricity is a good. Thus, the tax shall be collected from the consideration received in respect of the transaction in electricity.
A transaction in electricity can be undertaken either by way of direct purchase from
the company engaged in generation of electricity or through power exchanges. The
CBDT has clarified that the transaction in electricity, renewable energy certificates
and energy-saving certificates traded through power exchanges registered under
Regulation 21 of the CERC shall be out of the scope of TCS under this provision. Thus,
it can be concluded that tax is required to be collected where electricity is purchased
directly from electricity generation companies.
10.
Whether Fuel supplied to non-resident airlines be subject to TCS under this provision?
A concern has been raised whether the tax should be collected from the supply of fuel to non-resident airlines. The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020 has clarified that the provisions of this section shall not apply on the sale consideration received from the fuel supplied to non-resident airlines at airports in India.
11. Whether TCS should be collected on the sale of software?
A concern has been raised whether the tax should be collected from the supply of fuel to non-resident airlines. The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020 has clarified that the provisions of this section shall not apply on the sale consideration received from the fuel supplied to non-resident airlines at airports in India.
11. Whether TCS should be collected on the sale of software?
Taxation of software has always been a subject of debate under the Income-tax Laws.
The issue was also litigative under the erstwhile indirect tax laws (VAT, Service Tax
etc.) where states were levying VAT on the sale of goods and Centre were levying
service-tax on the provision of services. With the passage of time, the Judiciary has
laid down some principles, which enable the taxpayers, to determine when the
supply of software would qualify as a supply of goods and when it would be a supply
of services. The issue is not much litigative under the GST regime as the tax rate in
both cases is the same.
However, in absence of any guidelines in the Income-tax, such classification has
always been a subject matter of litigation. The Finance Act 2012 has made the
clarificatory amendments in Section 9 to broaden the scope of taxation of royalty. This
has been clarified by the amendment that the consideration for the use or right to use
of computer software is a royalty. The factors of the medium, ownership, use or right
to use and location have been clarified as immaterial. The amendments have, thus,
given a new dimension to tax administration in the sphere of royalty taxation. The
payment towards royalty is subject to TDS under Section 194J or Section 195. The
provision of section 206C(1H) would not apply where the buyer is liable to deduct
tax at source on the purchase of goods from the seller and has deducted the tax at
source.
The Supreme Court in its landmark decision of Tata Consultancy Services v. State ofA.P
[2004] 141 Taxman 132 (SC) held that Canned software (off the shelf computer software) are 'goods' and as such assessable to sales tax. Hence, the requirement to collect TCS shall be decided on the basis whether the sale of software has been treated as ‘sale of goods’ or ‘sale of service’. If the same has been treated as a sale of service, it shall not be subject to TCS but the provisions of TDS under section 194J or 195, as the case may be, may apply. However, if the sale of software has been treated as a sale of goods then the seller shall be liable to collect TCS subject to the fulfilment of other conditions of this provision.
12. Whether TCS is liable to be collected on Sale of Jewellery by a Jeweller?
Up to the previous year 2016-17, Section 206C(1D) requires the collection of tax at source at the rate of 1% from the sale consideration received on cash sale of bullion, jewellery or any other goods or for providing any service. The aforesaid provision has been omitted by the Finance Act, 2017 with effect from 1-4-2017.
[2004] 141 Taxman 132 (SC) held that Canned software (off the shelf computer software) are 'goods' and as such assessable to sales tax. Hence, the requirement to collect TCS shall be decided on the basis whether the sale of software has been treated as ‘sale of goods’ or ‘sale of service’. If the same has been treated as a sale of service, it shall not be subject to TCS but the provisions of TDS under section 194J or 195, as the case may be, may apply. However, if the sale of software has been treated as a sale of goods then the seller shall be liable to collect TCS subject to the fulfilment of other conditions of this provision.
12. Whether TCS is liable to be collected on Sale of Jewellery by a Jeweller?
Up to the previous year 2016-17, Section 206C(1D) requires the collection of tax at source at the rate of 1% from the sale consideration received on cash sale of bullion, jewellery or any other goods or for providing any service. The aforesaid provision has been omitted by the Finance Act, 2017 with effect from 1-4-2017.
The Finance Act 2020 has introduced a general provision for collection of TCS on sale
of goods. Jewellery, being a movable property, is covered within the term goods.
There is no specific exclusion under Section 206C(1H) for collection of TCS on sale of
jewellery. Thus, a Jeweller shall be liable for the collection of tax if other conditions
are also fulfilled.
13.
Whether TCS is liable to be collected from re-sale of goods?
Under Section 206C(1H), a person shall be treated as a seller if the total sales, gross receipts or turnover of the business carried on by him exceeds the threshold limit. Once a person is qualified as a seller he will be liable for the collection of tax where the value or aggregate of the value of sale consideration received exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs in any previous year, irrespective of the fact that the sale is in course of the business or not. Thus, where a person, who is re-selling the goods, falls within the definition of the seller, he will be liable for the collection of tax. However, if a person, re-selling the goods, is not engaged in carrying on of any business, no tax shall be collected under this provision.
Example, Mr A (a salaried person) buys jewellery of Rs. 60 lakhs from a Jeweller. The Jeweller collects a tax of Rs. 1,000 (0.1% of Rs. 10 lakhs) under section 206C(1H). If Mr A re-sells the jewellery for Rs. 70 lakhs to the same jeweller, he shall not be liable to collect tax as he is not engaged in any business or profession.
14. Whether additional, allied and out-of-pocket expenses form part of sale consideration?
Under Section 206C(1H), a person shall be treated as a seller if the total sales, gross receipts or turnover of the business carried on by him exceeds the threshold limit. Once a person is qualified as a seller he will be liable for the collection of tax where the value or aggregate of the value of sale consideration received exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs in any previous year, irrespective of the fact that the sale is in course of the business or not. Thus, where a person, who is re-selling the goods, falls within the definition of the seller, he will be liable for the collection of tax. However, if a person, re-selling the goods, is not engaged in carrying on of any business, no tax shall be collected under this provision.
Example, Mr A (a salaried person) buys jewellery of Rs. 60 lakhs from a Jeweller. The Jeweller collects a tax of Rs. 1,000 (0.1% of Rs. 10 lakhs) under section 206C(1H). If Mr A re-sells the jewellery for Rs. 70 lakhs to the same jeweller, he shall not be liable to collect tax as he is not engaged in any business or profession.
14. Whether additional, allied and out-of-pocket expenses form part of sale consideration?
It is imperative to accurately determine the amount of sales consideration as it is
relevant both for the applicability of the provision and amount from which tax should
be collected. Additional, allied or out-of-pocket charges recovered from the
customers may or may not form part of the sale consideration. Where these expenses
have been reflected in the sales invoice itself, it should form part of the sale
consideration. If they are charged through a separate invoice, it should not form part
of the sale consideration.
15. At what rate tax is to be collected?
15. At what rate tax is to be collected?
The tax shall be collected by the seller of goods at the rate of 0.1% of the sale consideration exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs if the buyer has furnished his PAN or Aadhaar, otherwise, the tax shall be collected at the rate of 1%. The rate shall not be further increased by Surcharge and Health & Education Cess if the sum is collected from a resident person. However, the rate of TCS shall be increased by the applicable surcharge and health and education cess if the payee is a non-resident person or a foreign company.
To provide more funds at the disposal of the taxpayers for dealing with the economic situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of TCS for the specified receipts have been reduced by 25% for the period from 14-05-2020 to 31-03-2021 vide The Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of certain provisions) Act, 2020. Hence, the rate of TCS on sale of goods shall be 0.075% till 31-03-2021. However, if the buyer does not submit the PAN or Aadhaar the benefit of the reduced rate shall not be available.
16. From which date the threshold limit of Rs. 50 lakhs will be computed?
The Finance Act 2020 inserted sub-section (1H) in section 206C, with effect from 01-
10-2020, to provide for the collection of tax on certain sales. The TCS has to be
collected if the value or aggregate of the value of the sale consideration received
during the previous year exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs. How this limit of Rs. 50 Lakh for
collecting TCS shall be reckoned for the financial year 2020-21? Should it be from 01-
04-2020 or 01-10-2020?
The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020, has clarified that since the threshold of Rs. 50 lakhs is with respect to the previous year, calculation of sale consideration for triggering TCS under this provision shall be computed from 01-04-2020. Hence, if a seller has already received Rs. 50 lakhs or more up to 30-09-2020 from a buyer, TCS under this provision shall apply on all receipts of sale consideration on or after 01-10- 2020.
17. Whether TCS is to be collected on the total invoice value including the GST?
Section 206C(1H) provides that TCS shall be collected on the consideration for "sale of any goods". Thus, in common parlance, the price bargained for the goods could be regarded as consideration of goods. The question arises whether the GST shall form part of the consideration or not.
The requirement to collect TCS under this provision arises if the sale consideration
received during the previous years exceeds the threshold. The collection is to be made
at the time of receipt of the consideration for the sale of goods. Since the loan received
from the buyers is not a consideration towards the sale of goods, it shall remain
outside the purview of this provision. Hence, there is no requirement to collect TCS
on loan received from the buyer. However, if at any future date, such loan amount is
settled against sales consideration the liability to collect TCS shall arise. The tax shall
be collected on the date on which parties agreed to adjust the loan amount against the
outstanding liability.
The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020, has clarified that since the threshold of Rs. 50 lakhs is with respect to the previous year, calculation of sale consideration for triggering TCS under this provision shall be computed from 01-04-2020. Hence, if a seller has already received Rs. 50 lakhs or more up to 30-09-2020 from a buyer, TCS under this provision shall apply on all receipts of sale consideration on or after 01-10- 2020.
17. Whether TCS is to be collected on the total invoice value including the GST?
Section 206C(1H) provides that TCS shall be collected on the consideration for "sale of any goods". Thus, in common parlance, the price bargained for the goods could be regarded as consideration of goods. The question arises whether the GST shall form part of the consideration or not.
The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020, has clarified that since the collection
is made with reference to receipt of the amount of sale consideration, no adjustment
on account of indirect taxes including GST is required to be made for the collection of
tax under this provision. Thus, TCS is required to be collected on the sale
consideration inclusive of GST.
18. Whether TCS has to be collected on advance received from the buyer?
18. Whether TCS has to be collected on advance received from the buyer?
TCS under section 206C(1H) is required to be collected on consideration received for
the sale of goods. Section 4(3) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, provides that where
under a contract of sale the property in the goods is transferred from the seller to the
buyer, the contract is called a ‘sale’, but where the transfer of the property in the goods
is to take place at a future time or subject to some condition thereafter to be fulfilled,
the contract is called an ‘agreement to sell’.
Section 206C(1H) provides that tax is required to be collected where the amount is received as consideration for the sale of goods. It does not mention whether such sale needs to be effected immediately or at a future date. As the tax is required to be collected at the time of receipt of consideration, it should be reasonable to conclude that the provision may get attracted even if such sale happened in past, happens in present or would happen in future. Further, the CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29- 09-2020, has clarified that TCS is required to be collected under this provision from the advance received for sale.
As long as the intention is to adjust the advance payment against the future sale of goods, the tax should be collected at the time of receipt of consideration. If the advance payment is not made with an intention to adjust it against future sale (deposit or loan) but eventually it is adjusted against the future sale, no tax is required to be collected at the time of receipt of such advance.
Section 206C(1H) provides that tax is required to be collected where the amount is received as consideration for the sale of goods. It does not mention whether such sale needs to be effected immediately or at a future date. As the tax is required to be collected at the time of receipt of consideration, it should be reasonable to conclude that the provision may get attracted even if such sale happened in past, happens in present or would happen in future. Further, the CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29- 09-2020, has clarified that TCS is required to be collected under this provision from the advance received for sale.
As long as the intention is to adjust the advance payment against the future sale of goods, the tax should be collected at the time of receipt of consideration. If the advance payment is not made with an intention to adjust it against future sale (deposit or loan) but eventually it is adjusted against the future sale, no tax is required to be collected at the time of receipt of such advance.
19. Whether advance received before 01-10-2020 for sale to be made after this date will be subjected to TCS?
The CBDT vide Circular No. 17, dated 29-09-2020 has clarified that provisions of
section 206C(1H) shall not apply on any consideration received before 01-10-2020.
Consequently, it would apply on all sale consideration, including advance received
for sale, received on or after 01-10-2020 even if the sale was carried out before 01-10-
2020.
In simple words, the tax should be collected where the amount is received on or after
01-10-2020. Thus, where the trigger event (i.e., receipt of sale consideration) has
occurred before the date of applicability of provision, no liability to collect tax will
arise. On the contrary, where the sale has been made before the date of applicability
of the provision but the sale consideration is received after the said date, the same
shall be subject to TCS.20. Whether the amount received as loan from buyer shall come within the ambit of this provision?
21.
Whether tax to be collected on the transfer of goods from one branch to another?
The TCS under this section is required to be collected by any person, being a seller
receiving consideration for the sale of goods. Thus, the existence of two distinct
parties as ‘seller’ and ‘buyer’ is a pre-requisite to construe a transaction as a sale. The
condition of sale is not fulfilled in the context of branch transfer. Therefore, the
provisions of this section shall not apply in the case of branch transfers.
22. What shall be the treatment of credit note for computation of TCS?
22. What shall be the treatment of credit note for computation of TCS?
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