CBDT withdraws Circular on applicability of section 56(2)(viia) for shares issued by company in which public not substantially interested

CBDT withdraws controversial Circular No. 10/2018 on applicability of section 56(2)(viia) for shares issued by company in which public not substantially interested

F. No . 173/616/2018-ITA-I
Government  of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Direct Taxes
(ITA-I Division)

Circular  No. 02/2019
New Delhi, the 04 January, 2019

Sub: Withdrawal of Circular No. 10/2018 dated 31.12.2018  on applicability of section 56(2)(viia) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for issue of shares by a company in which public are not substantially interested-  reg.

Reference is invited to the Circular No. 10/2018 dated 31.12.2018 on the captioned  subject.

2. It has been brought to the notice of the Board that the matter relating to interpretation of the term “receives” used in section 56(2)(viia) of the lncome-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) is subjudice in certain higher judicial forums.

Further, representations have been received from stakeholders seeking clarification on other similar provisions in section 56 of the Act.

3. Accordingly, the matter has been reconsidered by the Board. Given the fact that the matter relating to interpretation of the term ‘receives’ used in section 56(2)(viia) of the Act is pending before judicial forums and stakeholders have sought clarifications on similar provisions in section 56 of the Act, the Board is of the view that the matter is required to be examined afresh so that a comprehensive circular on the matter can be issued.

4. In view of the above, the Circular 10/2018 dated 31st December, 2018 issued from file No. 173/616/2018-ITA-I is hereby withdrawn and the said circular shall be considered to have been never issued.

5. A fresh comprehensive circular on the subject shall be issued in due course.

(Rajarajeswari  R)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Download Circular No. 02/2019 Click Here >>

…………..End of circular …………….

Authors Note:

The CBDT had issued  the said Circular No. 10/2018 dated 31.12.2018 in which it was clarified that section 56(2)(viia) is an anti-abuse provision which applies only to the transfer of shares for no or inadequate consideration and not to a fresh issuance of shares.