CBDT notifies Rule 6GB to prescribe conditions for applicability of presumptive taxation regime u/s 44BBC for non-resident cruise ship operators
As a measure to promote investment and employment, Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024 inter alia provided a presumptive taxation regime for non-residents, engaged in the business of operation of cruise ships. Further, exemption has been provided for any income of a foreign company from lease rentals of cruise ships, received from a related company which operates such ship or ships in India. Applicability of this presumptive taxation regime is subject to the conditions, as prescribed.
The CBDT vide Notification No. 9/2025 dated 21.01.2025 has prescribed the following conditions for applicability of presumptive taxation regime for non-resident cruise ship operators:-
(a) Operate a passenger ship having a carrying capacity of more than 200 passengers or length of 75 meters or more, for leisure and recreational purposes and having appropriate dining and cabin facilities for passengers;
(b) Operate such ship on scheduled voyage or shore excursion touching at least two sea ports of India or same sea ports of India twice;
(c) Operate such ship primarily for carrying passengers and not for carrying cargo; and
(d) Operate such ship as per the procedure and guidelines if any, issued by the Ministry of Tourism or Ministry of Shipping.
- First-time experience in filing appeal a reasonable & bona fide cause for delay
- Non-disclosure of destination place in documents no ground for seizure u/s 129 of GST Act.
- Charging of exorbitant interest in commercial transactions not against morality or justice
- Assessees not required to prove “source of the source‟ of funds Prior to Finance Act 2022
- During pendency before settlement commission, assessee have right to contest assessment


