Allowability of Deductions u/s 10, 10A-Transfer-redeployment of technical manpower from the existing units in computer software development to its new SEZ unit allowed up to 20 percent

Note: CBDT in supression of this circular has increased the limit from 20% to 50% Circular 14/2014 Click Here >>

F No.178/84/2012-ITA.I

 ii)   it is not formed by the transfer to a new business, of machinery or plant previously used for any purpose.

2. In this regard,attention of the Board has been drawn to the issue of transfer/redeployment of technical man power from the existing units of an assessee engaged in computer software developmentto its new SEZ unit. This, at times, is considered as splitting up or reconstruction of the existing business by some of the assessing officers resulting in denial of benefit u/s 10AA of the Income-tax Act,1961 to the assessee.

3. It has been represented by the software industry that there is only a limited pool available with a software developer of skilled, talented and experienced manpower with domain knowledge. Given the highly technical and competitive nature of software development, some technical persons having prior experience are required to manage the critical functions of software  development in a new unit. It has thus been submitted that movement of technical manpower  from an existing unit to a new SEZ unit should not be a constraint in availing deduction u/s 10AA of the Income-tax Act. Attention has also been drawn to Instruction No.70 dated  09.11.2010 issued by the Ministry of Commerce which states that there is no bar on transfer of  manpower to SEZ units. It has also been submitted that while there is a specific prohibition on  transfer of plant or machinery from an existing unit to a new SEZ unit [Sec.10AA(4)(iii)],subject to a ceiling of 20 per cent, no such bar on transfer or redeployment of manpower has been explicitly laid down in the Section.

4. The matter has been examined in the Board. It is clarified that mere transfer or re-deploymentof existing technical manpower from an existing-unit to a new SEZ unit in the first year of  commencement of business will not be construed as splitting upor reconstruction of an existing business, provided the number of technical manpower so transferred does not exceed 20 per cent of the total technical manpower actually engaged in developing software at any point of time in the given year in the new unit.

5. This Circular shall be applicable only in the case of assesees engaged in the development of software or inproviding IT Enabled Services in SEZ units eligible for deduction u/s 10A or u/s 10AA of the Act.

[F.No.178/84/2012-ITA.I]

(Deepshikha Sharma)

Deputy Secretary to the Government of India