Section 115BAA of Income Tax Act 1961

Section 115BAA of Income Tax Act 1961

Tax on income of certain domestic companies

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act but subject to the provisions of this Chapter, other than those mentioned under section 115BA and section 115BAB, the income-tax payable in respect of the total income of a person, being a domestic company, for any previous year relevant to the assessment year beginning on or after the 1st day of April, 2020, shall, at the option of such person, be computed at the rate of twenty-two per cent, if the conditions contained in sub-section (2) are satisfied:

Provided that where the person fails to satisfy the conditions contained in sub-section (2) in any previous year, the option shall become invalid in respect of the assessment year relevant to that previous year and subsequent assessment years and other provisions of the Act shall apply, as if the option had not been exercised for the assessment year relevant to that previous year and subsequent assessment years.

(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the total income of the company shall be computed,—

  (i) without any deduction under the provisions of section 10AA or clause (iia) of sub-section (1) of section 32 or section 32AD or section 33AB or section 33ABA or sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause (iia) or sub-clause (iii) of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2AA) or sub-section (2AB) of section 35 or section 35AD or section 35CCC or section 35CCD or under any provisions of Chapter VI-A other than the provisions of section 80JJAA or section 80M;

 (ii) without set off of any loss carried forward or depreciation from any earlier assessment year, if such loss or depreciation is attributable to any of the deductions referred to in clause (i);

(iii) without set off of any loss or allowance for unabsorbed depreciation deemed so under section 72A, if such loss or depreciation is attributable to any of the deductions referred to in clause (i); and

(iv) by claiming the depreciation, if any, under any provision of section 32, except clause (iia) of sub-section (1) of the said section, determined in such manner as may be prescribed.

(3) The loss and depreciation referred to in clause (ii) and clause (iii) of sub-section (2) shall be deemed to have been given full effect to and no further deduction for such loss or depreciation shall be allowed for any subsequent year:

Provided that where there is a depreciation allowance in respect of a block of asset which has not been given full effect to prior to the assessment year beginning on the 1st day of April, 2020, corresponding adjustment shall be made to the written down value of such block of assets as on the 1st day of April, 2019 in the prescribed manner, if the option under sub-section (5) is exercised for a previous year relevant to the assessment year beginning on the 1st day of April, 2020.

(4) In case of a person, having a Unit in the International Financial Services Centre, as referred to in sub-section (1A) of section 80LA, which has exercised option under sub-section (5), the conditions contained in sub-section (2) shall be modified to the extent that the deduction under section 80LA shall be available to such Unit subject to fulfilment of the conditions contained in the said section.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the term “Unit” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (zc) of section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 (28 of 2005).

(5) Nothing contained in this section shall apply unless the option is exercised by the person in the prescribed manner69 on or before the due date specified under sub-section (1) of section 139 for furnishing the returns of income for any previous year relevant to the assessment year commencing on or after the 1st day of April, 2020 and such option once exercised shall apply to subsequent assessment years:

Provided that in case of a person, where the option exercised by it under section 115BAB has been rendered invalid due to violation of conditions contained in sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause (iii) of clause (a), or clause (b) of sub-section (2) of said section, such person may exercise option under this section:

Provided further that once the option has been exercised for any previous year, it cannot be subsequently withdrawn for the same or any other previous year.

Understanding Section 115BAA of the Income Tax Act 1961: A Guide to Lowered Corporate Tax Rates for Indian Companies

Key Takeaways:

  • Concessional Tax Rate for Domestic Companies: Section 115BAA offers eligible domestic companies the option to pay income tax at a reduced rate of 22%.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Domestic company incorporated in India
    • Not claiming specific deductions (e.g., Section 10AA, 32AD, 33AB)
    • Not carrying forward certain losses or depreciation
  • Key Conditions:
    • Forego specified deductions mentioned in the Act
    • Opt for the scheme by the due date of filing income tax returns
    • Exercise is irreversible once opted
  • Benefits:
    • Reduced tax burden
    • Simplified compliance
    • Potential for increased competitiveness

Illustrative Example:

Scenario: An Indian-based manufacturing company with a total income of ₹10 crores opts for Section 115BAA.

Outcome:

  • Tax liability at a 22% rate: ₹2.2 crores
  • Potential savings compared to the standard 30% rate: ₹80 lakhs

 

Disclaimer:

To learn more one can refer the following resources:
1) Income tax efiling website
2) Income tax departement website

This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax advisor for accurate guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.