Sir, I need your expert advice on Section 194 IA regarding TDS deduction on real estate transactions above 50 lakhs. I am a buyer of property. The seller (resident Indian,) is advising me not to deduct TDS on the transaction as he has a net loss in this transaction (House Property). He has further said that he has exemption under Section 197 to not get this TDS deducted. Can u pls advice?? As IT demand will be coming to me and I am not sure whether seller can get such exemption or not??
In view of saving citizens from the unwarranted exercise of deduction of tax, then claiming refund from the Government, Section 197 was introduced. This section empowers assessee for obtaining lower deduction certificate from the assessing officer. When assessee produces this certificate to the deductor, the deductor has to deduct the tax at the rates specified in the certificate.
However in Section 197 payments made under Section 194 IA is not covered, so the seller cannot apply for a lower deduction certificate.
Thus you have to deduct TDS and pay via Return cum challan on or before due dates to avoid penalty and interest.
Dear Sir,
As per the provision of section 194IA, any person responsible for paying to a resident any sum by way of consideration for transfer of any immovable property shall be liable to deduct tax @1%.
So, the liability to deduct tax is on the gross amount and the payer is not allowed to give any deductions.
Further, if the receiver has lower deduction certificate than tax should be deducted at such lower rate only if he produces such certificate to the payer.
Regards
CA. Sachin Sinha
9891315840
Hello Sir,
In your case it is preferred if you ask the seller to provide you a copy of the Lower Deduction Certificate and verify if it is for the purpose of Sale of Property.
If not, then straight away deduct 1% TDS and not take any liability on your name.
Trust this clarifies your query.
Feel free to call back/ get back in case of further clarifications.
Thanking You.
Regards,
Rohit R Sharma
BCOM, ACA, LLB-GEN, CERT. FAFP.