INCOME BY WAY OF ROYALTIES AND FEES FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES IN CASE OF NON-RESIDENTS – SECTION 44DA OF INCOME TAX ACT
SECTION 44DA OF INCOME TAX ACT – ELIGIBLE ASSESSEE
In certain cases, a non-resident may derive certain income, which is in the nature of fee for Technical Services. Additionally, such a non-resident may also have a permanent establishment in India. The question which arises is, how would such income be taxable in India ?
Section 44DA of Income Tax Act provides method of computation of “income by way of royalty or fees for technical services” in such cases. It is applicable, when the following conditions are satisfied : –
a. Royalty or FTS arises from the agreement made by the non-resident with the Indian company or Government of India after 31.03.2003.
b. Such non-resident carries on business in India through permanent establishment or profession in India through fixed base.
c. The right, property or contract in respect of which the royalty or fees for technical services are paid is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base.The time effectively connected implies, that royalty fee for Technical Services arise due to activities which are connected to the permanent establishment in India.
EXPENSES NOT ALLOWED AS DEDUCTION
While computing income under Section 44DA, following expenses are not allowed as deduction: –
a. Any expenditure which is not wholly and exclusively incurred for such permanent establishment or fixed place of service in India
b. Any amount paidby the permanent establishment to head office or to any of its other offices. However, Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred by HO on behalf of the PE are allowed as a deduction.
NON-APPLICABILITY OF SECTION 44BB
In case a has certain income by way of royalty or fees for technical services, for providing services in connection with extraction or production of oil, etc., they cannot opt for presumptive taxation provision under Section 44BB, in relation to such income , which is covered under this Section.
REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND GET THEM AUDITED
The non-resident is mandatorily required to keep and maintain the books of account under section 44AA, and get them audited and furnish a report of such audit under Section 44AB.