Section 9 of the Income Tax Act is a crucial provision that defines the scope of taxation of income earned by non-residents in India. This section lays down the principles for determining the source of income and its taxability in India. In this blog, we will discuss the provisions of Section 9 and its implications for non-residents.
Section 9(1)(i) of the Income Tax Act specifies that all income accruing or arising, whether directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India, or through or from any property in India, or through or from any asset or source of income in India, shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India and shall be subject to tax in India.
Business Connection in India
A business connection in India refers to any business activity that creates a connection between a non-resident and India. Such business activities may include carrying on a trade, profession, or business in India, having an agent in India who habitually exercises the authority to conclude contracts, or having a dependent agent in India who acts on behalf of the non-resident.
The income arising from such business connections is taxable in India, even if the non-resident does not have a physical presence in India.
Income from Property in India
Income from any property situated in India, whether it is a building, land, or any other asset, is also subject to tax in India. This includes rental income, capital gains on the sale of property, and any other income derived from such property.
Asset or Source of Income in India
Any asset or source of income located in India is also subject to tax in India. This includes royalties, interest, and other forms of income earned from Indian sources.
Exceptions to Section 9
There are some exceptions to Section 9. For instance, if the non-resident’s business activities in India are limited to the purchase of goods or merchandise for export, or if the non-resident is engaged in the business of operating ships or aircraft, the income derived from such activities may not be subject to tax in India.
The primary objective of Section 9 is to ensure that non-residents who earn income from sources in India are subject to Indian taxation. The section applies to all non-residents, whether they are individuals, companies, or other entities, and regardless of their country of residence.
Business Connection
One of the critical concepts under Section 9 is that of a “business connection.” A business connection can arise in various ways, such as having an office, factory, or place of business in India, or through an agent who habitually exercises authority to conclude contracts on behalf of the non-resident in India. The concept of business connection is essential as it helps to determine whether a non-resident’s income is taxable in India or not.
Property in India
Another aspect of Section 9 pertains to income derived from property situated in India. This includes rental income from real estate, income from the transfer of real estate, and any other income derived from property situated in India. The income earned from property in India is deemed to accrue or arise in India and is, therefore, taxable in India.
Asset or Source of Income in India
Section 9 also covers income arising from any asset or source of income located in India. This includes royalties, interest, fees for technical services, and any other income earned from Indian sources.
Exceptions to Section 9
While Section 9 broadly covers all non-residents who earn income from India, there are some exceptions. For instance, if a non-resident’s business activities in India are limited to the purchase of goods for export, or if they are engaged in the business of operating ships or aircraft, the income derived from such activities may not be subject to tax in India.
Implications for Non-Residents
Non-residents earning income from India need to comply with the provisions of Section 9. They are required to file income tax returns in India and pay tax on their income earned in India. Failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9 can result in penalties, fines, and other legal consequences.
Conclusion
Section 9 of the Income Tax Act is a crucial provision that helps to ensure that non-residents who earn income from India are subject to Indian taxation. It is essential for non-residents to understand the provisions of Section 9 and comply with them to avoid any legal consequences. If you are a non-resident earning income from India, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a tax expert to understand your tax liabilities and comply with Indian tax laws.
Read more useful content:
- section 234e of income tax act
- section 286 of income tax act
- section 90a of income tax act
- section 40a(7) of income tax act
- section 226(3) of income tax act
- section 24 of income tax act
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Section 9 of the Income Tax Act?
A: Section 9 of the Income Tax Act lays down the principles for determining the source of income and its taxability in India for non-residents.
Q: Who does Section 9 apply to?
A: Section 9 applies to all non-residents, whether they are individuals, companies, or other entities, and regardless of their country of residence.
Q: What is a business connection?
A: A business connection refers to any business activity that creates a connection between a non-resident and India, such as having an office, factory, or place of business in India, or through an agent who habitually exercises authority to conclude contracts on behalf of the non-resident in India.
Q: What income is deemed to accrue or arise in India under Section 9?
A: All income accruing or arising, whether directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India, or through or from any property in India, or through or from any asset or source of income in India, is deemed to accrue or arise in India and is subject to tax in India.
Q: What income earned from property in India is subject to tax under Section 9?
A: Income from any property situated in India, such as rental income, capital gains on the sale of property, and any other income derived from such property, is subject to tax in India.
Q: What income arising from an asset or source of income in India is subject to tax under Section 9?
A: Any income earned from Indian sources, such as royalties, interest, fees for technical services, and any other income earned from Indian sources, is subject to tax in India.
Q: Are there any exceptions to Section 9?
A: Yes, there are some exceptions to Section 9. For instance, if a non-resident’s business activities in India are limited to the purchase of goods for export, or if they are engaged in the business of operating ships or aircraft, the income derived from such activities may not be subject to tax in India.
Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance with Section 9?
A: Failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9 can result in penalties, fines, and other legal consequences.
Q: Do non-residents need to file income tax returns in India if they earn income from India?
A: Yes, non-residents earning income from India need to file income tax returns in India and pay tax on their income earned in India.
