1. Which firm is to be assessed as FIRM ? [Section 184]
A firm shall be assessed as firm for its assessment under this Act if —
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A partnership is evidenced by an instrument, and
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The individual shares of the partners are specified in that instrument.
2. Instrument of Partnership.
It is the written partnership agreement entered into by partners. It has to be signed and certified by all the existing partners (except minors). In case firm has been dissolved before filing of return of income—it should be signed by all those persons who were partners in the firm immediately before its dissolution and in case partner has died the instrument must be signed by his legal representatives immediately before its dissolution as in case partner has died the instrument must be signed by his legal representatives.
3. When instrument of Partnership is to be Submitted?
The Section 184(2) of the Act provides that a certified copy of the instrument of partnership must accompany the return of the income of the firm of the previous year relevant to the assessment year 1993-94 or the assessment year in respect. of which assessment as a firm is first sought.
4. Change in Constitution of Firm?
When a firm is assessed as firm for any assessment year it shall be assessed in same capacity for every subsequent year unless there is change in the constitution of firm or in the share of partners as evidenced by the instrument of partnership submitted along with return for first assessment. [Section 184(3)]
In case any change has taken place during the previous year the firm shall furnish a certified copy for the previous year in which such change takes place. In suôh case the firm will continue to be assessed as firm. [Section 184(4)]
5. Meaning of Change in Constitution of Firm [Section 187]
In following two circumstances a change can occur in the constitution of firm:
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If one or more of the partners cease to be partners (one or more partners quit or retire from the firm) or one or more new partners are admitted but one or more of the old partners are still continuing with the firm after the change.
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where all the partners continue with a change in their respective shares or in the shares of some of them.
In other words, if during the previous year one or more partners but not all have retired or one or more partners have joined the partnership or there is a change in the profit sharing ratio of the partners, it amounts to a change in the constitution of the firm.
6. Succession of One Firm by Another Firm (Sec. 188)
When a firm is succeeded by another firm it results into the finishing of the firm or predecessor firm gives birth to a new firm. As it is not covered by section 187, so separate assessments shall be made on the predecessor firm on its income earned before the transfer of ownership and the successor firm shall be assessed on its income after the transfer. of ownership.
7. Liability of Partners for Tax Payable by Firm [Section 188A]
It is the joint as well as several liability of all those persons who were partners of the firm during relevant previous year or in case of death of a partner their legal representatives to pay the amount of tax, interest or penalty or other sum payable by the firm for the relevant assessment year under all the provisions of this Act.
8. Firm Dissolved or Business Discontinued
Where any firm is dissolved or business discontinued, the firm shall be assessed by the Assessing Officer on its total income as if no such discontinuance or dissolution had taken place. The notices . may be issued in the name of the dissolved firm and the assessment be made in the name of the discontinued firm. [Section 189(1)1.
In case during the proceedings before Assessing officer, or the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner (Appeals) the firm is found guilty of any acts as given u/s 271 to 275 the penalty can be imposed on such firms. [Section 189(2)]
Every person who at the time of such discontinuance or dissolution was a partner of the firm, or the legal representative of any such person who is deceased, shall be jointly and severally liable for the amount of tax, penalty and any other sum payable under the provisions of this Act. [Section 189(3)]
Where such discontinuance or dissolution takes place after any proceedings in respect of an assessment year have commenced the proceedings may be continued for the persons referred above from the stage at which they stood at the time of such dissolution or discontinuance. [Section 189(4)]
9. Book Profit
‘Book Profit’ means the net profit of the firm calculated after taking into account all provisions provided in sections 28 to 44D. While calculating hook proft, following points are to be kept in mind.
The resulting amount is “Book Profit”.
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First of all find out the profit as per given in the Profit and Loss Account.
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Deduct all other incomes credited to P & L A/c but are to be treated under other heads of incomes.
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Add all payments or remunerations like salary, commission etc. given to all partners of the firm if already debited to P. & L. A/c.
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Add interest on capital given to all partners in excess of 12%.
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