Facts:
a) The issue raised in this appeal related to charging of fees payable under section 234E prior to amendment to section 200A(1)(c) [vide Finance Act, 2015 w.e.f. 01.06.2015], while processing the TDS returns.
b) The assessee also pointed that the Legislature had inserted clause (c) in section 200A(1) of the Act specifically w.e.f. 01.06.2015 and there was nothing to suggest that the said amendment was clarificatory or retrospective in nature. Hence, in respect of TDS statements filed for the period prior to 01.06.2015, late fees under section 234E could not be levied in the intimation issued under section 200A.
The ITAT held in favour of assessee as under:
1) Where the TDS return could not be filed before the prescribed authority within stipulated time, the assessee was liable to levy of fees under section 234E.
