Dcit , Tds Circle , Coimbatore vs M/S Kovai Medical Centre And Hospital ... on 12 April, 2023
23. Having heard both the sides and considered relevant
materials available on record, we find that AMC charges paid
by the appellant to various contractors is a simpliciter works
contract charges paid for repair and maintenance of medical
equipment, which cannot be considered as fees for technical
services as defined u/s. 194J of the Act, because said services
does not parse required specialized technical knowledge.
Further, this issue is also covered in favour of assessee by the
decision of the Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of CIT
vs Grant Medical Foundation (Supra), where it has been clearly
held that annual maintenance contract in respect of various
specialized hospital equipment is not be in nature of fees for
technical services. Hence, deduction of tax at source as
:-30-: ITA. No:1004/Chny/2022
contractor is held to be proper. Similar view has been taken
by the Hon'ble Bombay High Court in other case of CIT vs M/s.
Saifee Hospital reported in 262 Taxman 343 (Bom), wherein
the Hon'ble High Court held that payment for services
rendered towards maintenance of medical equipment, is
payment for work contract covered u/s. 194C of the Act and
the same does not involve any technical service, which would
require deduction of tax at source u/s. 194J of the Act. The
CBDT Circular No. 715 dated 08.08.1995, has also clarified the
applicability of TDS provisions in respect of payment made to
AMC provider by way of question no. 29 and answered that
routine, normal maintenance contract which includes supply of
spares will be covered u/s. 194C of the Act. From the above,
it is very clear that there is no error in the reasons given by
the CIT(A) to delete additions made towards short deduction
of TDS on payment made to AMC charges u/s. 201(1) and
interest thereon u/s. 201(1A) of the Act and thus, we are
inclined to uphold the findings of the ld. CIT(A) and reject
grounds taken by the revenue.