Question

Is it mandatory for an assessee to claim depreciation under 32 of the income tax

Answer 1

Depreciation – a non-cash expenditure allowed under Income Tax Act, 1961 following block concept. Under the block concept, all the assets falling within the same class and subject to same rate of depreciation are clubbed together and considered as single asset. Any alterations to the value of the block have to be strictly in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV D of Income Tax Act, 1961.

As per section 32 of Income Tax Act, 1961, a assessee is entitled to claim depreciation on fixed assets only if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. Assessee must be owner of the asset – registered owner need not be necessary.

2. The asset must be used for the purposes of business or profession.

3. The asset must be used during the previous year.