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Section 44DA Section 56

Special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents

RetainedCritical - The dividing line between passive income and active business income for MNCs.

Quick Answer

Section 44DA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents) corresponds to Section 56 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective 1st April 2026. Status: Retained.

What changed for Section 44DA

Section 44DA of the 1961 Act sets out the rules on special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents. If a non-resident earns royalty or FTS connected to a Permanent Establishment (PE) in India, it is taxed as Business Income (PGBP) rather than at flat special rates.

Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 (effective 1st April 2026), Section 44DA is retained and renumbered as Section 56 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. Retained. Ensures that foreign companies with a physical/digital presence in India cannot exploit lower treaty rates meant for passive income.

The transition impact on Section 44DA is assessed as Critical. The dividing line between passive income and active business income for MNCs.

Old Law (ITA 1961)Ch: IV-D

Sec 44DA

Provision Summary

If a non-resident earns royalty or FTS connected to a Permanent Establishment (PE) in India, it is taxed as Business Income (PGBP) rather than at flat special rates.

New Law (ITA 2025)Ch: VI

Sec 56

Provision Summary

Retained. Ensures that foreign companies with a physical/digital presence in India cannot exploit lower treaty rates meant for passive income.

Key Changes & Highlights

  • Definition of PE actively aligns with new digital presence rules.

Related Sections

Frequently Asked Questions

Which subject does Section 44DA of the 1961 Act cover?

Section 44DA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 covers special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents. If a non-resident earns royalty or FTS connected to a Permanent Establishment (PE) in India, it is taxed as Business Income (PGBP) rather than at flat special rates.

What is the new section number for Section 44DA under the Income-tax Act, 2025?

Section 44DA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 maps to Section 56 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective 1st April 2026 (status: Retained). Retained. Ensures that foreign companies with a physical/digital presence in India cannot exploit lower treaty rates meant for passive income.

How does the Income-tax Act, 2025 affect Section 44DA in practice?

The transition impact for Section 44DA is rated Critical. The dividing line between passive income and active business income for MNCs.

What is new about Section 44DA under the Income-tax Act, 2025?

Definition of PE actively aligns with new digital presence rules. These points are specific to Section 44DA (Special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents).

Disclaimer: This mapping of Section 44DA (Special provision for computing income by way of royalties, etc., in case of non-residents) to Section 56 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 is for educational and reference purposes only, based on publicly available drafts and circulars. As Section 44DA is currently marked Retained, always confirm its treatment with a qualified Chartered Accountant before filing or making compliance decisions.

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