FAQ on Excise & Service Tax

Last updated: 09 November 2007

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Frequently Asked Questions on Excise & Service Tax

    * Which challans are to be used for payment of Excise and Service Tax?
    * Where can one obtain these Challans?
    * Can I Pay tax using the Old challan?
    * What is Challan Identification Number (CIN) and what is its relevance?
    * How will the acknowledgement stamp bearing the CIN look like?
    * What should I do if I have misplaced my acknowledgement counterfoil?
    * What would happen if I loose the paper token issued by the bank?

Which challans are to be used for payment of Excise and Service Tax?
Ans. Two new challan forms GAR-7 have been introduced by PR. CCA's office. From April 7, 2007, GAR-7 - Proforma for Central Excise Tax Payments is to be used for payment of Excise and GAR-7 - Proforma for Service Tax Payments is to be used for payment of Service Tax. These are single copy challans.

Where can one obtain these Challans?
Ans. Soft copies of these challans are available at NSDL (www.nsdl.co.in) and Central Board of Excise and Customs website ( www.cbec.gov.in ). Challans are also available with private vendors.

Can I pay tax using the old Challan?
Ans. From 1st April, 2007 it is mandatory to use challan no GAR-7 for payment of Excise and Service Tax.

What is Challan Identification Number (CIN) and what is its relevance?
Ans. Challan Identification Number (CIN) has three parts

    * Seven digit BSR code of the bank branch where tax is deposited
    * Date of Deposit (DD/MM/YY) of tax
    * Serial Number of Challan

CIN is stamped on the acknowledgement receipt to uniquely identify the tax payment. CIN has to be quoted in the return of income as a proof of payment. CIN is also to be quoted in any further enquiry. Therefore, you must ensure that CIN (comprising the above three parts) is stamped on the Challan by the bank. If not, immediately contact the bank manager and insist on CIN.
The Reserve Bank of India has already passed an order dated April 1, 2004 making it compulsory for all tax collecting branches of banks to use a rubber stamp acknowledgement that carries CIN. A separate CIN is given for each challan deposited. If the Bank Manager is unable to resolve the issue, you should address your grievance to the Bank's Regional Manager and the Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India for redressal.

How will the acknowledgement stamp bearing the CIN look like?
Ans.The Acknowledgement stamp of the bank will contain the following information:

    * Bank Branch Name
    * BSR (7 digit)
    * Deposit Date (DDMMYY)
    * Serial No.



What should I do if I have misplaced my acknowledgement counterfoil?
Ans.Kindly approach the bank where you have deposited the tax and request them to issue you a certificate which contains your payment particulars including CIN.

What would happen if I loose the paper token issued by the bank?
Ans. Each bank follows its own procedure so you may contact the branch manager of the bank.

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CA. V.M.V.SUBBA RAO