03 September 2012
Dear Colleagues, Can anybody provide me the full detail procedure under service tax act when Department goes into appeal against the order of Adjudicating authority(DC), Now how assessee would proceed ? what are the time limits?
Email : cagagan.singh@gmail.com Mobile : +91-9814943060
14 July 2024
When the Department (Service Tax Department) decides to appeal against the order of the Adjudicating Authority (Designated Committee - DC), the procedure for the assessee (the entity against whom the order is issued) typically involves the following steps:
1. **Receipt of Order and Notice of Appeal**: The assessee will receive a copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority (DC). Along with this, they will also receive a Notice of Appeal issued by the Service Tax Department informing them of their intention to appeal the order to the higher appellate authority.
2. **Review the Order**: The assessee should carefully review the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority (DC) to understand the basis on which it was decided against them. This review is crucial to prepare for the appeal process.
3. **Consultation with Legal Counsel**: It is advisable for the assessee to engage legal counsel who specializes in tax matters, particularly service tax, to advise them on the next steps and to represent them during the appeal process.
4. **Prepare Appeal Response**: Based on the findings of the Adjudicating Authority's order and in consultation with legal counsel, the assessee will prepare a response to the appeal filed by the Service Tax Department. This response should include legal arguments, relevant case laws, and factual grounds supporting their position.
5. **Submission of Appeal Response**: The prepared response needs to be submitted to the appellate authority within the prescribed time limit. Typically, this time limit is 60 days from the date of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, but it's important to verify the specific time limit applicable in your jurisdiction and under the Service Tax Act.
6. **Attend Hearings (if any)**: Depending on the appellate procedure, there may be hearings scheduled where both parties (assessee and Service Tax Department) present their arguments before the appellate authority. It is essential for the assessee and their legal counsel to attend these hearings and present their case effectively.
7. **Decision by Appellate Authority**: After considering all arguments and evidence presented by both parties, the appellate authority will pass a final order either upholding, modifying, or overturning the order of the Adjudicating Authority (DC).
**Time Limits and Compliance**: - The assessee must adhere to the time limits specified for filing their response to the appeal. Failure to do so may result in adverse consequences, including a decision in favor of the Service Tax Department by default. - It's crucial to stay updated with any changes in procedural rules or time limits specific to service tax appeals, as these may vary based on amendments to the Service Tax Act or local regulations.
In summary, when the Service Tax Department appeals against the order of the Adjudicating Authority (DC), the assessee should promptly review the order, engage legal counsel, prepare a robust response, and adhere to all procedural requirements and time limits to effectively defend their position before the appellate authority.