Late fee for nil service tax return ?

This query is : Resolved

Nupur Sharma (Querist)
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16 June 2015 Hi All!

A client of mine works as a freelancer working for US based clients only. He is exempt from service tax under export of service rules, however he had taken up service tax registration and was e-filing ST returns as well. For last half year , he has not yet filed the service tax return , for which the due date was 25th April 2015. Now my query is whether he should be paying any interest or penalty as per the rules for delay in filing the return or not ? As per me, he should not as he has no service tax due and he is not even liable to file any returns. He was just filing NIL returns.

I came across this link where it is mentioned in the end that no late fee is to be deposited, but I am still not sure.

https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/no-need-to-file-service-tax-return-if-no-service-tax-payable-18125.asp#.VX_kZ_mqqkp

Please help.

Tapas Ruparelia

Tapas Ruparelia (Expert)
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17 June 2015 Your understanding is correct. The judgement of M/s Suchak Marketing mentioned in the article shared by you can be relied upon and your client can very well take shelter of Rule 7C of Service tax rules.

Additional input:
The service tax return has a place where you can show the value of services provided as export of services. Proper disclosure in this regard should also be made.

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