Security deposit

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Sachin sharma (Querist)
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25 January 2012 while taking registration under cst and vat is there any security deposit that has to be deposited. if yes when it is refunded and wheather with any interest?
also wheather any security deposit is to be deposited for registration under excise and service tax and if no when the security deposit is particularly required.

CMA Ramesh Krishnan

CMA Ramesh Krishnan (Expert)
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25 January 2012 Security deposit will be base on your turnover declaring in your application. this will be initially for some year decided by LVO after that based on requirement by the department. it is need to be taken bank then bank interest will be applicable

Sachin sharma

Sachin sharma (Querist)
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28 January 2012 any specific reason why it is required, and is it required only for vat or for cst, excise, service tax also.

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

(Expert)
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23 July 2025 Here’s a breakdown of **security deposit requirements** for **VAT, CST, Excise, and Service Tax registrations** (as they existed before GST implementation):

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### 📌 **1. VAT / CST (State-level Indirect Taxes before GST)**

* ✅ **Security Deposit Required**: Yes, usually.
* 📋 **When**:

* At the time of registration under **State VAT** and **Central Sales Tax (CST)** Acts.
* Required especially for **new businesses** or those without a strong financial background.
* 💰 **Amount**:

* Depends on **projected turnover** and **State VAT rules** (varied state to state).
* Sometimes required in **cash** or as a **Bank Guarantee (BG)**.
* 📆 **Refund**:

* Typically after **2–3 years** of compliance (returns filed, taxes paid).
* 💸 **Interest**:

* Generally, **no interest** on cash security deposits.
* If deposit is in the form of **Fixed Deposit (FD)** or **Bank Guarantee**, interest accrues to the taxpayer.

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### 📌 **2. Excise (Central Excise Act)**

* ❌ **Security Deposit Not Mandatory** for all.
* ✅ Required if:

* You opt for **monthly payment** instead of each clearance (ER-1 filing).
* The Central Excise department may **ask for BG or cash deposit** for risky or new manufacturers.

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### 📌 **3. Service Tax (Finance Act, 1994)**

* ❌ **No mandatory security deposit** at registration stage.
* ✅ **Exception**:

* If a service provider opts for **Centralized registration**, or
* If there is a **history of default**, the department **may request** a **security deposit** as a safeguard.

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### 📝 **Why Security Deposit is Required?**

* To ensure **compliance with tax laws** and act as a **safeguard against non-payment**.
* Useful for new businesses with no prior tax record or those considered risky by the department.

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### ✅ **After GST Implementation (Post-July 2017)**

* VAT, CST, Excise, and Service Tax are subsumed into **GST**.
* 📌 **Under GST**, there is **no security deposit** at the time of registration.

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If you’re still dealing with **pre-GST legacy matters**, the exact rule depends on **state-specific VAT laws** or department circulars. Let me know your state or tax type (VAT/CST/excise), and I can look into its specific rules.

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