12 July 2016
Dear sir,
I am engaged in transportation business, I m not charging service tax to individual customers who are purchasing machines/equipments for ther own use,
what is the procedures for service tax charges
24 July 2025
Got it! Hereโs a quick guide on charging service tax in your transportation business, especially for individual customers:
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### Key points:
1. **Service Tax Applicability:**
* Transportation of goods is generally **exempt from service tax** if it falls under certain categories (like goods transport by road to a registered person), but many transport services are **taxable** depending on nature and client type. * For **individual customers (non-registered persons)** who use your transportation for their own goods, service tax **may still be applicable**, depending on the service.
2. **Charging Service Tax:**
* If your transportation service is **taxable**, you **must charge service tax on your invoice** irrespective of whether the customer is an individual or a company. * No exemption exists specifically because the customer is an individual.
3. **Procedures to Charge Service Tax:**
* **Register with Service Tax Department** if your aggregate turnover exceeds the threshold (usually Rs. 10 lakhs). * **Issue proper invoices** with service tax component separately shown. * **Collect service tax** from the customer and deposit it with the government on time. * **File service tax returns** periodically.
4. **If you are not charging service tax:**
* You are liable to pay service tax **out of your pocket**, which may attract penalties and interest if audited. * It is important to **regularize your compliance** to avoid issues.
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### What you should do:
* Verify if your transportation services to individual customers are **taxable or exempt** as per current rules. * If taxable, **register and start charging service tax on invoices to all customers** (individuals or businesses). * Maintain proper records and file returns regularly.
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If you want, I can help you check if your specific transportation service is taxable or exempt, and how to proceed with registration and invoicing. Just share a few more details!