Tcs and vat on timber in west bengal

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

11 October 2012 Dear Experts,

Kindly guide me on the liability of TCS and VAT on sale of timber in west bengal by a company (main object of the company being Tea Growing & Manufacturing).

Thanking you in anticipation.

Hemant Kumar

Hemant Kumar (Expert)
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11 October 2012 TCS is 2.5% on Timber obtained under a forest lease, or any other mode, other forest produce.

There is no vat on sales on Firewood excluding casurina and eucalyptus timber.

4% Vat on
Timber, that is to say, --
(i) log;
(ii) plank, veneer and splint;(
iii) rafter;
(iv) sleeper;
(v) beam;
(vi) pillar;
and(vii) sawn or sized timber
viii)[Plywood ]and block board of wood.

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

12 October 2012 Dear Hemantji,

Thanks for your reply.

Kindly let me know what is TCS incidence if the company is selling log without any processing.

Regards,

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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26 July 2025 Thanks for sharing the details! Here’s a clear explanation about **TCS and VAT on timber in West Bengal** based on your query:

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### 1. **TCS on Timber Sale:**

* **TCS @ 2.5%** is applicable **only if the timber is obtained under a forest lease or any other mode from forest produce** (as per section 206C of the Income Tax Act).
* If your company is **selling timber (like logs) that is forest produce**, then the buyer needs to pay TCS @ 2.5% on the sale consideration.
* If the timber is **not forest produce**, TCS may not apply.
* Also, TCS is collected **by the seller from the buyer** and deposited with the government.

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### 2. **VAT on Timber Sale in West Bengal:**

* VAT rates vary depending on the type of timber product.

* **4% VAT applies** on:

* Logs
* Plank, veneer, splint
* Rafters
* Sleepers
* Beams
* Pillars
* Sawn or sized timber
* Plywood and blockboard of wood

* **No VAT on firewood**, except casurina and eucalyptus timber, which might have specific rules.

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### 3. **Your Specific Query:**

* If your company sells **logs without any processing**, the **TCS @ 2.5% will apply if it’s forest produce timber**.
* VAT at 4% will also be charged on such sales as per West Bengal VAT rules.

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### Summary:

| Tax Type | Applicability | Rate |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------- | ---- |
| TCS | On sale of forest produce timber (log, etc.) | 2.5% |
| VAT (West Bengal) | On timber products (log, plank, sawn timber) | 4% |
| VAT Exemption | Firewood (except certain types like casurina) | Nil |

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If the timber you sell is **not forest produce**, TCS may not be applicable, but VAT will apply on timber sales as per state VAT laws.

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Would you like me to help you with the exact legal references or sample invoice formats showing TCS and VAT separately?

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