Worngl utilizaton of cenvat credit

This query is : Resolved

Sandeep Goyal (Querist)
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29 September 2009 The service tax credit can be utilized only after payment of invoice and service tax part to the vendor. In case, before payment to vendor, the credit has been utilized against the liability what would be the consequences and under which rules / sections?

Madhukar N Hiregange

Madhukar N Hiregange (Expert)
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03 October 2009 It would be under Sec 73 as well as under CCR. You should find out the excess utilised and pay the same along with the applicable interest to avoid further exposure.

Sandeep Goyal

Sandeep Goyal (Querist)
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05 October 2009 Further, would it possible to take the benefit (utilization) in future of wrongly credit taken earlier after considering the interest on the above. Or the utlization in respect of such invoices can't be taken and will lapsed.

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma (Expert)
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03 August 2025 Here's a clear explanation regarding the wrong utilization of CENVAT credit before payment to the vendor:
Issue:
Using CENVAT credit before paying the vendor's invoice and service tax portion is not allowed as per the law.
Legal Consequences:
Section 73 of the Finance Act, 1994:
Covers demand for service tax in case of short payment, non-payment, or erroneous utilization of credit.
If credit is wrongly utilized, department can issue a show cause notice demanding the tax, interest, and penalty.
CENVAT Credit Rules (CCR), Rule 3 & Rule 4:
Rule 3: Conditions for taking credit include that the invoice must be received and payment made.
Rule 4: Restrictions on utilization of credit.
Utilization of credit without actual payment to vendor violates these rules.
Interest and Penalty:
Interest under Section 75 on the wrongly utilized amount.
Penalty can be levied by the department.
Can the wrongly utilized credit be utilized again in future?
No, the credit once wrongly utilized cannot be re-utilized later.
You must reverse the wrong utilization by paying the tax and interest.
After compliance, you can only take credit on valid invoices post payment.
What to do now?
Calculate the excess credit utilized before payment.
Deposit the equivalent amount of service tax along with interest immediately.
Maintain records to show compliance and avoid penalties.

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