Practicing Chartered Accountant
1130 Points
Joined January 2013
No service tax on new services, if service provided prior to 1-7-2012
¨ Many services have become taxable w.e.f. 1-7-2012, which were not taxable earlier.
¨ In view of section 67A (which is effective from 28-5-2012), service tax will not be payable if service was provided prior to 1-7-2012, even if payment is received later.
¨ This will be so even if invoice was issued after 1st July 2012. However, to avoid controversy and headaches, it is advisable to date invoice prior to 30-6-2012.
Advance received prior to 1-7-2012
¨ Many services have become taxable w.e.f. 1-7-2012 which were not taxable earlier.
¨ Service tax is leviable on service provided or agreed to be provided [section 66B]. There cannot be two events for same taxable service. Hence, logically, the event which occurs first will determine tax rate i.e. receipt of advance or provision of service, whichever occurs first will determine rate and value of service tax [section 67A]
¨ If advance received prior to 1-7-2012 when service was not taxable, no tax even if service provided after 1-7-2012.
¨ This is also provided in Rule 5(b) of Point of Taxation Rules which provides that if advance was received prior to 30-6-2012, service tax will not be payable if invoice issued within 14 days [Relief in case of services newly taxable]
¨ To avoid misuse, it has been provided that if assessee claims receipt of advance, the amount must be credited in his bank account within 4 days i.e. maximum before 4-7-2012 [In any case, now validity of cheque is only for 3 months]