Is service tax applicable on packaged software ?

592 views 2 replies

Dear Experts,

Please clarify the following queries.

A Company in India is an OEM (Manufacturer of Rebranded Version) of a foreing company's packaged software.

The foreign company uploads the packaged software to their web server. The Indian company downloads it and sells it as it is without any modification. Further, a license will be provided in the form of USB pen drive or by email which makes the software to run.

In this case,

1. Is there any ST applicable on the sale of such packaged software ? If yes, what is the rate ?

2. Is there any custom duty applicable on such downloads ? If yes, what would be the rate ? As the software is not passing through customs, how to pay such duty, if applicable ?

3. Is there any VAT/ CST applicable on the sale of such packaged software ? If yes, what is the rate ?

Thanks & Regards

Raj

 

 

 

 

Replies (2)

I am afraid I'll only be able to help with regards to application of Service Tax on this matter.
Since, the assessee is not modifying the software in any form and is merely selling it as it is to the customer, therefore, it saves the assessee from ambit of Section  66E (d) i.e., Declared Service of "development, design, programming, customisation, adaptation, upgradation, enhancement, implementation of information technology software".
However, the assessee is granting the licence to use to its customers hence, it falls under the ambit of Section 66E (c) i.e., Declared Service of "temporary transfer or permitting the use or enjoyment of any intellectual property right"

So, to conclude, yes; the service tax is applicable in this case as it is a Declared Service.

Yes sir, it is a declared service as it does not involve the sale of copyright but only permits use of software for a definite period.

Leave a Reply

Your are not logged in . Please login to post replies

Click here to Login / Register  

Company
ARTICLESHIP 08 June 2026
Internal & Taxation Article

O P Bagla & Co LLP

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
10 June 2026
Senior Account Executive

JDS Advisory LLP

Ahmedabad

CA Inter

View Details
Company
01 June 2026
Audit, Taxation & Compliance Executive

R P S K & Associates

Nashik

CA Inter

View Details
Company
24 June 2026
Chartered Accountant

CA Darshita Shah & Co

Nadiad

CA

View Details
Company
12 June 2026
Accounts & Taxation Executive

Winshine Financial Services

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 20 June 2026
Articleship

RB KESHRI & CO

Mumbai

B.Com

View Details
Company
25 June 2026
AUDIT MANAGER

JDAS & ASSOCIATES

New Delhi

CA

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 27 June 2026
CA Articled Trainee And Paid Assistant

SKAA & Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details