St-3 query

Penalty for late filing of Original ST -3:

In case there is delay in filing Original ST-3 then in terms of Rule 7C of the STR, penalty for delay In Filing of Original ST -3 is as follows:

Note: However, total amount of Penalty under this Rule shall not exceed Rs. 20,000/- as per Section 70 of the Finance Act, 1994.

Penalty

§  If Service Tax Return is not filed within prescribed period, penalty is leviable under Section 77(2) of the Finance Act, 1994 which can be up to Rs. 10,000/-.

§  The penalty can be waived under Section 80, if assessee proves that failure was due to reasonable cause. If late fee is paid, penalty will not be imposed.

§ If assessee is providing more than one service, there is only one penalty for delay in filing return and not separate penalties for each taxable service.[CBEC’s Circular No.76/6/2004-ST dt.03.03.2004].

§  If the gross amount of service tax payable is nil, the Central Excise officer may, on being satisfied that there is sufficient reason for not filing the return, reduce or waive the penalty.[proviso to Rule 7C of Service Tax Rules, 1994]

Dear Kunal,

If no service is rendered in perticualr period means, you need not to file NIL ST3 return.

no problem from dept side.